Compare Apurimac Canyon and Machu Picchu Explorer by Adventure Unbound vs Peru: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 12 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

Fly into Cusco and begin your adventure through quintessential Peru. Upon arrival, a Peru Unbound guide greets you and takes you to your hotel where you have some time to freshen up and relax.

This evening, enjoy your first taste of Peru with a guided walking tour of Cusco, visiting the Temple of the Sun, or Korikancha, as well as the San Blas neighborhood. Then, enjoy an authentic Peruvian dinner as well as an orientation before bed.

Day 2: Cusco, Maukallacta, Hauanoquite and Loretuyoc Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Wake early and depart Cusco for Maukallacta, an Incan archeological site that retains its sense of mysticism. Enjoy the surrounding views as we hike to Maukallacta, and take a break with a snack while you learn stories about the Ayar brothers and wives, the founders of the Inca civilization, once there.

Our day’s journey then takes you to Molle Molle and then on to Huanoquite and the heights of the Willkacunca Pass. Travel along the Apurimac River canyon with its impressive views of the river gorge, the headwater of the Amazon River, and surrounding mountain ranges. As we drive, you travel father into the majestic reaches of a native forest over 3 centuries old. Our journey eventually takes us to the Loretuyoc Bridge, where we make camp beside a crashing waterfall. If you wish to immerse yourself in the Peruvian landscape, you have the option to hike from the pass to the campsite. Relax with happy hour before dinner.

Day 3: Hike to Rocoto Community, Huajachaca Bridge at the Apurimac River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Wake to the sound of the nearby waterfall and a freshly prepared breakfast before setting off on a short hike to the Loretuyoc forest where you can wander amongst groves of 200 year old endangered trees. We then follow part of the royal highway stretching from Cusco toward the Apurimac River and then to the Pacific Ocean. Our hike takes us down through the Kusichaca ruins to the Rocoto village, where you have the special opportunity to meet with the local people and bring some help to the local school.

From Rocoto, you have the opportunity to continue walking or board a van to transfer you to the end of the road. Once there, rejoin with the group and hike down a descent leading to the river near the base of the Inca bridge of Huajachaca, used by ancient Peruvians to exchange goods between the Pacific Ocean and the capital of Cusco. Relax from the morning’s ventures with a picnic lunch near the river.

Our river rafting guides join us here to prepare us for our expedition down the river. As you paddle through Class II-III rapids, look out for stunning views and glimpses of ancient bridges that have been in use since the Incas. Our paddle takes us to tonight’s campsite, where you can enjoy a refreshing happy hour as well as a fresh dinner served around the campfire.

Day 4: Santos Tomas River & 3 Condores Rapids at the Black Canyon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Rise to the soothing sounds of the river and enjoy a hearty breakfast before walking amongst the surrounding landscape carpeted in orchids and bromeliads. After, we continue our rafting excursion—taking on some easy rapids, passing through a stunning canyon striped with waterfalls and exploring a nearby creek. The calm waters ultimately take us to the Santo Tomas River tributary and pass through a stunning limestone canyon.

Take a break with some lunch on a sandy beach before hopping back into the raft. Take on some Class III rapids and make sure to keep an eye out for river otters, deer, cormorants torrent ducks and other tropical Andean birds that frequent the region. Set up camp on the shore by late afternoon and enjoy another evening immersed in Peru’s enticing wilderness.

Day 5: "The Other Right" Rapids, Hualpachaca Bridge and The Sacred Valley

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel

We continue our way down the river this morning. Get a shot of adrenaline as you take on the river’s intense set of Class III and IV pool-drop rapids including “The Other Right” rapids. Our path also takes you to several waterfall creeks, which you can explore. Conclude our morning of rafting with lunch before traveling by car to the Sacred Valley. After check-in at the hotel, rejoin for an authentic Peruvian dinner.

Day 6: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Sacred Valley before lunch. This afternoon, travel to the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive citadel that served as both a temple and a fortress in pre-Inca times and which still remains well-preserved to this day. Walk up to the hill overlooking the village and view the distant quarry from which he citadel was constructed. You may also see Incan canchas—enclosures of multi-family living quarters that share just one exit to the street—cobbled streets, ingenious stonework and an extensive communal water system that survives to this day.

This afternoon, take the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy an evening of independent exploration.

Day 7: Machu Picchu and Cusco

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

After an early breakfast, set out to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—one of Peru’s most iconic archeological sites and a highlight of the tour. Explore the main areas as well as the more obscure as you find yourself immersed in the Inca’s legacy. If you wish, you may also hike up to the looming heights of Huayna Picchu, from which you may not only explore other archeological ruins but enjoy new views of Machu Picchu nestled into the hills below.

After lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From here, continue the day’s travels back to Cusco where you may discover new delicious dining spots and historic sites before bed.

Day 8: Cusco - Lima - Home

Meals: Breakfast

After a final Peruvian breakfast, make your way to the Cusco airport to meet your flight back home.

Day 1: Where Architectural Legacies Remain

Originally founded as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings), Lima has developed an important tourism industry. What stands out are the historic center, archaeological remains, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivities, and popular traditions. The historic center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. A large number of architectural legacies remain. Highlights include the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Palacio de Torre Tagle.

Note that we can provide you with a guided sightseeing tour only if you arrive before 4:00 pm.

Start point
Transportation will be arranged for you from the airport in Lima., Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM), Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao, Callao 07031, Peru

Day 2: Vineyards, Exotic Drinks & a Buggy Ride on Huge Hills

We relocated from Lima to the city of Ica. There we are taken to two wineries. Peruvian wine dates back to the Spanish colonization of the region in the 16th century. After sampling some of the best wines and spirits Peru has to offer, we are taken to Huacachina. This village is built around a small oasis and is surrounded by sand dunes. We go dune bashing as well as sandboarding.

Day 3: Large-Scale Geoglyphs Seen From the Sky & Peru's Version of the Galapagos Islands

Before returning to Lima, we take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands and then check out the Nazca Lines. The Ballestas Islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the blue-footed booby. On the way to the islands, we see El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph that may have served as a beacon to mariners. The Nazca Lines were created between 500 BC and 500 AD. There are several theories as to why people of those times made these lines. Hear all about these different theories as we take a flightseeing tour over this group of geoglyphs.

Day 4: Exploring the Once Capital of the Inca Empire

We relocated from Lima to the colonial city of Cusco. Peru’s urban showcase destination Cusco is known for its rich heritage with the Inca and Spaniards as well as the charming architecture both empires left behind. Even though Cusco is also known for its proximity to the Machu Picchu archeological site, the city is popular in its own right. We are provided with a guided tour.

Day 5: Stunning Archaeological Sites Spread Across a valley

We make a day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. The Chanapata civilization first utilized this area around 800 BCE because of the rich soil used for agriculture. The Qotacalla civilization lived here from 500 to 900 CE. The Killke civilization then lived here from 900 until the Incan Empire took over the region in 1420. The Incan Empire ruled this area until the arrival of the Spanish. Today remains of citadels and markets are found across this long valley.

Day 6: Multicolored Mountains Found Due to Melting Glaciers

We make a day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain (a.k.a. Vinicunca). Mass tourism came after 2015, attracted by the mountain’s series of stripes of various colors due to its mineralogical composition on the slopes and summits. The mountain used to be covered by glacier caps, but these have melted due to global warming. We go horseback riding at Rainbow Mountain.

Day 7: Salt Evaporation Ponds in Use Since Inca Times & the Train Ride You Have Been Awaiting

Before relocating to the village of Aguas Calientes, we visited salt mines called Maras as well as an archeological site called Moray. Maras is well known for its salt evaporation ponds. There are over 5,000 of them, which have been in use since Inca times. Moray consists of several terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) deep. As with many other Inca sites, Moray also has an irrigation system.

Day 8: Experiencing One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Before returning to Cusco, we are provided with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. This 15th-century citadel is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period. Machu Picchu remained undiscovered to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Day 9: Two Architecturally Enticing Cities From Morning to Night

Before relocating to the colonial city of Arequipa, we have free time to explore Cusco further: whitewashed and narrow streets, a gorgeous main square, grandeur sites, and red-tiled roofs. Cusco is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s prettiest historic cities.

Day 10: One of the Nation's Top Three Destinations, Home to the Andean Condor

Today we make a day trip from Arequipa to the very scenic Colca Canyon. It is home to Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, Andean geese, Chilean flamingos, mountain caracaras, rabbits, deer, foxes, and alpacas. The Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most popular tourist destination, and for good reason.

Day 11: A Provincial Capital Made of Volcanic Stone

Before returning to Lima, we are provided with a guided tour of Arequipa. This destination definitely does not feel so large, even though it is the second-largest city in the country. Arequipa is characterized by colonial-era churches and mansions. The historic center is small but charming nonetheless.

Day 12: Our Tour Ends Today

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Lima.

Note that if you can extend your trip, consider doing so. Lake Titicaca is worth 2 days, as is the Peruvian Amazon.

Endpoint
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Lima., Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM), Av. Elmer Faucett s/n, Callao, Callao 07031, Peru