Active in the Andes

Flights from the U.S. usually arrive in Lima late in the evening. After clearing customs, just walk across the road to the airport hotel for a transit night before continuing on to Cusco in the morning, where your real adventure begins. If you want time to explore Lima, it is possible to add additional time in Lima before or after the trip.

Early in the morning, return to the airport for the flight to Cusco and your first glimpse of the Andes. Your guide will meet you at the airport and then take you out on a half-day sightseeing tour of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Some of the sights in town you might see are the 16th century Cusco Cathedral and the Iglesia del Triunfo, both located at the lively Plaza de Armas in the town center. Not only is the Cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it also contains many archeological artifacts.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and adjust to the altitude.

In the morning, transfer to the Apurimac Canyon where you will face the mighty rapids of the Apurimac, which means “The Great Speaker” in Quechua. You’ll be briefed on rafting safety and instruction before embarking on a two-day river excursion on the Apurimac River. By descending from Cusco to the canyon, you’ll have a chance to acclimatize and by beginning with this river run, you’ll be sure to start the trip on a metaphorical high note.  The rapids are largely continuous and occasionally you may have to stop for the guide to scout a new route to avoid obstructions.

At night you’ll camp on gorgeous, sandy beaches and explore the surrounding rocky terrain. If you’re lucky, you may spot Andean foxes, otters, and pumas on the banks of the river.

After an exciting two days of rafting, you’ll reach a break in the canyon walls and head back to Cusco. Along the way, keep an eye out for the snow-capped Salcantay Mountain. On arrival in Cusco, you will be dropped off at the hotel for a refreshing shower and relaxing evening.

This is a bike ride you’ll never forget: a one-day, mostly downhill trip across the Chinchero plain and into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You’ll follow dirt trails and ancient mule routes along the breathtaking Lake Huaypo and through the village of Chequereq. A short uphill stretch brings you to the mystical, circular Inca ruins of Moray. Here, enjoy a picnic lunch and meander through the enchanting bowl-shaped terrace ruins.

After lunch, take a smooth mule trail to the town of Maras for a descent into the incredible salt pans, which cover the hillside. The salt pans are a significant part of Inca culture and quite a sight to see. Finally, meet your vehicle beside the Urubamba River for the drive to your charming hotel in Yucay, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Today you’ll begin a four-day hike toward Machu Picchu. Departing Urubamba early, you’ll drive along the Sacred Valley heading high into the Andes. After about two hours you’ll abandon the vehicles and start hiking up an ancient Inca trail and begin acclimating. Within the narrow canyon, you will have the chance to explore Inca burial tombs before reaching a bus at the end of the valley that will take you over a 14,000′ pass to a small community called Quisuarani, where you will camp for the night.

This day will be dedicated to hiking out of the Quisuarani Valley, hopefully meeting some colorfully dressed locals along the way. This whole area is famous for its weavings, and at the campsites you can barter for beautiful hand-made textiles at a fraction of the price they would be at home or even in Cusco. As you continue along the trail, you will pass native tree reforestation projects where many endemic birds make their homes in the restored ecosystem, descend past spectacular waterfalls and crystal clear lakes, and hopefully encounter herds of Llama and Viscachas (long-tailed rabbits). You’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the small village of Cuncani followed by a short walk over the ridge to the village of Huacahuasi where you will camp for the night. The old Inca Trail past camp leads to the “Baños del Inca” – the Inca’s Baths – a group of perfectly heated natural pools where you can enjoy a good soak after a great, but tiring, day.

This morning offers the greatest challenge of the trek, as you climb over a 14,000′ pass and slowly descend down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch, hike past untouched lakes before arriving at the pass – a great vantage point for viewing the snowy Mount Veronica. Continue down an old mule trail through Patacancha to the famous village of Huilloc, hometown to many of the traditional porters for the Inca Trail. Finish your day in Ollantaytambo and enjoy a nice dinner in the market square followed by a refreshing hot shower.

Today you’ll take the train towards Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. It was stumbled upon by accident in 1911 and with no Spanish records, Incan legends, or oral histories, remains a mysterious site. Elegant ornamental stonework hints at the possibility of Machu Picchu’s importance as a ceremonial center.  You’ll disembark at Kilometer 104 and cross the hanging bridge to the Chachabamba site. After a brief visit, begin a three to four-hour ascent to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, an important ritual site. The Inca Trail then cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach the Gate of the Sun (Intipunku) for your first awe-inspiring glimpse of Machu Picchu. Total hiking time is about six hours.

Notes:
Bookings must be made at least 90 days in advance in order to obtain permits for Macchu Picchu.
There is an option of taking the train all the way to Machu Picchu town.

Wake up early to get to Machu Picchu for a fully guided tour. There will be time afterward to climb Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain), though this needs to be planned in advance due to permit restrictions. Otherwise, you can wander through the valley at your own pace and soak in the mountain air.

Have lunch in Aguas Calientes at t el Indio Feliz or similar.

In the afternoon, the train and bus take you back to Cusco for a final night in Peru.

Transfer to the Cusco Airport for your onward flight. Perhaps you’d like to consider an extension to explore Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and Arequipa? Or consider adding a day or two to explore Cusco in greater depth.