This is the only trek in which you can hike into Machu Picchu. However, it can often feel crowded with 500+ people per day hiking and camping. Bookings are required and should be made by January of the year you want to trek, or call us for available permits and choose dates according to availability. The Inca Trail is the trail the Incas used to connect the four corners of the Tawantinsuyo or Inca Empire. They had a sophisticated system of communication with messengers or ‘Chasquis’, with relays every 10 miles, which worked efficiently for the transportation of messages or goods for the rulers. Yampu Tours offers two versions of the Inca Trail: 4 days and 2 days.
Discover wonderful inaccessible villages! Choose from camping or hiking Lodge to Lodge. Again, you will need to book early for Lodge to Lodge reservations. These warm, comfy lodges fill up so book early, at least 6-9 months prior to travel.
Trek through 15 different eco systems in 6 days. Trek by exquisite snowcapped mountains, glacial lakes, then down to the rainforest. This trip can also be done by either camping or trekking lodge to lodge for a more comfy option. Mt. Salkantay is the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 6,270 m (20,600 ft), the highest in the region.
The standard route on the mountain is the Northeast ridge. Accessing the route typically involves three days of travel from Cusco. The climb involves about 1,800 m (5,900 ft) of vertical gain, on glacier, snow, ice, and some rock. The name Salkantay is from sallqa, a Quechua word meaning wild, uncivilized, savage, or invincible, and was recorded as early as 1583. The name is thus often translated as “Savage Mountain”.
High altitude mountaineers can trek the road less traveled to this sacred snowcapped mountain and turn your experience in the Andes into an unforgettabletrip. Experience local traditions and customs including llama and alpaca shepherding of your luggage and equipment on your Andean Lodges trek.
Visit the villages of Chillca and Osefina to view the ancient and fine textile tradition of working with alpaca wool with singular techniques, designs and colors proceeding from natural dyes. Learn a bit about the processes used to make these beautiful textiles, and the possibility to acquire them, directly from their producers’ hands. Video
Another of the most challenging hikes in a sister city of similar significance to Machu Picchu, built along similar lines, but harder to reach and, for the time being, still sufficiently free of tourists. From Cachora, the trek to Choquequirao is 20 difficult miles in the mountains. Most visitors rent horses, but if you’re fit and up to the hike, you can get mules to carry your packs. The archaeological complex of Choquequirao is divided into 12 sectors. While the contents of each sector are different, terraces used for various purposes are common throughout. It seems that most of the buildings here were either for ceremonial purposes, residences of the priests, or used to store food. Choquequirao was also elected by National Geographic Travel magazine as one of the best travel destinations in the world for 2015.
Follow the course of the Colca river, through several little Andean villages, pre-Inca ruins and beautiful landscape to the bottom of the Arequipa Canyon, 3,600 feet deep and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Unlike most of the Grand Canyon, portions of the Colca canyon are habitable, with pre-Colombian terraced fields still supporting agriculture and human life.
The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling, but in Colca Canyon, visitors can see them at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals and scan for carrion far below them. Cruz del Condor is the premier viewpoint to admire the majestic flight of the Andean condor.
Colca Valley has been known by different names: The Lost Valley of the Incas, The Valley of Wonders, The Valley of Fire and The Territory of the Condor. It has even been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
ADVENTURE TRIPS
are a popular way to explore Colca Canyon.Rafting on Rio Colca appeals to many travelers, who appreciate the thrills and the super view from the river up the canyon walls. Others like to bike along the canyon roads.
The simple mention of Lake Titicaca transports one to a spectacular and mystical world. At more than 12,000 feet above sea level and set between the Peruvian and Bolivian border, Lake Titicaca, birthplace of the Incan civilization, does just so. According to legend the first Inca, known as Manco Capac, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca under the orders of the Sun God, to start the Inca Empire in and around Cuzco. At this mysterious lake, you can visit the floating islands of the Uros Indian tribes who remain today living in much the same way their ancestors lived in Inca times, the Island of Taquile, and the amazing ruins of Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground.
In this unique landscape, and amidst sinuating roads, Titilaka lodge has found refuge on a private peninsula. Set at the shores of Lake Titicaca, Titilaka offers splendid views of the lake while integrating the area’s historic legacy and unbounded nature into its guest experience.
THE UROS ISLANDS
The Uros islands are composed entirely of reed, including the houses and boats. Explore these fascinating islands and interact with the friendly locals, enjoy an opportunity to purchase their handicrafts, ride in their boats (for which Yampu is named), and see into their daily lives.
THE ISLAND OF TAQUILE
The island of Taquile is known for its pre-Inca and Inca ruins, as well as its Inca terraces. The people of Taquile are popular for their high quality textiles, arguably the best in Peru. The knitting on the island of Taquile is reserved exclusively for the males, while the women make the yarn and weave.
Peru has more than 1,800 species of birds, which means Peru is home to the third largest number of birds in the world.
Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon is recognized as one of the “Best Places for Wildlife”, as recently nominated by Reader’s Choice and USA Today. Pacaya Samiria National Reserve was established 43 years ago in the region of Loreto of the Peruvian Amazon. The region holds over 1,000 species of animals and 965 species of wild plants. Not only that, but some of the largest wildlife can be found there as well, including the pink and gray river dolphins, howler monkeys, sloths, macaws, and butterflies. Covered in beautiful swamp land and lush forests, it’s one of Peru’s most diverse regions in the Amazonas.
Has become a recognized leader in luxury, small ship cruising on the Amazon River. In 2007, founder Francesco Galli Zugaro realized his dream of launching the first luxury cruise line on the Amazon River in Peru with the 12-suite Aqua Amazon in 2008. The architecturally designed, custom-built vessel offers travelers the comfort and sophistication of 5-star, boutique hotel accommodations, gourmet cuisine and privately guided shore excursions. Building on the success of the Aqua Amazon, Aqua Expeditions launched the 16-suite Aria Amazon in 2011. Departing from Iquitos, Peru, Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon bring guests into the Amazon rainforest and among the fascinating wildlife of Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, home to exotic birds species and enchanting pink dolphins.
contains the world’s largest rainforest reserve. Stay on the shores of the Amazon River in Yanamono Reserve. Visit the Tambopata or Manu reserve with their amazing and beautiful macaw clay licks.
Ride a boat down the Madre de Dios River to the only large parrot and macaw clay lick in the Manu area. From a floating catamaran blind you have an excellent view and photo opportunity of hundreds of medium-sized and large parrots arriving first at the lick, followed by the large red-and-green macaws arriving to eat the clay. Please note that the clay lick activity peaks from August to October and decreases during the months of May and June. During the dry season (June-September), the water level on the river does not always allow for a floating blind and it will then be sitting on the ground.
Birdwatchers will love Titilaka lodge located on a remote shore of Lake Titicaca, with access right there to amazing birdwatching. Go with a guide who will assist in detecting, identifying, and even mimicking bird songs as you attempt to establish an exchange with native species. As part of the experience, visit different ecosystems where you’ll be able to find a wide range of local birds.
Explore the excellent birdwatching in the conserved protected wetland near the lodge. A member of the RAMSAR Convention on wildlife, this neighboring protection site is home to some 103 species of migratory and residential birds, several of which are only native to this area.
Departing early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll find birds leaving for breakfast or returning home for a night’s rest. Some species are highly recognizable on account of their colorful feathers while others are harder to spot in the opaque and subdued tones of their plumages, a protective measure ensuring camouflage from prey. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to see flamingos and Great crested grebes, among other species.
´BIG DAY’
An internationally recognized birdwatching competition, will be hosted in Peru later this year. Scheduled for September 17th, this year marks the fourth edition of the championship in which teams of participants try to identify as many birds as possible within a 24 hour time limit. The event will take place at two separate parks in northwestern Peru, the National Mangrove Sanctuary and the Amotape National Park. Both parks, located in Tumbes, are protected areas administered by the National Natural Areas (SERNAP).
RECENT ACCOLADES
Sitting just below the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there is a restaurant which was featured in Food Planet’s “25 Most Amazing Restaurants in the World.” The hotel, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, is the only hotel with that prime real estate and its restaurant has been formally recognized for its breathtaking landscape.
