Adventure Travel and Hiking and Biking along the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

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Peru

Andean Mountain Medley

Mountain Biking, Llama Trekking, Horseback Riding and Rafting

(12 Days)

Ignite your spirit and enrich your soul on this high-energy extravaganza. Peru is a country blessed with the shockingly beautiful landscapes, varied ecosystems, the ancient Inca civilization, archeological ruins and rugged wilderness. On horses we canter through the countryside of Cuzco, set high in the cool Andes. In rafts we bounce down the bubbling rapids of the Urubamba River, cutting through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On mountain bikes we whisk through fertile agricultural communities where terraced fields of potato and quinoa carpet the mountains. Finally, we have an exhilarating 4-day trek, traversing the Lares Valley, with pack llamas leading the way. The grand finale is a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Trip Highlights

Exploring the cobblestone streets of Cuzco
Mountain biking in the Urubamba Valley
4-day trek on the Lares Trail and visit to Machu Picchu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Lima- Fly to Cuzco

Early this morning you'll arrive into Lima and immediately connect with a domestic flight into Cuzco. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimate to this high altitude colonial city located at 11,500 feet/3,500 meters.

Day 2: Cuzco - Sacsayhuaman (Horseback)

This morning is at leisure to wander through the cobblestone streets of Cuzco exploring the cathedral, museums or shopping for local handicrafts. Later this afternoon we depart by horse, riding to the nearby ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay and Pucapucara. Our final destination is Sacsayhuaman, a spectacular mountaintop fortress overlooking Cuzco. We return to the hotel late afternoon. Approximately 4 hours on horseback. (B)

Day 3: Chacan (Rock Climb)

After breakfast we depart for Chacan, located at 11,500 ft/3,500 meters. We’ll be greeted by a local shaman who will lead us through a spiritual ceremony of Quechua rituals. Later this morning we hike up to the Chacan mountain range and set up top ropes to climb the granite walls, ranging from 15 to 45 feet or 5 to 14 meters in height. There are easy-moderate-challenge routes to accommodate all climbing levels. Early afternoon we return to Cuzco and have the remainder of the day at leisure, an especially good time to explore the numerous artisan markets in the streets. (B,L)

Day 4: Cusipata - Pisac (White Water Rafting)

Image of travelers talking to Peruvians We switch gears today and head to the “put in” on the Urubamba River, rated class II-IV on the difficulty scale. Donned in lifejackets and helmets, we cast off the shores navigating 6-person rafts through the boulder-choked current. We take out before lunch and feast on a snack beside the river. We’ll then head to the town of Pisac, famous for its hilltop ruins and artisan market. We’ll have a picnic lunch and explore the town on foot. Overnight in Pisac. (B,L)

Day 5: Pisac (Mountain Bike)

Today is a favorite for those in search of a rich cultural experience. We begin with a drive to the community of Chahuaytiri, whose main activity is agriculture, and stop at an elementary school to meet with the teachers and students. We're educated about their local customs and gain a better appreciation for their rich culture. Outside the classroom, women sell their impressive handmade weavings. After the morning’s cultural experience, the remainder of the day is on fat tires, riding on gritty dirt trails through the rugged mountain range descending to the ruins at Pisac where we’ll have a guided tour. We’ll then continue on our bikes back to the hotel in Pisac. The remainder of the evening is free. (B,L)

Day 6: Maras and Moray (Mountain Bike)

Today’s fat tire adventure is an absolutely thrilling day of single and doubletrack riding in the Andean Highlands. We’ll start in the town of Chinchero, known for its handicraft market. From here we’ll cut along a mountainous trail zigzagging past colonial haciendas where farmers are frequently seen herding their livestock. We climb to the ruins of Moray, famous for the circular terraces and then glide down a dusty road to the Maras salt works located at 11,086 ft. These salt mines have captured salt water from a natural spring before pre-Inca times. After lunch in the town of Urubamba, we’ll drive to Ollantaytambo and walk up the steps of this impressive fortress. Overnight at hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

Day 7: Lares Trail (Hike)

This morning we set off by vehicle bright and early towards Huaran (2,840 m/9317 ft), a small village in the Sacred Valley and the start of the trek. We'll meet up with our pack llamas and begin our beautiful hike through the lush valley, following the gentle uphill route of the Cancha Cancha River. It will take us approximately 5 hours to reach the picturesque village of the same name where we'll set up camp for the night (3,800 m/12,467 ft). (B,L,D)

Day 8: Lares Trail (Hike)

After having a hot breakfast, we'll leave the campsite and begin our steep ascent to Pachacutec Pass at 4,458 m/14,625 ft, the highest point of the trek. From the top of the pass there are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and Pachacutec Lake. After the pass, we'll continue our trek and descend into the next valley to reach Quiswarani village (3,700 m/12,138 ft) where we'll spend the night. Along the route, the scenery is dramatic with glacial lakes, waterfalls, and snow-peaked mountains. This area is also rich in birdlife and there is a possibility of seeing Andean ibis, Andean geese and flamingos. In the evening, we'll enjoy traditional Peruvian food and spend time with the local children and women weavers. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Lares Trail (Hike)

We have another early start this morning! We'll begin with a 3-hour ascent to reach Huillquijasa Pass (4,200 m/13,779 ft), the second highest pass of the trek. The views are impressive and well worth the effort. We'll then descend towards the village of Cuncani passing turquoise lakes along the way. This was the last refuge of the "Royal Panakas", an Inca sect. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Lares Trail - Aguas Calientes (Hike)

After breakfast, we'll walk down a fertile valley, passing typical vegetation and high altitude crops such as beans and potatoes. Along the trail we'll see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. After walking for around 3 hours we arrive into Lares, capital of the district. Lares is a large village whose main attraction are hot springs. We'll treat ourselves to a well-deserved soak. Late afternoon we'll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B,L)

Day 11: Machu Picchu

We have a full day dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, a young peak adjacent to Machu Picchu. If you are keen to climb this, you will need to get up really early as only a certain number of people can climb Huayna Picchu a day. The hike is a challenging one, but the views are well worth the effort! Afterwards, our guide will give us a tour of Machu Picchu explaining the history and significance of the major sites. The tour takes about 2 hours after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon, after lunch in Aguas Calientes, we'll take the train through the Urubamba valley destined for Cuzco. We'll be met at the train station and transferred back to our hotel.(B,L)

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. From here connect with international flights back home. (B)

Apr 14, 2010	-	Apr 25, 2010
May 12, 2010	-	May 23, 2010
Jun 16, 2010	-	Jun 27, 2010
Jul 14, 2010	-	Jul 25, 2010
Aug 4, 2010	-	Aug 15, 2010
Sept 8, 2010	-	Sept 19, 2010
Oct 6, 2010	-	Oct 17, 2010
Nov 3, 2010	-	Nov 14, 2010


Hotel	Camp
8 Nights	3 Night