Day 5

Morning transfer to the train station for the trip through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, board a bus to the mountain-top citadel of Machu Picchu and a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. Enjoy a light lunch or snack and return to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the village of Aguas Calientes.

Day 6

A resident guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a second visit to the Machu Picchu ruins and an early morning hike through the ruins up to the Inti Punku or Sungate to see a magnificent view of the citadel and watch the wonderful sunrise. Those who are most adventurous may want to do a hike to Wayna Picchu (which means Young Mountain). This hike is quite steep and sometimes exposed. The Incas trail, up the side of the Wuayna Picchu, is built of temples and terraces on its top. It is said that the top of the mountain was the residence for the high priest and the local virgins. The trail itself forks to several points of interest. In the afternoon catch the train to Cusco.

Day 7

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Iquitos via Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier. Depart Iquitos aboard a speed boat traveling up-river to the Tahuayo River, a small, winding tributary of the Amazon, arriving at the rustic, yet comfortable, Tahuayo Rain Forest Jungle Lodge for afternoon and evening excursions.

Day 8

After breakfast, start the morning with a long hike on a trail grid. In the afternoon, swim in a high-tannic acid lake (safe to swim in) with pink dolphins. After dinner, the camp’s best guide will introduce you to the camping/survival plan.

Day 9

Head out for camping/jungle survival either at the far reaches of a trail grid, or into the terra firme forest of the Rio Blanco. Start with site selection, taking into consideration soil and drainage aspects. Learn how to look for sources of food and water; how to construct a fire and weapons; about medicinal plants; constructing a raft; and fishing with your own weapons using ancient techniques.

Day 10

Day in the Rain forest learning survival skills. Your survival training may be customized to your interests but usually can include construction of lean-to, making a fire, finding pure water and food, raft construction, making mosquito repellent, fashioning weapons, and finding survival medicines.

Day 11

Day in the Rain forest learning survival skills. In the late afternoon return back to the main lodge for an evening fiesta.

Day 12

There will be a morning excursion before taking the motorboat back to Iquitos. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel.

Day 13

Enjoy para-gliding with an experienced instructor. Don’t miss this opportunity to fly like a bird in between buildings and shoot the best pictures of Lima possible. In the evening, transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or overlap with the add-on of your choice.