MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE - BIKING AND TREKKING EXPERIENCE

4 Days /3 Nights

Machu Picchu. Imbued with a magical silence,120km (74mi) away from Cusco, on the slopes above the Urubamba River, lies one of the world`s most extraordinary archaeological sites: Machu Picchu (2400m / 7872ft). Is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. It is thought that the city was built by the Sapaq Inca Pachacuti, starting about the year 1440,and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Perù in 1532. Archaeological evidence (along with recent work on early colonial documents) shows that Machu Picchu was not a conventional city, but a country retreating town for the Inca nobility. The site has a large palace and temples dedicated to Inca deities around a courtyard, with other buildings for the supporting staff. It is estimated that a maximum of only  750 people dwelt in Machu Picchu at  one time, and probably only a small fraction of that number lived in the town during the rainy season and when none of the nobility were visiting.
Machu Picchu, its name comes from the ancient Quechua word that means “old mountain”. This site was built entirely of stone, using every space in harmony with functionalism. Machu Picchu has been known as the “lost city of the incas”.
The most common way is to take the train to Machu Picchu in the morning, explore the ruins and in the afternoon, returning to Cusco. And other better option is to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes in order to get very early at the complex.
Machu Picchu is a trip very deep towards the serenity of the soul, to the eternal fusion with the cosmos. There we are able to feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest marvels of South America. A resting place of butterflies at the epicenter of the great circle of life. "One more miracle”, as the poet Pablo Neruda wrote.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS - ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA

We will leave Cusco at 7am in our private 4 x 4 vehicle, riding through the  sacred valley of the Incas, passing by pecular towns like Chincheros, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo until getting at the Abra Malaga (4350m). From there we`ll begin our bicycle tour to Santa Maria (downhill and cross country). On this stage we`ll see archeological sites like Huamanmarca, the Inca jail, all of this surrounded by an incredible landscape. We will be able to appreciate birds of the tropics, as well as medicinal plants in the cloud forest. This trip also takes us through many exotic fruit plantations such as mango, pineapple, papaya, avocado, coffee and coca. We can take samples and enjoy the different flavours of the region. We can also observe the coca and coffee plantations appreciating local families in their daily routine. We will have the dinner in the Santa Maria town near to the river. Stay in tents or in a basic familiar accommodation (B-L-D).

DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA

At 6am breakfast and then trekking along the banks of the Vilcanota River during about 2 kms. From San Pablo we`ll go upwards to the Inca jail where we`ll admire some waterfalls and archeological sites of the Inca times. Plenty of time to relax in the thermal baths. Observation of the wildlife of this region. Lunch in the Inca jail. After 6 hours of trekking  we`ll camp near the Santa Teresa town (B-L-D).

DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – MANDOR WATERFALL - PUTUCUSI - AGUAS CLIENTES

Trekking into the jungle canyon to the Mandor waterfall. The hike is flat for 5 hours, a stretch in which we`ll see the mountains of San Miguel, will visit the Putucusi viewpoint, located at the top of this mountain, nice award of Machu Picchu on the other side of the Urubamba River. Lunch time next to the river and getting along the hiking to the town of Aguas Calientes. Today offers us one of the best opportunities for bird watching along this day. The most common bird in this area is the cock of the rocks (Peruvian national bird). Stay at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes. Optional visit to the hot sprigs next to this town (B-L-D).

DAY 4: MACHU PICHU – CUSCO

A very early breakfast at the hotel and trekking upwards to Machu Picchu before the sunrise come up in order to be the first visitors in the citadel.  Complete guide tour to the Inca remains. Free time to explore independently this Inca sacred city. If there is time enough we`ll climb to the Wayna Picchu. This climbing takes one and half an hour. At 2pm is time to descend by van to Aguas Calientes. Returning train to Cusco. Staying at the selected hotel in Cusco (B-S).

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner S = Snack

INCLUDED: Private supporting vehicle to Santa Maria + English speaking MT bike guide + GT and Trek bikes + gloves + helmet + hostel or camping gear + entrance to Machu Picchu + 3 breakfast, 3 Lunches, 3 dinners + first aid kit and oxygen + repair kit/parts + free t-shirts.