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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.