MULTISPORT EXPERIENCE IN THE ANDES, INCA TRAIL, RAFTING, TREKKING, BIKING: 7D6N

DAY 1 – Sacred valley hikes in Pisac and Ollantaytambo

We pick you up at Cusco. After a one-hour drive, we arrive in the Sacred Valley. There we will visit an Alpaca and Llama farm to see fiber production and the weaving process. We then drive one more hour to the archaeological site of the Pisac where we will explore the Inca outpost of Pisac and go on nice two-hour hike.

Beginning in 1200, the quest for increased territory and natural resources brought the Inca Empire into the Sacred Valley and the jungles of Cusco and Madre de Dios, and that is where Pisac was built. Pisac served as an Inca out post with and administrative, military and astronomical. This was a strategic location to control and conquer other ethnic groups. From here expansion continued northward to where Ollantaytambo is now. Here on the mountain were some of the best corn and crops in the World. There are impressive stone structures remaining and the site is connected by Inca roads. When you visit, you can hike to the cemetery where skulls of puma and religious icons have been found. Hiking further to the religious area you will see a beautiful stone temple carve of fine masonry. The temples were dedicated to the sun, the moon, and the star deities. They are all aligned to the astronomical and solar events.then we will go to the traditional Pisac market. We will take a short break for lunch in the valley. Later, we will we will drive for one hour to Ollantaytanbo Inca fortress for a nice hike and tour for two hours.

During the Inca expansion in the 1400s, Ollantaytambo was a fortified city, a fortified fortress, and “Tambo” or administrative center. The stone was quarried across the river and the river itself was a means to carry all the material from across the valley to the site, where materials could then be carried by using rollers ramps and man power. Using mostly huge pink or red perfidious granite rock, weighing 20-80 tons, they carved with extraordinary precision. Here the Incas constructed temples dedicated to the sun and to Mother Earth or Pachamama. This site is aligned to the winter and summer Solstices and to the spring and autumn equinox. This was one of the last refuges for the Incas before they fled to the jungle to regroup, recover, and fight the Spanish forces again. Ollantaytambo was used for administrative purposes, also as a religious retreat and military station. It was a strategic location between three valleys connected to important sites by Inca roads. The Sacred Valley was important because during the expansion of the Inca towards the sacred valley it was the main source of sustenance for the nobility. An important agricultural location, it was used to acclimate crops and fruit trees from the high and the low jungles. Manco Inca also fought to protect territory from the Spanish forces that had several battle ships in the area. Construction never was finished likely because the Inca civil war interfered and then the Spanish forces conquered the Inca in 1536.

All these beautiful buildings were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were palaces, religious retreats, plazas, palaces, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.

eventually returning to stay overnight in the hotel in Ollantaytambo to get ready for the train the next day to the short inka trail to Machu picchu.

DAY 2 Inca trail to Machu picchu

We start day one with a morning train to kilometer 104 of the rail line, passing by snowcapped mountains, diverse ecosystems, and ancient ruins along the way. The train will depart from Cusco or ollantaytambo station in the early morning and arrive at a trailhead in Chachabamba (2,100 meters) by mid -morning. Here, we’ll start our hike towards the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,710 meters), which will take approximately 2 ½ hours total. Once in Wiñay Wayna (named after the local orchids), we will stop for a picnic lunch and a brief tour. After lunch, we’ll begin our descent into the city of Machu Picchu (2,450meters). Enjoy the beautiful scenery and unparalleled view of the Urubamba mountain range as we pass through the mystical cloud forest. It’s in this subtropical forest that you will see endless species of plants, including the forever young orchest (Epidendrum secundum), the Bamboo orchest(Sobralia dicotoma), and much more. The diversity doesn’t end here. Take inall the sights and sounds of the Inca wren (Thryothorus eisenmanni), sparkling violet ear (Colibri coruscans), and maybe even the famed Andean Condor. To better appreciate all this area has to offer, we’ll stop at the Sun gate (Intipunku) entrance before our final descent. Here, we’ll snap some photos of the beautiful granite mountains known as the Bartolite of Vilcabamba (volcanic formation), along with the city of Machu Picchu below. As we make our way down, we’ll break at several more lookout points for additional photo opportunities. By the time we arrive at Machu Picchu, so be prepared for a much needed rest! From here, we’ll take a bus into Aguas Calientes (about 25 minutes away), where we’ll settle in at a hotel for a good shower, hot meal, and maybe an evening dip in the hot springs.

DAY 3 – Machu picchu

Today, we’re up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise from Machu Picchu (weather permitting). After a quick breakfast, we’ll catch the bus for a 25-minute ride to the actual city of Machu Picchu. We’ll start with a two-hour tour of the city,

Machu Picchu is situated at the beginning, or “eye brow”, of the cloud forest. This allowed access to different altitudes, each with unique ecological conditions. The crops found at Machu Picchu include different varieties of corn, chilies, quinoa, tomatoes, trees, potatoes, suggesting that this was a good place to acclimate and domesticate species from the high and low jungles that later would be successfully introduced into the hanging valleys and elsewhere.

This small valley was suitable for the building of temples and astronomical observatories.

By analysis of soil, seeds, wood, and bones, Carbon Dating situates Incas in the area during the mid-1400s to mid-1500s. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca number 9 who named it “Pachacutek” or “Cusi Yupanqui”. Throughout the site, there is fine masonry and beautiful stonework, all of which is done without mortar. Construction used outside sources for laborers and two large granite quarries nearby. It is believed that the site was occupied by royalty and dignitaries, and that it was visited by the Inca and his entourage or royal court. Even though it was never quite completed, local scholars and historians believe that within a mere 100 years Machu Picchu was built, inhabited, and abandoned.

Several roads connect to bring pilgrims and essential supplies to Machu Picchu, the site of temples and astronomical observatories dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, the universe, the mother earth temple “Pachamama” and the creator “Wiracocha”.

All these beautiful buildings were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were palaces, religious retreats, plazas, palaces, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.

after which you’ll be free to relax or hike one of the mountains in the area, Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu (about 2 to 3 hours).If you decide to hike, you will gain a whole new perspective on the Citadel and its rich biodiversity; definitely an experience you won’t forget! Afterwards, we’ll have lunch in town and visit the local market. Then, in the afternoon we’ll complete our trip with a train ride back to Cusco.

DAY 4 – River rafting

We pick you up at 8:30 am and drive south of Cusco valley into the mountains. One of the first views is the impressive snowcapped peak of Ausangate. At 6384 meters, this mountain is one of the main sources of water for the Vilcanota River. On the way to our put-in point we pass several small villages and some Inca ruins, such as Pikillacta, which was one the Tambos and administrative places of the Incas. After about a 2-hour drive, we reach a town called LLocllora where we stop for preparation, safety instructions and to gather our equipment and gear for the rafting trip. Because this is a challenging section, we will meet up with our “Safety Kayak” who will accompany us along this section. For the first 2 hours, we will be in a variety of class I, II, III, IV rapids, over a distance of 15 kilometers. Our first class III rapid is called “the Introduction” which is good training for the main rapids coming ahead. After that, we pass the class III+ rapid called “the Curve”, and then we will continue through easy class I and class II rapids. After a rest in a spot with great views of the Vilcanota Mountain range, we will run the canyon, enjoying a section with two class III+ rapids, called “the Train of Waves” and “the Knife”. Further down the canyon we will run three class IV rapids.Because our first class IV rapid is difficult, we will stop to scout the rapid and assess the conditions. Continuing down the river, we will run “the Butterfly” rapid, a class IV with technical conditions, then “the Bridge” rapid, also a class IV.

We will take a break in another spot with beautiful views of the Vilcanota mountain range and prepare for the next challenging section. “The Big Waves” is a large class IV rapid that is over 100 meters long with big, continual waves. Later, we will have two great class III+ rapids until we reach a flat section. The rest of the day is class I and class II rapids. Along the way, we enjoy excellent opportunities to see some of the flora and fauna of the Inter Andean valleys. After the river run, we will change into dry clothes and have a picnic lunch. Our drive back to Cusco is about one and a half hours

DAY 5 – Rainbow mountain hike

In the Andes, the towering Ausangate snow peak in the Vilcanota mountain range is considered sacred. At 6384 meters it is one of the highest mountains in Peru. As the symbol of the father and masculinity, Ausangate is said to fertilize Pachamama, or Mother Earth herself.Andean traditions and myths consider this mountain to be “Apu”, a god, and the spiritual protector of the native people.

Rainbow Mountain Peru, also known as Vinicunca is an undiscovered land full of wildly desert landscapes, snowcapped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty.

During this journey a you will be in between two different ecosystem the Andean grass land called puna and the janca ecosystem in the proximity of the glacears.There will be some flora and fauna during this journey to the sacred mountain of vinicunca.Among the species that you can see will be the river gull, Andean flickers ,falcons and puna ibis.as well some flora like ichu vegetation from the grain family as well some polilepis like queuñas ,many succulent close to the glaciers and many musses and chilcas from the asters family.Throughout your journey you will pass through a vibrant green valley with the impressive Ausangate Mountain towering in the distance. You will experience firsthand how locals live in the mountains and even see them hard at work. As you get closer to the Rainbow Mountain you will begin to see the first signs of the colored minerals that formed the painted hills. Your guide will explain what makes up the existence of the Rainbow Mountain, and finally with one last push you will hike or ride the mules or horses up to a vantage point that gives you a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscape that makes up the sacred land. You have made it to the ultimate destination- The painted hills hidden deep in the Andes. Our way back will be by the same trail down to the beginning where hot drinks, dinning tent and a warn meal will be waiting for you after your challenge to this magnificent scenery.

DAY 6 – Cusco Inca sites hikes

The morning is free. During the afternoon, after a good lunch, we shall start the City Tour to see part of the capital of the Inca Empire. We will visit several religious retreats and sanctuaries dating from Inca times. The Temple of Koricancha “The Temple of Gold” was the center of the Inca religion as the formal temple of the Sun it figures among the different temples that were dedicated to various gods of the Inca religion.

Koricancha was the main temple built in the 1200s and rebuilt in the 1400s by Pachacutec, the 9th Inca leader. Similar to the Greek Parthenon, this is where all deities were. Just as Mecca is sacred to Muslims, Koricancha was sacred to the Incas who all visited at least once in a lifetime. The extraordinary masonry is an impressive example of Inca engineering and architecture: stones were cut precisely, assembled with extremely narrow joints, and needing no mortar. It is thought that there were temples dedicated to the sun, moon, stars, and rainbows, that this is where solar priests and priestesses lived. This ceremonial site held Inca religious idols and idols of people that they had conquered. The stone for this building came from nearby quarries. The stone is varied and includes andesite, basal diorite and red perfidious granite, volcanic and metamorphic rock. The shape, the angles and the polishing were masterful. Here the Inca solar priest conducted rituals and high ceremonies dedicated to gods and sun worship. Religious artifacts have been found here. Much of the temples were cover with gold, silver, and precious stones positioned in ways relevant to solar and astronomical events. Only people with status, nobility or royalty were permitted to visit here. In 1540 Dominicans built a monastery and convent on the using the Inca ruins and imposed Christianity. Although the Inca were forced out, today you can see the marvelous and amazing work of the Incas.

All these beautiful buildings were occupied by royalty, nobility and important people and their entourages. These were palaces, religious retreats, plazas, palaces, ceremonial places, astronomical observatories and they also served as military stations, store houses, granaries, and terraces for farming, all connected by Inca roads. Construction included existing rock, the small valley itself, and the mountain. Fine masonry and well carved, well-polished stonework, all assembled without mortar. The work was done by laborers from elsewhere who used ramps, rollers, and manpower.

We will visit the fortress of Saqsayhuaman, which was a Militar, ceremonial, religious and astronomical site. We will visit several shrines, or huacas such as “Qenqo”, which were ceremonial and ritualistic places and we will see a section of an original Inca trail that was part of the network of routes called “Capac Ñan” in Cusco, the Capital of the Inca Empire.

Saqsayhuaman was built with limestone brought from nearby quarries using rollers, ropes, ramps, and manpower. The stone was carved very precisely and required no mortar. This is one of the best examples of Inca masonry. The stones vary in size and they weigh between 20 and 80 tons. Excavations here yielded human remains, mummies, religious paraphernalia, and statuettes of idols that symbolize deities, men, and women. This is where, on June 21st , the Winter Solstice captures the first rays of the sun and from here the rays continue all the way to the imperial city of Cusco, forming the sacred figure of the Solar Puma. Saqsayhuam was the head of the puma and considered to be a sacred animal. Saqsayhuaman has three angled walls that form a zig zag shape. Garcilazo de la Vega, a mixed race Inca writer from the 1600s, claimed there were three towers at the top of the slope with rectangular, square, and circular shapes (temple of the sun) that reached a height of 15 meters and had various uses. At Saqsayhuaman the Incas defended and fought Spanish forces for control of the Inca capital during the Conquest of Cusco. Under the leadership of Manco Inca, despite fighting with great fury and energy against the invading Spanish forces in 1534, this marked the beginning of the collapse of the Inca Empire. The battles continued to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo before the Incas retreated to the rain forest in Vilcabamba where they remained for 36 years until the last Inca was captured in 1572.

Here there will also some good opportunities to see the Giant Hummingbird “Patagonia Gigas”, the Rufus-Collared sparrow “Zonotrichia Capensis”, the native tree called Queoña “Polilepis sp” and the Chachacomo “Scallonia recinosa” all from pre-Colombian times and found in the Andes.

Also in this area are the Great Thrush, Flower Piercers, Tanagers, Seedeaters, Stripe-Headed Brush Finch, Kestrels, Siskins, Fly-catchers, Tangaras, and more.

The flora includes many species of Bromeliads “Puya Densiflora”, Passiflora, Begonias, Fuchsias, and numerous Compositae. There are countless numbers of Orchids including varieties of Wiñay Wayna “Epidendrum Secundum”, many of the Solanaceae, Myrtaceae, Scrophularias, and moreNote: We can recommend the best and comfortable hotels for you or we can book the hotel for you.

DAY 7 Hiking Cusco south valley, Pikillacta and Tipon (Cusco airport)

Today we will visit the archaeological site of Tipón where we will see the ceremonial place for water ceremonies and ritual where the practice the water cult for fertility and abundance in the Andean world .We will see beautiful fountains and water springs where they performed and display water initiations and purifications.We will have beautiful hike and explore the site.later we will continue and visit the tambo and administrative place of pikiillacta where we will see funtional and utilitarian buildings and some of the hieghest building i the empire. This place was conquer by the Inca during the expansion of the Inca expire as well we wll see some aqueducts and we will hike and explore the place. Transfer you to airport for domestic flight to Lima and flight connections.