Tika Trek - Cusco, Peru
Machu Picchu, Espiritu Pampa and the Pongo de Mainique. - Tika Trek - Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu, Espiritu Pampa and the Pongo de Mainique.

We have the option to do this this trip in different ways, all catered or expedition. This is the perfect trip for the more adventurous person.

Machu Picchu, Espiritu Pampa and the Pongo de Mainique.

Day 1. Arrival to Cusco.

Today we arrive to the city of Cusco in the south of Peru. We have a transfer to the hotel and then we hit the town. We have a short walking tour of the centre of Cusco, visiting the Cathedral, the local market and Qoricancha.

Meals L,D.
Accommodation Hotel

Day 2. To the valley

We visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas just outside Cusco where we start with a visit to the ruins of Pisac and a reasonable trek around the site. We have the opportunity to visit the incredible Inca town it is grand almost similar to Machu Picchu. There is a touristy market in the plaza of the town.
After lunch in the valley we visit the town of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town in the Sacred Valley surrounded by mountains including the magnificent Mountain Victoria. We visit both the picturesque village and the archaeological site.
From here we take the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Hotel

Day 3. Machu Picchu

Today we will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, after an early breakfast we board the 6am bus up to the site ready for pour full day in and around Machu Picchu. We visit the main areas first before having the rest of the day to visit Huayna Picchu (limited numbers), the Temple of the Moon and the Inka Bridge.
We will take our lunch with us to allow for more time in Machu Picchu. Night in Machu Picchu town.

Meals B,L,D
Accommodation Hotel

Day 4. Welcome to the Jungle

Today we take the early morning train from Machu Picchu town to the village of Santa Teresa and our onwars transport to Quillabamba were we will do some last minute shopping before taking the afternoon free in the local olympic swimming pool.
A fairly relaxing day.

Meals B,L,D
Accommodation Hotel

Day 5. To the White Rock.

An early breakfast to make our way to Huancacalle and the The White Rock and Vitcos. Both impressive sights here in the Vilcabamba mountain range. We spend our morning walking in the area where a local Inti Raymi is held every year.
We have a light lunch before starting our trek towards Espiritu Pampa and the Last Refuge of the Incas. Our first day of trekking is moderately difficult with the highest pass of Colpacasa.

Meals B,L,D,
Accommodation Camping

Day 6. Hummingbirds and Coffee

Our walk to Vista Alegre (Happy View) brings a dramatic change to the flora and fauna of the area. Today we trek with the cheep of the hummingbirds and the sound of the river stopping to have lunch beside the river on our way.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Camping

Day 7. Welcome to the Jungle

We descend further today into the Peruvian jungle following the tracks of the Incas past effervescent waterfalls and the continous humm of the river.
The vegetation is much lusher here, walking in vines, moss, tree and bushes whilst listening out for monkeys, toucans, cock of the rocks among others.

Meals B,L,D
Accommodation Camping

Day 8. Espiritu Pampa

A 4km trek takes us to the Royal Entrance way of Espiritu Pampa and the look out point of TuquiRikuy (The Watcher). here we begin our descent to the mammoth site and the home of El Sr de Vilcabamba.
After registering we begin our tour of the Archaeological site listening to the ever present Cock of the Rock and exploring the rain forest covered site.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Camping

Day 9. Back on the Road

After a short walk we arrive to our transport that will return us to the main road, here we will continue going north to the jungle port of Ivochote. The end of the road to most. Here we will stay the night in a local hostal and eat local food from the local restaurant.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Hostal

Day 10. To the Pongo de Mainique and Timpia

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.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Camping

Day 11. Macaw Clay Lick and back to the Pongo de Mainique

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 where we have the delightful opportunity to bathe in the river and in the waterfalls. We will spend the night in the Pongo.

Meals B,L,D.
Accommodation Camping

Day 12. Back to Quillabamba

An early rise to take our return boat to Ivochote and then the bus to Quillabamba. Our 3hour boat ride through the jungle is always a delight but so sad to say goodbye to the effervescent jungle.

Meals B,L.
Accommodation Hotel

Day 13. Back to Cusco

Today we return to the city of Cusco. the seven hour bus journey is through high jungle up to the humid cloud forest and over the dizzy Malaga Pass at 4750ms. We return though Ollantaytambo and Urubamba before arriving in Cusco at around 4pm.

Meals B,L
Accommodation N/A

Difficulty

Mid

Included

Not Included