Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
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This is a cross country cycle holiday which also includes walking the
Inka Trail to Machu Picchu and rafting in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our cycle trip takes us from the high Andes down to the high jungle and
back up through cloud forest. The ever present water falls and mountain
gorges. From tarmac roads to pot hole ridden pathways, from Class II
to IV rapids, and the Inka Trail which reaches heights of 4200m. This
adventure, journey through real life in Peru, we live in locally owned
hotels and camp in families back gardens, buying much of our produce
from local tiendas. This trip takes in everything. An intermediate adventure
for ages 12+ of reasonable fitness. With our professional bi-lingual
guides we make our way through the Land of the Inkas.
Day 1. Arrival Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru. Here
we will be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel.
Day 2. Buffet breakfast at our hotel and transfer to the airport for
our one-hour flight to Cusco. We will be collected and transferred to
our 3* hotel in Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Inkas. After time to unpack
and unwind we will have a light lunch and receive our briefing. We will
then take our private vehicle to the salt mines “Salineras” where
we have the opportunity to wander through these hand worked mines. Watching
the farmers drying and clean the salt ready for transport by donkey.
Day 3. Transfer to the Abra of Lares (Lares Pass (4400m)). Here we will
mount our bicycles for the descent to the town of Lares (3200m). Two
routes are available making it suitable for all levels of experience.
We pass through alpaca pastures and typical Andean towns, waterfalls.
Drinking in the atmosphere of the area. We will set up camp at the hot
springs situated just outside the town of Lares. In the evening we will
drink te picado (wait and see) in the hot springs.
Mountain biking near Salineras
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Day 4. Leaving Lares by way of a narrow canyon we follow the Yanatile
River on our way down to the town of Quebrada Honda (1140m).This (Peruvian)
downhill (another surprise) of over 2000m is one of the most incredible
routes in Peru with its waterfalls and changes in climate. Cycling mostly
on tarmac we pass from the Andes to the jungle in a space of hours viewing
the coca fields which grow all over the valley. On reaching Quebrada
Honda we will set up camp for the night.
Day 5. Entering the water at Santiago we begin our day of Class III
and IV white water rafting. Passing along the Yanatile with your boat,
the water splashing all around you, and your guide, there is no fear.
On leaving our boat we once again board our vehicle passing the convergence
of the Yanatile river and the Urubamba river. Tonight we will camp under
the parrot collpa at Chahuares770m
Day 6. After rising early in the morning to view the Parrot Collpa (parrot
nesting area) we get back on our bikes to cycle to the bustling town
of Quillabamba. (1000m). As we are back to a normal altitude breathing
is back to normal and the slight uphill a breeze. Passing through coffee,
avocado, mango, banana and many more plantations, to the swimming pool
at Sambaray. Night free.
Day 7. Private transport to the Abra de Malaga, around 4 hours, lunching
en route. On arrival at the Abra and the breathtaking mountain of Veronica
we once again mount our bicycles for another downhill to the town of
Ollantytambo (2860m) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The road both
tarmac and single track takes us through the green fields following the
river Tancaj. Tonight we spend the night in the town of Ollantytambo.
Quechua Nativity Scene
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Day 8. Today we have our first experience of the Urubamba River. The
river that is going to guide us on our trip through the department of
Cusco. White water rafting on the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Class
II to III rapids. Passing through the Inca terraces to the town of Ollantytambo
where we will have lunch.
After lunch we will have the opportunity to visit the town itself which
is the only Inca settlement still inhabited in Peru, and the ruins of
Ollantytambo that overlook the small town. We have the night free.
Day 9. We begin the Inka Trail today taking the train from
Ollantytambo to km82 and the first check point. Today we walk from
km82 (2600m) to Tres Piedras (3300m) our walking time around 6 hours.
At Tres Piedras we will set up camp for the night, and after a healthy
meal we will have an early night in preparation for tomorrow.
Day 10. Day two of our pilgrimage to Machu Picchu is the most demanding
as we climb “Abra de Warmiwañusca” (Dead Woman’s
Pass (4200m)). This 900m ascent that takes you through the Andes in the
footsteps of the Inka. On crossing the pass we head down on the original
stone work to Paqaymayu and our campsite for the night.
Day 11. Today we cross the second and third passes, Qochapata (3900m)
and Phuyupatamarka (3650m). Through Inka tunnels and down through the
cloud forest. Passing various ruins of significant archaeological importance.
Sayaqmarka built at a fork in an old Inka road. Phuyu Pata Marca who’s
exact use is unknown but is believed to be a water temple. Tonight we
camp at Wiñay Wayna (2650m). Here we have access to warm showers
and a small bar. Dinner will be served outside.
Machu Picchu
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Day 12. Leaving 2 hours before dawn we make our way along inka trail
and up the few steps to Intipunku “The Sun Gate” and our
first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We have the rest of the day to either
enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, or rest our bones
in the thermal baths in town of Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters). Late afternoon
we board our train back to Cusco. Night free.
Day 13. After breakfast we will depart for our tour of Cusco. Our tour
will begin at the Temple of Qoricancha (House of Gold). Qoricancha is
the most important temple of the Inca Empire as it is the Sun Temple
and the sun was one of the most important Gods to the Inca. From here
we will visit the Cathedral with its interesting painting of the Last
Supper with the twelve disciples eating the local delicacy of cuy (guinea
pig).
We will also visit the Inca Museum with its mummies and local artefacts.
Here our tour ends and allows us time to go and enjoy a leisurely lunch
and some last minute shopping.
In the evening we will all join together for a farewell buffet dinner
and a Peña show, which is a typical dancing show.
Day 14. Breakfast and transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima
and onward connections.
Inclus:
- Meals as stated.
- Hotels as stated.
- Entrance fees.
- Transport.
- High quality English and Spanish
speaking guides.
- Peruvian domestic flights.
- Zip Lock Bags.
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Non inclus:
- Meals not stated.
- Tips and other gratuities.
- International flights.
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Peru Family Adventure
| Day |
Activité |
Meals |
Hotel |
Notes |
| 1. |
Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel |
No |
Lima |
Optional City Tour of Lima |
| 2. |
Transfer to Urubamba, afternoon visit to Salineras. |
B,L,D |
Urubamba |
|
| 3. |
Cycling Calca to Lares, evening at hot springs. |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 4. |
Cycling Lares to Quebrada Honda |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 5. |
Rafting Quebrada Honda to Quellouno. |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 6. |
Cycling to Quillabamba. |
B,L,D |
Quillabamba |
|
| 7. |
Cycling Quillabamba to Ollantytambo. |
B,L,D |
Ollantytambo |
|
| 8. |
Rafting Ollantytambo, ruins tour |
B,L,D |
Ollantytambo |
|
| 9. |
Begin Inka Trail |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 10. |
Inka Trail |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 11. |
Inka Trail |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 12. |
Day at Machu Picchu |
B,L,D |
Cusco |
|
| 13. |
City tour, goodbye dinner at night. |
B,D |
Cusco |
|
| 14. |
Transfer Cusco to Lima |
B |
No |
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