rafting
ANDEAN ODISSEY - 12 days
 
The best of the Peruvian Andes! This adventure odissey brings you to some of Peru’s wildest and remote areas. Our adventure kicks off in Cusco, center of the Inca World. Raft class V rapids on the Apurimac River, one of the major headwaters of the Amazon. Grab your hiking boots as we trek through the spectacular Vilcabamba Valley on your way to the sacred mountain of Salcantay (20,575 ft.). Finally you will connect with the ancient Inca Trail to mysterious Machu Pichu. Andean Odyssey is one of our most active and challenging adventures. As an extra feature, this trek is scheduled to coincide with the full moon.
 
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
On day one you'll arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel. We can arrange tours if you are there early and would like to explore.
Day 2: Lima - Cusco
Morning departure for a flight to Cusco (10,856 ft.), center of the Inca Empire. An afternoon city tour of Cusco's temples, churches, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko,and Tambo Machay will further reveal to you the remarkable history of Peru's ancient cultures. (B)
Day 3: Cusco - Apurimac River
Start your day with a guided walking tour of Cusco's markets, the colonial cathedral, and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After lunching on tasty local cuisine, depart for an afternoon tour of Cusco's temples and visit several prominent Inca sights, including: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, take a four to five hour private van ride from Cusco to the Apurimac River. Along the way, witness spectacular view of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota Highlands. Upon arrival set up camp on white sand beaches alongside the river and enjoy a riverside dinner. (B,D)
Day 4: Apurimac River
The first rafting segment travels through some exciting class III/IV rapids, before coming to the a mandatory portage. With the crew's help, we will slide the raft over rocks to put safely back on the river downstream. For the rest of the day enjoy thrilling rapids, a riverside beach lunch and views of the deep gorge and flowing river. In the late afternoon we reach our destination, a soft sand beach for a second night of camping alongside the river.
Day 5: Apurimac River - Sacred Valley
Today, the canyon widens to create sloping formations and consequently, more challenging rapids, including "Toothache," "You First," "Babalua Carajo," and "Last Laugh," all of grade V difficulty. The first two rapids are optional for passengers, as the banks are easily accessible for portage. After you conquer the rapids, calm waters await you on the final stretch. Finish the thrilling journey around 12:30 pm and take lunch on the riverside and then bus to Ollantaytambo. (B,L)
Day 6: Sacred Valley - mountainbiking
Take an early morning drive from the Sacred Valley Hotel to Cruz Pata where you embark on a fascinating mountain bicycle tour to the community of Chequereq, Cruz Pata, the Ruins of Moray, Maras town (Indian Reduction), and the Salt Mines of Pichingoto, Stop for lunch in Ollantaytambo, where you stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,L)
Day 7: Sacred Valley - Paucarcancha - camp
Wake up early for the morning bus ride to (Km82), where the trek begins. After meeting our porters you'll cross the Urubamba River by bridge. Continuing on our way along the winding path, between the sloping banks of the Urubamba River, we experience a stunning view of the Vilcanota mountain ranges and Mount Veronica (18,745 ft.). Our route takes us through the narrow Cusichaca valley, with slopes that show the clear imprint of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later, we pass the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft.), to camp in the archaeological zone of Paucarcancha. (B,L,D) 
Day 8: Paucarcancha - LLulluchapampa - camp
Along the trail, through the narrow hanging valley, you begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Quequa tree, a rarity of the Andes. From here, the trail ascends steeply to a large pampas below the first pass. Camp overnight at Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft.), where you awake to the breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. (B,L,D)
Day 9: LLulluchapampa - Phuyupatamarca - camp
Physically, this is the hardest day of the trek, as the trail ascends steeply toward Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft.). From the pass, the trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly past the ruins of Runkuraqay. A lower pass takes you from Runkuraqay to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft.). Along the way, observe a marvelous section of Inca engineering, and then come upon the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft.), where you camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Phuyuptamarca - Machu Picchu
Today, begin by the passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, and follow the flag stoned trail that winds sharply down into the cloud forest and to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft.). Wiñay Wayna is located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca and boasts well-restored Inca ruins. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest along the Inca Trail, discover Machu Picchu (7,800 ft.) entering through Intipunku, the sun gate. After a brief tour, stay overnight at a hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 11: Machu Picchu - Cusco
This entire day of your Peru tour is dedicated to further exploration of Machu Picchu, including a visit to Wayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking the ruins. After lunch, a mid-afternoon scenic train will takes you back to Cusco, where you are transferred to your hotel. (B,)
Day 12: Cusco - Lima - end
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can also be arranged. (B)
 
Included & excluded
Included:
  • Billingual guides
  • All airline flights within Peru
  • All land transport during itinerary
  • All entry costs for scheduled tours
  • All meals as noted (B= breakfast, L=lunch, D=diner)
  • All hotel accommodation (twin share basis incl. continental breakfast)
Excluded:
  • International round-trip airfare to and from Peru
  • Sleeping bag, hiking boots and other personal gear
  • Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted)
  • Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, (airport) taxes etc.)
 
What to take
  • Hiking boots and / or comfortable walking shoes, rubber sandals
  • Waterproof-, dry-fit-, and / or thermical clothing (in case of additional trips like rafting)
  • Windproof jacket
  • Sleeping bag
  • (Photo) camera + films
  • Torch or flashlight
  • 220 / 110V (plug) adaptor
  • Sun block, sunglasses, hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle
 
How to book
It is really easy to book this trip. Just fill in the booking form.
After receiving your booking form, we will check availibility and within 48 hours you will receive an order confirmation of your booked tour.
 
  Destinations
  Lima
  Cusco
  Sacred Valley
  Machu Picchu
  Apurimac River
   
  Activities
  Trekking
  White water rafting
  Mountainbiking