DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

Fly home – Lima (flights are not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer.

Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too. If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise.

Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10: Depart Cusco and Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving any time (flights not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

AM – Travel to the Galapagos
In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

Upon arrival at the Baltra Airport, you pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 per person (subject to change, can be prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and you’ll start your trip!

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

AM – Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Santiago, also called James Island, is located in the western-central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz).

Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the southern, western, and eastern coasts.

These can even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of large eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.

PM – Bartolome Island
Bartolomé Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea.

There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet

AM – North Seymour Island
Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges.

Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing. Do watch your step as the boobies don’t worry much about where they nest, and you might just step on one.

The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright red skin flaps. They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves. There’s a circular path that takes you through the island to a beautiful, rocky shore where the waves crash a silvery-blue.

PM – Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is located between Baltra and North Seymour. This is a small islet formed by a geological uplift, with a reef of rocks and coral and a great white sand beach, where lie a big population of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. This site offers great snorkeling and swimming. Along the rocks it is common to see the Red Lava crabs and Sally light-foot crabs.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: South Plaza Island & San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo

AM – South Plaza Island
South Plaza is located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found at other islands.

Throughout the island there are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a marine iguana with a land iguana. They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana.

The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of “tunas”, their favorite food. Swallow Tailed Gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea bids as: Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

PM – San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo
The primary attraction of this site is the coral sand beach. It is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Cerro Brujo is the remains of a tuff cone. It is one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. Captain Fitzroy climbed to the top of the hill to scout out reefs.

It has an impressive landscape, where it is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. At times the lagoon is completely dry and deposits of salt may be found in the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center & Depart Galapagos

AM – San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center
The Galapagos National Park Visitor Center lies close to the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The center explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, its ocean currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species, and their establishment, among others.

After this visit, you will be dropped off at the San Cristobal airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight back to mainland Ecuador, either Guayaquil or Quito. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From either Quito or Guayaquil, you will take your international flight home, departing on a red-eye flight (Flights are not included, but can be arranged on your own or through our flight partners at Exito Travel.)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Quito or Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 per person (subject to change, can be prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

AM – Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Santiago, also called James Island, is located in the western-central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz).

Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the southern, western, and eastern coasts.

These can even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of large eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.

PM – Bartolome Island
Bartolomé Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea.

There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet

AM – North Seymour Island
Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds.

Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

Do watch your step as the boobies don’t worry much about where they nest, and you might just step on one. The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright red skin flaps.

They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves. There’s a circular path that takes you through the island to a beautiful, rocky shore where the waves crash a silvery-blue.

PM – Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is located between Baltra and North Seymour. This is a small islet formed by a geological uplift, with a reef of rocks and coral and a great white sand beach, where lie a big population of sea lions.

You can also observe several species of shorebirds. This site offers great snorkeling and swimming. Along the rocks it is common to see the Red Lava crabs and Sally light-foot crabs.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: South Plaza Island & San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo

AM – South Plaza Island
South Plaza is located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here.

The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island there are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a marine iguana with a land iguana.

They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana’s crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of “tunas”, their favorite food.

Swallow Tailed Gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea bids as: Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

PM – San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo
The primary attraction of this site is the coral sand beach. It is an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Cerro Brujo is the remains of a tuff cone. It is one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin.

Captain Fitzroy climbed to the top of the hill to scout out reefs. It has an impressive landscape, where it is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.

At times the lagoon is completely dry and deposits of salt may be found in the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center. Depart Galapagos & Travel to Lima, Peru

AM – San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center
The Galapagos National Park Visitor Center lies close to the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The center explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, its ocean currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species, and their establishment, among others.

Depart the Galapagos: After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight to Guayaquil. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From Guayaquil, you will connect to your flight to Lima, Peru. Your flight must depart after 5pm. (The flight is not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel.)

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer.

Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too. If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise.

Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras.

Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries. You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 15: Free Morning in Cusco & Depart

Back once more in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer, depending on your flight schedule. Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximize your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime.

You will be transfered to the airport in time for your departing flight. Fly Cusco – Lima – Home, departing any time (flights are not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Extio Travel).

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

Fly home – Lima (flights are not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer.

Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too. If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise.

Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10: Depart Cusco and Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving any time (flights not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 per person (subject to change, can be prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

PM – San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by bus to the south east of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises.

The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

AM – Española Island: Gardner Bay
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

PM – Española Island: Punta Suarez
This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.

Overnight in a Standard Cabin on the Treasure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant

AM – Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand.

Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon.

Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her House. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

PM – Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere.

There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: Santa Fe Island & Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay

AM – Santa Fe Island
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago.

Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies.

Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Prickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a beautiful white sand beach, so named because it is a nesting site for the black turtle, the visibility in the water is excellent for snorkeling, be on the lookout of the Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas or (seasonally) mating Pacific green turtles in the surf! This is a wonderful site for swimming and snorkeling.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: Santa Cruz Highlands & Depart Galapagos

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Highlands
The Santa Cruz Highlands offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca.

Several farms serve food and allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation.

The pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Rails, and Paint-billed Crakes can be seen. As the visitor walks into the forests overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes, it is time to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush.

Depart the Galapagos: After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight back to mainland Ecuador, either Guayaquil or Quito.

(This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From either Quito or Guayaquil, you will take your international flight home, departing on a red-eye flight (Flights are not included, but can be arranged on your own or through our flight partners at Exito Travel.)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Quito or Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 per person (subject to change, can be prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

PM – San Cristobal Island: Cerro Colorado
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes approximately by bus to the south east of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises.

The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

AM – Española Island: Gardner Bay
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

PM – Española Island: Punta Suarez
This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant

AM – Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand.

Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon.

Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her House. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

PM – Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere.

There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Santa Fe Island & Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay

AM – Santa Fe Island
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago.

Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies.

Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Prickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Tortuga Bay
Tortuga Bay is a beautiful white sand beach, so named because it is a nesting site for the black turtle, the visibility in the water is excellent for snorkeling, be on the lookout of the Galapagos sea lions, marine iguanas or (seasonally) mating Pacific green turtles in the surf! This is a wonderful site for swimming and snorkeling.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Depart Galapagos. Travel to Lima, Peru

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Highlands
The Santa Cruz Highlands offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca.

Several farms serve food and allow visitors to explore their grounds in search of tortoises. Descending through the agricultural zone into the Transition Zone where the Tortoise Reserve is located, the introduced vegetation of the farmlands is replaced by native vegetation.

The pond at El Chato is surrounded by forest where short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Rails, and Paint-billed Crakes can be seen.

As the visitor walks into the forests overgrown with lichens, ferns, and other epiphytes, it is time to listen carefully for the sound of heavy footsteps and the sound of shrubs being slowly crushed as the tortoises make their way through the brush.

Depart the Galapagos: After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight to Guayaquil. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From Guayaquil, you will connect to your flight to Lima, Peru. Your flight must depart after 5pm. (The flight is not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel.)

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer. Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight: TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too. If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise. Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 15: Free Morning in Cusco & Depart

Back once more in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer, depending on your flight schedule. Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximize your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime.

You will be transfered to the airport in time for your departing flight. Fly Cusco – Lima – Home, departing any time (flights are not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Extio Travel).

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Lima

Fly home – Lima (flights are not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer. Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with. You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too.

If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise. Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes.

After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10: Depart Cusco and Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Lima and then onto Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving any time (flights not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel). Upon your arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

Upon arrival at the Baltra airport, expedition leaders from the Treasure will meet you, collect your luggage and then assist you with your transfer to your first Galapagos excursion.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out.

The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Santa Cruz Island: Whale Bay & Dragon Hill

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Whale Bay
The visitor site of whale Bay is a cove of green sand at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic materials. The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground.

Near the beach there are ceramic relics, which reflect the same antiques of human settlements that were close to the beach in 1846. According to the accounts of the French captain Genie, a path originated from this site to the top of the island, which was used to collect fresh water.

It is thought that in this place lived a group of people who were dedicated to the collection of lichen, used for tinting.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
The visitor site at Dragon Hill has been open for visits on 1993. This site is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that lead to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach, frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and other species of birds.

This site has been re populated with land iguanas from Seymour, Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. There is a short walk to the Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras & Wetlands

AM – Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras
A delightful place to be reached by a nice zodiac ride. "Tintoreras” are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos Penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore.

White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

PM – Isabela Island: Wetlands
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3.000 inhabitants.

First we will visit the Flamingos Lagoon; this place is the largest coastal lagoon found in Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the greater Flamingos. Afterwards we will follow a trail to the “The Wall of Tears”; from 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government.

Prisoners were obligated to build a wall with enormous blocks of lava. Due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as “El Muro de las Lagrimas”. There are a number of interesting sites along this route, such as the cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Playa del Amor and Pozas Verdes.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14: Isabela Island: Punta Morena & Urbina Bay

AM – Isabela Island: Punta Morena (Isabela)
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.

PM – Isabela Island: Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Urbina Bay is located along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. It is close to the base of the Alcedo Volcano. The coastline has undergone a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand three quarters of a mile out.

Here you will be able to find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. Urbina Bay is home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant tortoises of the Alcedo Volcano population. A lot of Darwin finches can be seen as well.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15: Isabela Island: Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

AM – Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island.

They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and some time block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the Flightless Cormorant.

This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.

PM – Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds.

From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the clif from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra saline lake saltier than the sea.

You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16: Santiago Island: Puerto Egas & Rabida Island

AM – Santiago Island: Puerto Egas
Puerto Egas is a black beach is located at the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island.

This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt on the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.

PM – Rabida Island
Rábida Island is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent.

A short walk along a trail lead us to a coastal lagoon behind the beach permits the observation of land birds as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17: Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas & Depart Galapagos

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas
These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.

Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.

The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.

Depart the Galapagos: After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra Airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight back to mainland Ecuador, either Guayaquil or Quito.

(This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From either Quito or Guayaquil, you will take your international flight home, departing on a red-eye flight (Flights are not included, but can be arranged on your own or through our flight partners at Exito Travel.)

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

You will either fly from your home to either Quito or Guayaquil (flight not included but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel), the two largest cities in Ecuador. You can arrive any time this day. You will be met at the airport by a hotel shuttle. You overnight at an airport near either of the hotels.

Overnight in Quito: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel or similar
Overnight in Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Fly to Galapagos & Begin Treasure Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to the Quito or Guayaquil Airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. (This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out.

The main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Santa Cruz Island: Whale Bay & Dragon Hill

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Whale Bay
The visitor site of whale Bay is a cove of green sand at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals, the same that originate from volcanic materials.

The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground. Near the beach there are ceramic relics, which reflect the same antiques of human settlements that were close to the beach in 1846.

According to the accounts of the French captain Genie, a path originated from this site to the top of the island, which was used to collect fresh water. It is thought that in this place lived a group of people who were dedicated to the collection of lichen, used for tinting.

PM – Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
The visitor site at Dragon Hill has been open for visits on 1993. This site is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that lead to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach, frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and other species of birds.

This site has been re populated with land iguanas from Seymour, Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. There is a short walk to the Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras & Wetlands

AM – Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras
A delightful place to be reached by a nice zodiac ride. "Tintoreras” are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch, and Galapagos Penguin and sea lion often pop out on shore.

White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is Tintorera, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

PM – Isabela Island: Wetlands
Isabela Island is the largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. We land in Puerto Villamil, which has the second smallest population in Galapagos with approximately 3.000 inhabitants.

First we will visit the Flamingos Lagoon; this place is the largest coastal lagoon found in Galapagos and is one of the main reproductive sites for the greater Flamingos. Afterwards we will follow a trail to the “The Wall of Tears”; from 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated a penal colony by the Ecuadorian government.

Prisoners were obligated to build a wall with enormous blocks of lava. Due to the arduous labour and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as “El Muro de las Lagrimas”. There are a number of interesting sites along this route, such as the cerro Orchilla, El Estero, Poza Escondida, Playa del Amor and Pozas Verdes.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Isabela Island: Punta Morena & Urbina Bay

AM – Isabela Island: Punta Morena (Isabela)
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.

PM – Isabela Island: Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Urbina Bay is located along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. It is close to the base of the Alcedo Volcano. The coastline has undergone a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand three quarters of a mile out.

Here you will be able to find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. Urbina Bay is home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant tortoises of the Alcedo Volcano population. A lot of Darwin finches can be seen as well.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Isabela Island: Punta Espinoza & Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

AM – Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island.

They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and some time block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the Flightless Cormorant.

This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you.

PM – Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds.

From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the clif from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra saline lake saltier than the sea.

You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove, it has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Santiago Island: Puerto Egas & Rabida Island

AM – Santiago Island: Puerto Egas
Puerto Egas is a black beach is located at the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island.

This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt on the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.

PM – Rabida Island
Rábida Island is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent.

A short walk along a trail lead us to a coastal lagoon behind the beach permits the observation of land birds as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.

Overnight: Standard Cabin on the Treasure of the Galapagos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas & Depart Galapagos. Travel to Lima, Peru

AM – Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas
These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.

Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.

The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.

Depart the Galapagos: After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra Airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight to Guayaquil.

(This flight is not included, but will be added to your trip costs and booked through Detour and the Treasure Cruise operators.)

From Guayaquil, you will connect to your flight to Lima, Peru. Your flight must depart after 6pm. (The flight is not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel.)

Upon arrival at the Lima Airport, you will leave the arrivals terminal and walk to the Lima Airport Hotel (less than 5 minutes). It’s not a very interesting hotel, but it is super convenient for a quick overnight layover in Lima.

Overnight in Lima: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9: Welcome to the Amazon!

In the morning, you will walk to the departures terminal (about 5 minutes). Fly Lima – Puerto Maldonado, arriving before 1pm (flight is not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, and join a 1-hour bus and a 2.5 boat journey till the lodge. Your first taste of the Amazon culinary will be in the river while you leave the city to enjoy the amazing jungle landscapes.

As we cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, we will leave the final traces of human habitation behind. Within the 700,000 hectares uninhabited nucleus of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws and other large species will become more frequent.

Tambopata Research Center awaits – a spacious boutique eco-lodge, with bar, a massage center, and buffet service in the heart of National Reserve of Tambopata, being the only lodge inside the reserve surrounded by dozens of macaw nests belonging to the Macaw Project.

Accommodation includes rooms from 21 mts to 83 mts suites with a private bathroom and an open window facing the forest.

Your stay includes three meals daily, teas, coffee, guided excursions and activities, refreshments upon arriving, and transfers to and from the airport. We assign guides on private small groups of 6:1

This afternoon join the Overlook A three to five-kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on the old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey.

You will have the option of hiking out at night when most of the mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Tambopata Research Center

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story.

Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active.

This five-kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas, and shihuahuacos we will go for a monkey search Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge explore the island where is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers, and parakeets that call this pond their home.

After dinner scientists will provide a night lecture, an in-depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Tambopata Research Center

Stepping carefully over the winding “highways” of peaceful leaf-cutter ants, the Rainforest Master Hike will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Due to their years of local experience, our Tambopata Research Center guides know everything about the forest. They’ll spot the tiniest bird hiding in the canopy, the most elusive monkey, and the most spectacular plant life.

Twilight descends early in the jungle. Under the thick tree cover of the rainforest, darkness falls quickly, when the light cannot slip through the foliage any longer.

Now, as afternoon slips into evening, you’re about to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets. The Sunset Cruise floats down the wide river, countless oranges and pinks reflecting off the water in lovely patterns.

Overnight at the TRC
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Depart from the Amazon & Travel to Cusco

It is time to say goodbye, as the expedition comes to an end.

Your visit will make a direct contribution to the Macaw Project and the National Reserve of Tambopata.

You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your domestic flight to Cusco, departing at 1pm or later (flight not included, and can be booked on your own or with our partners at Exito Travel).

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colourful South American streets to your hotel.

Meet in the Coffee Museum to enjoy a tasty late lunch and learn about the story and people behind this popular drink.

After lunch step out into the Cusco streets and explore with one of our carefully chosen guides. They are not only very knowledgeable but also great fun to be with.

You do not want to cram too much in on your first day at altitude, so relax and get used to being up high with a gentle walk around this old Inca capital.

Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Qoricancha temple of the sun and perhaps take in the sights, sounds and smells of San Pedro food market too.

If you normally shop in supermarkets and farmers markets, you are in for a surprise. Stands full of juicy exotic fruits, counters heaving with cow heads and sheep hooves and cheerful local women selling handmade cheeses, local breads, healthy juices and even toad soup.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13: Cusco Ruins Hike

Today you stretch your legs with a delightful hike in the hills above Cusco. First you visit the impressive site of Sacsayhuaman. Huge stone ramparts surround a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Once the scene of fierce battles it now hosts the annual re-enactment of traditional Inca ceremonies such as Inti Raymi and Warachikuy. Sundays also see families from Cusco head up here to play, fly kites and dig the traditional huatias, a method of cooking potatoes in the ground.

Next is the Inca water temple of Tambo Machay lying at 3700m (12,000 feet) followed by a special picnic lunch. A trail through the fields leads you to the intricately carved Inca Temple of the Moon.

From here a beautifully preserved section of royal Inca Trail leads you down into the old San Blas district, home to the city’s artists and finally into the Plaza de Armas.

Hiking distance: 8km / 5mi
Hiking time: A full day includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3750 to 3300m / 12,303ft to 10,827ft

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Moray to Maras Salt Pans Hike

Leaving Cusco behind you start your journey towards Machu Picchu. The hike starts at the fascinating circular ruins of Moray. While some think it was a landing pad for alien spaceships, most agree the Incas built this as an experimental agricultural centre.

Concentric circular terraces allowed them to simulate different facing slopes and different growing temperatures to see which crops would grow where. They then used this knowledge to cultivate the varied terrain of their vast empire providing abundant amounts of food to feed the people.

After exploring Moray you take a mainly downhill trail through the fields. Depending on the time of year, you may have a chance to stop and chat with local farmers digging their fields of corn or planting potatoes. Perhaps you could have a go with the hand tools that have been used for centuries.

Along the way you stop for a for a homemade picnic with marvellous views across to the snow capped Viilcanota mountains before carrying on down to the spectacular salt pans of Maras. Here you can stop and watch as local families extract the salt by hand, much as they have done for centuries.

You could even buy some of the famous Maras Pink Salt as a souvenir. Finally you take the old track down to the Sacred Valley, where once llamas, then horses carried out the salt to be sent across the empire.

Your support vehicle is on hand most of the day, should anyone prefer to take a ride rather than walk at any point.

Hiking distance: 11km / 7mi
Hiking time: 6 hours includes time to explore
Hiking Elevation: 3532 m to 4050m / 11,588ft to 13,288ft

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15: Hike the Royal Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Total hiking distance: 11 km / 7 mi. While walking all you need is your daypack, as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Hiking distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking time: 8 hours
Hiking Elevation: 2100m to 2700m / 6,889ft to 8,858ft

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16: Machu Picchu Ruins & Return to Cusco

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own.

For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 17: Free Morning in Cusco & Depart

Back once more in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer, depending on your flight schedule. Museums, chocolate making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximize your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime.

You will be transfered to the airport in time for your departing flight. Fly Cusco – Lima – Home, departing any time (flights are not included, but can be booked on your own or with our partners at Extio Travel).

Meals Included: Breakfast

On most clear mornings of the year dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots and parakeets congregate in a raucous and colorful spectacle on a cliff located near the lodge.

This spellbinding spectacle inspired a National Geographic cover story. We will install ourselves on the opposite side of the Tambopata River at approximately fifty meters (165 feet) from the cliff.

From our unobtrusive spot and with the assistance of powerful telescopes and weather permitting, we will be able to observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots and parakeets as they descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the clay lick is most active.

Recommended for: Early Morning
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy

Learn how to become a keen birdwatcher. The bird world at TRC is astoundingly diverse and the ideal place to catch the bird watching fever. During your outing with an expert birding guide, you will learn about the proper use of binoculars and telescopes, the basics about bird watching techniques, how to identify the main families, recognize sounds and their different habitats.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you’re already familiar with the basics of birding and the proper use of your birding equipment, you are ready for the next step. On this excursion we will shift our focus from learning the basics to a more in- depth birding experience. Our main emphasis with the assistance of our birding guides, is to learn to differentiate between different habitats and to better understand the behavioral patterns of your favorite bird species.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This is the ideal activity for seasoned birdwatching lovers. With the assistance of our professional birding guides, we will help you find those species missing from your list. Tambopata holds a vast diversity of specific species. Get ready for an intense 4 hour birding session in order to search and try to find the elusive birds missing from your list.

Recommended for: Morning, Afternoon, or Night
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging

Explore the surrounding area around TRC at a relaxed pace. A pristine primary forest encircles the lodge so it is not necessary to wonder too far to have exiting encounters with a large diversity of flora and fauna.

Accompanied by your guide, you will walk in a flood plain forest. Imposing ancient trees are the main feature along a trail that is crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Among them are imposing tree species like the fig, ceiba and shihuahuaco, which host countless species of insects, reptiles and mammals.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy

If you love butterflies you will enjoy this activity. The Tambopata region holds the record for more species of butterflies in the world. Our researchers and guides have identified their favorite habitats according to the species.

Large, small, colorful, transparent… you are in for a delightful visual experience. Also this is a great chance to photograph these colorful creatures. Apart from witnessing an extraordinary nature show, you will have the opportunity to learn about their behavior and amazing adaptations methods to survive in the rainforest.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy

Embark on a hike on the Ceiba trail. The highlight during this hike is the encounter with largest tree in the vicinity: a giant ceiba. The native people consider these trees sacred. During the hike we will focus on the natural history of this majestic tree and learn why they are so special.

A three to five-kilometer hike through a regenerating old bamboo forest will lead us to the edge of stunning overlooks which commands magnificent views of the capriccios Tambopata River as it winds its way into the lowlands.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate

An entirely different habitat featuring smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes is covered by this five-kilometer trail. A favorite ecosystem for the many monkey species who inhabit Tambopata region. Great opportunity to learn about these curious and lively habitants of this captivating forest.

Recommended for: Morning – Afternoon
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge is a small pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as the beautiful Agami heron, Capped heron, the rare curassow, Muscovy duck, Sunbittern and hoatzins along with woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets that call this pond their home.

You will also have an opportunity to learn about the varieties of fish that live in the amazon. If you are fortunate you may even get to see a caiman or two.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreal as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest.

Unfortunately, this habitat is also in high demand by humans since the swamps provide ideal conditions for planting rice, making the palm swamps one of the most threatened habitats in the rainforest. Once thing is certain. Swamps are truly picturesque habitats and should be in everyone’s short list of places to visit during your stay at TRC.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 3 hrs.
Difficulty Level: Challenging

Marvel at the rainforest’s towering trees. This five kilometer trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees crisscrossed by creeks and ponds. Amongst the figs, ceibas and shihuahuacos we will look for Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries. TRC is located within this habitat.

Discover the Magnificence of Jungle Trees: This part of the forest teems with every type of tree, from enormous, 400-year-old Ironwoods to funny-looking “Potbellied” palms, with their tusk-like horn growths. Many trees tower up to 50 meters (about 160 feet) into the canopy, with truly giant trunks and far-ranging root systems that will leave you in awe.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ready for a challenge? Join us on a 4-hours walk crossing different habitats. This is an early morning activity and one of the most rewarding in terms of wildlife encounters. Once at the Bowl, you learn about how this patch of forest changes through the seasons.

Recommended for: Morning
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging

One of the most remarkable and mega diverse ecosystems in Tambopata is the bamboo forest. Bamboo is a fast growing plant. Where it grows, bamboo takes over and establishes a total different habitat. Learn more about what species choose this ecosystem as their home. This trail is particularly attractive for bird lovers since this is home to highly specialize species of birds, including some endemics.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging

Continue your exploration of the rainforest and it’s endless diversity by hiking in the Terra Firme forest, which is traversed by many creeks that wind their way towards the Tambopata River. Our main focus during this activity is to have an in-depth understanding of the surrounding forest and creek ecology.

Recommended for: Morning or Afternoon
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Challenging

This is the perfect outing for the hardcore hiker and nature lover. Crisscrossing through an array of ecosystems and an endless network of trails, this hike will take around 6 hours and maximize your opportunities for wildlife. Bring plenty of water and repellent!!!!!

Recommended for: Morning
Duration: Half-day
Difficulty Level: Challenging

Walking through the rainforest at night challenges all your senses. In deep darkness, surrounded by an array of jungle sounds and with the aid of your guide’s powerful spotlight, you enter a world inhabited by the most unique, diverse and shy night creatures.

If fortunate, you will be able to find poison dart frogs, night monkeys, tarantulas, amphibians and insects with the most unique adaptations to life under the cover of darkness.

Recommended for: Night
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Easy

TRC is the home of the Macaw Project. Scientists are conducting macaw research in Tambopata for the past 30 years. During this activity, you have a rare opportunity to observe first-hand the work done by the researchers as they climb giant trees to monitor natural and artificial nest sites around TRC.

Nest sites are located close to ninety meter above ground. Researchers with the help of climbing gear reach the nests sites in order to collect the macaw chicks. Carefully placed on plastic buckets the chicks are lowered to the forest ground where researches will weigh and measure the chicks to monitor growth and also check for parasites. Once the monitoring is done, chicks are placed back in their nests.

After dinner scientists will provide an in depth look at the biology of macaws. You will learn about their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation. These lectures also will provide you with an opportunity to find out how to get involved and/or support this amazing project.

Recommended for: Night
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy