Tika Trek - Cusco, Peru
Pongo de Mainique - Tika Trek - Cusco, Peru

Pongo de Mainique

Special offer

We are departing for our first trip of the year to the Pongo de Mainique on the 28th of August, join us. The itinerary will be slightly different but the fun the same. More of an expedition. Price for this special offer tour $400US per person. Come join in.

Described by Michael Palin as "Nothing I have read or fantasized about has prepared me for this place. Its an enchanted world." the Pongo de Mainique is the portal to the afterlife of the Machiguenga Indians and home to the Spectacled Bear among other animals.

Pongo de Mainique

Day 1. The City of Eternal Summer

We take private transport from Cusco to the town of Quillabamba. Todays travel takes us down to the Sacred Valley before heading north to the Malaga pass at 4500ms and the stunning snowpeak of Veronica.
We will stop at the pass before going down through cloud forest, tea plantations until finally reaching the high jungle town of Quillabamba and an economy driven by coffee, friut and mining.

Meals L,D. Snack
Accommodation Hotel
Minimum altitude 1020ms
Maximum altitude 4470ms

Day 2. Jungle Beats

Today we continue on our journey following the Urubamba river towards the town of Kiteni and the base for the Camisea Gas Pipeline. We will pass through these bubbling jungle towns, listening to the beats whilst enjoying the tropical weather and accompanying music. We lunch by the side of the road under the trees looking out for toucans. Our destination today the village of Ivochote and the end of the road.

Meals B,L,D. Snacks.
Accommodation Camping
Minimum altitude 600ms
Maximum altitude 1020ms

Day 3. The Pongo

Truly one of the most amazing places on the planet. The Pongo is reached on an 8 meter long boat with motor. The three hour trip takes us past various villages and farms that produce huge amounts of coffee that is eventually exported around the world.
Upon arriving to the Pongo de Mainique we have the opportunity to take photos of the magical gorge. We pass a small amount of time here before heading to the Machiguenga village of Timpia and the opportunity to stay at the local community run lodge.

Meals B,L,D. Snack
Accommodation Lodge
Minimum altitude 500ms
Maximum altitude 600ms

Day 4. Macaw Clay Lick

Today under the watchful eye of our Machiguenga guide we have a very early departure to the Macaw Clay Lick and the vast array of macaws including the rare military macaw. After our visit and the chance for more photos we return to the lodge for a visit to the town of Timpia and the opportunity to buy handicrafts directly from the local people.
From here we take our boat 1hour south to the Pongo de Mainique and our camp site for the night.

Meals B,L,D. Snack.
Accommodation Camping
Minimum altitude 500ms
Maximum altitude 500ms

Day 5. Fun in the Gorge.

Waking up in this colourful paradise to the sound of the birds is a dream come true. We rise early to have breakfast and explore the surrounding area. It is so captivating here, we can spend time playing on rafts in the Tonkini waterfall or swimming across the gorge. Lunch is light to allow for more time in the sun.

Meals B,L,D, Snack.
Accommodation Camping
Minimum altitude 500ms
Maximum altitude 500ms

Day 6. Return to Ivochote and Chahuares

Today we travel by private transport back to the town of Quillabamba, we will stop on the way to visit the waterfall of Siete Tinajas "Seven small baths". After a quick dip on to Quilla and dinner in a local restaurant before a good nights sleep in a local hostal.

Meals B,L. Snacks
Accommodation Hotel
Minimum altitude 500ms
Maximum altitude 1020ms

Day 7. Back to Cusco

We return to the bus and transport to Cusco or we can hook up to a trip to Machu Picchu. Let us know what suits you.

Meals B,L. Snacks
Accommodation N/A
Minimum altitude 1020ms
Maximum altitude 4470ms

Difficulty

Medium

Included

Not Included