Top Five Family Experiences on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

South America. The Amazon River. Thick, humid rainforest. The towering Andes. Lost Inca cities. Nothing could be more exciting or hold more promise than these sights and experiences. The same excitement you feel is quadrupled when it comes to your children, and their wide-eyed wonder at what they see will create a truly unique family experience to be treasured for years to come. We count down the top five family experiences you can enjoy on your Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu and beyond.

5. White water rafting

White water rafting through the beautiful gorges and clear waters of the Urubamba River is an exciting experience for all the family. Working together against the swirling river rapids, to keep the boat on course, is an amazing adrenaline rush for everyone involved. It’s great fun and you get a real feeling of achievement when you get to the end of the course. Definitely something to share with the family before or after your trek to Machu Picchu.

4. The Inca Trail itself

Setting out on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu really feels like the start of a great adventure as you walk alongside the sparkling waters of the Urubamba River, climbing slowly past spectacular Inca ruins and through stunted cloud forest. Good acclimatisation means a slow and steady pace in order to cross the highest point at Dead Woman’s Pass (4,128m), but your efforts are rewarded with beautiful views across the peaks and valley of the Andes. En route to Machu Picchu there are many fascinating Inca sites to explore and as well as a wealth of exotic birdlife to look out for including hummingbirds, flower-piercers and Mountain Tanagers. The culmination of this superb trek comes as you reach the Gateway of the Sun for your mesmerising first glimpse of Machu Pichhu – a fantastic memory to share with your family.

3. Amazing Incan ruins

The Incan ruins in the area are astonishing both in their technology and grandeur. As an incredible legacy, these historical landmarks dot the Inca trail all the way to the most spectacular example: Machu Picchu itself. However, it’s worth stopping over in Pisac to see the impressive ruins of the citadel and the Temple of the Sun with its complicated geometry (which was based on a now lost celestial and astronomical function). A visit to Pisac will also help with acclimatisation for your Inca Trail trek and provide some tremendous views along the Sacred Valley.

2. Delving into the Amazon.

Away from the Inca Trail, the Amazon rainforest has its own magic and is worth taking the time out to explore. Huge, buttress rooted trees wrapped in lithe forest climbers form a vaulted ceiling of branches high above your heads as you trek through the dense forest. You can trek and camp in the rainforest itself, or take a canoe up the Amazon River to one of the river lodges and stay there overnight. Activities in the area include guided walks and canoe trips to see Caiman and giant, fresh-water otters in the shallows, whilst monkeys play in the trees above and a myriad of colourful birds fly overhead. It’s guaranteed to cast an inspiring spell over the whole family.

1. Machu Picchu

The highlight of your Inca Trail trek, Machu Picchu, is quite simply breathtaking. The site is built high in the Andes and its creation and much of its original use is shrouded in mystery. There are a vast range of ideas on the use, construction and intent of Machu Picchu at the time it was built but, no matter your idea of what the site is for, you can’t deny the majesty and beauty of this settlement. A crowning achievement for you and your family to accomplish together.

Travel To South America: A Land Of Immeasurable Majesty

South America is a continent of extremes, and there is not just one, but thousands of reasons to explore the human and natural wonders of this remarkable landmass. South America’s expansive human history is visible through some of the best preserved ruins in the world. The fusion of Spanish, Portuguese and native cultures is evident in the distinctive art, food and music of the 12 independent countries.

Though it was the last continent to be inhabited, South America has a long and delicate history of flourishing indigenous cultures before European arrival in the 16th century. Archeological sites in Peru reveal the practice of human sacrifice and other perplexing traditions by the Moche people who lived there 2000 years ago. South America’s most illustrious ancient people, the Inca, held their capital in modern day Cusco and sprinkled the Andes with remnants of their terraced farming and architecture. Machu Picchu, at 7,710 feet, is the best preserved and most breathtaking Inca town, well worth the 4 day hike along the Inca Trail (the less eager can opt for the train ride).

The Sky is the Limit

When it comes to breaking records, South America is the place to see. The massive north-south continent is spread through nearly every climate zone imaginable, which makes for very dynamic travel. The world’s highest water fall, Angels Falls, cascades over 3,200 feet in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. The Amazon River, which winds across the north through Brazil, is the largest river in the world by volume while the Amazon Rainforest is the largest existing rainforest. Travel along the Andes, the world’s longest mountain range but make sure not to lose your way in Chile or you might end up in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Catch your breath at 3,600 meters while visiting the highest capital city of La Paz, Bolivia. Then, gather your arctic gear and head south to Ushuaia in Argentina, which is – you guessed it – the world’s southernmost city! Along the way, stop by the steppes of Patagonia, which happens to be the cleanest place on earth aside from Antarctica. South America is also home to the stunning diversity of Darwin’s Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the most remote island on earth, Easter Island (Chile) with its mysterious stone head sculptures and an inexplicably large population of Pacific Islanders.

South America also offers the comforts and luxuries of modern metropolitan life in any of the countries you choose to explore. Pick up the pace in Brazil’s bustling Rio de Janeiro or immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan chic of Buenos Aires, Argentina, while still gaining an appreciation for the past in these remarkable historic cities. From big city life and resort towns to tropical rainforests and mountain peaks, there is no better place to embark on your world travels than South America, a true melting pot of culture, history and geographic phenomena.

Peru Hotels, South American Adventure

If it is your first time in Peru, you should know basic information about the country to avoid surprises. The local currency is the “Nuevo Sol”, however, majority of businesses accepts dollars as mean of payment, don’t worry about that. Spanish is the official language and at lesser extent native people speaks Quechua and Aymara. Peru has many attractions in all its territory but before you visit them, book any Peru Hotels.





Considered as one of the seven wonders, Machu Picchu is the main attraction in the country. Built by the Incas over 500 years ago, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited tourist attraction with more than 500,000 visitors each year. Today, Machu Picchu is a patrimony of the humanity. Any visit to Peru will be complete if you don’t go Cuzco, where Mach Picchu is located. Here, you will find a wide variety of Peru Hotels. Now, you know where begin your exploration in the Incas country.





Peru is a privileged country by its climates and territories diversity. You can choose between a warm climate in the north of the country and a cold climate in the south. The popular Amazon River also is located in the country’s jungle. In fact, the Amazon River born in Peru crosses Brazil and leads in the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest river in the entire world, even more than Nile River.





Candamo Reserve is another place that worth visiting. This natural reserve is located in Puerto Maldonado, a big department with a big area of jungle. In this place it is necessary to take guided tours or you will lose in the jungle. UNESCO had declared to the Candamo Reserve as a World Heritage Site. Manu and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park also are situated in Puerto Maldonado.





Peru is a wide territory, so, you’ll need a prudential time to explore it, but first, book Peru Hotels.

Hotel Peru, Agreeable And Comfortable

The jungle covers most of the country. Loreto, Ucallaly, Madre de Dios, Amazonas and San Martin are the jungle’s departments. Curiously, these places of big extension have little population. Iquitos, Loreto’s capital is the main city in this part of Peru. Unfortunately, people can not arrive to Iquitos by car or bus; there aren’t roads to connect the town with other cities. Tourist only can arrive by airplane or ship. Get basic information about Peru in your Hotel Peru.





This zone of Peru has the hottest climate; the average temperature varies between 32 and 35°C. To avoid any kind of dehydration, you must drink a lot of water. Amazon River is a popular attraction in Iquitos; Amazon is considered the largest river in the globe. Remember the following; Spanish is the official language in Peru and in all South America except Brazil. Few people speak English, so take your precautions.





Hotel Peru provides an efficient service to cheap prices; you should book a room in this place. If you like the cold climate, Huaraz city could be your destination. Here, it is located Huascaran, the highest mountain of Peru with 6,768 meters. Huaraz is also known for the practice of winter sports such as climbing, trekking and skiing on snow. If you are an amateur, you will need the support of a professional, climbing could be dangerous if you don’t have experience.





Huaraz is located in north of Lima, exactly in Ancash’s department. The only way to arrive to Huaraz is by bus, the city doesn’t have airport. Despite, Ancash is situated in coast, Huaraz city part of the sierra. Peru has many geographical contrasts. Don’t forget visiting Hotel Peru and good luck.

Ayahuasca and Plant Spirit Shamanism – Amazon Rainforest Retreat Peru

Ayahuasca & Plant Spirit Shamanism – Amazon Retreat

November 10th – 24th 2007 Optional Extension Week – November 25th – December 1st 2007

A dedicated programme in the Amazon rainforest, which is focussed on an inner and deep self-exploration and encounter with the power of the rainforest. This is an adventure into the magical world of the rainforest, and a transformative experience of the ancient mystical rituals of the plant spirit medicines. This programme will take place in the Mishana Private Retreat Centre. We have 57 Hectares (140 acres) of land with a lodge in the Allpahuayo Mishana Nature reserve.

Our lodge is located directly on the river which is part of a 58,070 hectare nature reserve. Due to a combination of geological factors and diverse soil types, the reserve supports a unique community of plant and animal species. It is the ‘jewel’ in the crown for bird-watchers and contains dozens of species which are unique to this area. The Reserve contains one of the highest biodiversities known in the Amazon basin. The Lodge is located directly on the Rio Nanay which is a tributary of the Amazon River. Our lodge is situated in-between two bends of the river giving an amazing panoramic view . We have our own boat so trips can be made to some interesting, and extraordinarily beautiful places along the river.

The lodge is a 2 hour river journey from Iquitos by power boat. We have the dedicated services of maestro shaman Artidoro Aro Cardenas. Included in the program are individual personal healing or consultative sessions based upon your personal needs by our shaman. The maestro will also provide experiential teachings about the fascinating medicinal and psycho-spiritual properties of the local plants. Participants can choose their plant medicine which will be made fresh for them. Our accommodation is in comfortable traditional cabins or tambos (dieting huts), a leaf roof supported by poles and with open sides (the most intimate way to sleep in the jungle). The beds benefit from a comfortable mattress and fly nets when necessary. The tambos are spread out to assure privacy and minimum disturbance from others.

Participants have a choice of using either the cabins in the ‘Casa Grande’ annex or tambos for their retreat. During the day when there are no activities, there will be hammocks to relax in, and you can read, or wander into the forest, or swim in the river (there is a small sandy beach). Our ceremonies and meeting will be held in either the Casa Grande with an open platform on stilts directly on the river with a magnificent view of the rainforest and star filled sky. or our maloca (ceremonial temple), a large circular tambo made of natural materials and shaped like a womb. We will eat our meals in the lodge, the traditional meeting place, where food is cooked on a wood fire.

Single Accommodation
One of the unique characteristics of this programme is that we offer single accommodation throughout both in the hotels in Lima, Iquitos, and at our Centre in Mishana. This ensures that participants can obtain the maximum benefit from their encounter with the plants. The Diet really needs to be taken in solitude and personal retreat without distractions. This is a defining characteristic of this programme. Typically other programmes do not offer this and dormitory / shared accommodation is usually the rule. Our Tambos (individual accommodation huts) are all different and are spread out, some with more isolation than others and we also have individual accommodation rooms in the wing of our Casa Grande for those who would prefer being close to the main facilities.

There are photos on the web or I can send pictures on request. Our intention in this journey is to provide the conditions and orientation to enable participants to follow a proper diet, and for it to be as near as possible to what indigenous people have done for thousands of years, (although we can avoid unnecessary hardship, in any case a diet is not a trial of endurance). The diet is a journey of self-exploration and the maestro is there to give support, It is more important that the shaman is an evolved and impeccable person, who will guide us to learn for ourselves and benefit from our experiences in safety.

Participants will undertake to ‘diet’ a plant for a full six to eight days, selecting their plant from a range of options which will be explained by the maestro and depend on individual requirements. Some plants are good for specific ailments as, for example Chuchahuasi for arthritis and other bone conditions, although there is always a magical world opened up by the plant spirit. Other plants have specific spiritual benefits. Chirisanango and Ushpahuasanango, for example, open up the heart and are healing to emotions. Guayusa works very curiously on one’s dreams, affording an experience of being conscious while in fact asleep or dreaming.

The plants used will all be compatible with Ayahuasca so that we can benefit from the plant diet during Ayahuasca ceremonies. There will be a programme of talks, exercises, individual sessions and group meetings without prejudicing the spirit of the diet. This is a way to learn from observation and intimate contact with nature, practical artistic exercises using local materials. We will participate in the gathering and preparation of Ayahuasca, a prolonged ritual in which power is invoked from the planta maestra. We will learn about healing plants and how to find them.

The Shamans
We are very delighted to have secured the services of some of the most experienced shamans in the region, during our Retreats we will work with one of the following shamans;, Artidoro Aro Cardenas, Javier Arevalo and Leoncio Garcia.

Artidoro Aro Cardenas
We have worked with Maestro Artidoro on our previous Amazon Retreat, and again we were greatly impressed with his knowledge of medicinal and power plants, and his compassion and support for the participants. Although Artidoro is Mestizo he has lived amongst the Ashaninka Indians for many years, and has learned their languages which result in that many of his chants come from a variety of indigenous groups including the Ashaninka, Cashibo, and Capanaua .He has started his own centre near Iquitos.

Javier Arevalo
We have worked with Javier many times on our Retreats, we also brought him to the UK for a special Amazonian Medicine camp in 2002. We are greatly impressed and moved by his dedication, and his commitment to the demanding rigours of an Amazonian shaman.It is fair to say that everybody who has worked with Javier has been touched by his kindness, compassion , humour, and spirit

Leoncio Garcia
The Shipibo maestro is now in his mid 70’s with the appearance of a man in his 50’s. He was born in the Shipibo community of San Francisco by Yarina Cocha (an oxbow lake near Pucullpa). On a number of occasions he has worked with medical doctors in various cities in Peru. Don Leoncio also founded a healing centre near Nina Rumi on the Rio Nanay.

Benjamin Ochavano
Is a traditional Shipibo (elder shaman). He is in his late seventies. His chants (icaros) sung in the Shipibo language are extraordinary, beautiful and powerful.

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