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Peru –
Ultimate Peru Adventure
Trip Summary
Feast your eyes on magnificent landscapes, ancient ruins and dense jungles on our 'Jaguar' Ultimate
Peru Adventure tour. Starting and finishing in Cuzco, you'll hike in the footsteps of the Incas, cycle
through Andean villages and explore the Amazon jungle on our 10-day 'Jaguar' Ultimate Peru
Adventure. Everyday will have you exploring new landscapes and taking in the captivating history Peru
has to offer. You'll have the choice to hike either the Classic Inca Trail or the lesser-known Lares Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu, where you'll have plenty of time to explore the enchanting passageways and
stone structures. That's not all this adventure entails though, you'll also cycle through the Sacred
Valley of the Incas, hike the Sacsayhuamán fortress, visit Pisac market and wander the virgin jungle
of the Amazon. The variety of activities and landscapes on this Ultimate Peru Adventure tour will give
you a Peruvian trip like no other – and an experience you'll never forget!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco
Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot
coca tea – a local specialty. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and
up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress, meaning
‘House of the Sun’, is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with
massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 143 tons each and was the place where the Incas made
their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used
Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the sun, others say it was a granary.
No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later,
we’ll take a walk through the colorful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to
soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening
meal. Overnight Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (L, D)
Day 2: Sacred Valley / Pisac
We’ll head into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas this morning, stopping just above Cuzco, where
we’ll jump on our bikes and ride down through breath-taking scenery, dotted with local villages and
surrounded by the massive green slopes of the Andes. We’ll finish our ride in the small town of Pisac,
where we’ll have a chance to check out the colourful mercado artesanal. From here we’ll begin a
spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 610 metres (2000 feet) up from the
river below. It’s a heart-pumping walk up through ancient agricultural terraces – you’ll never forget the
views of Pisac and the Urubamba Valley! After exploring the ancient complex, we’ll descend the
original Inca stairways and head back down the valley to Cuzco. This is the largest existing fortress-
city of the Incas, and it’s the perfect warm-up for your Inca Trail trek tomorrow! Overnight Royal Inca I
or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (B, L, D)
Days 3-6 Option A: Lares Inca Trail
Day 3 afternoon: Inca Trail / Cuncani
From Cuzco, we’ll head in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The road leads to Lares and crosses the
Amparaes Pass. This phenomenal Page 4 / 9 drive winds through arid landscapes, crosses rivers and
you’ll see some of the most stunning mountain vistas in Peru. Our final destination is the hot baths of
Lares. Here, naturally occurring hot springs await us before we set out on our trek. From the thermal
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baths unfolds a small track used by local children and community members of Lares. We’ll pass
through hand tilled fields and crops of quinoa and potato, amongst quaint stone houses. After a gradual
climb of a few hours we’ll stop for a delicious lunch, before continuing on to the community of Cuncani,
where we’ll set up camp for the evening. Overnight Lares Inca Trail camp at 12,600ft (B, L, D)
Day 4: Inca Trail / Paccha
If we have clear skies at sunrise, we’ll wake to the imposing view of Colque Crus, a majestic mountain
capped by a glacier, which provides water to the local community. We follow the path next to an icy
stream that will take us towards the pass. The ascent is challenging. On reaching the summit a
stunning view of the Pampas of Anta awaits us, followed by a descent that will be most welcome after
the challenging climb. The descent is steep but beautiful, crossing a small forest of ‘Polylepis’, the
endemic and endangered trees of the high Andes. Just after the forest and with an incredible view of
the valley below we will stop for lunch. After which the drop continues until we reach our camp, a
tranquil paradise surrounded by trees and crossed by a small river. Tonight, if we find some dead
tinder, we’ll enjoy a cozy campfire. Overnight Lares Inca Trail camp at 13,40000ft (B, L, D)
Day 5: Inca Trail / Ollantaytambo
This morning will be our last on the trail. From camp the walk becomes easier down to the piscigranja
(fish farm). As we descend we’ll feel the climate changing, becoming warmer and more alive, with
more variety in vegetation, and we’ll be accompanied by hummingbirds along the way. After a few
short hours we’ll meet our private transportation that will take us to Ollantaytambo Station to board the
train to Aguas Calientes. As the train travels along, the valley turns into a canyon and the scenery
alters, as the cloud forests begin to appear, on our approach to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. We will
disembark the train at Aguas Calientes. After a well-deserved shower we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at
one of the best restaurants in town. Overnight Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)
Day 6 morning: Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, we’ll head up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, where we’ll join the rest of
our group.
Days 3-6 Option B: Classic Inca Trail
Day 3 afternoon: Machu Picchu
We’ll leave Cuzco and make our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas before starting our hike
at Piscacucho, or Kilometre 82 as it is known by the locals. From here we’ll spend the day hiking
alongside the Rio Cusichaca, surrounded by massive Andean peaks, Inca ruins and semi-arid forest.
We’ll visit a couple of small villages along the way, then have lunch and rest a while on the way to our
first camp, Pisonay. When you arrive at camp, you’ll find our porters have set up your tent so you can
simply relax with a hot drink and get to know your fellow travelers. Tonight our cooks will prepare the
first of many sumptuous hot meals for us to enjoy in our dining tent – you’ll be impressed how well we
take care of you on the trail. Overnight Classic Inca Trail camp at 9,842 ft (B, L, D)
Day 4: Inca Trail / Pacaymayo
Today is an unforgettable day. You’ll be woken with a cup of coca tea brought to your tent door. After
a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our hike on what will be our most challenging day. Today we climb
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3,000 ft up to Warmiwañusqa, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ altitude 14,435 ft. The trail winds its way up
through a beautiful mountain pass with stunning panoramic views of the alpine wonderland. It’s a
challenging hike to the pass, and the 360º views make every step worthwhile. After celebrating our
ascent, we’ll walk down cobbled steps paved by the Incas over 500 years ago to Pacaymayo Valley,
our camp for the evening. Again, we’ll already have tents set up so all you need to do is relax and
enjoy the evening. Overnight Classic Inca Trail camp at 11,745 ft (B, L, D)
Day 4: Inca Trail / Winay Wayna
The scenery gets even better today! We’ll explore several fascinating Inca fortresses as we descend,
with the cloud forest becoming more and more lush as the air becomes warmer and denser. The
ancient ruins and increasingly verdant surroundings lend an eerie mood to the day as we make our
way down to our next camp, Wiñay Wayna. This is our final night on the trail, with breath-taking views
and another hearty dinner! Overnight Classic Inca Trail camp at 11,810 ft (B, L, D)
Day 6 morning: Machu Picchu
After a very early breakfast, we hike about an hour in the dawn light to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. We’ll
wait here for the sun to rise and the morning fog to lift, giving us our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. It’s
a moment to savor before we make our way down to explore this mysterious ancient city!
Day 6 continued: Machu Picchu / Sun Gate
We’ll meet our local guide who will show us around this fascinating ancient city. Afterwards, you’ll have
all morning to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place on your
own. If you were on the Lares Trail, you’ll also have the chance to hike back to the Sun Gate for a
unique perspective on these remote Inca ruins, set high on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush
peaks. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll take a scenic train ride back to Cuzco.
Overnight Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (B, L, D)
Day 7: Cuzco
Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and it’s a fabulous place to spend a day exploring
– it’s no wonder it’s the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city! Walk along Cuzco’s central
streets, lined with massive Inca-built stone walls that form the foundation of the city and blend into the
colonial and modern architecture that has been added over the years. You can take the day to explore
Cuzco’s most popular temples, museums, churches and fortresses. Alternatively, we’ll help you
arrange one of the many optional guided activities available including mountain biking, hiking, or
horseback riding. There’s also no shortage of great food and entertainment in Cuzco, with restaurants
to suit any taste, cafés for coffee in the Plaza de Armas and great bars with local music. Overnight
Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco (B)
Day 8: The Amazon / Tambopata Reserve
Today we’ll take a short flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, a frontier town in the Amazon basin.
We’ll take to motorized canoes and glide deep into the jungle down the Tambopata River, one of the
headwaters of the Amazon. Listen for howler monkeys in the tropical forest canopy above and spot
macaws perched high on the riverbanks. This area is teeming with wildlife and the boat trip to our
jungle lodge is a great opportunity to look for giant otters, capuchin monkeys, caiman and an array of
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birds that can be found in this area. After lunch, we’ll experience the jungle with all of our senses by
exploring on foot this time. Keep an eye out for the rainforest dwellers – including several species of
monkeys – that come out in search of food in the late afternoon! After dark, you’ll have a chance to
get back on board the canoes with a spotlight in search of the nocturnal caiman (South American
crocodile) lurking in the river. Overnight Amazon Jungle Lodgings (B, L, D)
Day 9: Amazon Rainforest
This morning we’ll explore some of the many miles of jungle trails that crisscross the dense rainforest.
We’ll travel by motorized canoe and hike through virgin forest to experience the wealth of native flora
and fauna under the Amazon rainforest canopy, and learn how the indigenous people thrive in this
challenging environment. The Amazon is the most biologically diverse place on Earth and you’ll
discover more about the amazing flora and fauna here, as well as learning about the incredible
medicinal plants that are found in this region. After lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon free to
hang out at the lodge with a book or continue exploring the surrounding area on your own. If you’d
prefer to hike a little more this afternoon, you can head out with our naturalist guide on little-known
trails that pass by the homes of some of the rarest animals in the rainforest. This evening we’ll brave
the jungle on foot to look for tarantulas, insects and frogs that come out after dark. Overnight Amazon
Jungle Lodgings (B, L, D)
Day 10: Cuzco
This morning we leave the rainforest and take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado, where we’ll catch a
short flight to Cuzco. This is the last day of your trip in Peru, if you have time to spare after the trip,
we’re happy to give you suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on
your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise,
rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru! No overnight
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside
of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests.
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Activities
Hiking – 1.5 to 8 miles hiking; elevation gains of up to 3,280 ft; wandering around archaeological sites
for 3 hours with elevation gain of 656 ft.
Biking – Up to 12 miles biking; all equipment provided.
Boating – Ride along in motorized canoes with a professional guide.
Discovery – Crowned by the towering Andes and tucked between the Amazon and the Pacific, Peru
offers a captivating mix of adventure, nature and history. Embedded in every active traveler’s Top Ten
List is the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. Our route takes us there from bustling Lima, to the
cobblestone streets of Cusco, from ruin to ruin across the Sacred Valley, and by train and breathtaking
footpath over the Inca Trail. Catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor, a vulture with the largest wingspan
of any land bird – 10.5 feet! Discover the colorful street markets, friendly people, and strong local
culture of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. Photograph the myriad of salt pans in Maras
as the sun reflects off the water’s surface, slowly evaporating and leaving salt in its wake. Delight in
the traditional Peruvian dish of Pachamanca: lamb, mutton, pork, chicken or guinea pig, marinated in
spices and baked with the aid of hot stones in an earthen oven known as a huatia. Did you know that
Machu Picchu is called “The Lost City” because when it was “rediscovered” by Yale explorer Hiram
Bingham III in 1911, the jungle had literally swallowed the complex ruins? Even a knife blade can’t be
inserted between the precise mortarless joints of the stones used in the building of Machu Picchu, and
many of these stones weighed more than 50 tons! Come explore Peru with the experts in adventure
travel!
Your guides will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and
demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for
all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts,
lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included
as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related
gratuities are not included in the trip price.
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Distinctive Accommodation
Nights 1-2, 6-7: Hotel Royal Inca I or Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco
Hotel Royal Inca I
Find comfort and contemporary amenities for the end of your days’ adventures at Hotel Royal Inca all
within blocks of the main square.
Hotel San Agustin, Cuzco
The Hotel San Agustin Internacional has a Gaudian style, unique in the city, built last century on the
old seminary of Cuzco, it invites to explore the aura and the essence of the city. The restaurant "El
Arcángel" has a capacity of 80 people offering to your delight traditional dishes of the area using local
supplies as well as international dishes. A bar on the hotel property offers a variety of cocktails made
with pisco, the national drink, and other international ingredients.
Nights 3-4 Option A: Lares Inca Trail camp
Experience the pleasure of waking up each morning with a beautiful view at a camp along the Lares
Inca Trail. All equipment will be provided by your guides.
Night 5 Option A: Local Hotel, Aguas Calientes
Stay within Aguas Clientes at a comfortable accommodation in an ideal location.
Nights 3-5 Option B: Classic Inca Trail camp
Experience the pleasure of waking up each morning with a beautiful view at a camp along the Classic
Inca Trail. All equipment will be provided by your guides.
Nights 8-9: Amazon Jungle Lodgings
Stay nestled in the Amazon rainforest at a local lodging that provides all the necessities and amenities
required for a comfortable and memorable stay.
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Arrival and Departures
• Your ‘Jaguar’ trip starts in Cuzco and we’ll meet you at one of the following locations:
• Cuzco Airport, 11am If you’re flying into Cuzco this morning, we’ll pick you up from the Cuzco
Airport when your flight arrives – though only if this flight arrives prior to 11am. Our driver will
be waiting outside the airport - look for someone holding a large orange Active Adventures
South America sign.
• Joining hotel, hotel foyer 12pm noon Please make your own way to our joining hotel this
morning. The details for this will be listed in your Travel details Step 6 page at two weeks prior
to your trip starting. You can usually check-in any time after 10am on Day One - just let
reception know that you’re part of the Active Adventures South America group.
• Flight arrival details: If you’re flying into Cuzco Airport on the first morning, please make sure your
flight arrives by 10:30am. For more information on booking flights, please refer above. NOTE: We
recommend arriving in Cuzco a couple of days before your ‘Jaguar’ trip begins to get
accustomed to the 10,000 ft elevation. If this isn’t possible that’s okay – your trip is
designed to begin very gently and ease you into being active at altitude!
• First day activity: After lunch, you’ll head out on a gentle hike on the first day of the trip, so make
sure you have the gear you need somewhere handy!
• Trip end details: Your ‘Jaguar’ trip will end with a flight from the Amazon Jungle back to Cuzco
Airport, arriving around 3-4pm.
• Flight departure details: If you’re flying out the same day the trip ends, be sure to book your onward
flights to depart after 6pm this afternoon. If this time doesn’t suit you for some reason, please let
us know before booking non-changeable flights.
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Trip Price
Starting at $4,199
Trip Length
10 days/9 nights
2021 Dates
Oct. 3-12, 2021
Oct 17-26, 2021
Nov. 14-23, 2021
Nov. 28-Dec. 7, 2021
Dec. 19-28, 2021
Host City
Cuzco, Peru
Airport code: CUZ
Reservations & Availability
800.575.1540
A rich tapestry of history, mystery,
culture, and natural beauty
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The toughest part is going home.SMPeru –
Ultimate Peru Adventure
Trip Reservations
Reservations, Deposits and Balances Due
To make a reservation, contact Austin Adventures with your choice of trip and dates. A $750 per
person deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Some Custom and International programs
may require additional deposits. Full payment is required at the time of booking if your trip departs
within 90 days. Choose one of the following contact methods:
Toll free: 800-575-1540
Phone: 406-655-4591
Online: austinadventures.com
Email: reservations@austinadventures.com
Mail: Austin Adventures, P.O. Box 81025, Billings, MT 59108
* You may also book your Austin Adventure with your preferred travel professional.
** We accept most major credit cards and personal checks (U.S. funds made payable to Austin
Adventures). Please do not send cash.
Included in the Trip Price
• All guiding services. We have an experienced trip leader with every trip and also have a specialist guide on
many of the activities to provide extra local knowledge.
• Comfortable accommodation for the entire trip. We can also organize pre and post-trip accommodation for
you if you let us know.
• All meals, as indicated, except on free days and a couple of nights on the ‘Tortuga’ and ‘Iguana’ trips, so you
can check out some local restaurants on your own.
• All drinking water and puritabs where drinking water isn’t readily available. (Alcohol and other drinks are not
included)
• All activities as described in the itinerary – such as hiking, snorkeling, canoeing, sea kayaking, biking and
jungle boat tours – and you’re welcome to sit out or do your own thing from time to time.
• Tips for local specialist guides, drivers and boat captains are taken care of by Active Adventures South
America, except for Inca Trail guides and porters on our ‘Jaguar’ trip and W-Trek guides on our ‘Condor’ trip,
where your trip leader will suggest an appropriate tip.
• Transport including buses, boats, trains and domestic flights as indicated.
Not Included in the Trip Price
• Guide gratuities.
• Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
• Dinner on Night 1 during the trip.
• Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
• Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
• All types of personal insurance.
• Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information 9
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The toughest part is going home.
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about
the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability
release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.Peru –
Machu Picchu
Room Occupancy, Single Supplements, and Shared Room Assignments
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional charge,
referred to as a “single supplement.” If you’re traveling alone and wish to share a room, make the
request at the time of booking. Austin Adventures will attempt to find a suitable roommate for you.
Minimum Age
The minimum age on our non-family designated adult and teen adventures is sixteen years old.
Cancelations and Refunds
The following cancelation policies and cancellation fees are in effect:
***As with deposits on some international and custom programs, refund schedule may vary, speak
with your Adventure Consultant for details.
Cancelation 91 days or more before trip departure – Full trip payment refunded less $750 per
person nonrefundable deposit.
Cancelation 61-90 days before trip departure – Full trip payment less 25% per person is refunded.
Cancelation 0-60 days before trip departure – No refund is given.
Our Guarantee
Exceeding your expectations is our number one priority. In the unlikely event that you are dissatisfied
with something during your trip, immediately notify your guide(s). If he or she is unable to resolve the
issue, call our main office and give us the details of the problem, and a chance to correct it. We will do
our best to find a resolution. If we are unable to do so during your trip, we will work with you upon your
return home to arrive at a fair and equitable solution, including up to a full refund.
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