THE INCA EXPLORER
( 14 DAYS OF ADVENTURE)

INCA EXPLORER -14 DAYS (min 4 pax) £1825
Lima - Cusco - Inca Trail - Rafting - Lima S/S £450
IEX1-09 02-May 15-May IEX2-09 13-Jun 26-Jun IEX3-09 03-Jul 16-Jul
IEX4-09 22-Aug 04-Sep IEX5-09 17-Oct 30-Oct IEX6-09 21-Nov 04-Dec

This may also run Lima - Cusco - Rafting - Inca Trail - Cusco - Lima

As well as being the true source of the mighty Amazon River, the Rio Apurimac is undeniably one of the world's hidden gems of whitewater. The Granite Canyon of the Rio Apurimac is justifiably gaining a reputation as one of the world's top ten rafting rivers, combining a perfect mix of exhilarating rapids and awesome scenery. From Cusco it is a short bus journey to the start of the river deep in the bowels of an impressive 3000m deep canyon. From here all supplies are taken for four days of wilderness rafting. Even the most novice crews are expertly trained up to meet the challenges and thrills of this non-stop adrenaline-pumping roller coaster ride of a life-time. Apart from world-class rapids the Apurimac boasts pristine sandy beaches for camping, spectacular sun-bleached rock formations and rare wildlife including otters, puma and the ultra elusive Andean bear. It is an adventure lovers dream come true. A final day in Cusco allows for any last minute shopping followed by a short flight back to Lima in time to make your international connection.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Lima. Transfer to Hotel and rest up.

DAY 2: Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

DAY 3:: From Cusco we drive into the Sacred valley of the Incas, passing the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. From Chilca, we start to trek along the banks of the Urubamba river. This is ideal for acclimatisation purposes. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. This is camping and trekking in style. Whilst walking all you need to carry is a daypac -all camping equipment is carried by our support team of traditional porters. All camp chores are done for us and delicious food is served by a cook and his helpers.

(B/L/D)

DAY 4: We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up through interesting changes in habitat. Our camp is at Llulluchupampa (3680m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. ( B / L / D )

DAY 5: Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead woman’s pass 4200m). This is the highest point of the trail before we descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca ruins Runkuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation before passing through a tunnel and a gentle climb which brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp.  ( B / L / D )

DAY 6: Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on a series of seemingly never-ending steps to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin. And so to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation.(B / L)

DAY 7: Returning first thing in the morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. The return from Machu Picchu will be by Vistadome (formally autovagon) train to Ollantaytambo and then private bus to Cusco, with an ETA in Cusco of 1830. And then if you have the energy we can explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B/L)

DAY 8 : There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).

DAY 9: We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for the spectacular drive to the Apurimac canyon, hopefully glimpsing on route the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range before descending into the canyon to our starting point on the banks of the Apurimac. Here we inflate our specialised rafts, load up with provisions and, following a full safety talk and instruction in the art of white water rafting, we head off into the canyon in search of adventure. (B/ L / D )

Day 10 -11: For the next three days we challenge the rapids of the mighty Apurimac. " Apu - rimac ", in Quechua, signifies " The Great Speaker " - Inca nobility and priests would often ' consult ' the river on route to the city of Cusco. The rapids are pretty much non-stop and at times the huge boulders that block our way force us to the bank for further scouting. At one point we have to portage one unrunnable fall. At night we camp on beautiful sandy beaches and explore the amazing rock formations. Andean foxes, otters and pumas have all been sighted on the banks of the river. In between the harder rapids there is plenty of time to take in the awesome scenery and marvel at the near sheer sided gorge down which we are travelling. ( B / L / D )

DAY 12: Finally we reach a break in the canyon walls and from here it is a short bus journey back to Cusco, passing on route the towering snow capped Salcantay mountain. On arrival in Cusco we drop you off at your hotel for a well earned hotel bed, hot shower and perhaps a small party to celebrate  your successful descent of through the mighty Apurimac canyon. ( B / L )

DAY 13: A final day in Cusco for sightseeing, souvenir hunting or just relaxing and reflecting  on our recent adventures. (B)

DAY 14: An early morning flight from Cusco to Lima, in time to connect with your international flight home (B).

WE PROVIDE: All airport transfers; transport to and from the river and Inca trail in private vehicle. Quality hotel in Lima, Cusco and a hostal in Aguas Calientes. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
On the river -State of the art rafting and canoeing equipment including self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet-suits, limited numbers of wetsuit boots, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras; camping and cooking equipment including spacious two person tents and Therm-a-rests. Extensive first-aid kit and oxygen. Professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in Wilderness first-aid, swift-water rescue and C.P.R.
On the Inca trail - All camping and cooking equipment: this includes spacious two-person tents, Thermarests, dining tent and toilet tent. An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen. A qualified, English speaking, Inca trail guide, all porters and a cook team. Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail $60, Machu Picchu ruins ($24) and Ollantaytambo ruins($12). A guided tour in Machu Picchu and the bus transfers to the ruins.

The Amazonas Explorer Inca Trail is known to be one of the most luxurious trekking experiences available. Our trip includes:
· Private, luxury bus transfer to and from Cusco
· All entrances including a guided tour of Ollantaytambo Inca fortress en route, the Inca Trail permit and Full guided tour of Machu Picchu
· A relaxed 5 day / 4 night combination (only 3 nights camping) avoiding the busiest campsites, allowing more time for clients to acclimatise before attempting the highest pass, plenty of time to visit the fascinating ruins en route and allowing a whole day to really explore Machu Picchu.
· A University trained Inca Trail guide, trained in wilderness first aid, fluent in English, highly knowledgeable and fun to be with
· State of the art camping equipment - Swiss imported tents (the biggest and most comfortable on the trail), Thermarest inflatable mattresses, dining, cook, porter and toilet tents
· Delicious hygienically prepared food - our menu was designed by the owner of the top restaurant in Cusco - A truly Gourmet cuisine experience.
· Full emergency first aid kit, oxygen, satellite phones and radio communications
· A variety of hotels and luxury packages to choose from in Aguas Calientes
· Luxury Autovagon or decadent Hiram Bingham train return to Poroy followed by private bus transfer to Cusco hotel.
· Well looked after porters - please ask for a copy of our "Porter Protection Policy"

Quite simply, if you are going to do the Inca Trail in style,we are your only choice!

NOT INCLUDED: Personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes ($5 local and $28 international), personal expenses, and tips. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can be organised if required.

EQUIPMENT

On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine in the bottom of the 3000m Apurimac canyon. Not all equipment you bring with you will be needed on the rafting and trekking portions and any excess gear can be left in Cusco. Bring an extra bag or day-pack to store this gear in.

Bring also Sun-hat, Hi-factor suntan lotion and lip balm, strong insect repellent, after-bite lotion, water bottle, sunglasses, swim suit, 2 pairs of light-weight shoes (one wet pair for the raft) , torch (flashlight) and spare batteries, camera and plenty of film, warm sleeping bag and liner / sleeping sheet, towel and personal effects. A good pair of  well worn -in walking boots is essential for the Inca trail. A day pack to carry personal belongings on the Inca Trail is also useful. Bring  some blister repair kit.

For the  Inca Trail you must bring some warm clothing for the night time in the mountains where it can get particularly cold. Recommended warm weather gear includes :  A warm fleece or down jacket, thermal underwear, warm hat, gloves, scarf, sweater (good quality, local Alpaca woollen goods can be bought very reasonably in Cusco).

Some smarter clothing might be useful for going out in the cities but generally Peruvians dress pretty casually.

RECOMMENDED READING

Running the Amazon   by Joe Kane

Exploring Cusco    by Peter Frost

BOOKING CONDITIONS IMPORTANT
The purchase of Inca Trail permits is a strictly controlled procedure by the Peruvian Institute of Culture. There are only 500 permits for guides, porters and trekkers per day. This has led to very competitive demand with permits sold out at least three months in advance.
With regard any trip that involves trekking the Inca Trail, we are therefore introducing the following booking conditions.
1: Space on a trip cannot be confirmed until we receive your booking form detailing:
Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Occupation without these details we are unable to purchase your Inca trail permit.

2: You must bring with you the passport with which the permit was issued - ie the passport number that you provided us with at time of booking - otherwise entry to the Inca Trail or KM 104 Inca Trail will not be permitted.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
2. Enclose a deposit of £200 per person plus any insurance premium and forward to Golden Hill Travel. If we are making international flight arrangements on your behalf full payment for the flight is required at the time of booking.
3. Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation, an infopack and guide to Machu Picchu.
4. The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
5. Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE

The “Inca Explorer” travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Apurimac river so very special can also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst we endeavour to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.

Should Amazonas Explorer deem the rafting portion of the Rio Apurimac to be too high to be safely navigated we reserve the right to offer an alternative river. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.

We look forward to seeing you in Cusco.