Crowned by the towering Andes and tucked between the Amazon and the Pacific, Peru offers a captivating mix of adventure, nature and history. Embedded in every active traveler’s Top Ten List is the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. Our route takes us there from bustling Lima, to the cobblestone streets of Cusco, from ruin to ruin across the Sacred Valley, and by train and breathtaking footpath over the Inca Trail. Visit and bargain with the locals at the colorful street markets as you practice your Español. View the expansive Machu Picchu site from perhaps the most famous entrance, the “Sun Gate.” Learn how salt is made as you gaze at the beautiful evaporating salt pools in Maras. Discover your inner adventurer as you mountain bike on trails to ancient Incan sites and later sip on a Pisco Sour. Reminisce over your adventures of the day with your traveling friends.
Ogle at the intricate stonework architecture that dominates the design of Lima’s historic center where you’ll tour Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, the Main Square, and others as you stroll streets lined with colonial mansions and Moorish-style balconies
Take a flight to Cusco, the Inca Empire’s capital and oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere
Walk around Incan ruins thousands of years old as you try to solve the mysteries of this lost civilization’s expert craftsmanship
Chow down on Peruvian cuisine at local restaurants with an authentic atmosphere
Raft the class II and III whitewater rapids of the Urubamba River, conquering the adrenaline-inducing “train station” and “slider” rapids
Take a guided walking tour of the main square of Cusco, the Cathedral and the “Korikancha” temple of the sun
Give back while on your trip as you give local school children and teachers materials including books, pencils, and crayons
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The Sun Gate: Nothing prepares you for the feeling of awe as you step through Intipunku and gaze upon the ruins of Machu Picchu for the very first time
02
Engage with the mystery that still surrounds the Who, What, Why, and How of Machu Picchu
03
The local Indian market in Pisac: This colorful market offers the region's most impressive display of handmade textiles and crafts
Arrive in Lima, the “City of Kings,” and the cultural hub of Peru • You’ll be met at the airport and transferred (one hour) to Hotel B • Dinner on your own •
Hotel B – Lima In the heart of the Barranco district, a protected historic area next to the Pacific Ocean is located Hotel B, a Belle Époque mansion of 20 rooms. A Guest House with the charm of Lima´s traditional hospitality, a meeting center with artistic sensibility to connect travelers, and a signature restaurant with the spirit of a turn of the Century Explorers Club. An arts-boutique Hotel in the heart of a bohemian revival neighborhood, housing a private collection of contemporary Latin American and Peruvian artists, adding a unique charm to the interiors. Hotel B is surrounded by neighboring galleries and museums.
Take a morning tour of the historic center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 • Visit the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, the Main Square, Government Palace, Basilica Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall Palace and stroll streets lined with colonial mansions and Moorish-style balconies • After lunch at Mangos de Larcomar, check out a collection of pre-Colombian artifacts on a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum • Dinner perched over the Pacific at la Rosa Nautica, an unforgettable restaurant located on Pier 4 of the Lima Beach Circuit •
Fly to Cusco, the Inca Empire’s capital and oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere • Transfer to the Sacred Valley • Visit Awanacancha, the llama project, where we will see different South American camelids • Shuttle to Pisac for a hike to the region’s mysterious mountainside ruins • Shop an impressive display of handmade textiles and crafts at a local Indian market • Today’s lunch at the Cuchara de Palo restaurant will allow you to discover delicious Peruvian Cuisine • Check into your tranquil accommodation, your home for the next three nights, and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal •
Sol y Luna Hotel
Set in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the province of Urubamba, this refined hotel in a complex of stone and adobe buildings is 3 km from Plaza de Armas, 15 km from the Eye of the Jaguar zipline and 20 km from the Chinchero archaeological site. Elegant, rustic casitas with marble bathrooms feature a rich palette, wood-beamed ceilings, eclectic furnishings, folk art and Peruvian accents. Amenities include free Wi-Fi; some have terraces with Jacuzzi tubs. Complimentary breakfast is served in the contemporary restaurant, which features a seasonal menu; there’s also a bar and wine cellar. The spa features a gym, saunas, massage (fee) and yoga.
After a hardy breakfast, we shuttle to Cruzpata to visit a local school • Here, we’ll get to know the kids and their teachers and deliver materials, including books, pencils, and crayons • After this activity, we bike off-road to the Inca site of Moray • Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch • Shuttle to Maras and bike to the ancient salt pools and mines known as the “Salinas de Maras” • Dinner at Wayra Restaurant, a unique space where nature, art, gastronomy, adventure and good living blend together.
Upon reaching our private river put-in and listening to a safety orientation, raft the class II and III whitewater rapids of the Urubamba River, conquering the adrenaline-inducing “train station” and “slider” rapids • Savor a traditional pachamanca lunch at a local restaurant • This afternoon, explore the fascinating ruins of Ollantaytambo with your guide • Dinner in the colorful Huacatay Restaurant •
Travel 1.5 hours by train to Kilometer 104 where we meet the Inca Trail and embark on a cloud forest and subtropical jungle hike to Machu Picchu • Visit the sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna and enjoy lunch at a waterfall before reaching Intipunku, the “Sun Gate” overlooking Machu Picchu • We’ll have time for a short visit before transferring to the upscale Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for lodging and dinner
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.
After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Enjoy a full morning of exploring Machu Picchu’s mountaintop ruins with a private guide • You will have the option to hike up Huaynapicchu Mountain at 10:00 am if you desire • Chow down on some lunch in Machu Picchu • Ride a train back to Ollantaytambo this afternoon and drive to Cusco, relishing in the landscapes rushing beside your window • Relax during dinner at your hotel •
Cusco Libertador Palacio del Inca Hotel
Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka is a five-centuries-old mansion located in the heart of downtown Cusco. Our unique hotel’s captivating design embraces historical aspects of our Peruvian culture while maintaining world-class luxury and modern conveniences. Here you’ll find stone archways, authentic Hispanic art, and ornate gilded antiques. Join us for a delectable meal at Inti Raymi, our hotel’s on-site restaurant serving an array of epicurean cuisine or enjoy a selection of wines curated by our Master Sommelier. Harmonize your body and soul with a signature treatment or massage at our luxurious Andes Spirit Spa. Each of our unique guest rooms and suites is fashioned with traditional colonial decor and a rich color palette evocative of the local Peruvian heritage. Directly across from Koricancha, meaning “Temple of the Sun,” our luxury hotel is just minutes from the shops and museums in the main square. Discover the enriching experiences of Cusco, Peru at Palacio del Inka.
Tour Cusco’s nearby famous archeological ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay • Venture into the city for lunch • Take a guided walking tour of the main square of Cusco, the Cathedral and the “Korikancha” temple of the sun • Gather together for a farewell dinner at Map Café followed by some lively music •
Return flight to Lima • With guide assistance, connect with your international flight home • No overnight
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures and Apumayo Expediciones.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
December 18, 2021
December 26, 2021
Space Available
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
An Austin Adventures/Apumayo representative will meet you upon arrival at the Lima airport. Upon clearing customs, transportation to Hotel B in Lima’s Barranco District (1-hour transfer) will be provided. On Day 9 you will be transferred from the Palacio del Inka to the Cusco airport according to your morning or afternoon flight schedule. You will be met upon your arrival in Lima and assistance will be provided to the international departures terminal of the Lima airport. Please confirm with your airline provider if the Peruvian airport departure and tourist tax is included in your ticket. If not, this departure tax must be paid in U.S. dollars or Peruvian Nuevos Soles, as credit cards are not accepted.
Activities
Hiking – 1 to 2-mile city walks and ruins tours; 5-mile challenging hike on the Inca Trail (elevation gain of 2,000 feet). Mountain Biking – 15 miles on dirt, moderately difficult. Whitewater rafting – Class II and III rapids, no experience necessary
Cultural Discoveries
Crowned by the towering Andes and tucked between the Amazon and the Pacific, Peru offers a captivating mix of adventure, nature and history. Embedded in every active traveler’s Top Ten List is the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu. Our route takes us there from bustling Lima, to the cobblestone streets of Cusco, from ruin to ruin across the Sacred Valley, and by train and breathtaking footpath over the Inca Trail. Catch a glimpse of the Andean Condor, a vulture with the largest wingspan of any land bird – 10.5 feet! Discover the colorful street markets, friendly people, and strong local culture of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. Photograph the myriad of salt pans in Maras as the sun reflects off the water’s surface, slowly evaporating and leaving salt in its wake. Delight in the traditional Peruvian dish of Pachamanca: lamb, mutton, pork, chicken or guinea pig, marinated in spices and baked with the aid of hot stones in an earthen oven known as a huatia. Did you know that Machu Picchu is called “The Lost City” because when it was “rediscovered” by Yale explorer Hiram Bingham III in 1911, the jungle had literally swallowed the complex ruins? Even a knife blade can’t be inserted between the precise mortarless joints of the stones used in the building of Machu Picchu, and many of these stones weighed more than 50 tons! Come explore Peru with the experts in adventure travel!
Your guides will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals from breakfast on Day 2 until breakfast on Day 9.
Fully trained, bilingual professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Peru Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
