Amazon & Incas

15 days - from $2105

If time is limited then this trip is probably the ideal tour. Discover the treasures of colonial Lima and then relax on beautiful Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca before uncovering the wonders of the Inca Empire in and around Cusco and along the mountain trails to Machu Picchu. To finish our holiday we visit Puerto Maldonado, located deep in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. This trip is designed to get out and about in Peru, experiencing the many facets of this diverse country.

Highlights

• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• The perfect pisco sour?
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Visit a clay lick
• The floating reed islands of the Uros people on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• Eat Cuy in Cusco
• On the water in the Amazon
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• Swig Inca Kola

Itinerary:

Day 1: Lima2: Lima3: Puno4: Lake Titicaca (Amantani Island Homestay)5: Puno6: Puno - Cusco7: Cusco8-11: Important Note8: Inca Trail to Yuncachimpa (13km)9: Inca Trail to Pacaymayo (11km)10: Inca Trail to Winaywayna (15km)11: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (5km) - Cusco12: Cusco13: Amazon Jungle14: Amazon Jungle15: Lima

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, a specialist trekking guide, assistant trekking guide, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights from Lima to Juliaca, Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado to Lima.

• Trek on the ‘Classic’ or ‘Lares’ routes to Machu Picchu with full service camping including porters, cook and equipment (tent and inflatable sleeping mat).

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, including entrance and park fees. • Cusco walking tour.

• Return boat trip on the Tambopata River to/from Amazon jungle lodge.

• Two nights in the Amazon including jungle activities with a local native guide, a visit to a parakeet clay-lick, a traditional boat excursion and a visit to the indigenous Indian farmlands.

• Boat trip to the floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca.

• Homestay on Amantani Island including meals with host family and an exploration of the island.

• Transfers from Lima hotel to the airport and from Juliaca airport to the hotel.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.