Amazon & Machu Picchu

Kindred vacationtechncian travelers have reported deeply euphoric moments at Machu Picchu.

Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and peaceful retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.

On this special tropical and cultural adventure, nature’s greatest wildlife showcase is complemented by one of the world’s most astonishing historical sites. In the company of our trained Expedition Leader, a native of Peru and one of the world's experts in this region, our spectacular journey begins with a boat ride deep into the Amazon to Reserva Amazonica, our unique and comfortable accommodations, where we can immerse ourselves in the region’s plentiful wildlife. Then we travel to Machu Picchu, the famed “Lost City of the Incas,” where we experience some of the most dramatic scenery and historically significant sites in the world.

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
You will be met at the airport and taken to the El Pardo Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel in Miraflores.

Day 2: Puerto Maldonado / Reserva Amazonica
This morning we will fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, a tropical frontier town that is situated at the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers. From here, we will take dugout canoes to Reserva Amazonica, our home for the next three nights. During our voyage we may see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as the capped heron, jabiru stork, kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers, as well as parrots, toucans and macaws.

Days 3 - 4: Reserva Amazonica
Reserva Amazonica is a private reserve and research center located on 24, 710 acres of pristine Amazonian rainforest. Its spacious facilities and well-equipped private cabins assure an authentic, enjoyable, safe and comfortable stay. Activities here include guided day and night nature walks on the extensive and fascinating network of trails that meander through the reserve. Other activities include a visit to Monkey Island, a unique conservation project that reintroduces primates to their natural environment. Among the variety of species we may see here include white-fronted capuchin monkey, brown capuchin monkey, saddled-backed tamarin and squirrel monkey as well as a wide variety of bird life and capabaras, tapirs and peccaries. There is always the rare chance to see an elusive jaguar!

Day 5: Puerto Maldonado / Cusco
This morning we will return to Puerto Maldonado by boat for our flight to Cusco, set in a beautiful valley high in the southern Andes. Upon arrival we will be transferred to the Hotel Libertador, a renovated colonial palace in downtown Cusco, two blocks from the main square. After lunch, we’ll take a guided tour of the city and visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman on the outskirts of town. Tonight we’ll dine at a local restaurant known for its fine Peruvian cuisine and festive folklore musical show.

Day 6: Cusco
Today you are free to enjoy Cusco,the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. You may wander the streets to explore the artisan shops and open air markets, strolling among the original Inca-built stone walls that line most of Cusco’s central streets. Our Expedition Leader will enlighten you about activities and places beyond the typical tourist spots.

Day 7: Inca Sacred Valley & Urubamba Valley
Today we will visit a bustling Andean market, walk among awe-inspiring ruins, and interact with friendly and colorfully dressed locals. In Pisac, we’ll visit the famous marketplace, where Quechua Indians sell their handicrafts. Tonight we will overnight at Posada Yucay, a charming hacienda-style accommodation, reminiscent of colonial times with its Spanish archways, balconies, tile roofs and colorful stucco exteriors.

Day 8: Machu Picchu
After breakfast, we return to Ollantaytambo to embark on the one-hour train journey to Machu Picchu and the village of Aguas Calientes. Here a bus awaits to take us on the last stretch to the actual site of the “Lost City of the Incas.” Our Expedition Leader, an expert on this region, will accompany us as we explore the vast structures of the ruins, revealing intricacies that simply cannot be experienced on your own. Tonight we will stay at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a stunning, luxurious Andean retreat comprised of forty colonial-style casitas. Constructed with eucalyptus wood and stone, each private casita is adorned with traditional handicrafts, tile floors and cedar furniture. The hotel is located on the banks of the river, surrounded by dense rainforest and majestic mountain peaks. This is the most attractive and desirable accommodation in the region, and perhaps all of Peru.

Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cusco
This morning we will return to the Machu Picchu ruins to further explore this remarkable site. You may also opt to explore one of the many well-maintained trails surrounding our hotel or visit the hot springs for which the town (Aguas Calientes) is named.T his afternoon we catch the train for Cusco, where you are met and returned to the Hotel Libertador. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner with our Expedition Leader.

Day 10: Cusco / Lima / Home
This morning we fly to Lima. Enjoy an afternoon city or museum tour (if flight schedules permit), before you transfer to the airport for your late evening flight home.

Location of Adventure
Peru

Group Size Limit: 13 travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.

Included
Hotel accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 10 (except 2 meals), all activities as described in the itinerary, all permits, services of vacationtechnician's professional Expedition Leader, lodge staff and local guides, all taxes and service charges except airport departure taxes.

Not Included
Travel to Lima, 2 meals on Day 6, travel insurance, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, personal items, airport taxes.

Physical Requirements
Easy/Flexible
This program does not require a high degree of physical fitness, although the Machu Picchu portion does require a lot of walking at high altitudes. We do not recommend that travelers with heart or respiratory ailments attempt these treks. We suggest that any traveler who is concerned with his or her personal physical capabilities should contact our office for further details on the exact physical requirements of this trip, as well as a personal physician for his/her opinion.

Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Lima anytime on Day 1 and depart in the afternoon or evening from Lima on Day 10. Generally, international flights depart Lima in the late evening. We can best serve you if vacationtechnician's Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel.

Dates
2005
Mar 20 - 29
Apr 17 - 26
May 29 - Jun 7
Jul 17 - 26
Aug 14 - 23
Sep 11 - 20
Oct 16 - 25

2006
Mar 24 - Apr 2
Apr 28 - May 7
Jun 16 - 25
Jul 21 - 30
Sep 1 - 10

Fees
2005
$3,795
Single Supplement: $995
Deposit: $500
Please note: Fees may increase for 2006

Amazon & Machu Picchu Accommodations

Our comfortable accommodations in the Amazon Basin, Posada Amazonas (top, left) and the Tambopata Research Center, (second photo, left) were built using a combination of traditional native materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) and modern day eco-lodge technology. The lodges both have comfortable rooms with one wall open to the forest to provide intimate contact with the forest and maximum wildlife observation time. Posada has private bathrooms and showers, while these facilities are shared at TRC. Both lodges are quite charming.

On the Machu Picchu portion, Hotel Libertador is located only two blocks from the main square in the historical center of the city of Cusco. The hotel occupies the fabulous "Casa de los Cuatro Bustos,” where Francisco Pizarro, first Spanish governor of Peru, once lived. It was built on the foundations of an old Inca site, and some of its original walls still remain. The Posada Yucay in the Sacred Valley is surrounded by lush gardens. It is a very colorful hotel offering easy access to the local ruins and markets. Its native architecture is a perfect blend in this area rich with its Inca and Colonial past. The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is set on the river at the base of Machu Picchu in the tiny town of Aguas Caliente. The property consists of charming and comfortable bungalows scattered throughout a beautiful flower-filled tropical garden which boasts over 300 species of orchids.

..Inspired Naturally..™