Peru: Hike, Bike, Raft & SUP

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. If you arrive early, there is lots to see and do in this beautiful country. You could even drop into Casa Intrepid – within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, this sanctuary for travellers is housed in a building dating back to the 1500s, featuring Inca interiors. Here, you can recharge with a coca tea, coffee or refill your water bottle. You can also use this space to plan your next move or take a breather from the hustle and bustle outside. Your adventure officially begins in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites

Today, you’ll discover the Andes from a unique perspective – 3720 m above sea level on a stand-up paddle board (or a kayak). You’ll first head out on a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, arriving in Piuray for a morning adventure. Watch a safety briefing, then hit the lake for a relaxing paddle surrounded by the Andes. Return to land, enjoy some snacks and hot drinks, then continue your journey to an authentic local Andean community where the women of the community will show you their ancient techniques of weaving, dyeing and the management and production of South American camelid fibres. With this activity, the local women can support their families and provide food, shelter, healthcare and education to their children. Sit down for a homemade lunch cooked by the community with your group, then return to your hotel in Cusco. (B/L)

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day mountain biking journey from Cusco to Pisac, beginning with a ride through the stunning landscapes of the Urubamba River Valley. After breakfast, you’ll drive to Laguna de Huacarpay (3000 m above sea level) where your bikes will be waiting for you. After a safety briefing, start the adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring the Valle del Rio WillkaMayu – a major tributary of the Amazon River. Soak in the natural beauty and historic significance of this region as you ride through the landscape. End the day with an exhilarating descent from the Inca site of Pisac (entrance ticket included), arriving at your hotel in Pisac town this afternoon. If there’s time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town and the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods and Indigenous clothing. (B/L)

After breakfast today, take your private transfer to Tambomachay – an archaeological site dedicated to the God of Water. When you arrive, you’ll start a downhill hike back to Cusco. This is an easy acclimatisation walk to get used to the altitude and to prepare for the Inca Trail trek that you’ll complete in two days' time. On the way back to Cusco, you’ll see Sacsayhuaman – an Inca Ceremonial Center that overlooks the city. It’s said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it and the origin of the temple is still unknown. After exploring, continue the hike, stopping at the Cristo Blanco statue along the way, considered the most famous monument in Cusco. Soak up the views from this viewpoint, then pass by the traditional neighbourhood of San Blas. Here, you can find art studios, artisan workshops, bars and restaurants. You might want to stop for lunch here before ending the hike in Cusco. If you like, you can head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get acquainted with the city and check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights like the Qoricancha Temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone and Regocijo Square. In the evening visit Casa Intrepid for your trek briefing, then you are free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites. (B)

Wake up early this morning and hop in your private vehicle for a drive to Pachar. On the way, the gorgeous landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas will pass you by. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, this fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes and maize crops can be seen surrounding the river, covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Then arrive at the starting point of today’s activity – a white-water rafting experience along a section of the Urubamba River. You’ll have a safety briefing and some time to practice paddling techniques, then you’ll hit the water! As you navigate downstream through Grade 2 and 3 rapids, paddle through the heart of the Andes, passing ancient Inca ruins and views of the surrounding mountains. Your exhilarating adventure ends in Ollantaytambo with a riverside feast for lunch. After, head to Ollantaytambo town where you’ll spend the night. (B/L)

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.

While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Route 1 Inca Trail:

Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:

Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.

Route 3 Cusco:

After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, take a short drive to the town of Pisac. Pisac is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local empanadas. Arrive back at Cusco in the afternoon, where your leader can take you to San Pedro Market, where you have the option to buy some local favourites for a picnic tomorrow or enjoy having some free time. Perhaps head out for dinner– your leader will have plenty of local recommendations. (B/L/D)

Route 1 Inca Trail:

This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.

Route 3 Cusco:

Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cusco. From here you’ll take a 3 to 4 hours walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites, including Puka Pukara, Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cusco in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops before finding a great spot to sit down and enjoy some dinner. (B/L/D)

Route 1 Inca Trail:

Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:

Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes:

After a 1. 5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1. 5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. (B/L/D)

Route 1 Inca Trail:

This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5 hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco:

Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6. 00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!

For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening. (B)

Your trip comes to an end today, and there are no activities planned. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details. (B)