The land of the Incas near Cusco and the Sacred Valley is a great destination for active adventures, especially when you combine the trip with a visit to Machu Picchu. With deep canyons cut by beautiful rivers and backroads and trails in the shadows of the impressive Andes, explore the countryside during this multi-day biking and raft trip and visit the Inca cities of Cusco and Ollantaytambo and the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Highlights
Bike to the Inca site of Maukallakta and on to the village of Molle Molle
Hike to a village to volunteer and interact with the community
Enjoy class III rapids on the Apurimac, keeping an eye open for wildlife
Explore Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incan Empire
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 Compañia”. 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 you 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 to 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, your adventure starts early. You will run quite a few class III rapids and then enjoy the most beautiful part of the canyon and its calm waters. You may see river otters, deer, foxes, torrent ducks and tropical Andean birds. Continuing your adventure, pass under several suspended bridges along the river and will meet the Santo Tomas River. At noon, set camp and have the chance to hike during the afternoon or relax at camp.
Today, your adventure starts early. You will run quite a few class III rapids and then enjoy the most beautiful part of the canyon and its calm waters. You may see river otters, deer, foxes, torrent ducks, and tropical Andean birds. Continuing your adventure, pass under several suspended bridges along the river and will meet the Santo Tomas River. At noon, arrive in the city of Ollantaytambo.
If there is time, visit the under-rated ruins of Ollantaytambo before the larger groups of tourists arrive. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cusco. The ruins feature expansive terraces, giant building blocks, and well-preserved architecture. Even the town itself is still laid out as it was during the Inca empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history that still exists within its boundaries.
This morning board an early train bound for Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Disembark after about an hour at Trail Marker 104, where you will hike for approximately 3 hours to Wiñayhuayna. This is a challenging hike that winds diagonally up the side of the canyon, climbing about 2,300 feet to an elevation of 8,366 feet. Stop for a picnic lunch and a short visit to the Wiñayhuayna ruins.
After exploring the site, you will join the famous Inca Trail, hiking for about 2 hours to the famous Sun Gate (Inti punku), where you are treated to stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
Continue down toward the ruins for a guided tour of this historic site. Join the buses down the mountain to the village of Aguas Calientes. Spend your evening trying one of the many excellent local restaurants or relaxing with a soak in the hot springs. Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Today you will return to the ruins of Machu Picchu for further exploration. Return early with the hope of catching the sun coming up over the mountains at Machu Picchu. Depending on your preference in permits, arrive in time to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for incredible views of the entire area or choose to simply walk amongst the vast expanse of ruins and listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants with your guide. (The basic re-entry permit is included in the cost of this tour. Hiking permits require additional costs and should be reserved at the time of booking your tour due to limited availability.)
After your final exploration of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes to catch an afternoon train toward Cusco. Settle into your hotel or head out on a famous Cusco culinary adventure.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and connect to your international flight. With more time, extend your trip to visit the Peruvian Amazon or Lake Titicaca!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for May 3, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for May 3, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Notes
$433 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
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.
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