Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For a detailed guide to other treks in the area, we recommend picking up a copy of
Al-
ternative Inca Trails Information Packet
from the South American Explorers Club in
Lima (
Click here
)
or Cuzco (
Click here
)
.
The following companies are Cuzco-based trekking specialists often recommended by
readers:
25-1892;
www.andinatravel.com
;
Plazoleta Santa
Catalina 219)
Apu's Peru
(
23-3691;
www.apus-peru.com
;
Cuichipunco 366)
24-7286;
www.ecotrekperu.com
;
Atocsaycuchi 599)
Peru Treks
(
22-2722;
www.perutreks.com
;
Av Pardo 540)
24-2480;
www.peruvianhighlandtrek.com
;
Calle del Medio 139)
23-7994;
www.quechuasexpeditions.com
;
Suecia 344)
22-5872;
www.x-tremetourbulencia.com
;
Plateros 358)
River Running
Cuzco is becoming increasingly popular for river running, with nearby waterways that
range in difficulty from Class I to Class V. The most popular of these is one of the many
day runs on the
Río Urubamba
, through the Sacred Valley, which offers Class II and
Class III runs on the stretch between
Cusipata
and
Quiquihana
. Closer to Cuzco, the
section from
Pampa
to
Huambutio
(Class I to II) is beautiful and ideal for small children
(ages three and over). There are many more difficult stretches as well. Do note that while
the scenery is spectacular, Cuzco and all the villages along its course dispose of raw
sewage in the Urubamba, making for a polluted trip. (Seriously, close your mouth if you
fall in.)
Tougher runs on more inaccessible waterways - such as the
Río Santa Teresa
, the
Río
Apurimac
and
Río Tambopata
- are also available, but generally as part of multiday
trips. The area around Ollantaytambo is polluted and is not recommended for rafting.
Note that river running isn't regulated in Peru and fly-by-night operators abound. Go
with reputable companies. The following have the best reputations for safety:
