Amazon Adventures

Peru

Jaguar Multisport

The Jaguar is our most active, multi-activity trip in Peru. It captures everything this beautiful country has to offer; from the towering peaks of the Andes down to the frontiers of the Peruvian lowlands, you'll have a blast in this land of geographical and cultural extremes! We start our trip in the heart of the Inca empire to explore fortresses and surrounding valleys, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, raft an amazing section of the Urubamba river, sea-kayak across Lake Titicaca to stay with an indigenous family, and much more!

Sunday - Cuzco and hike to Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca Empire . Your trip leader will greet you at the airport with a cup of hot coca tea - the 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 . This magnificent archeological site - representing a set of jaguar's teeth formed by massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tons each - is thought to have been built as a sanctuary and temple to the Sun. Later we'll walk through the vibrant street markets of this magical ancient city. If you prefer, you can take time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco's lively town square instead and meet us for dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Accommodations (B,L,D)

Monday - Cycling into Sacred Valley, Market & Hiking to Pisac Ruins
We'll head into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas this morning, stopping first just above Cuzco where we'll jump on our bikes and ride out of the valley into the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery here is breathtaking as we ride through local villages set below the massive green slopes of the Andes. We'll finish our ride in the heart of the small Andean town of Pisac where we'll have a chance to check out at the colorful Pisac Market, one of the most vibrant markets in South America. From here we'll begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 2,000 feet up from the river below. It's a demanding two-hour slog up the ancient agricultural terraces, but you won't 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 to the valley below us at 9,500 feet. This is the largest existing fortress-city complex of the Incas, and it's the perfect warm-up for the Inca Trail tomorrow!
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Accommodations (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Hiking the Inca Trail to Pisonay
An early start this morning! We'll leave Cuzco and make our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the small village of Ollantaytambo before we start our hike at Piscacucho, or Kilometer 82 as it is known by the locals. From here we'll spend the better part of the day hiking alongside the Rio Cusichaca surrounded by massive Andean peaks, Inca ruins and lush forest. We'll visit a couple of small villages along the way, then have lunch and rest awhile on the way to our first camp, Pisonay (altitude 9,500ft). The walking time today is about 3-5 hours. When we arrive at camp, you'll be greeted with tea by our porters and find your tent already set up.

Note: During busy times of the year in Peru, spaces on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike are limited and often fully booked up at least 3 months in advance! There are more ways than one to get to Machu Picchu though - so if you're interested in an off the beaten track wilderness hike to Machu Picchu you can try our Lares Inca Trail alternative.
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping with the best view in town - the Peruvian Andes! (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Hiking the Inca Trail to Pacaymayo
Today is an unforgettable day. We'll wake you with a cup of coca tea, the local specialty, brought to your tent door. After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin our 4-6 hour hike on what will be our most challenging day. Today we climb 3,000 feet up to Warmiwañusqa or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (altitude 12,600ft). The trail winds its way up through a beautiful mountain pass with stunning panoramic views of the alpine wonderland. It's a challenging hike up the pass, but the 360º views make every step worthwhile. We'll have lunch on the other side of the pass and 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 a hot drink
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping. (B,L,D)

Thursday - Hiking the Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna
The scenery gets even better today! We'll explore several fascinating Inca fortresses as we descend in altitude, with the cloud forest becoming more lush as the air becomes warmer and more dense. 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. It's a 5-7 hour hike today and this is our final night on the trail, with breathtaking views and another hearty dinner tonight!
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping with a backdrop of cloud forest and green Andean peaks. (B,L,D)

Friday - Exploring Machu Picchu & Climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain
After a very early breakfast, we hike about an hour in the dawn light to Inti Punku, the Sungate. We'll wait here for the cloud to lift and for the sun to rise over the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Today you can walk for about 2 hours or much longer if you like. We have all day to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place. If you're keen to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, we'll hike up for spectacular views of the site and the valley below. It's a steep 90-minute climb, but the views are worth the effort. When we're done exploring Machu Picchu, we'll head down to Aguas Calientes - a small town in the valley which hosts hot springs. We'll soak in the hot springs and then take a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco accommodations (B,L,D)

Saturday - Free day in Cuzco
Cuzco is a fabulous place to spend a day exploring the archaeological capital of the Americas - 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 foundations of colonial as well as modern buildings. We'll give you a special pass that allows access to all of Cuzco 's most popular temples, churches and fortresses for a self-guided tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world. Or we'll help you arrange one of the many optional guided activities available including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding or paragliding. There's also no shortage of great food or entertainment in Cuzco , with restaurants to suit any taste, cafes for coffee in the Plaza de Armas and great bars with local music.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco accommodations (B)

Sunday - Journey to the Amazon rainforest & Wildlife hiking
Today we'll take a short flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, the frontier town in the Amazon basin. We'll take to dugout canoes and head down the Madre de Dios River past Indian villages deep into the jungle. Listen for howler monkeys in the tropical forest canopy above and spot macaws perched high on the river banks. After we arrive at a small portage, we'll hike through the jungle to our own Amazon jungle lodge. This area is teeming with life – we'll look for giant otters, capuchin monkeys, caiman and many other jungle animals on our boat trip and hike into the Lodge. After a late lunch, we'll head out on a rainforest trail in search of the macaw and other rainforest dwellers who come out in search of food in the late afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Lodge in the Amazon (B,L,D)

Monday - Wildlife hiking & virgin jungle exploration
This morning we'll explore some of the 15 miles of jungle trails that criss-cross the dense rainforest surrounding the lodge. We'll be hiking through virgin forest to experience the wealth of native flora and fauna under the Amazon rainforest canopy and to learn how the indigenous people thrive in this challenging environment. After lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon free to hang out at the lodge with a book or continue exploring on your own. If you'd prefer to hike a little more this afternoon, we'll head out with our naturlist guide on the little known trails that pass by the homes of some the rarest animals in the rainforest. This evening we'll brave the jungle again in search of the nocturnal South American crocodile – the caiman.
ACCOMMODATION: Jungle Lodge in the Amazon (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Cycling through Andean villages & beyond
This morning we hike out of the rainforest and take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado where we'll catch a short flight back to Cuzco . This afternoon you'll be fitted with a bike and we'll head off for some spectacular cycling. We'll start by riding out of the Cuzco valley and into the green hills above. We'll spend the afternoon riding through Andean villages where you'll have the chance to meet the locals tending their crops and herds of llamas – stop and practice your Spanish! If you're a keen cyclist, you can cover miles of beautiful backcountry trails out into the Andean wilderness today, or less if you'd prefer a more relaxed ride then we'll simply pick you up along the way. If cycling is not your thing, you can skip it altogether and relax in Cuzco or hike up to the many Inca fortresses overlooking the ancient city.
ACCOMMODATION:Cuzco Accommodations (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Soaking in Hot Springs & Cycling La Raya Pass
Today we'll cycle across the spectacular La Raya Pass (14,400ft) to Puno, the capital of the Altiplano area and gateway to Lake Titicaca - One of the most amazing rides you're ever likely to do! This is one of Peru 's great highland areas where herds of alpaca and llama graze and snow-capped mountains rise steeply from the valley. If you'd prefer not to cycle you can sit back and enjoy the ride on this incredible scenic journey. On the way, we'll stop at some hot springs for a soothing soak in the thermal pools and lunch. If there's time, we'll visit Sillustani, which was a sacred burial site of the pre-Inca Colla civilization. The Chullpas, or funeral towers, on the peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo create an otherworldly setting, and we'll hike around this area before continuing on to Puno for the night.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Italia, Puno (B,L,D)

Thursday - Sea kayaking across Lake Titicaca to Amantani Island, hike the Island summit and home stay with local Quechua people.
Lake Titicaca , at 12,500 feet is the world's highest navigable body of water. The Incas believed it was the cradle of civilization, the place where all life began. It's a very special place and this morning we'll paddle across it in sea kayaks. The kayaking is spectacular whether you're a beginner or a seasoned paddler, but if you prefer, you can take a boat across instead.

Our hosts, members of the indigenous Quechua community, will meet us at the lake's edge and take us home for lunch. Afterwards they're always up for a game of high-altitude soccer. Aside from being a great workout (we are at over 12,000 feet now), it's good fun and a unique way to get to know our hosts. When the game is over, we'll hike to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) temple at the summit of Amantani Island for views of the breathtaking sunset as it sinks below the horizon of Lake Titicaca . Later we'll split up and return to the individual homes of our hosts where you'll have a home-cooked meal with a local family. These hard working folk have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries, weaving wool, keeping cuy (guinea pigs), and farming their smallholdings. After dinner, we head down to the community hall to learn a few traditional dances with the local kids. It's very quiet here - no streetlights, no cars - and you'll enjoy the tranquility.
ACCOMMODATION: Local Family home, Amantani Island (B,L,D)

Friday - Hiking to the Summit of Taquile Island
After breakfast we'll take a short boat ride across to Taquile Island. It's a steep hike up to the isolated village on this beautiful island. The customs of this tiny community are totally unique to the rest of lake Titicaca's people. We'll have the chance to meet the local people before we hike to the summit of the island for outstanding 360 degree views of Amantani Island and the Bolivian Andes. After lunch we'll return to Puno by boat. Puno is the folklore music capital of the Altiplano so this is the place to hear genuine Andean music after dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Italia, Puno (B,L,D)

Saturday - Return to Lima & Depart
This the last day of your 2 week trip in Peru. We have a short drive to the nearby town of Juliaca before jumping on a plane back to Lima. If you have time to spare after the trip, we're happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. But if you're on your way home today, we'll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and good times you'll have had with us in Peru! (B)

ACCOMMODATIONS: The Jaguar is an active adventure-orientated trip around Peru. We've chosen interesting, clean and comfortable accommodation throughout. Most of the places we stay are off the beaten track and truly spectacular. For our 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek, we're under canvas, but it's pretty fancy camping all the way. Our porters carry tents and supplies, cook meals, boil drinking water for us and take care of everything around camp.

FITNESS: You must have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself. You don't have to be young nor extremely fit (although if you are, you won't be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some exercise. Age and experience is not important. We would rather have an older person with a good attitude than a 22-year-old couch potato!

EXPERIENCE: You don't have to have any outdoor experience to do one of our trips. We offer trips that enable you to make the most of South America's awesome outdoor environment, culture and history. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we'll look after you! You don't have to carry a pack on the multi-day trek, have ever paddled a kayak before or be used to hiking at altitude. You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy our rides either. We have so many options that you don't have to ride at all, if you'd rather hike, shop or laze around! All you need is to be energetic and in reasonable shape - and we guarantee you'll have a wonderful time. But if you like a challenge we will certainly give you one! For example, at Machu Picchu, if you're keen we'll climb up to Huayna Picchu Mountain. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record.

FLEXIBILITY: Peru is a developing nation and we won't tell you that everything in South America runs like clock work. What we CAN tell you is that we are experienced adventure travel leaders, and we know how to keep things operating as smoothly as possible, even when conditions are challenging. That's why we are here! But you'll find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility and a sense of humour with you.

PRICE: The trip fare is US$2699

INCLUDED: . The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
All guiding services. We always have an experienced trip leader with every trip and will usually have a local guide on most of our excursions for extra local knowledge.
Comfortable accommodation for the entire two weeks. We can also organize pre and post trip accommodation for you if you let us know in advance.
All your meals, except for lunch and dinner on your free day in Cuzco where we've found most people like to check out the local restaurants on their own. Alcohol is not included.
All hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and jungle activities as described in the itinerary, excluding optional activities as noted. No activities are compulsory, and nor will your trip be less awesome if you stick to the free options.
All ground transportation including boat transfers as well as domestic flights as described in the itinerary.
Because so much is included in this trip, you could start the Jaguar with US$150 in your pocket and go home with change.

Trip Dates: Apr 6 08 - Apr 19 08, Apr 13 08 - Apr 26 08, Apr 20 08 - May 3 08, Apr 27 08 - May 10 08, May 4 08 - May 17 08, May 11 08 - May 24 08, May 19 08 - Jun 1 08, May 25 08 - Jun 7 08, Jun 1 08 - Jun 14 08, Jun 8 08 - Jun 21 08, Jun 15 08 - Jun 28 08, Jun 22 08 - Jul 5 08, Jun 29 08 - Jul 12 08, Jul 6-19, Jul 13-26, Jul 20-Aug 2, Jul 27-Aug. 9, Aug 3-16, Aug 10-23, Aug 17-30, Aug 24-Sept 6, Aug 31-Sept 13, Sep 7-20, Sep 14-27, Sep 21-Oct 4, Sep 28-Oct 11, Oct 5-18, Oct 12-25, Oct 19-Nov 1, Oct 26-Nov 8, Nov 2-15, Nov 9-22, Nov 16-29, Nov 23-Dec 6, Nov 30-Dec 13, Dec 7-20, Dec 14-27, Dec 21-Jan 3