The Route of the Incas – Peru/Bolivia

Our goal is to give you as close as possible, the same wondrous feeling that the ancient Incas must have had when exploring and creating their roots in this land. We give you the tastes, the smells and all the wondrous visuals this land offers. Welcome to Peru, welcome to the land of the Incas

The Route

This incredible visual and historical tour starts off in Cusco where we stay and explore for 2 days. This is a must for climatization but Cusco is an amazing historical city to explore. For those not hiking the Inca Trail [need extra 5 days arriving before rest of group] we start the tour with the wildly exciting train ride to Machu Picchu. After spending the day exploring this ancient Inca refuge, that lays on high atop the world, we spend more time climatizing in one of the sites hotels. Rising to a spectacular sunrise, we spend part of the day hiking through the mist, the cloud forest and by hidden waterfalls that all surround one of the great wonders of the world.

 Taking the short ride into Ollantaytambo, where we stay for the night, lies the ancient Inca citadel protecting the end of the Inca Valley from the steep cliffs above. Part of the day is left for you to take this and the snow capped mountains rising all around.

The cycling starts from  here heading south to Pisac and the southern end of the Inca Valley and another citadel. Overnight and we continue on south all the way to Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest lake, and the Bolivia border.

We use a mixture of camping and local guest houses and at times camping in spectacular canyons, by rivers/waterfalls and on the shores of Lake Titicaca itself. This whole journey we are surrounded by snow capped peaks, rivers, verdent valleys--all your senses will be alive and on high for days.

One morning we start the day with a class 3/4 rafting excursion and another day we spend kayaking the cool waters of Titicaca, exploring the floating islands and villages that have been woven by the Incas for thousands of years.

Finishing by crossing Titicaca by bike/ferry, passing Copacabana, we enter Bolivia on a road with Titicaca's waters laying well below us on both sides of this narrow Plateau.
No car can appreciate the feeling that you will experience on this day.  Loading the bikes on the trucks we stay in La Paz, Bolivia's capital, for a night of well deserved rest.

Our tour ends on a spectacular note. One we guarantee few will ever experience. We will ride up Bolivia's famous "WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS ROAD". It received this reputation for cars not bikes but now is a major tourist site. Buses take riders up and then they ride downhill for 60kms of pure exhilaration.

Starting in one of Bolivia's lush rain forests, we finish high a top in the cool snow capped  mountain tops. This days journey cross rivers and waterfalls running over the road and scenery that drops off over your shoulder that cannot be described. It awaits you to ride with the ancient Inca spirits and Gods that lay in the air all around. On top we have a hotel to rest up in and enjoy the best tasting beers and food you have ever had. You earned it, yours to enjoy.

The morning awaits the most exhilarating rush you may ever experience--60kms of pure downhill--reversing the scenery by starting of surround by snow capped peaks we finish in a warm, lush rain forest.

Tour ends here with a massive smile.

Other Options

OPTION 1--THE SALAR de UYUNI   (Price TBA )
This a must if you have 3 extra days. The Salar is the worlds largest salt desert and laying in the heart of it lies a small lake that is home to fish, pink flamingoes, rare hummingbirds and 1,000 year old cacti. Oh yes, and a salt hotel complete with a salt bar-who needs pretzels.
Driving from La Paz to the edge of the Salar we ride to its center and spend the day enjoying this surreal and Dali-esque scenario. Staying overnight , awaking to a sunrise over the distant Andean peaks
 
OPTION 2---HIKING THE INCA TRAIL (Price TBA)
This 5 day hike is one of the most renowned hikes in the world. Walk the same paths the ancient Incas did to arrive at Machu Picchu. Mystical, wondrous and tough. Must book 8+ months in advance and arrive 5 days before the rest of the group. Meeting the rest of the group at Machu Picchu.

Trip Length

18 days

2008 Dates

LATE NOVEMBER--Exact date announced soon.

Specific tour dates can be arranged for groups of 6 or more.

Price

$2700 Canadian Funds

What’s Included

Price includes hotels, support trucks/local guides and drivers, river rafting, kayaking and all food and water while biking. Also includes a couple of beers at the top of the worlds most dangerous road.

Extra Costs

Flight to and from Peru, food and beverages.

If you would like to book your Peru adventure or would like to obtain more information on this trip please contact Off Beat Roads.