Walking Connection - Machu Picchu, Cusco, Inca Trail Walking Adventure

Guest Itinerary

June 30 - Arrival in Lima.

Overnight On your arrival collect your luggage and go through customs. Look for a transfer guide holding a sign with your name and/or the Walking Connection on it. Your guide will assist you in transferring you to the hotel and checking in. Please have your transfer voucher ready for the guide.

Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas", and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Our hotel is located in the attractive San Isidro district of Lima, with easy access to all the charms of the city. This exclusive property has the tranquility of San Isidro’s majestic 10-acre Olive Grove Wood.

Accommodation: Sonesta El Olivar (1 night)

July 1 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (VALLE SAGRADO)

5:45 a.m. - Transfer to airport. (Sorry so early, but we have lots to do!) Please be checked out of your room and ready for departure.

8:10 a.m. - Depart Lima on LAN Airlines flight LP19

9:25 a.m. - Arrive Cusco

A short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. From there we will travel to the Sacred Valley at 8,200 feet of altitude including Chinchero, Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo Archeological Complex

HIGHLIGHT: A walk in the unspoiled Andean village of Chinchero to an impressive weaving demonstration by Nilda Callañaupa. Nilda learned to weave as a child while tending the flocks in the fields of her village. When she was a teenager, Nilda worked with researchers on preserving the traditional themes and techniques of weaving in the Andean community.

As an adult, Nilda traveled extensively to the U.S. to organize weaving exhibits and workshops in several universities and the Textile Museum of Washington D.C. Nilda offers an indigenous, multi-faceted perspective on the arts, as well as excellent facilitation and communication skills. She is truly a one of a kind artist. She will be happy to lead a relaxed, fascinating workshop on traditional back strap weaving techniques and a discussion on the role of weaving in a contemporary Andean culture.

2-Nights Rub elbows with the locals at Pisac's lively market.
Continue through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to visit the Inca archeological remnants of Pisac known as Inca Pisac, which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. It features an irrigation system, an astronomical observatory, and a solar clock and calendar (Intiwatana). The hillside is lined with agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca and still in use today. With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. It is thought that Pisac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River.

"Taylor Style" - Visit to Semanario Ceramic Studio a beautiful gallery of ceramic art dedicated to the discovery of techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. I still enjoy many lovely pieces in my home that I purchased here on our fist vist. Looking forward to our return. ~ a note from Jo Ann Taylor

Afternoon arrival at the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Aranwa Hotel Spa, Sacred Valley

July 2 - Whitewater Rafting Excitement!
(This is included in the price but an optional activity.)

Take an exhilarating run down the Urubamba River, with breathtaking scenery all around you. This Class II and III rated, one-day whitewater expedition will get your blood flowing while the leadership of our professional English speaking rafting guide ensures our safety. Includes all the rafting equipment, such as helmet, life jacket, paddle, self-bailing raft, spray jacket and wet suit. For those not wanting to participate alternatives will be offered. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Aranwa Hotel Spa, Sacred Valley

July 3 - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
(Full-day Inca Trail Hike included in the price but is an optional activity.)

2-Nights We will all travel by train on the Cusco – Machu Picchu Vistadome Railroad where we will arrive at the starting point of our trek on the Inca Trail. We start by visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex and then embark upon an 8 km ascending trail, which will take us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna. This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we will have magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna.

We will continue to hike up to Intipunku, (The Sun Gate). This will be along a trail of flat stones along the cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we will contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we will descend to Machu Picchu.

*** OPTION: For those choosing not to participate in the hike you will stay on the train to Agua Caliente and on arrival receive a hotel courtesy transfer. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or participate in varied activities offered by the hotel. (B,L)

"Taylor Style" - Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu

"Immerse in the spirit of Royal Inca retreat, at this boutique Machu Picchu hotel — an Andean Garden of Eden where waterfalls and streams gently cascade through acres of orchids. Hummingbirds frolic in a private cloud forest paradise, while you experience authentic barefoot luxury at the foot of Machu Picchu, within an idyllic enclave of whitewashed casitas."

July 4 - Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes

2-Nights Transfer back up to Machu Picchu for a complete orientation of the Inca citadel. You will then have free time for fabulous photo opportunities, quiet reflection, more walking or a climb on the Huayna Picchu Mountain trail, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it. This is a chance to also visit the Temple of the Moon and the Inca Bridge. In the afternoon we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you wish you can relax in the thermal baths. (B,D)

"Taylor Style" - Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu
We requested to stay at this location for 2 nights since we really enjoyed it when we were here before. For many Machu Picchu is a life long dream or a location that is on their "bucket list". So why rush it? We have planned plenty of time to take in all that this special place can reveal. ~ a note from Jo Ann Taylor

July 5 - Machu Picchu - Return train to Cusco

One last morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Or take advantage of the tranquility at our hotel in paradise where nature trails wind past waterfalls and gardens. Discover a working tea plantation, and the world’s largest private collection of indigenous orchids. What could be more enchanting than the vibrant Waqnaki, and the legend of a lovesick Inca princess whose sadness was transformed into colorful teardrop petals? Late afternoon we will return by train to Cusco. (B)

The Luxury Collection - Accommodation: Libertador Hotel, Cusco

July 6 - Cusco

Overnight As visitors we will get caught up in the excitement of walking this ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. Our walk will lead us to important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. We will also wander the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman ruin "Stonehenge of the Andes", an imposing example of Inca military architecture. (The giant stones here are amazing!) Afternoon Ceremony with a “Curandero”.

Cusco has enough entertainment to keep us busy for a week. Tonight you flavor a Novo Andean and International buffet, which utilizes regional ingredients to rescue the gastronomic roots of the Andes. Dinner is followed by a folkloric show with whirling Peruvian dancers performing a variety of regional entertaining dances. (B,D)

The Luxury Collection - Accommodation: Libertador Hotel, Cusco

July 7 - Cusco – Lima

Transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima and home. (B)

3:30 p.m. - Depart Cusco on LAN Airlines flight LP 38
4:45 p.m. - Arrive Lima

Because many of you have late departure flights we will work with our local guide once in Peru, to see what options are available to you in regards to private tours and meals.

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For those extending your stay in the Amazon:

July 7 continued - Fly Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

10:15 a.m. - Depart Cusco on LAN Airlines flight LP 73
11:10 a.m. - Arrive Puerto Maldonado

A short flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to one of the world’s most remote and extraordinary rainforest environments. Luggage not needed during our rainforest stay may be stored at Inkaterra Butterfly House, located near the airport. Following a 10-minute bus transfer to the port, we will board a motorized dugout canoe for our trip to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. The 45- minute journey will take you into the heart of the Tambopata National Park, you will experience the magnificent beauty... the sounds... the scents... the colors and the solitude of the rainforest. You will find yourself surrounded by a vast natural environment, in a way you have never experienced nature before. (B,L,D)

"Taylor Style"- Accommodation: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Travel & Leisure, "World's Best Hotels"; January 2009
"Satisfy the call of your inner explorer. Climb the banks of the meandering Madre de Dios river, and enter another world. Wake to a symphony of tropical birdsong; end your days by lantern light, falling asleep to the gentle night noise of the Amazon rainforest. In authentic style, with brilliant bouquets of butterflies and a treetop canopy bridge, elegant accommodations blend seamlessly with nature." 4-Days/3-Nights

"Through my research, I found this experience several years ago and became enchanted. I knew it was somewhere that I had to go... ~ a note from Jo Ann Taylor

July 7 - 9

All meals included. While at the lodge you can select any of the following excursions:

Canopy and Wetlands – Half Day
A five minute boat ride takes you to the Canopy Inkaterra Interpretation Center. After ascending the first tower, at 45 meters above the forest floor, you will walk for one and a half hours along the suspension bridges that link the seven platforms, on the look-out for giant strangler fig trees, orchids, toucans, woodpeckers, trogons and, with luck, monkeys or a three-toed sloth. Then, a 30 minute walk takes you to a nearby area of wetlands, an important rainforest ecosystem that is host to unique plants and birds. Difficulty level: II Includes: Canopy Kit

Lake Sandoval - Half Day
A 40 minute boat ride takes you to the Tambopata National Reserve. There, after a one-and-a-half hour walk along three kilometers of trails through the wildlife-rich reserve, you reach Lake Sandoval. This spectacular oxbow lake provides an excellent opportunity for sighting the endangered giant river otter, as well as the red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, point-tailed palm creepers and side-neck turtles that reside in and around the lake. You will spend two hours on the lake, absorbing all it has to offer. Difficulty level: II

Concepcion – Half Day
A ten minute ride up river takes you to Concepcion, home to a botanical garden with over 200 different species of plants. An hour-long explanation familiarizes you with the processing, uses and benefits of the traditional flora. Then, a one-hour walk brings you to the natural collpas (clay licks), where the clay consumption of many rainforest mammals and birds will be explained. This is followed by a 30-minute canoe trip to look for wildlife – such as turtles, giant river otters, sun grebes and herons – on a small lake, after which you will end up at the Concepcion educational research facility. Difficulty level: I

Ese'Eja - Full Day
After traveling by boat for one and a half hours toward the Bolivian border, you arrive at the Palma Real native village. This community consists of some 70 families of the Ese´Eja people; the three- hour visit offers you an insight into their traditions and culture, lifestyle and livelihoods, hunting and farming techniques, and the challenges they face in a changing world. Difficulty level: I

Gamitana - Full Day
A 45 minute boat ride takes you to Gamitana Farm for a three hour walk through the rainforest along the banks of a winding, dark water creek that is home to piranhas, caimans, turtles and abundant birds. When you reach the embarkation point, you will climb into canoes to navigate your way back downstream, appreciating the flora and fauna along the way. You will return to Gamitana Farm in time for a well-earned picnic lunch, followed by a short guided tour of the farm. Difficulty level: III

Tambopata – Full Day 4-Days/3-Nights
This activity begins with a walk to Lake Sandoval and continued hike to Concepcion through the national park, whose surrounding vegetation is home to a myriad of reptiles, birds and mammals. The trip includes possible sightings of paiche and black caimans; hoatzins and herons; red howler, brown capuchin and squirrel monkeys; and the extremely rare and critically endangered giant river otter. A picnic lunch at the Concepcion farm is followed by a guided visit to a garden containing more than 200 medicinal plants. Difficulty level: III

Briolo – Full Day
This visit takes you down river to Briolo creek, renowned for its abundance of fish. Your expert guide will identify the best possible fishing areas and assist you in the art of luring onto your plate one of the Amazon’s 2,000 different species of fish, including the famed piranha and the delicious chapaga. Later, you can experiment with local spices and flavors as your catch is prepared over an open fire in the midst of a traditional farm.

July 10 - Fly Puerto Maldonaldo to Lima to home

1:05 p.m. - Depart Puerto Maldonado on LAN Airlines flight LP 72
3:50 p.m. - Arrive Lima

Departure from Reserva Amazonica. Morning boat ride to the town of Puerto Maldonado and on to the airport for your departure flight to Lima and connect flight home.

Because many of you have late departure flights we will work with our local guide once in Peru, to see what options are available to you in regards to private tours and meals. (B)

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