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In the Footsteps of the Incas with Peruvian Amazon
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In the Footsteps of the Incas with Peruvian Amazon
Travel deep into the million-year-old Amazon rainforest on this Peru tour, uncovering its secrets through the eyes of local guides. Travel to the Andes’ cloud forests and the birthplace of the sun at Lake Titicaca, as you gain an understanding of Incan culture, mingling with weavers, corn farmers, and expert photographers.
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LLLPE
In the Footsteps of the Incas with Peruvian Amazon
Travel deep into the million-year-old Amazon rainforest on this Peru tour, uncovering its secrets through the eyes of local guides. Travel to the Andes’ cloud forests and the birthplace of the sun at Lake Titicaca, as you gain an understanding of Incan culture, mingling with weavers, corn farmers, and expert photographers.
Francisco Pizzaro’s 'City of Kings' is your launch pad to an epic encounter with the Amazon’s extraordinary biodiversity. On arrival in Lima, you’ll be escorted to your airport hotel and enjoy the day to explore the sights of this colonial capital on your terms.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Day 2
Traverse the Inkaterra Forest
This morning, we fly to Puerto Maldonado (internal flight included) and embark on a journey on the Madre de Rios River to our jungle lodge. where we meet our guides for the Inkaterra Field Station. Join a Local Specialist for insights into the forest, then keep a keen eye out for shy caiman during a pre-dinner boat expedition.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Inkaterra Field Station
Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. Deep within the rain forest, we enjoy the company of mischievous monkeys cavorting among the trees of Monkey Island. A short boat ride takes us into the Tambopata National Reserve where we’ll hike through the thick jungle, admiring towering green walls of vegetation, the cacophony of birdcalls and the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. Arrive at Sandoval Lake, where you may spot a wide variety of birds, monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans and the elusive anaconda. The perfect end to our day sees us watch the sun set over the lake before heading back to our lodge for dinner.
Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how vegetation has adapted to the exotic species that are drawn here as you Connect With Locals. Here you will also get a chance to visit our organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest’s tropical plants up-close and learn of their healing capabilities. Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon with our Local Specialist. Stroll quietly as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians wondering close by.
This morning, embark on an excursion to a popular feeding area for multi-coloured parrots. After breakfast, we head back to Puerto Maldonado as your Amazon experience comes to an end. On arrival in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the exclusive barrio of San Isidro where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening to meet your Travel Director and travel companions.
Take your time this morning and embrace the warm welcome of the 'City of Kings'. We’ll meet a Local Specialist who will reveal the city’s highlights including Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and the baroque-style Church of San Francisco. Descend into the city’s underground catacombs and admire the religious paintings, sculptures and books on display in its religious art museum and extensive library. Later, we’ll join our Travel Director for a guided walk through the barrio of Miraflores, also known as the Heroic City.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
We board a morning flight to Cusco, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you'll enjoy a Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll Dive Into Culture and meet a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony welcoming you to Peru. Tonight, you'll check in at your Stays With Stories along the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the grounds of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. It is great for morning birders and afternoon walks in the gardens.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Aranwa Sacrey Valley
Connect With Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today. Revel in the romance of the local Marinera dance. This evening, meet Local Specialist, Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 9
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo with a Local Specialist, en route to Machu Picchu, a village in the Sacred Valley, set on the Urubamba River amid majestic mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Then, ascend to the Lost City in the Clouds aboard the Vistadome train (light snack included) travelling along the Inca Trail, where you can view hikers and porters along the way. Here you will delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, joining your Local Specialist for an exploration of the temples, palaces and terraces whose construction defy imagination. Visit the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana, most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. After returning to our hotel we will Connect With Locals and learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon for your second visit as you enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story, spending some time on our own to explore the hill-top fortress. Next, we'll journey back to the Sacred Valley by train, stopping en route to Cusco to Dive Into Culture and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavours of chicha as we Dive Into Culture yet again, savouring the favourite drink of the Andes. Our Stays With Stories tonight is a what was once an old colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Cusco Sightseeing
Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Your Local Specialist will guide you through Cusco's colonial centre, including the nearby 13th-century Incan settlement of Qoriwayrachina. The afternoon is free.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Cusco – Juliaca – Puno
Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After a special lunch just for you along Lake Umayo, we’ll visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - GHL Lake Titicaca
Connect With Locals as you cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca, passing floating islands constructed by the Uros Indians. Next, in the midst of South America’s largest lake lies Taquile Island, where we’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of knitting and weaving for which the local villagers - men and women - are renowned. Enjoy a lunch here and learn more about the islanders’ unique way of life upon islets make of totora reeds, which grow in the lake, and are attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. Tonight, we indulge in a Regional Dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno.
This morning we return to Lima, enjoying an afternoon at leisure after our flight. Enjoy time on your own to explore the capital of Peru, settled on the country's arid Pacific coast. We’ll join a Local Specialist and Dive Into Culture this evening, visiting one of Lima's most renowned museums after dark - the Larco Museum. Admire the pre-Columbian artefacts that reveal insights into the cultures of ancient Peru. Then, sit down to a gourmet Farewell Dinner filled with Peruvian flavours as you overlook the museum's beautiful gardens.
For now it’s time to say a fond hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or consider extending your stay at the Novotel Lima.
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 10
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours.
Adult Price: $65.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours
Adult Price: $27.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
14 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
28 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 13 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
Connect with Locals
Explore our 30 hectare Palmetum, a collection of 19 Amazonian palms in a plot reserved for rainforest restoration and conservation.
Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today.
Connect with Locals
We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
Dive into Culture
Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting.
Dive into Culture
Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.
Dive into Culture
Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Dive into Culture
Guided visit to the Larco Museum, which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art in the world.
Dive into Culture
We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Visit our organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest’s tropical plants up-close, with a chance to learn about their many intriguing medicinal uses by indigenous communities.
Stays with Stories
Novotel was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre of Cusco.
Stays with Stories
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist
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Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman ruins and the Uros Islands
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Scenic Cruise on the Lake Titicaca
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Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
In the Footsteps of the Incas with Peruvian Amazon trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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4
The well organised itinerary packed a good number of sights and varied interests into our 10 day stay. Coaches were always clean and the drivers on time. Hotels were in good locations for further walking, shopping and discovering the area.
Our 10 day South American tour - In The Footsteps Of The Incas went extremely well and smoothly under the organisation of our very capable and efficient travel director **************. Travel director in training - Anthony, was also of great assistance. There was always good communication between the coach driver, local specialists and hotel staff. Local specialists were very knowledgeable and wanted to share that knowledge in depth. We would have been able to retain more of the information they had given us if it hadn't been so in depth. Having spent many dollars to travel to South America from Australia, we would like to see as much as possible while there. Having to stand in several locations for half an hour at a time in Machu Picchu, listening to very extensive history while watching the beautiful clear, sunny, day disappearing, was very frustrating and disappointing. We would have loved to have explored and climbed to the very top and taken some photos. We were give the opportunity to go back and explore more the following morning, which I took, but it was very cloudy and only highlighted the great opportunity that had been depleted the afternoon before.I particularly felt for those whose mobility wasn't so good. It would have been good if the local specialist could have adapted to the wonderful conditions like they would have adapted to unfavorable conditions. Would have given you 5 stars except for our Peruvian Amazon experience. Our 5 day Peruvian Amazon pre-extension tour did not run as smoothly. On our arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport, there was no ****** or guide there to meet us. Airport staff kindly did some phoning and arranging for us and we were taken to the office where we met our guide Hetzel. Food at Corto Maltes was plentiful but not memorable, as it wasn't near the standard of the rest of the tour, which was excellent. On Day 4 it began raining at 3:20am and continued raining, so our morning activities changed from seeing the 'clay lick' to visiting the local Eseeja tribe. After boating to their location, with water streaming down the steep red clay bank, our guide cut new dirt 'steps' for us to climb. It was still raining, there were no handrails or ropes to hold on to and the clay was extremely slippery. Despite our apprehension, our guide led us by hand and we made it safely to the top only to find that no-one was there! Hetzel re-cut new steps down the bank, as it had continued to rain while there and I asked for a stick to help with stability while descending. We are fine with new adventures while travelling, but this was one of the most unsafe experiences we have had, with one slip and nothing to hold on to, possibly spoiling the rest of our month long trip due to a break, or worse. Would love public transport (train, coach) operators to consider using seat headrest covers in a dark colour rather than white, as the white reflects considerably on the inside of windows making it hard to take photos from the windows when travelling.
The Amazonian experience was good but could be better. I was prepared for the humidity and the jungle walks. The guide whilst having good knowledge lacked personality. The Lodge food was well presented and prompt in service but lacked in some areas. The office in McDonalado did not instil confidence as the pick up did not arrive at the airport, and on departure we were not told we were flying via Cusco to Lima as we had come in on a direct flight from Lima. This caused problems in Cusco for us. Simple things but not well done. Our guide for the remainder of the trip was Barbarra. (not sure of spelling). She was excellent pus plus plus, as were the local guides although some of them go into too much detail which can restrict the walking and exploring times at places. Too much emphasis on local and historic names which are not remembered 5 minutes later. Maybe better to give out a sheet setting out names and spelling prior. Accom great. Pickups and drop offs great. Enjoyed most of Peru. It is a bit challenging but we knew that would be the case and it didn't affect our enjoyment.
THE TRIP WAS GREAT! AMAZING HOTELS AND GUIDES THAT PROVIDED GREAT HISTORY, INFORMATION AND PERSPECTIVE INTO THE PERUVIAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE. I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT TRAFALGAR DID NOT TELL US ABOUT THE NAZCA LINES PART OF THE TRIP - IT WAS APPARENTLY PART OF THE ORIGINAL TRIP ITINERARY, BUT FOR WHATEVER REASON THE TRAFALGAR TRAVEL AGENT DECIDED TO BOOK US 3 DAYS SHORT OF EVERYONE ELSE! 20 OF THE 30 PEOPLE ON THE TRIP GOT TO GO TO THE NAZCA LINES AND 10 OF US WERE, FOR WHATEVER REASON, BOOKED ON RETURN FLIGHTS 3 DAYS EARLY. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME WE HAVE USED TRAFALGAR FOR TRAVEL AND THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED BEFORE. IT WAS VERY SHOCKING TO FIND OUT EVERYONE ELSE'S TRIP ENDED ON SATURDAY, WHILE OURS ENDED ON THE THURSDAY BEFORE. WE ONLY FOUND OUT AT THE WELCOME DINNER ON DAY 1 OF THE TRIP AND WHEN WE TRIED TO ADD IT ON, TRAFALGAR QUOTED US AN UNREASONABLE PRICE SO WE ENDED UP NOT DOING IT :( THAT WAS POOR SERVICE ON TRAFALGAR PART.
The tour leader was always organized and personable. The local experts were outstanding. The hotels were fine, the meals were very good and beautifully presented--a surprise in the Amazon part of our experience.
An unforgettable vacation. We are still raving about Trafalgar.
Trip Rating
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5
The itinerary was jammed packed and allowed us to see a lot in 10 days, however there was still enough time left to explore on our own. The accommodations were all 5 stars.
Our trip started in the Amazon with our guide Franklin. Beside being personable and pleasant his knowledge of the jungle was exceptional. His head was always on a swivel looking to point out various animals and plants used as for medicinal purposes and food. My wife and I are vegan and he made sure our dietary needs were met at the hotel Corto Maltes which was also wonderful. We left after 4 days and went on to meet the group who we would be traveling with for the next 10 days. Our tour guide Carlos was also wonderful. We did not need to worry about a thing from. How he kept track of all 39 guest's needs, and baggage still amazes me. Even though we moved from City to City frequently this was a stress free vacation due to the staff and local guides. Thank you for an unforgettable vacation.
Land and Intra Air prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Juliaca and Juliaca-Lima and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM airline between your gateway city and the itinerary’s start and end gateway cities.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Please note: In some locations you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations so we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage (overnight bag) can be taken. Your primary suitcase will be securely stored and returned to you in Cusco.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.