Highlights
- Discover Cusco's ancient cobblestone streets
- Enjoy an unforgettable biking experience
- Discover the secrets of Machu Picchu on a private tour
- Explore the fascinating beauty of turquoise Humantay Lake
- Try white-water rafting on the Urubamba River
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lima & Cusco | Cusco |
| Day 2 | Quad Bike Tour to Moray & Maras | Cusco |
| Day 3 | Machu Piccchu | Cusco |
| Day 4 | Rafting on the Urubamba River | Cusco |
| Day 5 | Hike to Humantay Lake | Cusco |
| Day 6 | Adios Perú! |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima & Cusco
After arriving in Peru in Lima, take a domestic flight onward to Cusco, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Remember that Cusco is at 11,000 feet (3000 m.) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to drink lots of water.
Since Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of the narrow stone alleyways on foot. Take a gently walk through the plaza; if the weather is beautiful, it's a perfect place to sit on a balcony and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation.
Day 2: Quad Bike Tour to Moray & Maras
Your active adventures begin today! You'll be picked up and transferred to Cruzpata, where you'll be instructed on how to use a quad bike so you can do so safely and with confidence.
Drive to Moray on the bikes, an incredible complex of stone amphitheaters developed by the Incas. While the exact reason for the construction of this site remains unknown, historians believe the Incas constructed it to experiment with crop production in different micro-climates. Drive to the Salt Mines of Maras, a few miles from Moray. This incredible patchwork of stone pools and paths was developed by the Inca as a way of harvesting salt.
Afterwards, return to Cruzpata and drop off the quad bikes, then return to Cusco.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Machu Piccchu
Early in the morning, head to Ollantaytambo, where you'll board a train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. You will be able to appreciate Peru’s immense biodiversity as you see the landscape transition from Andean green fields to lush rainforest, descending alongside the Urubamba River. From Aguas Calientes, take a short bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins.
This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7970 feet (2430 m.), and is a masterpiece of engineering. It served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction, and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century. Machu Picchu means "old mountain," and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Your guide will lead you around the site and explain the history and significance of the different buildings. Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed to its original form, giving visitors a sense for the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel.
After the tour, spend a bit more time exploring the ruins on your own, then take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch in the picturesque town center. Return to Ollantaytambo by train, and back to your hotel.
Day 4: Rafting on the Urubamba River
Get ready for an adrenaline rush today! You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven 1.5 hours to the put-in point. Your experienced rafting guides will provide you with all necessary rafting equipment, such as helmets, wet-suits, spray jackets, paddles, and a self-bailing raft. After a comprehensive safety talk, start running exciting class III and III+ rapids.
The Urubamba River is one of the most important rivers in Peru and is part of the Amazon basin, running from the high Andes down through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, past Machu Picchu and into the jungle. It has some exciting white water sections. You'll be rafting on the Chuquicahuana (or “Chuqui”) area, where there are good class III rapids and clean water.
Float and splash down the river for about two hours, then finish at the Cusipata River Lodge. Enjoy a delicious lunch here, as well as a relaxing sauna, if you wish. You also have the chance to try zip-lining (at no additional cost). Two secure cables cross the Urubamba River, a distance of 328 feet (100 m.)
Day 5: Hike to Humantay Lake
Leave your hotel very early this morning to begin your adventure to Humantay Lake. It's a four-hour drive to Soraypampa (13,800 feet/ 3850 m.). Here, stop for breakfast and get ready for the trek.
It's around a 1.5-hour walk to Humantay Lake (13,779 feet /4200 m.). The amazing views of the shimmering turquoise waters will be your reward. If the sky is clear enough you'll also see the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay reflected in the lake.
After some free time, descend to Soraypampa. The walk down is a lot easier than the walk up! In Soraypampa, have lunch and then return to Cusco, arriving by early evening.
Day 6: Adios Perú!
You'll be transferred to the airport in Cusco in time to check in for your flight to Lima. From Lima, connect to an international flight back home. !Buen Viaje!
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