This multisport extravaganza offers the chance to visit the famous sites of Peru while satisfying your craving for adventure. Kayak Lake Titicaca, whitewater raft the Urubamba River, hike out-of-the-way Inca trails near Machu Picchu and mountain bike through the Sacred Valley. This is not your ordinary Peru vacation!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Overnight.
Day 2: Fly Cusco
An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco. After settling into your hotel, the afternoon is free to explore Cusco's busy plazas, ancient ruins, and interesting museums on your own. You can also tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market, where natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions are sold.
Day 3: Rafting (B,L)
Drive past terraced fields as you travel through the Sacred Valley, the garden retreat of the Inca rulers. After your safety briefing, you’ll put in on the Urubamba River, which winds from the snow-capped Andes to the Amazon jungle. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the riverbank. This afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo.
Marvel at the Inca masonry that still paves the streets of this village and provides the foundation for most of its homes. Tonight, relax in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Please note that rafting location differs depending on time of year and weather conditions.
Day 4: Mountain Biking to Santa Maria (B,L,D)
You'll rise early to drive to Malaga Pass. At 13,900 ft, Malaga Pass offers stunning views of Veronica Glacier and snowy Wakaywillca Peak. From here, you'll hop on your mountain bike and descend into the lush temperate rainforest of the east side, a birder’s paradise. Watch for the Inca Wren, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Quetzal, Scarlet-bellied Tanagers, and the impressive Andean Condor. Listen to the ghosts of the Incas whispering in the rainforest canopy as you marvel at abandoned villages and ancient ruins. Tonight you’ll camp near the thundering Urubamba River.
Day 5: Hiking to Santa Teresa (B,L,D)
After breakfast, begin your ascent to the village of Santa Teresa. Enjoy the heady scents of coffee, tea, and cacao growing in the terraced fields along the way. Your path offers stunning views of the sacred mountain of Salcantay. With luck, you’ll also spot some of the tropical bird species indigenous to this lower elevation including toucans, motmots, and parakeets. You’ll have a picnic lunch in the Pacamayo Valley (Quechua for “sunrise”), and then adventurous travelers can take a dip in the cool waters of the Sacsara River.
Day 6: Hiking Patallaqta. Train to Machu Picchu (B,L)
Drive to the Quechua community of Lucmabamba where you’ll hike to the Inca site of Patallacta located at junction of three valleys. From here, you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This afternoon, board the train to Aguas Calientes. Sooth your tired legs in the thermal waters of the hot springs that give this village its name.
Day 7: Machu Picchu. Return Cusco
Wake early to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Though no one knows the full significance of the ruins at Machu Picchu, recent archaeological excavations have uncovered a series of caves that may have been the site for religious ceremonies portraying the Incas’ creation story. These caves suggest that Machu Picchu may have been a “huaca”, or sacred spot, worshiped as a point where man emerged from the ground. This evening, you’ll return to Cusco by train.
Day 8: Transfer to Puno
Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru's altiplano during a bus ride to Puno that crosses the spectacular 14,403 foot La Raya pass. On the way you'll stop to explore the temple of Viracocha and the Chapel of Andahuaylillas, the "Sistine Chapel of South America."
Day 9: Community visit at Llachon (L,D)
Cross the golden plains of Peru’s Altiplano from Puno to the peninsula of Capachica. At the tip of this peninsula is Llachon, a small community of Aymara farmers where visitors are always welcome. Enjoy the tranquil countryside and wander the shores of Lake Titicaca before splitting into small groups to overnight within the community. Tonight, you’ll plan your next day’s kayaking adventure while you enjoy the spectacular starry skies.
Day 10: Kayak Lake Titicaca (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you’ll practice your kayaking skills before launching from the sandy beach into Lake Titicaca. You’ll kayak to Taquile Island where you will arrive in the Huayano Suyo (sector), a seldom-visited area of exceptional weavers whose ancient techniques and intricate designs have recently been recognized by the World Heritage Foundation. There is no better way to appreciate the mysticism of the area than with a silent cruise over the crystal waters of this sacred lake. A visit to Taquile is a fantastic journey back in time to experience the soul of Peru’s ancient people. Tonight, you’ll homestay on Taquile Island.
Day 11: Explore Taquile and Visit the Floating Islands (B,L)
Your island hosts guide you along ancient cobblestone trails, where you can admire the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake and view stone carvings dating back nearly two thousand years. After lunch, you’ll board a motorboat to visit the traditional reed islands of the Uros people before returning to Puno at sunset.
Day 12: Fly Lima and Return Home (B)
Catch your flight to Lima and prepare for your red-eye flight home! International flights should leave no earlier than 5 PM.
Accommodations: 7 nights comfortable hotels, 2 night homestay, 2 nights camping.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, vans, tour bus, train, mountain bikes, kayaks, motorboat, and your own two feet!
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient cities, rural towns and a vibrant colonial city. Experience the lives of the local people of Lake Titicaca. The hiking is moderate difficulty. Kayaking, rafting and mountain biking can be arranged for beginners.
Start Dates 2008: Apr 17, May 3, May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 23, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13
Start Dates 2009: Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, May 30, Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 12
Custom dates available!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$320
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Note: Flights Lima-Cusco and Juliaca-Lima are not included. Please add US$310 (flight cost subject to change). Support vehicles are available during mountain biking and kayaking.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$155 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Multi-activity
Archeology/History
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