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Andean Odyssey Lima

LIMA-CUSCO-APURIMAC RIVER RAFTING- MOLLEPATA SALKANTAY HORSE RIDING & INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

This adventure odyssey brings you to some of Peru’s wildest and remote areas. Our adventure kicks off in Cusco, centre 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 Picchu. 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 01 LIMA

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.

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Day 02 CUSCO - APURIMAC RIVER (RAFTING)

Morning departure for flight to Cusco (10,856 ft.), centre of the Inca Empire. An afternoon departure from Cusco by bus for our adventure on the Apurimac River. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours. On arrival your river guides will be waiting for you with the equipment and lunch prepared. The afternoon begins with a practical introduction to "white water" techniques, the equipment you will be using and safety training. After a short stretch of river you will reach the campsite for the night. (B,L,D)

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Day 03 APURIMAC RIVER (RAFTING)

After breakfast we enter the Canyon to begin a descent for approximately two hours through rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. In the afternoon we pass a new tributary, the Vilcabamba River, which increases the river volume. We continue through beautiful scenery passing rapids known as The Chute, Space Odyssey, Mining Camp and Purgatory. We set up our camp for the night at Las Calabazas. (B,L,D)

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Day 04 APURIMAC RIVER (RAFTING)

From Las Calabazas we pass through a spectacular gorge. Rapids including Milky Way, La Zeta, Tail of the Dragon, amongst others will lead us to our campsite, La Mesa. This is a beautiful location with a white sand beach and calm waters where we can swim and relax. (B,L,D)

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Day 05 APURIMAC RIVER (RAFTING)

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 until we arrive at the thermal pools of Conoc where we will camp, rest, relax and bathe in the hot pools. (B,L,D)

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Day 06 APURIMAC RIVER – PAROBAMBA (HORSE RIDING)

After relaxing in the morning we will head east from the Apurimac River to Mollepata. We start hiking at this village for about an hour, until we reach our campsite at Parobamba (10,496 ft.). Overnight camp. (B,L,D)

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Day 07 PARABAMBA– SORAYPAMPA (HORSE RIDING)

The trail climbs sharply for about an hour until we reach Cruzpata (10,660ft.), where we get the first magnificent view of Mt. Humantay (19,410 ft.). The last part of trail brings us to Soraypampa (12,815 ft.), where there are small settlements of cattle herders. We camp here in the shadow of Mt. Salcantay. (B,L,D)

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Day 08 SORAYPAMPA – SISAYPAMPA (HORSE RIDING)

An early departure starting with a slow uphill climb brings us to Salcantaypampa, below the terminal Moraine of Mt. Salcantay (20,575 ft.). This beautiful mountain, will dominate the views of the entire day. We start a steep ascent, slowly reaching the Incachiriaska pass (15,908 ft.). Leaving the pass, a steep descent brings us to our campsite at Sisaypampa (13,776 ft.). (B,L,D)

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Day 09 SISAYPAMPA – PAUCARCANCHA (HORSE RIDING)

Today the trail continues to a wider valley called Pampacahua, as we connect with the famed Inca Trail. We continue hiking to our first Inca site and campsite at Paucarcancha (10,332 ft.). (B,L,D)

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Day 10 PAUCARCANCHA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA (TREKKING)

This morning we will pass the village of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft.), continuing up we enter a unique forest of Queñua trees, a native species, which nowadays is hard to find except in isolated areas. We have now entered the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and will see fewer people living in the area. Once out of the forest we reach our campsite at Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft.). (B,L,D)

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Day 11 LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PHUYPATAMARCA (TREKKING)

A steady ascent up to the Warmiwañusqa pass (13,776 ft.) is rewarded with fantastic views. Another descent and ascent bring us to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass (13,284 ft.). From here we trek down to the ruins of Sayacmarca (12,628 ft.), here we glimpse the first signs of the cloud forest. We continue our way along a marvellous section of the Inca Trail to the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft.), where we camp nearby. (B,L,D)

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Day 12 PHUYPATAMARCA – MACHU PICCHU (TREKKING)

After continuing along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the carved stone trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the well-restored ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca. After a two-hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail, we arrive at Machu Picchu through the Intipunku, the door of the sun. Overnight at hotel in nearby Aguas Calientes. (B,L)

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Day 13 MACHU PICCHU – SACRED VALLEY (TREKKING)

The whole day can be dedicated to explore these extraordinary Inca remains, including a visit to Wayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking the site. After lunch, the mid-afternoon train takes us back to Cusco, transfer to your hotel. (B)

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Day 14 SACRED VALLEY

Full day guided excursion to the Sacred Valley, as important today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Here we will visit the picturesque market town of Pisac, then continue down the Urubamba Valley. After lunch we reach Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Overnight at a hotel in Cusco. (B)

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Day 15 CUSCO

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Day 16 CUSCO

Morning city tour of Cusco’s temples, churches and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay will educate you on the history of this cities impacting cultures, Afternoon free (B)

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Day 17 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 can also be arranged. (B)

If you wish to customize your Peru tour see one of our extensions.

Physical requirements: This strenuous adventure involves 4 days of demanding Class 4-5 white water and 7 days trekking at high altitudes, with passes that reach over 15,000ft. 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 traveller’s responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.

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. Our guides are certified E.M.T. II (Paramedics) and have logged hundreds of days guiding the Apurimac River. While on the river, kayak safety support is used at all times. This is a world-class river experience of a lifetime.

THE SALCANTAY – 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.

Trekkers are only expected to carry a small daypack with their camera, spare film, water bottle and rain gear. Horses (Salcantay) 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.

Tour Packages

Extensions

Inlcusions & Exclusions

Trip Cost Includes

Bilingual guides on trek for all tours as noted.
All airline flights within Peru.***
All land transport during the itinerary.
The cost of entry for all scheduled tours, the Inca Trail and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
All hotel accommodations* (on a twin share basis including continental breakfast).
All meals as noted, accommodations and support staff on river and trek.

* Additional and or single accommodations can be arranged at the clients’ request.

Not Included In Trip Cost

International round-trip airfare to and from Peru.
Lunches and dinners in the cities (unless otherwise noted).
Sleeping bag, hiking boots and other personal gear.
Personal expenses (tips and gratuities, alcoholic beverages, medical or travel insurance, laundry, airport taxes, etc.).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Travel documents

You need a valid passport. No advance visa is required for British citizens.

Vaccinations

There are no required vaccinations for travel to Peru, although certain vaccinations are recommended. Please consult your doctor or local Travel Clinic for the most up-to-date information on travel to the Temperate region of Peru. Note. This is not a jungle trip and therefore carries no malaria risk.

Weather

The Andes - though officially part of the dry season, April and May are considered the Andean spring, while June - October marks the Andean summer. Daytime temperature ranges from 75-80 F in the sun. Nighttime temperatures in Cusco range in the 40’s F and can dip into the 30’s F while camping on the trek. Rain, though infrequent in the dry season, can happen at any time of the year, so quality rain gear is your best insurance.

Special Products Donations / Non profit activities / Horses / Amaru Express

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