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 With our unique approach to Machu Picchu touring, we are able to accomodate both the leisure-loving tourist and the most adventurous thrill-seeker. Here's how we do it:
Strategic locations in Cusco, Santa Teresa and along the Salkantay River allow us to offer some of the best adventure touring in the Machu Picchu vicinity. We have carefully designed our basic "Best of the Best" (B-o-B) tours to include visits to the must-see sites in the area, including a complete tour of the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins. In addition, we offer a wide variety of adventure sports and cultural activities that our guests can add on to the B-o-B tours, ensuring that you get exactly what you want out of your Macchu Picchu experience. Please click on the links below for details and pictures of our tours.
B-o-B 1: TOUR AROUND CUSCO - 3 days / 3 nights - The must-see and can't-miss sites of Cusco.
B-o-B 2: INKA TRAIL: NEW ALTERNATIVE ROUTE - 4 days / 3 nights - Camping and trekking in the Andes, hot springs, horse back riding, Falcon Inka Eco-Lodge, Sun Gate and Machu Picchu.
B-o-B 3: SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU - 5 days / 4 nights - Flora, fauna and spectacular mountain views.
B-o-B 4: VILCABAMBA TO MACHU PICCHU - 10 days / 9 nights - A stunning journey through the Land of the Incas.
B-o-B 5: QUILLABAMBA RAINFOREST - 5 days / 5 nights - River rafting, hotsprings, horse riding in the Andes, Falcon Inka Eco-Lodge and Machu Picchu.
Additional Resources
What you need to bring on your Falcon Inka adventure
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B-o-B 1. TOUR AROUND CUSCO
DAY 1: LIMA-CUSCO (Free Day)
Flight Lima-Cusco, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Free day for acclimatizing (3300m) and optional visits. Afternoon briefing regarding the tour and for those interested a demonstration of how to prepare the typical Peruvian cocktail: Pisco Sour. Overnight in Cusco.   
DAY 2: CUSCO CITY TOUR (Sacsayhuaman, Qènqo, Tambomachay, Pucapucara, Catedral, Qorikancha) Today we visit the impressive Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, once the Inca “House of Sun”, with temples, palaces and important astronomical observatories. Many of the stones which form the walls weigh up to 200 tons and were placed with incredible precision. In the late afternoon we visit the Centre of Native Art to enjoy typical music and dances of the region. Overnight in Cusco. (B)   
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Early morning bus to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way we visit a weaving centre/museum, where the local weavers explain the textile making process from shearing, spinning and dying with plan extracts to the actual weaving. We continue our tour with a visit to the archaeological site of Pisaq, fascinating for its location and architecture. We will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful place. After a picnic with fantastic views of the valley below, we visit the colourful handicraft market in the village of Pisaq. In the afternoon we drive to the typical village of Ollantaytambo, often described as a living museum, for the descendants of the Incas Continue to live in the houses built by their ancestors. Overnight the hotel where we go for the next trekking. (B)   
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B-o-B 2: INKA TRAIL: NEW ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
Day 1: Cusco/ Ollantaytambo- Cocalmayo hot springs
We begin our journey from Cusco (or from a previously decided meeting point in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas) around 6 a.m and continue to our highest point in the Andes, Abra Malaga (4 200m). During our journey towards the jungle, we pass through valleys; visit different cultures and agricultural systems, ancient fortresses, astronomical sites and other Inka sectors. In the afternoon we ride to then camping for enjoy the thermal, volcanic springs of Cocalmayo. These thermal waters are a tonic for aching muscles and an aid to the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, cellulites and ulcers. (B/L/D)
Day 2: Cocalmayo/ santa teresa - Falcon Inka Eco-Lodge
After breakfast our adventure really beginswhere we meet our wranglers with their mules and saddle horses awaiting, we will ride alltogether of 6 hours with our arrieros, who took care of to us. After lunch you can enjoy a siesta and a lazy time, We continue the , situated outside the Machupicchu area. We through lush, cool cloud forests, from which we can enjoy amazing panoramas of the surrounding snow capped mountains and fertile valleys below. to the Falcon Inka Eco-Lodge, tucked away in a valley leading from Santa Teresa. The lodge is run by a local family and is constructed on terraces in the Inka style, using local labour, rock, mud, adobe, beams, rope and straw. A relaxing evening can be spent, taking advantage of the comforts and good food that the lodge has to offer. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Falcon Inka Eco-Lodge- Pata llacta / Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast we cross the River Salkantay and start climbing, passing through some coffee plantations on our way up to El Mirador (2 960m) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost city of the Inkas; the legendary Machupicchu. The angle of view is different to most that one sees published in books and magazines etc. We enjoy our last lunch in the nature at the look out point of Patallacta (2 750m). From here we can take a good rest and view both Machupicchu and the snow capped mountain of Salkantay. A two hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric plant of Machupicchu from where we go to the village of Aguas Calientes, arriving in the late afternoon. After dinner, you can take a deserved rest in the hotel or visit the village. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Machupicchu- Cusco
After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machupicchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before other tourists arrive from Cusco and the well-trodden “classical” Inka trail. The morning tour with our guide lasts 3 to 4 hours. After the tour, you have free time to explore the main citadel, climb the adjoining Huaynapichu Mountain for unforgettable views, return to your favourite places or find new ones. We then descend to Agua Calientes in the afternoon, take the train to Cusco and transfer to the hotel for the night.
(B)
BackB-o-B 3: SALKANTAY ADVENTURE TO MACHUPICCHU
Day 1: CUSCO – SALKANTAYPAMPA
5.30a.m. We leave Cusco for Mollepata. We join up with our muleteers in Challancancha. This 5 hour journey takes us to where our adventure truly begins, at 3 600m. A 2 hour walk takes us to Soraypampa where we have lunch. From here we can enjoy spectacular views of the glaciers on Cusco’s two highest mountains, Salkantay (6 264m) and Umantay (5 700m). Two hours later we arrive at our camp at 4 000m. Salkantaypampa Camp lies between two valleys, rewarding us with a unique panoramic view camp. (B/L/D)
Day 2: SALKANTAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY
6.00a.m. Wake up call!…with coca, chamomile and anisette tea as well as hot water to wash yourself. After a good breakfast in the meal tent, we have a group meeting (we prefer to term this ‘our family meeting’) before our departure. We then begin our 3 hour ascent towards Salkantaycasa Pass at 4 600m, partly accompanied by surviving parts of the ancient Incan ( trail). From here we can see the Vilcabamba mountain range in all its splendour; the snowy peaks of Pumasillo, Salkantay, rugged slopes and wild valleys crossed by gushing streams. The trek is especially remarkable for its fauna; condors and other birds of prey, ‘viscachas’ (or chinchillas), huallatas (Andean ducks), ‘cara caras’, fly catchers and hummingbirds amongst others can be spotted. The 2 hour descent takes us to Huayrac Machay, where we have lunch. After a well-deserved siesta, we walk another 4 hours before we descend into the rainforest that begins at 3 700m. At Chaullay (2 900m) we camp for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 3: CHAULLAY - INKA LODGE
6.00a.m. Wake up call, and breakfast as Day 2. After breakfast we continue our trek through the lush rainforest where we can observe orchids, ferns, bromides and bamboos amongst the incredible variety of fauna. Five hours later we have lunch at Loreto. After lunch, we pass through areas of more intense agriculture where food crops and medicinal plants are grown, including coffee and legal coca plantations, giant avocados oranges, papayas, mandarins, yuccas, potatoes and mint. Later, we take an awaiting bus that transports us ‘back in time’, to the time of the ‘Inkanato”, to a place that maintains some Incan ways of life and customs. The Falcon InkaLodge, run by a local family, is an eco-lodge constructed on terraces in the Inca style, using local labour, rock, mud, adobe, beams, rope and straw. We arrive around 4p.m. with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sunset from a hammock, perhaps with a cocktail at hand! (B/L/D)
Day 4: INKA LODGE – AGUAS CALIENTES
No wake up call today and breakfast on the terrace! You have most of the morning free. You can wonder the paths around the lodge and marvel the surroundings. After 10.00a.m, we make a ‘leaving wish’ at the lodge and continue to the village of Santa Teresa where we spend a couple of hours at the hot, volcanic springs of Cocalmayo. These thermal waters are a tonic for aching muscles, arthritis and rheumatism. In the afternoon we take the local train to Aguas Calientes (2 000m) and rest the night in a hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5: MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO
After breakfast in the hotel, we take the first bus up to Machupicchu in order to arrive before the majority of tourists come on the Cusco train and other trekking routes. Our morning tour with our guide lasts 3 to 4 hours. After the tour, you have free time to explore the main citadel, climb the adjoining Huaynapichu mountain for unforgettable views, return to your favourite places or find new ones. In the afternoon we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then the train to Cusco (3 300m). In the evening, at the hotel, you have the opportunity to say goodbye to your group. (B)
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B-O-B 4. VILCABAMBA TO MACHU PICCHU
A complete trip to the Cusco region, combining ancient history and living culture. An exploration of the political and religious capital of the Incas: Qosqo (the “Navel of the Earth”), whose temples and palaces became the foundations of magnificent Spanish neo-Baroque churches. High above the city´s main square, we explore the magnificent Sacsayhuaman archaeological park and then visit the monumental sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq in the Sacred Valley. Continuing our pilgrimage in the land of the Incas, we follow a beautiful trekking route through the Vilcabamba range-the last refuge of the Incas. We start our adventure with the visit of the ruins of Vitcos and Ñusta Hispanan before we hike through spectacular snow covered mountain scenery, passing by turquoise glacier lagoons-home of the cute Andean chinchillas and condors. From here we descend into the high cloud forest with its rich flora and fauna, passing by the coffee and cacao plantations of the locals. At the end of our adventure, we explore the legendary lost city of the Incas: Mystical Machu Picchu with all its splendour. A unique adventure!
Day 1: Cusco – Huancacalle - Pillaupata
An early morning bus ride of approximately 8 hours takes us through the Andes to the village Huancacalle where we meet up with our muleteers, their mules and saddled horses. We start our adventure with the visit to the ruins of Vitcos and Nusta Hispanan from where we trek towards the community of Facchapata. Here we make our first camp in the Andes at 3 600m. (B/L/D)
Day 2: Pillaupata – Racca Chaca
After breakfast we make an early start with the ascent to Aputinya Pass (3 900m). From here, a long and easy descent takes us past Inkawassi and towards the Racca Chaca Pass. We camp here for the night and are rewarded with fantastic views of the nearby glaciers situated at 4 400m. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Racca Chaca – Mojon
We start our ascent to the Racca Chaca Pass early. From here we can enjoy wonderful panoramas of the surrounding snow capped mountains and the fertile valleys below. In the afternoon we descend towards the lagoon area where we camp for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Mojon – Sacsara
As always, we make an early morning start to take advantage of the cool mornings. After 2 hours we will have great views towards the Inca Trail and Machupicchu mountains. From here we start our long but easy descent towards the cloud forests, rich in flora y fauna. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Sacsara – Tambo Huayco
Our morning trek of 5 hours takes us up to the Pisacocha Pass. We can see the five lagoons, surrounded by mountains that are (pastisales) on the high mountain plateau (‘puna’). We then walk down the beautiful valley in time to enjoy the golden light of dusk. We have time to fish for river trout before making camp for the night. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Tambo Huayco – Grimaldo
Our journey continues in the footsteps of our ancestors, following a 500-year-old Inca trail through the rainforest, rich in flora and fauna, towards Falcon Inka Lodge. In the afternoon we cross our last pass, Ismaelniyoc, to arrive at our highest summit (height) to watch the sunset with the Santa Teresa Valley below. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Grimaldo – Falcon Inka Lodge
We wake to a beautiful Andean dawn that greets us before we set off for a mountain refuge that invokes the spirit of the Andes. You will have by now appreciated the Inca trails that we have traveled from the north and that now lead south to what was, 500 years ago, a city of sacred places and the ‘navel of the world’; Cusco. The ‘lost’ trail that we take passes by areas of more intense agriculture where food crops and medicinal plants are grown in a semi-tropical climate; including coffee and coca plantations, giant avocados (‘paltas’), oranges, papayas, mandarins, yuccas, potatoes and mint. In the afternoon we arrive at the Falcon Inka Lodge. We arrive with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sunset from a hammock, perhaps with a cocktail at hand! (B/L/D)
Day 8: Rest day; Falcon Inka Lodge
Run by a local family, this eco-lodge and family farmstead is constructed on terraces in the Inca style, using local labour, rock, mud, adobe, beams, rope and straw. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating, traditional cooking method called ‘Pachamanca’. Using rock, earth and leaves, it can be described as an earth oven. In the afternoon, we visit the village of Santa Teresa where we spend a couple of hours at the hot, volcanic springs of Cocalmayo. These thermal waters are a tonic for aching muscles, arthritis and rheumatism. We return to spend another relaxing evening at the lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 9: Falcon Inka Lodge Patallacta – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast we cross the river and start climbing - passing through some coffee plantations- up to El Mirador (2860 m) from where we have an exceptional view of the Lost City of the Inkas: legendary Machu Picchu, from a different angle. We enjoy a last lunch in nature at the look out point of Llaqtapata (2650 m) from where we can view both Machupicchu and Salkantay and take a good rest. A 2 hour descent brings us to the hydro-electric plant of Machupicchu from where we get to the village of Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon. Here we can choose to relax in the natural hot springs before dinner and a deserved rest in our hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast we take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy sunrise in this magical place before tourists arrive from Cusco. We enjoy this enigma in a guided tour and have enough free time available to explore the site by ourselves or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B)
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B-o-B 5: Quillabamba Rainforest
We offer you an adventure that consists of three forms of travel from which you can choose; motor cross, mountain biking or bus. You make an itinerary to suite your needs or that of your group. We recommend a different form each day, for variety is the spice of life.
Day 1: SACRED VALLEY- SANTA MARIA
We leave our hotel early morning and travel towards the Vilcabamba mountain range. From Abra Malaga (3 900m) our adventure really begins! We descend for five hours on mountain bikes until lunch, which we have within the cloud forest. You will have the chance to learn about the interesting flora and fauna that is found is such habitats. There are also ancient astronomical sites to see. After lunch we cycle two more hours until we reach our hotel, for a well deserved rest! (B/L/D)
Day 2: SANTA MARIA- QUILLABAMBA
After breakfast we begin our river rafting class (3.5) and spend a maximum of four hours rafting the Vilcanota River. Once we arrive at Quillabamba, (known as the place of eternal summer) we have lunch in the local park of Sanvaray. In the afternoon we visit La Seja del Selva to see animals close to extinction. We then travel to our hotel to rest the night. (B/L/D)
Day 3: QUILLABAMBA- SANTA TERESA (Falcon Inka Eco-lodge)
We continue with our chosen form of transport to the village of Santa Teresa. From here, we visit the volcanic thermal springs of Cocalmayo. These medicinal waters are a tonic for aching muscles and aid the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, cellulites and ulcers. In the afternoon we take our awaiting horses for a four-hour ride back to the Falcon Inka Lodge. Situated within the semi tropical rainforest area, the lodge is run by a local family and is constructed on terraces in the Inca style, using local labour, rock, mud, adobe, beams, rope and straw. Here we will learn how the Quechua culture once lived together with some of their customs, which are still in evidence today. A variety of activities that continue into the evening will include the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating, traditional cooking method called ‘Pachamana’. Using rock, earth and leaves, it can be described as an earth oven. There will be time to relax and enjoy the sunset from a hammock, perhaps with a cocktail at hand! (B/L/D)
Day 4: FALCON INKA ECO-LODGE- AGUAS CALIENTES
You will have the opportunity to see the harvesting of coffee, coconut, yucca and local fruits during a relaxing morning that includes a later breakfast! After lunch we leave our “Inca refuge” for the hydroelectric plant. From here we take the train to Aguas Calientes and stay the night in a hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5: MACHPICCHU- CUSCO
After an early breakfast in the hotel, we take the first bus up to Machupicchu in order to arrive before the majority of tourists come on the Cusco train and other trekking routes. Our morning tour with our guide lasts 3 to 4 hours. After the tour, you have free time to explore the main citadel, climb the adjoining Huaynapichu mountain for unforgettable views, return to your favourite places or find new ones. In the afternoon we go back down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. We take a transfer from the railway station to our hotel, where we spend the night. (B)Back
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:
- Original passport
- Daypack for camera, snacks etc.
- Larger backpack / duffel bag for clothes, personal belongings etc. (will be in the company's care during daytime trekking)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Good sunglasses and sunblock (we are only 13º south of the Equator and the sun is very strong)
- Sunhat that covers face, ears and neck
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Binoculars (optional)
- Waterbottle
- Pocket knife (optional)
- Camera and film, battery charger (220v 60HzHz, American-style flat blade and European-style round pin plugs)
- Toileteries and towel
- Inflatable pillow (not necessary but comfortable)
- Walking sitcks (not necessary but comfortable)
- Insect repellent (30% DEET or more)
- Personal medications
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Warm jacket
- Rain coat or plastic poncho
- T - Shirts
- Trousers and / or shorts
- Sleeping Bags
- Spending money
- Sandals
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