Peru Family Hike, Bike & Kayak

Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure, you are welcome to rest at the hotel or explore Ollantaymbo’s main square which is situated close to the hotel. Overnight: Andean Wings Valley PLEASE NOTE: There is only one transfer today from Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley. If travellers arrive at different times, we will wait for the last family to arrive. Please don’t arrive later than 5pm as the transfer takes 2-3 hours.

Meals:  Nil

We are heading out from Cusco today to go explore the rural village of Pisac including the amazing open-air market. After a winding, ascending 45-minute drive passing through serene mountain countryside, we’ll get our first view of Pisac’s impressive ruins on the mountain across from us. Climbing to their high point, we’ll be greeted with amazing views of the Sacred Valley and its surrounding peaks, or Apus. Their names are Apu Linli, Apu Intihuatana, Apu Chiwuanco, Apu Ventanayoc, and Apu Ñusta. They stand as guardians and protectors of the Sacred Valley and its inhabitants.After our explorations, we’ll return to the village of Pisac, or, time permitting, we may take a leisurely hike (30 min) to the village on a well-maintained trail that winds its way through extensive Andean agricultural terracing and stunning mountainside vistas. Arriving at the picturesque Andean village of Pisac, we’ll visit its large open-air market, where vendors sell everything from colorful local handicrafts to semi-precious stones, hand-woven garments, sweaters, ponchos, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays are Market Days, when villagers from miles around arrive with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, flowers, and many varieties of Andean potatoes for sale or barter with neighboring communities. After exploring Pisac Market, we’ll head deeper into the Sacred Valley, travelling west towards Urubamba, stopping for a typical Andean lunch. Overnight: Andean Wings Valley

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Sacred Valley where you will start your half day cycling adventure. You will travel to the small town of Taray where you will have a safety briefing before setting off to discover the beauty of the Sacred Valley. The route follows the Vilcanota River also known as the Urubamba River. The Inca called this the 'sacred river'. You will pass through local villages and fields before arriving at the market town of Calca. After enjoying a lovely picnic lunch prepared by our cooks you will return back to your hotel. Overnight: Andean Wings Valley

Meals:  B,L

Today we heading out to the remote village of Lamay where you will learn all about rural Peruvian life, from farming techniques to weaving with the locals. Take the day to absorb yourself in the local community, sharing their more simple way of life, and the way they survive with just what can be garnered from the land. Overnight: Andean Wings Valley or similar

Meals:  B,L

Today begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel, taking you to the train station where you'll embark on a journey to KM 104 the start of our trek. Upon crossing the suspension bridge over the Urubamba River, we visit the archaeological gem of Chachabamba (2,150m). The trail then ascends, going through 8km of lush forested paths over approximately 4 hours, guiding us to the awe-inspiring site of Wiñayhuayna (2,700m). This remarkable complex showcases the ingenuity of Incan architecture, with its expansive agricultural terraces, sacred religious areas, and a well-preserved urban sector. After a box lunch we continue for about an hour towards 'Inti Punku '(the 'Sun Gate'), (2,730m). It is here that you'll be rewarded with your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,430m). After a brief look at the site from above we head down by bus to our hotel in Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved soak in the nearby hot springs (optional). Overnight: El Mapi Hotel or similar. Walking Approx 12 km, 5 - 7 hours, max elevation 2745m PLEASE NOTE: All trekking distances and walking hours per day are approximate and the length, distance per day, start and finish time can vary depending on the group size, ability and weather conditions.

Meals:  B,L

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. After an early breakfast we will take the bus back up to Machu Picchu, where we are treated to a unique second visit. A walking tour is given by a guide through the different sectors of this great Inca legacy, considered Cultural Heritage. In the afternoon, we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo train station. From there you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco city. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar. NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals:  B

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar.

Meals:  B

Today we enjoy a relaxing experience in the Piuray lagoon. Everyone will participate in the briefing and then we begin a 15-minute yoga session, after which the equipment, according to the chosen activity (paddle or kayak), is delivered. We enter the lagoon and paddle for an hour to an hour and a half through the gentle waters. Bicycles are available for a ride around the lake after the water activities. Later we enjoy a delicious Andean buffet based on native potatoes, sweet potatoes, chicken, vegetables and other local ingredients that are cooked in a clay oven, giving them a unique touch. At the end of the tour you will return to Cusco City. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar. NOTE: This evening, please be sure to re-pack your luggage for the jungle. Dependent on your accommodation in the jungle the luggage policy differs. Please see pre-departure information (under 'luggage') for more details. You will also be advised on arrival in Lima on the applicable luggage regulations.

Meals:  B,L

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. This provides an opportunity to experience a real jungle frontier town. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport where you'll be taken to the Lodge's office in town, 5 minutes away, to prepare for your journey to the lodge. After an hour road trip we will hop onboard to take a tranquil hour boat trip through the Tambopata River to immerse ourselves in the heart of the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, a private communal reserve. On the journey take the time to relax, watch the river bank and jungle canopy for the abundant bird life in this region. Among the birds we may expect to see (dependent on weather and river height) are horned screamers, raptors, plovers, terns, macaws, parrots, kingfishers and toucans. The lodges we use are beautifully positioned and apart from being our jungle home, they also serve as a base for naturalists to work from. The rainforest (both pristine primary and secondary growth forest) surrounding the lodges are a naturalist's paradise. During the remainder of the day we go for walks with our naturalist guide along forest trails. After dinner we get a chance to relax and discuss with resident naturalists the research projects taking place in the area. Serenaded by a chorus of jungle noises we go to sleep in our comfortable bedroom. NOTE: It is important to be aware that the lodges are comfortable but basic - only some of the lodges have electricity or hot water for a few hours a day. Please note that due to demand it is sometimes necessary to use an alternative lodge in this area. While staying at the jungle lodge you may be with other people from other operators worldwide in a group.

Meals:  B,L,D

The day is spent enjoying jungle walks to find monkeys and capybaras and also taking canoes out on to some of the jungle lagoons in the area. There is a particularly abundant bird life - including anhinga, hoatzin, horned screamers, raptors, plovers, terns, macaws, parrots, kingfishers and toucans. We can almost guarantee we will see lots of monkey including troops of capuchin, dusky titi, spider & howler, plus possibility of seeing large caymans and giant river otter. Before the evening meal we head out for a short river trip using torches to look for caymans - this always proves to be exciting. PLEASE NOTE: The program may vary according to flight schedules, weather, river height, group sizes, etc and participants should be aware there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds and in general you may not see much wildlife since the rainforest provides such good camouflage for its inhabitants - but you will have a good chance to experience true Amazon rainforest first hand.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, a motor boat will take you to Puerto Maldonado airport and the employees of the lodge will assist you with your check-in to catch your onward flight to Cusco or Lima. Our trip concludes on arrival at Puerto Maldonado airport. Ideally, flights should not leave before 11am.

Meals:  B