3-Day Rainbow Mountain, Kayak & Waqrapukara Adventure

Morning:

After a comprehensive crash course in kayaking, we get each guest beautifully dressed up in the top-of-the-range kayak gear and push off across the crystalline waters. The sun is young in the sky, and the morning is ours, only for adventure.

Even those without experience will quickly get the hang of our sit on top kayaks, gliding through the water and spotting birds, breezes, and the startled stares of locals on the banks.

Pomacanchis lake is a truly stunning experience, and the feeling of independence and peace as you share a moment with yourself deep in the Andes away from modern civilization.

After a morning kayaking, we return to the vehicle and continue our journey, climbing higher into the mountains to the trailhead. As always with this trip, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery the whole way, and at the end of our short drive, we stop for lunch before the hike.

Afternoon:

First, we will meet our muleteers who load up your luggage onto their trusty steeds, and we begin the hike. The trail is mainly flat and leads you through a series of different landscapes each more beautiful than the last. We follow an ancient Inca Trail on our way, passing by small lakes and incredible views.

After a few hours of hiking, we reach the fortress of Waqrapukara. The name itself means ‘horned fortress’, and it is thought to have been a ceremonial center- although initially, it belonged to the Chanca culture who were famed for their bloodiness in battle. Waqrapukara was one of their final strongholds against the Incas.

You are free to explore the site while we set up camp and prepare a hearty meal- well deserved after a big day of adventure. As the sun sets, take the time to stargaze, as there is very little light pollution here, so the stars are incredible.

Drive time 3 hrs

Hiking time 4 hrs

Included: cook, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), transport, English-speaking guide, camp assistants, emergency horse, mule support, camping fees, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all white-water & safety equipment, Stand-up paddleboard or sit-on-top kayak, paddle, wetsuit, boots, buoyancy aid, splash jacket

As the sun rises on our final day, you will be greeted with a hot drink and a fresh breakfast. You will have another opportunity to explore the ruins if you wish, and then we begin our hike.

Today’s hike takes a different route, and winds along the side of the canyon, with 360° of incredible views for the whole route. We will pass by cave paintings, rock walls, and ancient formations on this mostly flat or downhill route before arriving at the local village of Ccampi with lunch waiting for you.

Once our bellies are full and our legs are tired, you can take advantage of the comfortable return to Cusco, enjoying a well-deserved rest with yet more incredible views.