Peru Multi-Sport

Welcome to Peru! A representative will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travelers. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to explore in this high-altitude city. You could even drop into Casa Intrepid – a community hub and travelers’ sanctuary within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria – to plan your next move or recharge with a cup of coca tea. After the meeting, the rest of the evening is free to explore or find a dinner spot to try some local Peruvian favorites and get to know your new travel buddies.

Jump straight into action today with a morning stand-up paddle board (or kayak) on Lake Piuray (12,205 ft). After a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, you’ll arrive at Piuray and watch a safety briefing before hitting the water for a relaxing paddle surrounded by the Andes. Back on dry land, refuel with some snacks and hot drinks before continuing to a traditional highland community. Here, you’ll meet a group of women who'll show you their ancient techniques of dyeing and weaving camelid fibers into textiles. You’ll also share a meal made with an Inca cooking method known as pachamanca – where marinated meats and vegetables are slow cooked in an earth oven covered with hot stones. Say bye to the community, then return to Cusco to unwind or explore at your leisure – be sure to ask your leader if you need recommendations.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day mountain biking journey from Cusco to Pisac. After breakfast, drive to Laguna de Huacarpay (9843 ft) where your bikes will be waiting for you. After a safety briefing, start the ride through the lush Sacred Valley and explore the Valle del Rio WillkaMayu – a major tributary of the Amazon River. Take in the beauty of the forested peaks and ride past small villages while learning about the valley’s rich history along the way. The journey ends with an exhilarating descent from the Inca site of Pisac (entrance ticket included). You’ll arrive back at your hotel in Pisac town this afternoon. If there’s time, you could explore the town and the local market where vendors sell multicolored textiles and local foods.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Tambomachay – an Inca archaeological site dedicated to the God of Water. You'll then set off on a downhill hike back to Cusco – this is an easy acclimatization walk to get used to the altitude and prepare for the Inca Trail in two days' time. On the way back to Cusco, you’ll visit the Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city. It’s said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build, and the origin of the temple is still unknown. Continue the hike, stopping at the Cristo Blanco – a 26-ft statue of Jesus Christ. Enjoy a rest at this viewpoint, then pass the neighborhood of San Blas – an artistic area filled with art studios, bars and cafes. You might want to stop for lunch here before heading back to your hotel. If you like, you could then join your leader for an orientation walk to explore more of Cusco – like the Qoricancha Temple, San Pedro market, the 12 Angled Stone and Regocijo Square. Regroup at Casa Intrepid this evening for an important trek briefing.

Rise early this morning for a scenic drive to Pachar through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, stop at AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – a cafe that provides training and employment opportunities to local women who are solo parents – to learn about the restaurant’s impact on the community over a tasty snack. Then continue to the starting point of today’s activity – a white-water rafting experience along a section of the Urubamba River through Grade 2 and 3 rapids. After a safety briefing, you’ll have some time to practice your techniques before hitting the water. Paddle through the heart of the Andes, passing ancient Inca ruins and views of the forested peaks. You'll finish up in Ollantaytambo with a riverside lunch before returning to your hotel in Ollantaytambo to unwind.

It's time to hike the Inca Trail! Travel by minivan to the 51-mi marker (8819 ft) and meet your trekking guide, chef and crew of porters. Today’s mostly uphill trail winds past the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. When you arrive at your first campsite (10,170 ft) in the evening, kick off your boots and recharge with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook – you might be surprised by what they can rustle up this high up in the mountains. If it’s a clear night, don’t forget to look up to see the glittering Andean skies.

Get ready for the most challenging day of the trek. You’ll ascend for five hours up a steep path to reach the highest point of the trail – Warmiwanusca, or colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass' – which sits at a height of 13,780 ft above sea level. It can be a tough and sweaty climb, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the valley below. You’ll then descend to your next campsite in Pacaymayo Valley (11,975 ft), where you can put your feet up, dig into a hearty dinner and enjoy another peaceful night in the Andes.

Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (13,058 ft). Stop for a breather and enjoy views of Cordillera de Vilcabamba range before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Believed to have been used by the Incas for ceremonial purposes, this maze-like stone structure sits on a mountain crest and is only accessible on foot. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 12,631 ft, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. It’s then a 2-hour downhill trail along ancient Inca steps to the final campsite near the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Get an early night as you’ll wake before dawn tomorrow.

Today’s the day you’ll walk through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek. The day starts with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station, then begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll push on for the last 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). This grand entrance to Machu Picchu sits at an altitude of 9000 ft, and weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu – you made it! Sitting high in the Andes and surrounded by cloud forest, this 15th century Inca citadel is one of those genuinely magical places, and your first glimpse is something to remember. After a guided tour (and taking advantage of endless photo ops), catch the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. From here, take the scenic train to Ollantaytambo and drive back to Cusco. Relax for a while after a celebratory shower, then relive all the special moments you’ve shared at a farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi – a sustainable restaurant that supports local organic producers.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to stick around in Cusco for a little longer, just let your booking agent know ahead of time to organize extra accommodation.