Deep in the heartland of the ancient Incan empire, history thrives around every corner. ROAM's Peru Multi-Sport has been specially tailored to offer you a unique experience in this archaeological wonderland.
To fully enjoy this adventure, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. We want to be with you every step of the way in your trip preparations, so please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.
Peru Multi-Sport Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Notes from the Field - A letter from Brian McCutcheon
For many travelers, a visit to the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu is the whole purpose of their trip to Peru. Its awe-inspiring location makes it one of the best -known and most spectacular archaeological sites in Latin America. Apart from a few indigenous Quechuas, nobody knew of Machu Picchu's existence until American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. To this day, knowledge of Machu Picchu remains sketchy.
Some believe it was founded in the waning years of the last Incas in an attempt to preserve Incan culture, while others think it may have already become a forgotten city at the time of the conquest. A more recent theory suggests that the site was a royal retreat abandoned at the time of the Spanish invasion.
What is obvious from the high quality of the stonework and the abundance of ornamental work is that Machu Picchu must once have been an important ceremonial center.
Beyond Machu Picchu, Peru offers travelers a rich expanse of experiences. The beautiful Río Urubamba valley, aka “The Sacred Valley” has many star attractions: the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, which proudly preside over its undulating twists and turns; hectic markets and fetching Andean villages.
The most famous hike in South America, the four-day Inca Trail is walked by many thousands of backpackers every year. Although the total distance is only 33km (20.5mi), the ancient trail laid by the Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes that have collectively led to the route being dubbed 'the Inca Trial'.
In typical ROAM fashion, we want to take you on a spectacular route that sees few visitors and utilizes the first Trans -Andean lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu. Until this year, any trek in Peru had to be tent-based and guests need to endure 4 days without toilets and showers. Not a big deal on a riverside but more difficult in the mountains. By traveling from boutique lodge to lodge, we not only avoid the elements but more importantly we help support a series of profound and sustainable social development projects which are geared toward providing viable economic benefit to as many as 500 families who live in this environment. Promotion of clean energy, protected National Park sites, environmental education and an ambitious waste management system have all been spawned by the development of this lodge route.
Participants, accompanied by the finest Peruvian guides, will hike through high Andean peaks, cloud forests and steamy jungle while porters and mules carry your packs to the next lodge where hot tubs, hot showers and chef-prepared meals lay in waiting at days end. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to join us and see why ROAM continues to grow one trip and referral at a time
Brian McCutcheon founded Rivers & Oceans in 1985. In 2000 changed to “ROAM” as the addition of “mountains:” better reflects the topography of the regions we visit. ROAM, offers a variety of South American itineraries in addition to carefully planned expeditions in North America. When not out on the water, Brian is the Managing Director of ROAM from our field offices in Nelson, British Columbia.
