Mystical Peru: From the Source of the Amazon to the Heights of Machu Picchu

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Mystical Peru: Amazon to Machu Picchu - Overview

Our Mystical Peru journey offers a truly one of a kind adventure to the center of the Inca Empire – a Peru adventure travel experience to which all others will be compared. This Peru journey is an in-depth exploration of the culture, archaeology and scenic grandeur of the High Andes that makes this South American nation undeniably unique. Combining an epic four-day rafting trip through the Black Canyon of the Apurimac River at the source of the Amazon River and a ground breaking six-day lodge-to-lodge trek from Salkantay to the incomparable Machu Picchu, this is a Peru vacation that captures all the treasures of Peru.

Peru Hiking Adventure - Itinerary at a Glance

• From Cusco, we transfer to the lodge and spa at Sol y Luna in the Sacred Valley and visit the Ollantaytambo ruins and the Pisaq market
• Enjoy a full-day celebration in Cusco at the ruins at Sacsayhuamán and the Plaza de Armas, including traditional ceremonies, processions and costumes along with music and dancing marking the beginning of a new year, the Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun
• Transfer to the Village of Naihua where friendly locals greet us at the put-in for the Apurimac River, the source of the Amazon
• Explore the lush canyon vegetation including bromeliads and orchids and raft a series of Class III and Class IV rapids with one Class V portage and camp on sandy beaches for 3 nights
• Shuttle to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort in the Soraypampa Valley and spend the afternoon relaxing before dinner beneath the towering peak of Salkantay, the most sacred peak in Inca mythology and at 20,500 feet
• Trek up the Rio Blanco Valley circling Humantay Peak across from the Salkantay and take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range and overnight at the Wayra Lodge
• Hike downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery to the Colpa Lodge at the confluence of three rivers
• Continue down to the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations and orchards
• Continue our trek towards Llactapata pass for a distant but one-of-a-kind view of Machu Picchu and a visit to the Llactapata Ruins
• Begin our final descent to the Vilcanota River and the town of Aguas Calientes and overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Lodge
• Revel in a full-day guided tour of Machu Picchu then transfer by train back to Cusco for a farewell dinner and a final night at the center of the Inca Empire

Important Peru Hiking Information

Trekking in the High Andes takes a toll on the average person, which is why previous high-elevation hiking is recommended for this adventure. Although the level of exertion is only moderately strenuous overall, the minimum trekking portion of the trip is spread over four days and involves 27 miles of hiking at elevations between 6,600 and 15,000 feet on steep and rocky trails and stone paved Inca paths. Although there is also a 4-mile acclimatization trek from Soraypamp to Humantay Lake and back, it is a good idea to come prepared with proper elevation sickness medicine, which can be prescribed by your local doctor prior to your trip. An additional 2 days and 16 miles of trekking is offered in the itinerary but these distances can either be omitted or a portion  completed by vehicle. We'll share the Salcantay route with native Peruvian farmers who are commonly seen using these trails for transporting goods and livestock. You'll pass by mountaintop vista terraces with gauchos wearing hand-woven ponchos, climb to the ruins at Machu Picchu, and explore the fitted stone beauty of a variety of Incan ruins along the way. Good physical fitness is required.