Details
On this two-week expedition we trek to the sacred Incan city of Machu Picchu on the iconic Inca Trail. The trek takes four days to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate. The highest point of the trek is Dead Woman’s pass at 4,200m. After a rest day in Cusco exploring the historic capital of the Inca we fly into the Amazon Basin.
We fly from Cusco into Puerto Maldonado heading deep into the Amazon rainforest via motorized canoe on the mighty Tambopata River. The canoe will take us upstream to the Madre de Dios wildlife reserve. We will be hosted for three nights in a forest lodge, exploring the surrounding areas and experiencing the life of the Amazon rainforest.
This adventure holiday combines the best bits of a visit to Peru. We will be staying in a mixture of hotels, lodges, and homestays. During the trek we will be camping. The price for this expedition is £2,250. This includes all transport from Cusco including internal flights to Puerto Maldonado. All food is included while trekking and in the wildlife reserve.
Dates
10th -22nd November 2024
Cost
£2,250 includes food and flights to Puerto Maldanado. Deposit £250
Secure your Spot: Please pay a £250 deposit online to secure your spot. We accept any currency. Once you have paid a deposit and minimum numbers have been met we will send you confirmation and a kit list. The balance is payable in instalments.
This adventure holiday combines the best bits of a visit to Peru. We use internal flights where possible to minimize the time spent on buses.
A Queer friendly International Mountain Leader
All accommodation
Food whilst trekking and in the Amazon
All transfers and the train from Aguas Calientes
Internal flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
Tents and group camping equipment for the trek
Local guides that support our gay-friendly ethos
Guided tours of Machu Picchu, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman
Wildlife tours in the Amazon basin
This adventure holiday involves time in the Andean mountains as well as time in the steamy Amazon basin. You will need warm clothing, good walking boots and a warm sleeping bag for the mountain trek and cool clothing for the time in the Amazon.
A comprehensive kit list will be sent to you once you have signed up for this expedition.
Day One - Arrival
Arrival in Cusco. We take time to acclimatize to the city’s 3450-metre high altitude.
Day Two - Cusco
Today we drive to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside Cusco. After a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman we take a short 2hr downhill walk back to Cusco. In the evening we prepare our equipment for the Inca trail.
Day Three - KM 82 to Wayllabamba Camp 11km 4hrs
This morning we set off on a journey from Cusco to Kilometer 82, where our trek begins. Today is a fairly leisurely hike. Along the way there are stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak (5860m). We will reach the campsite around 5 pm.
Day Four - Wayllabamba Camp to Paqaymayo Camp 12km 8hrs
Today is the most challenging part of the trek as we climb to Warminwanusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass (4200m). Along the way we will trek through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be seen anywhere in the Andes. This is the first and highest of three Andean passes on the Inca Trail, with breathtaking views over the snow-capped Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges.
Day Five - Paqaymayo Camp to Winaywayna Camp 16km 9hrs
Today we cross two more passes and see plenty of Inca ruins. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m where, on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Then we hike through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day at 3,700m.
Day Six - Winaywayna Camp to Sun Gate 6km 2hrs
The day starts before dawn with breakfast served nice and early. We say farewell to our porters and then enter the Inti- Punku (sun gate) as the sun rises over Machu Picchu. After a guided tour of Machu Picchu we take the bus down to the small town of Aguas Calientes. After lunch we board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo town then take a bus transfer to Cusco.
Day Seven - Cusco
Today is a free day to relax and explore the sights of Cusco.
Day Eight – Puerto Maldonado
Today we take an early flight to Puerto Maldonado, a large town in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. We board a motorized dugout canoe for our journey to the Madre de Dios reserve. We will stay in a forest lodge deep in the jungle.
Day Nine –Madre de Dios
After a leisurely breakfast we hike into the Tambopata Reserve. It is possible to observe a great variety of animals such as monkeys, macaws, black alligators and parrots. In the afternoon we visit the medicinal garden located very close to the lodge. We’ll learn about medicinal plants such as Ayahuasca, Chacruna, Chuchuhuasi and others, which are used and prepared by the locals to cure diseases.
Day Ten – Tambopata Reserve
Today we visit the mammal’s clay lick that is visited by white-lipped peccaries, deer, agouti, and tapir.
Day Eleven - Cusco
After breakfast we return to Puerto Maldonado to take the flight back to Cusco. On the way back we’ll be able to observe the animal that are particularly active at this time of the day and hear the frequent cries of the howler monkeys.
Day Twelve - Cusco
Relax in Cusco after our Amazon experience. Cusco is a large town with a mix of Incan and Spanish Colonial history. There is plenty to see and do. This will be your last chance to buy any last minute souvenirs before our last night out in Cusco.
Day Thirteen - Home
Fly home. Transfers back to the airport are included. Extra nights and tours can be arranged if you want to explore more of Peru.
Cusco may appear to have any gay bars. The flag of the Inca Empire is the same as the rainbow flag. There is a gay bar or two in Cusco but they are well hidden. Peru is a strongly conservative, catholic country although same sex relationships are legal LGBT people face discrimination in their daily lives. It is wise to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.
Our Peruvian guides are aware and supportive of the ethos of Pride Expeditions and are ready to welcome you and show you the delights of Peru regardless of your sexuality, gender or identity. They will not want to delve into your personal life but will support you on this expedition. They are open and un-judgemental and you are welcome to be yourself and not hide who you are.
