Using Cuzco as a highland
base, this tour of contrasts combines a four day mountain biking
odyssey down into the Amazon basin with a spectacular seven-day trek
to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
From Lima, we fly to the Andean city of Cuzco (3400 metres). Today,
the ancient Inca capital is a city of 350 thousand inhabitants
offering a fascinating blend of native and Spanish colonial
architecture. It is an ideal place to adjust to the rarefied Andean
atmosphere before heading off into the wilderness.
On our first trip
away from Cuzco, we spend four exhilarating days travelling into the
Amazon jungle by mountain bike and support vehicle, crossing a
dramatic pass at 4850 metres before descending from puna (high
altitude grasslands) through cloud forest to the lush tropical
vegetation of the jungle at a mere 300 metres above sea level (160
km mainly downhill by bike, 240 km by bus).
From the Amazon town of
Puerto Maldonado, we travel by river deeper into the forest. Based
in a jungle lodge, we combine rest and relaxation with exploration
of the rain forest, aided by a local guide.
We then fly back to Cuzco before commencing our 80km, seven-day trek. From the
trail-head at Mollepata we walk through rolling hills into a
spectacular high mountain environment. At our highest point (4900
metres) we pass close to the flanks of Salkantay and descend to the
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
For three days we follow this ancient sacred route, passing remote
Inca sites and taking in contrasting vegetation zones.
On the final
day of our trek we descend a long Inca stairway to the Sun Gate (Inti
Punku). Here we are rewarded by the magical sight of Machu Picchu.
We have two days to explore the mysterious Lost City before our
return to Cuzco and onward flight to Lima.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure. |
