Andean Odyssey (11 Day)

DAY 1:   LIMA
Lima Accommodations
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to museums or to visit the city and surroundings sites.

DAY 2:   CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Morning departure for flight to Cusco (10,856 ft./3,309 m.), center of the Inca Empire. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon we will depart for a tour of Cusco's temples and visit each distinct Inca sight: 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. Evening briefing session to orient you to the upcoming adventure. (B)

DAY 3:   APURIMAC RIVER
Camp
Morning departure from Cusco by bus for our adventure on the Apurimac River. The journey takes 4 to 5 hours. Early morning bus from Cusco city to Pivil Community (approx. 3hrs). Here we will have the best top view of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota Highlands's west and east side, from this pass mountain bike downhill to Pivil (optional). Visit the community, here we carry all the equipment and food for our journey to the Apurimac river-rafting trip with mules and horses from the Community Pivil (3 hrs). Hiking downhill, we arrive at the banks of the Apurimac. After preparing the equipment and a safety talk, we will descend along the first section of class III and IV rapids (approx. 2 hrs). We will overnight at riverside and camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 4:   APURIMAC RIVER – SACRED VALLEY
Sacred Valley Accommodations
The canyon now widens creating sloping formations and consequently, more testing rapids - Toothache, You First, Babalua Carajo and Last Laugh are of grade V difficulty. The first two rapids are optional for passengers as the banks are easily accessible for portage. Afterwards, calm waters await us on this final stretch. Early morning, rafting rapids class II, III, IV and optional class V, El Dolor de Muelas, Following with more rapids class III, IV You first, Babalua Carajo, La Ultima Sonrisa. Finish rafting at 12:30 pm. Lunch on the shore and bus drive to Sacred Valley. Overnight Ollantaytambo hotel. (B,L)

DAY 5:   SACRED VALLEY
Sacred Valley Accommodations
Morning transfer from Sacred Valley Hotel to Cruz Pata. From there we use mountain bikes to visit the community of Chequereq, Cruz Pata, Ruins of Moray, Maras town (Indian Reduction) the Salt Mines of Pichingoto. Lunch in Ollantaytambo, overnight hotel. (B,L)

DAY 6:   SACRED VALLEY – PISKAKUCHO – PATALLACTA
Camp
Up early for the morning bus ride to Piskakucho (Km 82), where we disembark to begin our trek. After meeting our porters we begin the trek, crossing the Urubamba River by bridge. Continuing on our way along the winding path, between the sloping banks of the Urubamba River, we can observe the Vilcanota mountain ranges and see Mount Veronica (18,745 ft.). In the afternoon, we visit the Patallacta (8,800 ft.) archeological complex and the Q’ente platforms. Overnight Patallacta camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 7:   PATALLACTA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp
Our route takes us through the narrow Cusichaca valley, whose slopes show the clear imprint of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later we pass the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft.). Along the trail, up this narrow hanging valley, we begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree, a rare forest to be found in the Andes. From here the trail ascends steeply to Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft.), a large pampa below the first pass. Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Overnight Llulluchapampa camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 8:   LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYUPATAMARCA
Camp
Slow and steady is the rule of the day as the trail ascends steeply towards Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft.), the highest point on the trek. From the pass, the trail descends to the Pacaymayo River and then climbs slowly up past the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here we cross a lower pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft.). We continue our way along a marvelous section of Inca engineering to finally reach the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft). Overnight Phuyupatamarca camp. (B,L,D)

DAY 9:   PHUYUPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu Accommodations
After continuing along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft.), located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca, with well restored Inca ruins. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail, we arrive at Machu Picchu (7,800 ft.) through the Intipunku, the door of the sun. Hike down to a great viewpoint for photos, and continue down (via bus) to nearby Aguas Calientes. Overnight Aguas Calientes hotel. (B,L)

DAY 10:  MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Cusco Accommodations
Early morning bus ride brings us to the ruins for incredible photos and the opportunity to climb the famous peak of Huayna Picchu (8,900 ft/2,720 m), beautifully situated, overlooking the Machu Picchu ruins*. Afterwards we have a guided tour of the ruins (3 hrs approx). The rest of the day can be dedicated to exploring this extraordinary site at your leisure. The mid-afternoon Vistadome train takes us to Poroy, where a private vehicle is waiting for the 20 minute transfer to Cusco. Overnight Cusco hotel. (B)

*Climbing Huayna Picchu – an early AM departure is essential, consult your guide as to the preferred departure time.

DAY 11:  CUSCO – LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight (End of Services). Trip Extensions to other regions or Extra Days in Lima or Cusco also can be arranged. (B)

Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

Physical Requirements: This strenuous adventure involves 4 days of demanding Class 4-5 white water and 7 days trekking at high elevations, with passes that reach over 15,000 ft./4,572 m. This expedition is for the adventurer who is in good physical condition.

Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler's responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.

PRICING & ADDITIONAL DETAILS

TRIP COST:   (per person / 2 passenger minimum - with private tour & custom dates)

$2650   (3 star hotels)
$2995   (4 star hotels)
$3195   (5 star hotels)

- All departures feature First Class transport and tour services; passengers have the option to choose different levels of accommodations.

Price includes:  Bilingual guides on trek for all tours as noted, all airport/hotel transfers, all land transport during the itinerary, cost of entry/permits for all scheduled tours/treks and archaeological sites, all hotel accommodations, all meals as noted, accommodations and support staff on trek.

Not included:  International round-trip airfare to/from Peru, internal airfare (will be quoted with trip proposal), 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.).

Cash Price: Prices listed are cash prices. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

Single Supplement (hotel/lodges): Trip cost is based on twin shared hotel accommodations, a single supplement charge is assessed for those traveling alone or preferring single hotel/cabin accommodations.

Trip Extensions: Peru Day Tours and Peru & Amazon Multi-Day Tours are a great way to complement your Machu Picchu experience.

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ADDITIONAL DETAILS

THE APURIMAC RIVER
The Apurimac River is one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in all of South America. You will travel through a labyrinth of deep canyons that very few people have ever seen. The rapids grow more technical and exciting as the days pass and as you head further down the river. All of our guides are certified E.M.T. II (Paramedics). While on the river, kayak / pontoon safety& support is used at all times. This is a world-class river experience of a lifetime.

THE SALKANTAY & INCA TRAIL TREK
You will visit some of Peru's most isolated regions in the Vilcabamba valley; learn the history of the Incas and marvel at their amazing architectural feats. This is a fantastic trek and a favorite here at Go South Adventures.

Trekkers are only expected to carry a small daypack with their camera, spare film, water bottle and rain gear. Horses (Salkantay) or Porters (Inca Trail) carry additional clothing, personal effects and the camping equipment. All trekkers are provided with a quality tent and sleeping mat. Free from a large pack, trekkers have more time for photography, observation and discovery.

Trekkers are awoken early in the morning with a cup of tea brought to their tent along with a bowl of hot water for washing. Expert trail cooks, who for years have been presenting hearty trekking food using fresh vegetables, beef and chicken, prepare your meals. Vegetarian offerings are also available.

We start trekking around 8am and try to get the majority of the walking done before the lunch stop. We aim to arrive at the campsites by mid afternoon to give trekkers plenty of time to unpack their duffel for the night and to enjoy the surroundings. At no point do the hikes become forced route marches. Trekkers have ample time to walk at their own pace.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Restrictions: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is limited to 500 permits per day (including guides, cooks and porters). That equals roughly 180 clients hiking the Inca Trail. For those interested in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is essential that you reserve your trip dates well in advance in order to obtain the proper permits. The issue of permits is strictly enforced. Trekkers can only hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with licensed outfitters.