Family adventure in Peru
A mutli-activity adventure which sees the whole family trek, raft, canoe and bike some of Peru’s Highlights.
From Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, we have lined up an entire range of exciting adventures.
Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the name and addresses of hotels, and where and when to rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
On arrival from your spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, we transfer you to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we take a short walking tour of the centre of Cusco to familiarise you with the main sights, restaurants and a chance to stretch your legs and experience hiking at 3300m. At a convenient time you guide will arrange a full briefing for the days ahead.
Day 2
From Cusco we drive to the upper Urubamba, the sacred river of the Incas for some fun grade II-III rafting. Full instruction and safety talk is given so no previous experience is necessary. We return back to our hotel in Cusco. (B,L)
Day 3
From Cusco we explore the nearby Inca archaeological sites and local communities by horseback (or foot if preferred). Time and energy permitting we can choose between the impressive sites of Pucara, Tambo Machay, Q’enko and Sacsayhuaman. This is a fun adventure through beautiful countryside to acclimatise us further. Return to hotel in Cusco. (B,L)
Day 4
A chance to do some ‘white-water’ yourself today with some inflatable canoeing on a scenic and fun stretch of the Rio Urubamba. We continue down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the quaint town of Pisac where we check into our local hotel and then visit the extensive artisan market - Pisac is a shopper’s dream. We can also visit a local bakery and dinner can be taken at one of the good local restaurants overlooking the plaza.(B,L)
Day 5
A short transfer brings us to Chinchero plain for the start of probably the best one day mountain bike adventure in Peru. Largely downhill, we pass Lake Huaypo and enjoy great views of the Vilcanota mountain range. This fun dirt-road mountain-bike descent into the Sacred Valley suitable for all the family. The final descent on mule trails is through the spectacular working salt-pans of Maras. We have a constant support vehicle on hand for any weary/non-riders. Meeting our vehicle we continue on to our hotel in the charming village of Ollantaytambo where we can relax or go for a gentle stroll and explore this fascinating Inca town. There are a number of excellent restaurants in town to dine at. (B,L)
Day 6
We catch the early morning train from Ollantaytambo down the now raging Urubamba river to km 104. Here we start our hike along the Royal Inca Trail. Whilst walking all you need to carry is a daypack, your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes to await your arrival. An initial hot ascent is replaced by satisfaction as you reach Wiñay Wayna, a beautiful Inca ruin full of swallows and orchids. A contour path through the fascinating cloud forest leads to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Should there no longer be permits available for the one-day Royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu, clients will simply remain on the train to Aguas Calientes, check into the hotel and then there are a number of interesting options you can choose from with your guide. We can attempt the climb of Putucusi mountain for a spectacular view of Machu Picchu (not for the sacred of heights!), we can hike to Mandor waterfall the site of Hiram Bingham’s base camp where an orchid garden and some exoctic cloud-forest birds may be seen. Or just relax in the local hot springs and explore the fun town and market of Aguas Calientes, before meeting up with the rest of the group that afternoon. If clients wish to visit Machu Picchu on this day, that can be arranged locally, paying directly for the bus and entrance fee.
Day 7
We return first thing in the morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We board the afternoon train back to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here our waiting bus whisks us back to Cusco and our hotel. Then if we have the energy: a celebration dinner in one of Cusco’s excellent restaurants. (B)
Day 8
There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole free day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in artisan markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).
Day 9
Transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport. (B)
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
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