Explore the countryside during this multi-day biking and raft trip and visit the Inca cities of Cusco and Ollantaytambo. Travelers will have a half-day hike on a remote section of the Inca Trail to hike down to the Apurimac River, one of South America's premier rivers. Single-track and more advanced biking routes can be arranged based on travelers' experience.
Requires high-intensity physical efforts that push the limits of one's fitness. May include tours with multiple days in a row of strenuous physical activity or single requiring more than 7 hours of activity. Recommended for travelers maintaining a demanding fitness level.
This morning, fly to Cusco and transfer transfer to the hotel in order to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude (10,496 ft). This afternoon meet your guide and take a walking tour through the streets of Cusco, a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial architecture. Visit the Temple of Koricancha, considered the most important Inca Temple of Cusco, and walk to Cusco’s main Plaza de Armas, to visit both the Cathedral built over the ruins of the Sunturwasi temple and the “Iglesia de la Compania”. Continue to the artisan neighborhood of San Blas with its many handicraft shops. From this area you have a wonderful view of the whole city.
After an early breakfast, depart leave Cusco by private vehicle to drive to Pakariktampu. After a short safety briefing and orientation, start biking on a dirt road towards Maukallakta. After visiting this amazing Inca site, the adventure continues until we reach the Molle Molle village where you will have lunch. From here enjoy the impressive views of the Apurimac River canyon and the majestic Vilcabamba mountain range. There is an optional 2 hour hike from the Willkakunka Pass (13,874 ft) to the campsite. (5 hours of riding).
Day 4: Hiking Huanca Huanca and the Apurimac River
This morning begins with a short hike through the Loretuyoc forest containing an endangered species of tree over two hundred years old. You will continue hiking 2 hours through the Kusichaca remains and on to the Huanca Huanca Village. Here you will have a chance to engage with the local people and help the school with small projects. Lunch this afternoon will be served on the shores of the Apurimac River. The Apurímac River, which means, “speaking God” in Quechua, is the source of the world’s largest river system, the Amazon River, and was considered a sacred river by the Incas. Meet your expert river guides who are preparing all the equipment and provide a safety talk and orientation for the upcoming river adventure. Enjoy rafting Class II and III rapids through a limestone canyon to reach your campsite for the evening.
Today, our adventure starts early. We will run quite a few class III rapids and then enjoy the most beautiful part of the canyon and its calm waters. We may see river otters, deer, foxes, torrent ducks and tropical Andean birds. Continuing our adventure, we will pass under several suspended bridges along the river and will meet the Santo Tomas River. At noon, we will set camp and have the chance to hike during the afternoon or relax at camp.
After breakfast we will run class III to IV pool-drops rapids, like "The Other Right" and "3 Condores" among others for an exciting end to this adventure. We will have lunch at the end of our adventure, followed by a five-hour drive to Cusco to overnight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 141 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 141 reviews on
1 day ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
1 day ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
1 day ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
1 day ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
2 days ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !