 Route:
Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado,
including Ocongate, Huallahualla, Marcapata, Quincemil, Mazuco,
Tambopata Reserve Zone, Bahuaja Sonene National Park, Macaw clay
lick and Lake Sandoval. From 4,950 metres above sea level to 300
metres.
Approximate
Distance:
165km (down hill) by mountain bike, 35km rafting, 90km by boat and 200km by private
vehicle.
Level:
3, altitude 4950 to 300 masl. 7 Days 6 Nights
Includes:
Bilingual guides, bikes, food, lodging and private transportation available
April to Octuber
Minimun
size 6 pax.
Day
1: Cuzco-Ocongate-Huallahualla-Marcapata. You will
leave Cuzco early in the morning by private support vehicle and
travel for approx. 5 hours through remote Andean scenery and
picturesque villages, such as Ocongate and Tinqui. You will stop
amongst the snow capped peaks at Huallahualla, 4,950 metres above
sea level to begin the amazing descent through the clouds by bike.
Surrounded by mountains in this remote and beautiful place you can
see glaciers, the snowy peak of Mt Ausongate (the highest in
southern Peru), lakes and streams and unique Andean wildlife.
As
you descend along the track you will pass herds of llama and
alpacas. The lifestyle of the Andean people here has hardly changed
for centuries. The days spectacular and steep descent takes about 3
hours. Waiting for you is the welcoming village of Marcapata, at
3,400 metres above sea level. This mountain village has fantastic
views, an important ancient church and fabulous hot springs. You
will stay the night in Marcapata and can take a well earned bath in
the rejuvenating hot water.
Day
2: Marcapata-Quincemil. From Marcapata you will
continue the descent on mountain bike into the Andean
cloud forest. A mysterious
prehistoric landscape of moss covered trees shrouded in mist. There
are many beautiful flowers and birds here and the vegetation and
climate becomes more tropical as the day progresses. The route
passes crashing mountain streams and spectacular waterfalls hundreds
of metres high, some of which you will cycle through. There are no
villages on the way, only isolated dwellings. At sunset you will
travel the remaining distance to the small settlement of Quincemil
(650 metres above sea level), where you will stay the night in the
municipal building.
The
duration of this section is approx. 8 hours (5 hours by bike, 2 by
bus).
 Day
3: Quincemil-Mazuco.The descent continues at a
more gentle rate from the gold mining settlement of Quincemil. The
landscape and climate here are most definitely tropical. The route
crosses fast flowing rivers and crystal clear pools of exceptional
beauty, such as Huajiumbre and the Nusiniscato and Inambari rivers,
where you can take a refreshing swim, enjoy the sun and snorkel.
This section of the journey can also be completed by rafting down
the river (class 2 plus rapids).
This
is a remote and wild landscape with some wonderful views of rivers,
forests and mountains. You can also see some of the abundant
wildlife, particularly the beautiful butterflies and birds. The
final part of the days journey to Mazuco is completed by bus. You
will stay the night at a hotel in this small gold mining settlement
in the rainforest.
Day
4: Mazuco-Sta Rosa-Wasai Tambopata Jungle Lodge. You
will be transported by bus through the
remaining foothills before the final descent into the ocean of
tropical lowland rainforest. You will travel approximately 100 km
before walking/mountain biking into the rainforest on a path used by
the local community. This path will take you 15km through the
amazing tropical forest of the Tambopata-Candamo Reserve Zone to the
Wasai Tambopata Lodge. You will cycle past huge trees covered in
vines and experience the unique sights, sounds and smells of the
jungle. You will also see the typical rainforest community of
Baltimore. You will be welcomed with a refreshing drink.
 Day
5: Wasai Tambopata Jungle Lodge. Wasai
Tambopata Lodge is a beautiful and tranquil place in the rainforest
on the banks of the Tambopata river. You can relax,
swimming in a waterfall or go in search of the flora and fauna that
Tambopata is famous for, such as monkeys, jaguars, tapir, parrots
and crocodiles. Wasai lodge has over 20km of trails.
Day
6: Wasai Lodge-Bahuaja Sonene National Park-Lake
Sandoval-Pto Maldonado.
At sunrise you will travel by boat into the Bahuaja Sonene
National Park to see the macaw clay lick, one of the highlights of a
trip to Tambopata. You will return for breakfast and then leave the
Lodge and travel down the Tambopata river by boat to the Madre de
Dios river. From here you will walk 5km through the forest looking
for wildlife before reaching the exceptionally beautiful Sandoval
Lake. Here your guide will paddle you around the lake in a wooden
canoe to see the abundant wildlife, such as Giant River Otters, as the sun sets. You will complete the days
tour with a night walk back through the jungle before arriving at
Wasai Maldonado Lodge in Puerto Maldonado, where you will stay the
night. You will celebrate your journeys end with a special dinner.
Day
7: Puerto Maldonado-Airport
Breakfast and transfer to Puerto Maldonado
airport.
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