Manco Multisport *8 Day*

This is a Peru tour that includes whitewater rafting the Urubamba River, mountain biking through the Sacred Valley, and hiking out-of-the-way Inca trails near Machu Picchu. This shortened version of our Peru Manco Multisport trip is a great choice for active travelers who are short on time. Go behind the scenes of some of Peru\'s most famous Incan sites in a way that few other travelers have.

Day 1 Arrive Lima  

Overnight.

Day 2 Fly Cusco  

An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco. After settling into your hotel, you can tour Cusco's largest open market and the adjacent witches' market, where natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions are sold. The afternoon is free to explore Cusco's busy plazas, ancient ruins, and interesting museums on your own.

Day 3 Rafting (B,L)

Drive past terraced fields of corn, potatoes, and quinoa as you travel through the Sacred Valley, the garden retreat of the Inca rulers. After your safety briefing, you’ll put in on the Urubamba River, which winds from the snow-capped Andes to the Amazon jungle. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the riverbank. This afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo. Marvel at the Inca masonry that still paves the streets of this village and provides the foundation for most of its homes. Tonight, relax in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Please note that rafting location differs depending on time of year and weather conditions -- flexibility is key to a great rafting experience!

Day 4 Mountain Biking to Santa Maria (B,L,D)

You'll rise early to drive to Malaga Pass. At 13,900 ft, Malaga Pass offers stunning views of snowy Wakaywillca Peak and Veronica Glacier. From here, you'll hop on your mountain bike and descend into the lush temperate rainforest of the east side, a birder’s paradise. Watch for the Crested Quetzal, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Scarlet-bellied Tanagers, Inca Wren, and the impressive Andean Condor. Listen to the ghosts of the Incas whispering in the rainforest canopy as you marvel at abandoned villages and ancient ruins. Tonight you’ll camp near the thundering Urubamba River.

Day 5 Hiking to Santa Teresa (B,L,D)

After breakfast, begin your ascent to the village of Santa Teresa. Enjoy the heady scents of coffee, tea, and cacao growing in the terraced fields along the way. Keep your camera handy as your path offers stunning views of the sacred mountain of Salcantay. With luck, you’ll also spot some of the tropical bird species indigenous to this lower elevation including toucans, motmots, and parakeets. You’ll have a picnic lunch in the Pacamayo Valley (Quechua for “sunrise”), and then adventurous travelers can take a dip in the cool waters of the Sacsara River.

Day 6 Hiking Patallaqta. Train to Machu Picchu (B,L)

Drive to the Quechua community of Lucmabamba where you’ll hike to the Inca site of Patallacta located at junction of three valleys. From here, you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. This afternoon, board the train to Aguas Calientes. Sooth your tired legs in the thermal waters of the hot springs that give this village its name.

Day 7 Machu Picchu. Return Cusco  

Wake early to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Today your guide will begin to unravel the mysteries of this sacred site as he explains the care that went into its construction. Though no one knows the full significance of the ruins at Machu Picchu, recent archaeological excavations have uncovered a series of caves that may have been the site for religious ceremonies portraying the Incas’ creation story. These caves suggest that Machu Picchu may have been a “huaca”, or sacred spot, worshiped as a point where man emerged from the ground. This evening, you’ll return to Cusco by train.

Day 8 Fly Lima and Return Home
  

US$1795

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Lima, Peru. Sat - Sat
Tour Code: MAM8
Single Supplement:  US$325

US$2780 - MM12
Have more time? Check out our longer version that includes Lake Titicaca!






Travel Highlights Cusco
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
Whitewater Rafting
Mountain Biking

Accommodations:  5 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights camping.

Food Includes:  All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation:  2 local flights, vans, tour bus, train, mountain bikes, and your own two feet!

Notes:  Flights Lima-Cusco-Lima are not included. Please add US$370 (flight cost subject to change). Support vehicles are available during mountain biking.

Group & Staff:  Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leader; local guides; porters for camping gear.

Personal Budgeting:  Allow US$155 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Share US$65, Single US$115

Is it for Me?  An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient cities, rural towns and a vibrant colonial city. The hiking is moderate difficulty. Rafting and mountain biking can be arranged for beginners.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates 2008 : Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13 2009 : Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, May 30, Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 12

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount