Peru Expedition
Trip Summary
This is an epic 15-day adventure through Peru's most stunning landscapes! We'll dive deeply into the Incan culture while experiencing unforgettable outdoor adventures in the incomparable Andes Mountains and the neighboring cloud rainforest. From exploring Machu Picchu to soaking in natural hot springs, from visiting innumerable ancient Incan sites to rafting one of the world's most coveted rivers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you'll never forget.
Itinerary
Whitewater rafting
Spend three days on one of the most sought-after rivers in the world: the Apurímac! Nestled deep within the Andes, the Apurímac River is fed by glaciers and flows through deep, narrow canyons. We'll reach the river by hiking through ancient Incan settlements on the Qhapaq Ñan (meaning "royal road" in Quechua) trail, an ancient road system with extraordinary history that links the Andes' highest peaks with the coast. By day, we'll navigate exciting rapids up to class III, and at night we'll practice our Spanish and sleep on the riverbanks under the brightest stars you've ever seen. It's not uncommon to see otters, deer, foxes, and tropical Andean birds!
Backpacking & day hiking
Get ready to immerse yourself in the jaw-dropping beauty that Peru's mountains have to offer! We'll kick off the trip with an unforgettable hike to our rafting site, winding through beautiful and ancient Incan settlements like Maukallacta.
Another day, we'll hike to the Perolniyoc waterfall outside of Ollaytantambo, a cascade reaching more than 300 feet tall and sitting at over 11,000 feet in elevation.
Then, we'll be well-prepared to take on the elevation of the peaks enveloping the Sacred Valley. We'll backpack for several days through more Incan ruins, waterfalls, glacial moraines, and other incredibly beautiful scenery. Heading toward La Raya Pass (above 14,000 feet), we'll be supported by mules and sleep among spectacular views of the Andes. We'll hike through the Chancacucho quarry, where you'll learn the astonishing ways that Incans moved innumerable enormous boulders by hand across the valley to construct nearby villages. Our third day, we'll descend back into the village to prepare for our next hike toward Machu Picchu.
Hike to and around Machu Picchu
In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason: These remarkably constructed ruins offer fascinating (and nebulous!) glimpses into the ancient Incan world... and the views are absolutely astounding. After a short train ride through the Sacred Valley and into the cloud rainforest, we'll begin our climb toward Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. We'll eat lunch at Wiñay Wayna, another set of ruins impressively built into the steep mountainside, before trekking toward Inti Punku, aka the Sun Gate; this is where we'll be rewarded with our first views of the citadel itself. The next day, we'll tour Machu Picchu itself, immersing ourselves in the ruins' intricate stone constructions.
The next day will take us to Llactapata, another historical site on the "backside" of Machu Picchu. Just like our initial trek on the Inca trail, we'll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the region's vibrant flora (if you like wild orchids, this is the place for you!).
Cultural activities
After so much hiking through the Andes, it'll be time to reward ourselves with a special treat: Harvesting and making our own chocolate at a renowned organic farm, recognized for its commitment to conserving and preserving native species of fruits, medicinal plants, and organic agricultural practices.
Additionally, during one of our hikes, we'll have the opportunity to plant Queuña trees (aka the Andean oak) high above the Andean valleys. This quickly disappearing tree (due to too much deforestation) is one of the hardiest trees in the world and indigenous to this region, and it is critical to supporting its surrounding fauna, flora, and culture.
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