Based in southern Peru,
this adventure features two spectacular and contrasting seven day
treks. The first takes us into the remote and stunningly beautiful
Vilcanota Range, and the second, high around the flanks of Salkantay
(6271 m) before joining the beautiful Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Joining the tour
On booking, you will be sent the following information: name and
address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there, time of
rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary
details
Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight
stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Join the tour in Lima.(1 night hotel)
Day 2
We take an early flight from the Pacific coast to Cusco,
nestled at 3400 m in the Huatanay valley, and have all of today and
two further days to absorb its unique atmosphere while adapting to
the altitude.(2 nights hotel)
Day 3
According to legend, Cusco was founded by Manco Capac, having
been sent to earth by his father, Inti (the Sun God) to civilize
humanity. The absence of a written language makes it difficult to
separate myth from history, but it seems likely that Manco arrived
from the south of Peru about 800 years ago and founded what would
become the capital of the Inca Empire.
It was only with the accession of Pachacutec several centuries
later, however, that major expansion began. Under his successors,
Tupac Yupanqui and Huayna Capac, the Empire reached its zenith,
stretching from Colombia in the north to central Chile in the south.
Consequently, Cusco became a very important city; appropriately, in
the native Quechua tongue, Cusco means 'navel' or focal point. But,
in 1532, a band of bearded desperados appeared on the scene and
within a year the largest empire in the Western Hemisphere had
fallen into their hands. These were the Spanish Conquistadors led by
Francisco Pizarro, and under their auspices Cusco was steadily
transformed.
Today, the fascinating blend of finely engineered sloping Inca walls
and Spanish colonial architecture give Cusco its special character;
it's a great city to lose yourself in. Outside the red-tiled city,
beyond the labyrinthine whitewashed streets are some outstanding
examples of sacred Inca architecture; most notably, perhaps, the
monumental temple-fortress of Sacsayhuaman, (easily accessible on
foot), made up of precisely interlocking stones, many weighing
upward of 200 tons. Further afield, the stunning Sacred Valley can
easily be reached on public transport.
Well worth visiting are Pisac, with its twice-weekly craft and
produce market and nearby mountain top citadel, and the fascinating
Indian town of Chincheros. At night Cusco offers perhaps the best
selection of live Andean folk music to be found anywhere.
Day 4-10
This fully supported trek of approximately 80 km, takes us
right around the massif of Ausangate at altitudes of between 3800
and 5100 metres. We see large herds of domesticated camelids (llamas
and alpacas) tended by the local Quechua-speaking Indians; for
centuries they have relied on the camelids for wool, protein,
transport and fuel.
As we traverse the wilderness, we may well spot
some wild Andean fauna too: viscacha (large rodent), fox, deer,
vicuña (elusive wild camelid) and the Andean condor, largest land
bird in the world.
From Cusco we have a beautiful drive of several hours to reach the
starting point of our trek, the small highland village of Tinqui. We
camp the first night near the village, and then head south towards
the imposing form of Mount Ausangate (6372 metres).
The next week will be spent marvelling at the stunning scenery as we
circumnavigate the massif anti-clockwise; crossing grassy meadows,
passing cascading waterfalls and blue glacial lakes, and negotiating
some demanding high pases.
Our second night will be spent camping near the settlement of Upis.
Beyond here there is little human habitation, and on the morning of
the third day we ascend to the first high pass, (4700 metres) on the
flanks of Ausangate, affording awe-inspiring vistas of its glaciated
mass.
A major provider of snowmelt waters to lake Sabinacocha, and
thence to the Sacred Valley, this giant snow peak has for millenia
been a highly revered Apu (mountain god). Indeed, during Inca times,
the Emperor would bestow huge offerings of gold upon it in order to
secure its favours. Today it is the focal point of Qoyllor Riti, the
region's foremost Indian festival. The Palomani (5100 metre) and
Campa (5000 metre) passes take us level with glaciers; from the
latter pass we can explore nearby ice caves. As we descend from the
heights, we approach the tiny settlements of Pacchanta and Yanama.
Weary limbs can be soaked in thermal springs before our final night
of camping, and our return the following day to Cusco. (6 nights
camp, all meals)
Day 10-11
We have the rest of today and all day tomorrow to relax .
(2 nights hotel)
Day 12 -18
This fully supported trek covers a distance of
approximately 80 km. It is a beautiful walk, with the awesome
backdrop of Salkantay, the range's highest mountain, for the first
two days. Along the breathtaking route we experience an impressive
sweep of altitudes, from the ice-capped summit of Salkantay down
through puna grassland and cloud forest to sub-tropical jungle at
2000 metres above sea level.
On the first day we leave Cusco early and drive to the sub-tropical
town of Mollepata (2800 metres), situated in a citrus growing area.
It is common to hear flocks of screeching parakeets as we trek
northwards. Today's destination is the five family hamlet of Soray
at 3500 metres, a distance of approximately 16 km. We camp in the
valley at the foot of the towering peaks of Humantay (5917metres)
and Salkantay (6271 metres).
On the second day we climb steadily towards Salkantay and our
target, the pass of Incachillasca, at 4830 metres the highest point
on our trek. This is a tough but spectacular day's walking.
Descending from the desolate screes we camp on the high puna
grasslands. (Pampa Cahuana, 14km walking, at 3800m)
On the third day we trek down the broad Cusichaca Valley, backed by
imposing snowpeaks. We pass the Inca site of Paucarcancha, remote
farming settlements and stone corrals as we descend to join the
famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the village of Huayllabamba
(3000m, 12 km walking). Although it formed only a small part of the
extensive network of Inca highways criss-crossing the vast empire,
this 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu clearly had important ritual
functions and probably served as a sacred pilgrimage route related
to the veneration of natural and celestial phenomena.
Many well
preserved archaeological sites of fine engineering and construction
along the trail suggests that access was limited to an elite. The
absence of both The Trail, and Machu Picchu from the early Spanish
chronicles demonstrates that their existence was not known during
colonial times, and explains why the Inca structures escaped the
systematic destruction at the hands of the Spanish conquerors.
The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the
rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed.
Hummingbirds can be found all along the trail, and typical at high
altitude are birds of prey such as puna hawks, harriers, buzzard
eagles and sometimes Andean condors. It is also possible to see some
of the 60 species of orchid which have been identified and
classified in this area.
The second stage of our trek begins on the fourth day with a long
climb to the pass of Huarwimanusca (4200 metres). From here, we
descend to our camp in the Pacasmayo Valley (14km, 3600 metres), or
near the ruins of Runkurakay.
The fifth day begins with an ascent to the third pass at 4000
metres, from where we descend a paved Inca path to the dramatic
ruins of Sayajmarca, and continue on through the lush cloud forest
to our next camp at Phuyupatamarca (14km, at 4200m). The view into
the deep, forested Urubamba Gorge is awesome.
On the sixth day after a dramatic descent of approximately 1500
metres on Inca stairways, we arrive at the Inti Punku (Sun Gate),
from where we catch sight of Machu Picchu spread out below. We drop
down to the site mid-afternoon, before descending a further 400
metres to the small railtrack town of Aguas Calientes, where we
spend the night (12 km, 2000m).
Tonight we can take a well earned
soak in the hot springs (optional). In the morning you can visit the
site again before our return by train to Cusco. (5 nights camp, 1
night hostel, all meals except dinner on the last night)
Day 18
Return by train to Cusco. (1night hotel)
Day 19
Free day for some final exploring or some well deserved rest
and relaxation.(1night hotel)
Day 20
We take an early flight down to Lima, the City of Kings. Tour
ends Lima.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical information
Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will
be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on
things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable
hotels. In little-visited wilderness areas, accommodation is
sometimes more simple. When camping we use two person lightweight
tents. On the treks, all equipment is transported for us and meals
are prepared by our local cook.
Fitness and experience
In order to get the most out of the tour you
should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the
fitness level required for the treks, since it is a subjective
matter. However, we have classified both treks as strenuous. We will
trekking approximately six to eight hours per day with several long
ascents and descents. On the trek all personal belongings other than
a day-pack are carried for you.
Altitude
Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at
altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The
highest point on the treks 5100m, but we will be camping below that
level.
Climate
Peru is located entirely within the tropics, but the
climate varies significantly according to season and geographical
zone.
Coast May to October damp and misty but very little rain. (Average
day/night temperature in Lima 20C/13C)
December to March warm and sunny.
Highlands May to October sunny days and chilly evenings. Best time
for walking in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in
Cuzco 21C/3C) (N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well
below freezing at night, and the sun is very strong).
December to March rainy season.
Visas
Currently, no visa is required by British citizens visiting
Peru, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after
the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check visa
requirements with the Peruvian Embassy. All requirements are subject
to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations
Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for
latest advice as requirements are subject to change. Vaccinations
for yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis and polio are
recommended and malaria precautions are needed for visiting jungle
areas.
Personal expenses
We recommend you carry funds in US dollars cash
(mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and US
dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and
typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM
machines are available in most large towns visited on this
itinerary. Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for
obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the trekking
expeditions and all breakfasts elsewhere, but you will need money to
cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 30-50% cheaper
than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($25 international, $7
national); optional excursions (rafting $25); extra entrance fees;
tips; laundry etc.
International Flights
We can arrange your international flights at
competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices
are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance
Your insurance policy must cover you against medical
expenses and repatriation. If you do not purchase insurance from us,
please ensure it covers all activities you will be participating in,
including trekking, mountain biking and white-water rafting if
applicable. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible
after booking.
Luggage & Equipment
Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be
left in the Cusco hotel while you are trekking. For the treks,
re-pack into a kit bag, holdall or rucksack. This will contain your
sleeping bag, torch, toiletries, changes of clothes, spare footwear
etc. It will be transported for you by donkey (Ausangate trek) and
donkey/porter (Salkantay trek). You will also require a day-pack to
carry items you need to hand.
(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive
equipment list).
Optional extensions
If you would like to spend more time in Peru or
neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Just some of the
extensions we offer are:
-
High altitude train journey across the altiplano
to Lake Titicaca.
-
Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
-
Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.
-
4 day Amazon rainforest expedition into the Tambopata Reserved Zone.
-
5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures: Peru
Population: 25 mill (50% indian, 32% mestizo, 12% white and 2%
black).
Capital city: Lima, population approximately 7.5 million.
Geography: Five times the size of the UK, Peru, the third largest
country in South America, covers 1.28 million sq km. It is bounded
to the N by Ecuador and Colombia, to the E by Brazil and Bolivia, to
the S by Chile, and to the W by the Pacific Ocean.
Economy: Agriculture (33% of economically active popn), fishing and
mining are the traditional sectors of employment, with manufacturing
(10%) increasingly important. The service industry employs 27% of
the workers. Major food crops are rice, maize and potatoes, while
the major cash crops are coca and coffee. Important exports are
copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver and petrol. |
