MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE - BIKING AND TREKKING EXPERIENCE

4 Days /3 Nights

MACHU PICCHU Imbued with a magical silence, 120km (74mi) from Cusco on the slopes above the Urubamba River, lies one of the worlds 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 in about 1440, and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. Archaeological evidence (together with recent work on early colonial documents) shows that Machu Picchu was not a conventional city, but a country retreat town for Inca nobility. The site has a large palace and temples dedicated to Inca deities Inca deities around a courtyard, with other buildings for support staff. It is estimated that a maximum of only about 750 people resided in Machu Picchu at any 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 function. 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 the afternoon return to Cusco. An other better option is stay overnight in Aguas calientes and the next day to get in earlier to the complex.
“Machu Picchu is a trip to the serenity of the soul, to eternal fusion with the cosmos, there we 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”. Pablo Neruda (poet).el and end service.

ITINERARY

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

We will leave from Cusco at 7am in our private 4x4 vehicle, drive into sacred valley of the Incas, through Chincheros, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo until we reach Abra Malaga (4350m). From there we will begin our bicycle tour to Santa Maria (downhill and cross country). In this experience we will see archeological centers like Huamanmarca and Inca jail, and 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 past many exotic fruits plantation such as mango, pineapple, papaya, avocado, coffee, and coca plants. We can take samples and enjoy the different flavors of the region. We can also observe the coca and coffee plantations and see local families in their daily routine. We will have dinner in Santa Maria town nearby river. Stay in tents or 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 about 2 kms. From San Pablo we will go up to Inca jail where we will see waterfalls, and archeological centers of the Inca time. Plenty time to relax in the thermal baths, observation of the wildlife of this region. Have lunch at Inca jail. After 6 hours of trekking camp nearby of 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, and we will see the mountains of San Miguel, visit the Putucusi viewpoint, located at the top of this mountain, nice award of Machu Picchu on the other side of the Urubamba River. Have lunch next to the river and continue hiking to the town of Aguas Calientes. Today is one of the best opportunities for bird watching along this day, the most common bird in this area is the cock of rock (Peruvian national bird). Stay at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes, optional visit the hot sprig next to this town (B-L-D).

DAY 4: MACHU PICHU – CUSCO

Early morning breakfast at the hotel and trekking up to Machu Picchu before the sunrise come up. To be the first people in the citadel is one of the best options on all day. Completely guide tour to Inca remain, free time to explore independently this Inca sacred city, if the time permitting climb to Wayna Picchu, the climb takes one and half hour. At 2pm is time to descend by van to Aguas Calientes. Train back to Cusco. Stay at the selected hotel in Cusco (B-S).

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

INCLUDED: Private supportin 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 kits/Parts + Free t-shit.