Total Adventure Peru

Nine days packed with the best adventures Peru can offer: Apurimac class IV rafting and hiking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Length: 9 Days
Destination: Cusco, Apurimac River, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Lodging: Tent camping, 3-star hotels (upgrades available)
Activities: Challenging hiking, whitewater rafting, Inca Ruins

WHY THIS TRIP

Raft the best whitewater in South America and hike the unforgettable Inca trail to Machu Picchu in this action-packed non-stop adrenaline rush of trip covering the best adventure options in Peru in just 9 days! The Total Adventure Peru trip is surely the very best multi-activity adventure offered. The Black Canyon of the Apurimac is one of the world’s hidden gems of whitewater.

Combining a mix of exhilarating Class III and IV rapids, stunning scenery, deserted sandy beaches, and great hikes to explore, this two day section of the Apurimac is great for experienced whitewater rafters and novices. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America. It is a spectacular trek through the high Andes on original Inca highway with a chance to visit extraordinary ruins, enjoy beautiful mountain views, walk through strikingly different climatic zones and finally experience the unique feeling of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot. ​

The five-day Inca Trail is carefully tailored to avoid the crowds. You begin the trek after the hordes have departed on the traditional 4-day trek, allowing them to clear out so you can hike and camp in relative solitude away from the masses of other trekkers. This schedule also gives you more time to explore ruins along the way and at Machu Picchu.​

TRIP DESCRIPTION

On your arrival in Cusco you drive straight to the start of the Rio Apurimac rafting adventure, deep in the heart of an impressive 3,000-meter-deep canyon. Following a full briefing, all supplies are taken for three days of truly amazing whitewater rafting. As well as being the true source of the mighty Amazon River, the Rio Apurimac is undeniably one of the world’s hidden gems of whitewater.

The Granite Canyon of the Rio Apurimac is justifiably gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers: it combines a perfect mix of exhilarating rapids and awesome scenery. This is the river-rafting section that was featured on Bruce Parry’s “Amazon” series on the BBC, the logistics for which were provided by Amazonas Explorer.

Even the most novice crews are expertly trained to meet the challenges and thrills of this non-stop adrenaline-pumping roller coaster ride of a life time. Apart from world-class rapids, the Apurimac boasts pristine sandy beaches for camping, spectacular sun-bleached rock formations and rare wildlife including otters, puma and the ultra-elusive Andean bear. It is an adventure-lover’s dreams come true

The next adventure on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a fantastic journey on an ancient trail used by the Incas, passing numerous ruins and with fantastic mountain views. Entering Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun is something you will remember for life.

While the 26-mile Inca Trail is most commonly hiked in four days (with the last half-day spent at Machu Picchu), this is not the best way to do the trek. This five-day trek allows for a later start (more sleep!) on day one so you avoid starting your  trek with the multitudes on the four-day trek, and then puts you on a different schedule so you are not walking and camping with all the trekkers on the four-day trip. This schedule also breaks up the trek so you only cross one high pass a day, making for a much more pleasant experience. You also have more time to stop and explore ruins along the way without feeling the need to rush onward to camp.

Finally, late on day four you arrive to Machu Picchu, entering through the Gate of the Sun. You have time to enjoy the views of the ruin before heading to your comfortable hotel in town, peaceful with the knowledge that you will return the next morning full of energy, and with plenty of time, to fully explore this sacred site.

A team of porters takes care of the work on this remote trek, carrying all the group gear and all your personal items except for those items you will carry in a small daypack i.e water, snacks, camera, raincoat, etc. When you arrive in camp your tent will already be set up and the cook staff will be hard at work preparing your 3- to 4-course meals, which you will enjoy sitting at a table in the dining tent.

The trip begins and ends in Cusco, the fascinating former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport and given a short orientation walk around Cusco’s central square, the Plaza de Armas, for the latest on where to eat, where to find local markets, and about iconic city sites to check out. In the evening, you’ll meet your guide for a full briefing on the days to come. After the trek you’ll have nearly a full day to explore Cusco on your own.

This trip can be combined with other highlight destinations like the Amazon, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca or even the Galapagos Islands.

LOCAL OPERATOR: AMAZONAS EXPLORER

For more than three decades Amazonas Explorer has led high-quality trips and alternative adventures throughout South America. Based in Cusco, its professionally trained guides, cooks and support crew bring their passion and skills to the travelers they serve and, in turn, build rewarding careers for themselves. This talented staff of local experts is focused on providing you with safe and comfortable adventures, all centered on making your holiday as memorable as possible.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary


DAY 1: Arrive Cusco

Welcome to Cusco- touch down, collect your luggage and meet your guide, then drive twenty minutes through the colorful South American streets to your hotel.

We tailor this trip to you and your interests. You will have an expert guide at your disposal to show you some of the highlights of this beautiful city. Tell him what you like and he can advise as to the best route for your tour.

You may choose to start with the Plaza de Armas and a visit to its impressive cathedral. Qoricancha temple, once home to life sized statues in solid gold is another very popular option.

If time permits, you could visit one of the bustling markets, full of tropical fruits fresh from the Amazon or even head up through the San Blas artisan district to San Cristobal church for a spectacular view over the red tiled rooftops of Cusco.

The evening is free to relax and wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre.

Overnight in Cusco: Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: None

DAY 2: Raft the Rio Apurimac

You head out from Cusco for the spectacular drive to the Apurimac canyon, hopefully glimpsing the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range before descending into the canyon to start your Apurimac rafting adventure.

Here your guides inflate your specialised rafts, load them up with provisions, and after a full safety talk and instruction in the art of white water rafting, you head off into the canyon in search of adventure.

For the next two days you enjoy some of the least visited, but in our opinion best Peru rafting.

The river enters a truly impressive steep sided gorge where you run many excellent class III and IV rapids. In between the rapids, there are relaxing floats through breath-taking scenery. You also have the opportunity to get out and explore waterfalls and colonial bridges.

At night you camp on a deserted beach and enjoy great food, a few drinks and great camaraderie around the camp fire.

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Raft the Rio Apurimac. Return to Cusco

More great Peru rafting today. Depending on water levels there may be the odd portage between the fun rapids. There are also stretches to just sit and float down the river and enjoy being in this fantastic location.

Keep an eye out as you go for Andean Foxes, Torrent Ducks, otters and even Condors.

Finally you reach a break in the canyon walls in time for lunch. From here it is a four to five hour drive back to Cusco, with views of the towering snow- capped Salkantay Mountain along the way.

Overnight in Cusco: Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: Ollantaytambo & Start the Inca Trail

Your five-day Inca Trail is carefully tailored to avoid the crowds. By leaving later than everyone else, and allowing an extra day, you spend the whole trail out of sync with other tourists. Thus you will literally have the trail to yourselves.

This morning you visit the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo. After a look around and some lunch you have a short drive to the trailhead at Piscacucho (km 82). Here you meet the porters and cooks that will support your journey to Machu Picchu. With the crowds now long gone, you hike an undulating trail above the Urubamba River to camp beside the spectacular ruins of Llactapata (2,788 meters/9,146 feet). While walking all you need to carry is a daypack. Your luggage is carried by the porters, your tents are put up for you and your food is prepared for you. All you have to do is shoulder your daypack and enjoy the walking.

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Inca Trail: Llactapata to Llulluchapampa

After a hearty breakfast you climb gently up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huayllabamba. This is the last inhabited place on the trail. A little steeper now, you head up the beautiful Inca path, past hummingbirds and stunted cloud forest to your camp at Llulluchapampa (3,680 meters/12,073 feet). This beautiful grassy area has outstanding views and you may be even see the Andean deer that come to feed here.

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Inca Trail: Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

Today is the most challenging day but also the most exhilarating. You climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,212 meters/13,819 feet) the high point of the trail before dropping into the Pacasmayo valley. Climbing once more you pass the Inca control post of Runkuracay to the second pass of the day (3,998 meters/13,117 feet). On a clear day there are spectacular views toward Pumahuanca Mountain in the Vilcabamba range.

You continue on a well-preserved Inca trail to Sayacmarca. Located at the junction of two old Inca roads, historians still argue over its exact purpose. A few more gentle ups and downs and you arrive to your stunning campsite for the night, Phuyupatamarca, or “the place above the clouds” (3,650 meters/11,975 feet).

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Inca Trail: Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu

This is the day you finally reach Machu Picchu. As you step out of your tent the views are stunning. Perhaps you will see the sun rising over the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay (6,200 meters/20,341 feet) and Veronica (5,800 meters/19,029 feet). Or perhaps you will have a cloud inversion, with the clouds filling the valleys beneath your feet. After saying a fond farewell to your porters it is time to put on your boots and head to Machu Picchu.

You descend through the cloud forest on beautiful Inca stairways, to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. Finally you contour the hillside to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gateway Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the colorful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes): El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8: Machu Picchu

Today you explore the pinnacle of Inca engineering – Machu Picchu.

For years it was lost to the jungle. Rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations.

This astounding site lies in an even more astonishing location. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop it is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba river. Things are slightly easier now than in the time of the Incas and so you start your day with a twenty minute bus ride up to the site.

You will arrive early, allowing you to explore the ruins in the company of your guide, before they get too busy. The guided tour takes around two hours leaving you a few hours free to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place on your own. For those who want to walk a bit more, you could take the hour long trail up to the Sun Gate, or a shorter trail to visit the Inca Bridge which once spanned a sheer cliff face.

Eventually the time comes to catch the bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo and board your train back along the Urubamba River. The scenery is beautiful and the train jolts softly along, allowing you to sit, stare out the window and reflect on a wonderful week.

Overnight in Cusco: Quinta San Blas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9: Depart Cusco

Back again in the old Inca capital you have time to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Museums, chocolate-making classes, souvenir hunting or even just sitting in one of the many cafes and watching the world go by. The new late flights out of Cusco allow you to really maximize your time and get the most out of this holiday of a lifetime. You will be transferred to the Cusco Airport in time for your departure flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

*If the Inca Trail permits are sold out for your trip dates, you can opt for the Lares Valley Trek for Days 4 through 7 (see below). The remainder of the itinerary will remain the same.


DAY 4: Begin Lares Trek: Totora Canyon to Quishuarani

A scenic two-hour drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes you to the start of your trek, at the small village of Totora. You follow an ancient Inca trail into a narrow canyon, where Inca tombs perch in the cliffs. Emerging from the canyon you pass through tiny rural communities before emerging to a delicious picnic lunch. Your bus then takes you to the small and very traditional community of Quishuarani, your camp for the night (3,700 meters/12,140 feet).

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Lares Trek: Quishuarani to Huacahuasi

This is a stunning day of hiking. You leave camp behind and climb past colorfully dressed locals, and up toward the native forests that Amazonas Explorer has been heavily involved in re-planting. These forests harbor Andean deer, vizcachas and several rare species of birds and are essential to the future of this area.

A further push and you reach the stunning views from your highest pass of the trek, the Huchayccasa pass (4,450 meters/14,600 feet). A chain of emerald-blue lakes fills the hillside below you, and in the distance rise the snow-clad Urubamba mountains. Descending through hand turned potato fields you come to the ancient community of Cuncani at (3,800 meters/12,460 feet).

Fueled by a hearty lunch you carry on along the valley floor to reach the once notorious village of Huacahuasi. Once home to bandits and cattle rustlers it is now a peaceful place to spend the night. You are sure to be visited by local women selling the hand woven textiles for which the area is famous and entertained by the cheery local children who accompany you as you walk.

Overnight: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Lares Trek: Huacahuasi to Patacancha Valley

Another great day awaits you. After a hearty breakfast you begin to climb gently towards your final pass. This is a day filled with encounters with locals. Strong legged men head off to work in the potato fields, wooden ploughs slung over their shoulder. Rough handed women sit, legs outstretched weaving their traditional clothes on wooden looms. And small children sit motionless guarding herds of alpaca and llama, their ever faithful dog by their side.

From your camp you begin towards the final pass. Lying at 4,200m/13,780ft the Ipsaycocha pass marks the border between Lares and the Patacancha Valley. You start gently and then climb one final steep section to gain the summit. If you are lucky, you will have spectacular views of Mount Veronica. You take lunch by the beautiful Ipsay lake then follow an ancient trail to the Patacancha Valley and the village of Patacancha where the trek ends. Our waiting vehicle takes us onto our hotel for the night.

Overnight in Ollantaytambo: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Royal Inca Trail (km 104) trek to Machu Picchu Pueblo

You start the day with an early transfer to catch the train towards Machu Picchu. Jumping off at km104 you pass through the control point and begin your Inca Trail trek.

First you visit the recently restored ruins of Chachabamba before gradually ascending through tropical cloud forest up towards the the base of Wiñay Wayna. Here you climb more steeply on old Inca stairways through these beautiful terraces, stopping to explore the various buildings and water features.

Here we can enjoy our packed lunch, with a great view. You then continue on perhaps the loveliest part of the whole Inca Trail.  Lush vegetation flanks you on either side, the scent of wild orchids fills the air, and all around you brightly coloured tropical songbirds fill your ears with song.

Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun. As you step through the old stone gate-way, Machu Picchu appears laid out before your eyes. After plenty of photos you carry on past this wonder of the world to catch the bus down to the lively town of Machu Picchu Pueblo and a well-deserved hotel and shower.

Whilst walking all you need is your daypack as your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Machu Picchu town to await your arrival.

Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes): El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

End Lares Valley Trek alternate itinerary.

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

You will need to arrive in Cusco on Day 1 of this trip. You can arrive at any time this day, by flight, train, or bus. You will be met by your guide upon your arrival, and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

All international flights to Cusco must route through Lima. Most likely, you will need to overnight in Lima the night before you fly to Cusco. We can help you arrange a hotel and transfer services upon your request.

At the end of this trip on Day 9, you will be transferred to the Cusco Airport, train station, or bus terminal in time for your departure. We can also help you add to your journey with trips to the Amazon, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, or any other destination in South America.

We do not sell international or domestic Peru airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: Trip starts upon your arrival at the Cusco Airport. All international flights route through Lima. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Lima the night before your arrival in Cusco. A hotel in Lima can be added upon request.

Trip End: Trip ends at the Cusco Airport in time for you to catch your flights home, or continue on to the next part of your adventure.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is a complete package, starting and ending in the Cusco Airport. International and domestic Peru flights are not included, but can be booked through our travel partner Exito Travel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to overnight in Lima. We can help you arrange a hotel and transfer services if this is necessary.

We can also help you add to your journey with trips to the Amazon, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, or any other destination in South America.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Pricing is per person, and based on double occupancy

 

 

2024 PRICES:

For pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • All airport transfers and transport in private vehicles.
  • State-of-the-art rafting equipment including self-bailing rafts, paddles high-flotation life jackets, helmets, sleeveless wet suits, wet suit boots, spray jackets, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras, Therm-a-rests, and spacious two person tents
  • Professional English and Spanish speaking guides, trained in Wilderness first-aid, swift-water rescue, and C.P.R. Full safety cover at all times. Extensive first-aid kit including Oxygen.
  • Entrances & guided tours Inca Trail or Lares Valley and Machu Picchu
  • Hotels in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Trek includes all porters, cook team, camping and cooking equipment, dining tent, toilet tent, therm-a-rests, and spacious two person tents.
  • The porters’ correct wages, Inca Trail entrances, train, and insurance.
  • A bus transfers between the ruins and your hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Transport from Machu Picchu to your hotel in Cusco will be the Skydome / Vistadome train service and bus transfer.

View Trip Terms and Conditions:
http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/amazonas-explorer

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • National or International flights
  • Personal belongings
  • Sleeping bad (available for rent at $10 per night, or you can bring your own)
  • Airport taxes (if applicable)
  • Entrances for optional visits to Huayna Picchu ($80) & Machu Picchu Mountain ($80)*
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal or medical expenses
  • Tips for guides and staff
  • Lima services (hotels, airport transfers, day rooms, & tours) are not included but can also be quoted for and organized on request
  • Services and meals not indicated

Note: Permits to hike Huayna Picchu Mountan or Machu Picchu Mountain are not automatically included in this trip. Before you confirm your trip to Machu Picchu, consider whether or not you want to do one of these hikes, and let us know what you decide. For more details: http://detourdestinations.com/blog/should-you-hike-huayna-picchu-mountain-or-machu-picchu-mountain

* Permit fees subject to change

Accommodations

Camping: Gear includes spacious two person tents or single tents, dining tent, cook tent, portable camp toilet, and toilet tent. All camping and cooking equipment including Therm-a-rest inflatable mattresses, camping stools, tables, utensils, etc. Sleeping bags and pillows are not included, but can be rented upon request. Bowls of hot water are supplied in the morning and in the evening at camp. Clean hand washing water is available in camp. Filtered water is available in camp and at meal times (please bring a refillable water bottle).

Cusco Hotel: Hotel Quinta San Blas or similar

Sacred Valley Hotel: Hotel Pakaritampu or similar

Aguas Calientes: El MaPi by Inkaterra or similar

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Single, Willing to Share, Single Supplement

 

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Total Adventure Peru”