Summary

Rio Apurimac / Inca Trail (May to June)

Prices From	USD$ $3,150.00
1st Departure	05.03.2009
Provider	Global Descents
Destination	Peru
Duration	10 days
Challenge	Moderate
Avg Rating	Not Rated

Apurimac River

Until very recently, the Rio Apurimac remained a scarcely known river through one of the deepest canyons in the world and the uppermost source of the Amazon River.  Rising in Peru’s glaciated southwestern Cordilleras at 18,000’ in elevation, the Apurimac courses downstream through a distinctive narrow canyon sculpted over the millennia into smooth, overhanging walls of incredible shapes and of astonishing dimensions.  Today, the Apurimac (translated as “divinity talker” in native dialect) remains one of the least explored canyons on Earth.  The gorge features fantastic waterfalls and stunning scenery, awesome Class III-V whitewater, one portage at a point where the river constricts to less than one-tenth its size, and an unrivaled feeling of remoteness.

Itinerary

Day1

We will meet you at the Cusco airport mid-day and transfer to our hotel. Tonight we have an orientation dinner where we‘ll distribute river dry bags and discuss the upcoming week’s activities.

Day 2

We meet at 9:00 am. From Cusco we drive 4 hours through the Andes to the put-in at mile-high Huallpachaca Bridge. We’ll spend a few hours preparing our equipment, including the self-bailing rafts, oars, paddles, coolers, personal gear, helmets, lifejackets, and wet suits. We’ll warm up with a safety talk and rafting drills. On the water, we’ll float through several Class II-III rapids, emphasizing a thorough training, including re-entering the raft after a swim, flipping the raft, and swimming a rapid. We’ll pull over and spend our first river night in the narrow gorge backed by the roar of the river. The guides will prepare an awesome dinner while participants explore a side canyon and waterfall or relax in camp.

Day 3

This morning we’ll rise as daylight makes its way down the canyon and energize with a hot breakfast and beverages. Today we plan to launch early as we have a 6-7 hour day ahead of us. We’ll encounter our first Class IV rapids and will make plenty of time for marveling at the sheer gorge through which we pass. One portage awaits at an impassible stretch of the river. At midday we’ll refuel on an abundant riverside lunch; and we hope to arrive at our spectacular camp by 4 p.m., where we’ll share happy hour cocktails and appetizers. Setting camp and partaking of another great dinner and stories all around, we’ll pass the night gazing out of tents and sleeping bags two miles out of the Apurimac River Canyon and into the Peruvian sky.

Day 4

After a great hot breakfast we gear up to paddle the most challenging whitewater of the expedition. Class V rapids “Toothache,” “C-U First,” and ”Last Laugh” will rock our boats as we cruise downstream through the colossal, smooth, water-sculpted, vertical walls. Tonight will be our final night on the river and in this amazing canyon.

Day 5

After a nice breakfast and hot coffee, we raft a short distance to our take-out, where we pack all the equipment and drive back to our deluxe accommodations in the ancient Incan city of Cusco, arriving in the early afternoon.  The rest of the day is reserved for exploring Cusco. You’ll have ample opportunity to visit the pre-Colombian Art Museum and the Museo Arqueologico, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, and the legendary Inca Wall. Some may choose to prepare for the following day’s trek, relaxing by shopping or sampling Cusco’s amazing restaurants and coffee houses. This afternoon we’ll transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and check into the celebrated Mirador de los Incas, where we‘ll also enjoy a fabulous dinner.

Day 6

Piskacuchu - Wayllabamba

Sometime between 9:00 and 9:30 am, we’ll leave the hotel in route to Piskacuchu (2700 meters), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco -Machu Picchu railroad.  Using this point as a starting point for our trek, we’ll cross the bridge and hike along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows northwest through the Sacred Valley.  Following a generally flat trail, we’ll make our way to Miskay (2800 meters).  At Miskay we‘re able to see the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 meters). We’ll continue our trek through the Kusichaca River Valley, climbing gradually (+/- 5 hours) until we reach our first campsite at the village of Wayllabamba (3000 meters). The valley offers spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level; and the phenomenal diversity of flora and fauna trailside will keep us captivated throughout the duration of today‘s hike!

Day 7

Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo

We’ll awaken early to a hearty breakfast and hot drinks. Soon thereafter we’ll leave Wayllabamba behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt, steep ascent that stretches for 5 miles. As we ascend, the landscape transforms from sierra (forested alpine environment) to puna (alpine desert.). Enroute to our first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihua usca (Dead Woman’s Pass), we’ll witness domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at this altitude. We’ll also cross through the mysterious “cloud forest,” the habitat of a plethora of bird species and also of the peculiar Spectacled Andean Bear. In the afternoon we’ll descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600 meters,) where we’ll make camp. Today’s hike is one of the most spectacular you’ll ever do, and will take approximately 6 hours.

Day 8

Pacaymayo - Wi“aywayna

Today will be our longest day, but our reward is that we will behold one of the most impressive displays of Incan archaeological sites in South America! From Pacaymayo we’ll climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 meters). Half way up our ascent, we’ll stop and peruse the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 meters, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After crossing the pass, we descend in the direction of Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest, where we’ll encounter our second arch site of the day, Sayacmarca (3624 meters). Sayacmarca is constructed in a semi-circle and consists of multi-leveled enclosures, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios, and irrigation canals. After a visit and a snack, we’ll begin a second, gradual climb to our third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 meters). We’ll ascend this section via ancient Inca trails constructed of stone, semi-detached from the mountain, and smoothing out the irregular Andean geography. We’ll also pass through an Incan tunnel enroute to the Phuyupatamarca complex below the pass. This is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites on the trail. Located at the summit of a mountain, Phuyupatamarca translates as “town over the clouds!” We’ll observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, backed by impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the long descending stone steps along which we’ll continue on to Wi“aywayna (2700 meters). At this campsite we will find a lodge with a restaurant, a bar, and bathrooms with hot showers. We’ll have plenty of time to check out the Wi”aywayna complex, as well, located only five minutes from the lodge. Wi“aywayna is an impressive complex consisting of a terraced agricultural center, a religious sector, and an urban sector.

Day 9

On this fourth and final day we’ll awaken at 4:00 am to leave Wi“aywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, the “Sun Gate,” an hour’s hike along an ancient trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot we’ll watch the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Pichu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Pichu, entering the citadel forty minutes later through the “House of the Guardians." We’ll then descend to the control point where we register and leave our backpacks. We’ll commence a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Pichu that lasts two hours. After our tour, we’ll all have time to further explore the ruins; scale nearby Huayna Picchu Mountain, from where one can experience spectacular views of the complex in its entirety; or check out the Temple of the Moon or the amazing Inca Bridge.  In the afternoon, we’ll reconvene in the neighboring town of Aguas Calientes where, we have the option of visiting and relaxing in the thermal baths.  We’ll share a spectacular dinner and spend the night in at a hotel in the shadow of Machu Pichu.

Day 10

Today we’re free to wander the Machu Picchu ruins, relax at the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, or visit the Orchid Garden in Aguas Calientes.  After a tranquil morning and early afternoon, we’ll load aboard a train that will transport us back to the Sacred Valley and the Mirador de los Incas, where we’ll arrive around 6 p.m.  Tonight we’ll enjoy our final banquet and celebration, and toast all around to our spectacular journey through the ancient Incan world!

Day 11

This morning we leave early for the Cusco airport or on to your next destination!

Gear List

What To Bring

-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses (with retainers)
-waterbottle (with carabiner to attach to raft)
-Headtorch (headlamp or flashlight)
-Waterproof camera for raft
-Camera for the trail
-Sleeping bag (warm and compact)
-Warm, fleece jacket
-Lightweight shell/raingear
- 1 set of ‘camp clothes’
- Clothes for town before and after trip
-2 pairs polypropilene top/bottoms (1 pr. midweight and 1 pr. expedition weight)
-Warm hat, socks and gloves (fleece or wool)
-Brimmed hat for sun protection
-Swimsuit/shorts
-Book/journal
-Toothbrush/toothpaste
-River footwear (river shoes or quality river sandals)
- Hiking shoes ( something you have already broken in!!)
-Day backpack for the basics on the trail
-3-4 pairs hiking socks
-Hiking shorts (lightweight)

 

Optional:
-Camera for off river
-Book on Incan Civilization
-Sandals for traveling
 -Binoculars
-Personal Medications

Global Descents Provides:
-All meals upon arrival in Arequipa
-All transportation during your trip with Global Descents
-All rafting equipment  (life jacket, fully adjustable helmet, wetsuit, and nylon paddling jacket)
-Expedition tents and sleeping pads
-World-Class guide team
-Good Clean Fun

 

 

 

Travel Information

Activity Location Cusco Peru Cusco, Peru

Destination Location Peru Travel Tips Water- Unfortunately, water for consumption while traveling internationally is not always as reliable as your water at home.  It is imperative that we all pay close attention to our own personal hygiene and staying healthy before and throughout the river expedition.  Please be dutiful in washing your hands continuously throughout the trip, especially before and after eating and using the toilet.  We cannot trust tap water and water served from unknown sources.  Drink only bottled water, or bring your own water purification system or tablets.  Your staff will always provide plenty of clean water throughout the river portion of the expedition. Health Precautions-Recommended immunizations include Typhoid and Hepatitis A-B. Please contact the Center for Disease Control, your personal physician or the Global Descents travel desk for more information. Visa Requirements- There are no Visa requirements for stay in Peru up to ninety days.  You need only to possess a passport that remains valid for at least six months after your planned departure date from Peru. Money- The national currency of Peru is the Sol, which comes in denominations of S/. 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. At the time of this writing, the exchange with the U.S dollar was S/.3.3 to 1 USD. Foreign currency can be exchanged in all change bureaus.  Change houses offer better exchange rates than banks.  ATMs are also available throughout the country’s larger cities. Shopping- There is excellent shopping throughout Peru.  All transactions will take place in Soles so make sure that you visit the change house or ATM prior to heading to the market.  Iberica, the renowned chocolate factory in Arequipa is a must see attraction.  Incan wool goods, ceramics, and incredible restaurants await throughout the country, as well.  Resist food sold on the street as sanitation regulations do not exist for these vendors. Nearby Destinations Arequipa Situated in the Andes at an altitude of 7740 feet, Arequipa was founded in 1540 by Spanish explorer Manuel Garci de Carbajal, and remains one of the most charming cities in South America.  Derived from a Quechua phrase translated as “come and stay” Arequipa beckons visitors with its stunning architecture, being constructed almost entirely of sillar, a dazzling white volcanic stone.  The districts of “La Ciudad Blanca (The White City,)” as the city is commonly known, contrast between native influence and colonial heritage.  Three snow-capped volcanoes, El Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu encompass the metropolis.  The convent of Santa Catalina, constructed as a city within the city in 1580, housed 450 nuns for more than four centuries.  Stories and legends circulated throughout the city about the mysterious convent until it opened its doors to the public in 1970; today it stands as a curious attraction.  UNESCO named the historic city center of Arequipa a World Heritage Site in 2000. Cusco The ancient town of Cusco was the political capital of the Incan Empire.  Positioned at 11,500 feet high in the Peruvian Andes, the picturesque town offers a combination of enchanting old-world character and simple modernity.  The town remains the starting point for Machu-Pichu/Incan tours, and hosts a variety of sites within the city, including the palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun.  The impressive Spanish Cathedral of Santo Domingo serves as a reminder of the area’s post-Columbian heritage.  Visitors interested in Incan history must pay a visit to the Incan center town of Cusco!