Based in southern Peru, this adventure features a spectacular nine day trek. The trek takes us deep into the heart of the remote and stunningly beautiful Vilcbamba range. We trek for approximately 100km with over 5,000m of ascent and slightly less descent and cross the entire Vilcabamba range. We pass through an immense range of vegetation types and temperatures and with a variety of panoramic views to match: from the ice-capped peaks of the high Andes, their sharp ridges, deep gorges and raging rivers to the lush flora and prolific wildlife of the sub-tropical rainforest.
The trek takes us to one of the least known but most important archaeological sites in Peru: CHOQUEQUIRAU.
The archaeological site of CHOQUEQUIRAU is part of the complex system of Andean towns in the Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquequirau is dramatically situated on the spur of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m, surrounded by the snow capped peaks of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta.
Joining the tour
On booking, you will be sent the following information: name and
address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and 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
Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we take a short walking tour of the city.
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; 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 Conquistadores 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. Outside the red-tiled city, beyond the labyrinthine whitewashed streets are some outstanding examples of sacred 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. (Hotel in Cusco). (B)
Day 3
We set off from Cusco on a beautiful drive to the trail head. On the way we visit the impressively carved boulder of Sayhuite (4000m) and its surrounding site of baths, plaza and carved rocks. The monolith of Sayhuite has over 200 figures carved into it, they are animals that were important in the beliefs of the Incas such as jaguar, lizard, monkey, snake as well as anthropomorphic forms and various plants.
We meet up with our trekking team in the small highland village of Cachora high above the River Apurimac canyon. There are good views of the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m. The walk starts off quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the steep mountain sides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. The vegetation changes from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarf tree forest. (B/L/D)
Day 4
With full mule support we trek down to the Apurímac River at 1550 m in the impressively deep canyon of the same name. Camp near the river. (B/L/D)
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.
Day5
Todays walk involves a steep climb from the river towards Santa Rosa, a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m), then onwards and upwards to Choquequirau. The first 4-5 hours are steep, then it levels out and we continue to climb gently through orchid rich forest. Condors and spectacled bears are frequently sighted in the vicinity, and the bird life is extraordinary. Camp at 3,000 m approx. We set up base camp just short of the Choquequirao ruins in preparation for a full day's exploring tomorrow. (B/L/D)
Day 6
We arrive early at the amazing ruins of Choquequirao with plenty of time to explore. The site is gradually being restored under the guidance of the Peruvian archaeologist Percy Paz, who is usually to be found on site with a team of workers. Only around 30% of the site has been cleared, but you can clearly see many different sectors of Choquequirao, including the main square, long terraces, ceremonial platform, palaces, houses, and water canal. Before work began the whole site was almost completely engulfed by the thick vegetation which grows so prolifically at these altitudes.
It is believed that Choqueuirao was constructed during the reign of the ninth Inca lord Pachacútec, dedicated to the sun, the water and the apus. Some of the temples have trapezoidal doors and windows typical of the palaces and temples of other Inca sites.
The location is dramatic, views over the Apurímac gorge are spectacular and in the distance are the snow-capped peaks of Ampay, Panta and Quishuar and marvel at this dramatic location high above the roaring Apurimac river and the vast size of these extensive ruins. We return to our base camp below for the evening. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Leaving at the crack of dawn, we bid farewell to Choquequirao, visiting en route another interesting ruin called Picha Unuyoc – the “water shrine”. A short, sharp climb is followed by a descent of 1400m into the Rio Blanco canyon and then another tough climb of 1200m up to the small campsite of Maizal at an altitude 3000m. This is probably the toughest day of the trip but allowing all day and using the support horses where necessary, it is manageable by fit trekkers (B/L/D)
Day 8
Starting early again we climb to the Abra San Juan pass at 4000m with spectacular views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range (when not in cloud), passing on route Corihuayrachina (as seen on Discovery channel!) and the much more interesting old silver mines of Mina Victoria thought to have been worked for over 1000 years. We camp at the charming Andean village of Yanama (B/L/D)
Day 9
We hike up the Yanama valley turning right and climb towards our final challenge - the Totora pass - our highest point of the trip at 4500m pass with hopefully spectacular views of the snow capped peak called Sacsayraoc. We camp below the pass beside the small community of Totora. (B/L/D)
Day 10
A day of incredible changing scenery as we descend nearly 2000m to our camp beside the village of Lucmabamba, which is semi-tropical. We follow the Rio Santa Teresa down for nearly 7 hours hiking but the views of waterfalls, a variety of bird life and differing vegetation make it all worthwhile and especially as Lucmabamba has a small shop selling beer and soft drinks to celebrate nearing the end of our epic journey! (B/L/D)
Day 11
Our final day of hiking takes us through lush vegetation of coffee and tropical fruit plantations, into pristine cloud forest. We follow an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, an Inca site that is only recently being excavated. We will also have a truly amazing view of Machu Picchu that few tourists get to see from the back.
We descend to the Urubamba valley to the hydroelectric plant from where a short but spectacular train journey brings us to the bustling tourist town now known as Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly called Aguas Calientes). Here we check into our hotel and enjoy a shower before heading out to sample one of the many restaurants and bars. (B/L)
Day 12
First thing in the morning we catch a bus (or the energetic can hike) to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere.
We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco’s excellent nightlife. (B/L)
Day 13
There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B)
Day 14
Transfer to airport and fly Lima in time for your international flights home or take an options extension (B)
Our Price Includes:
All airport transfers, internal flights, transport to and from the trail in private vehicle, all camping and cooking equipment including thermarests, spacious two person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent, first-aid kit including oxygen, professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R., mules, cook team, entrance ticket to Choquequirao, good quality 3* hotels in Lima, Cusco and Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu guided tour and all meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included:
International flights,personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes (USD5 local, USD28 international), personal expenses and tips, day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can also be organised if required.
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 more
simple. When camping we use two person lightweight tents. On the
ride and trek, 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 biking expedition and trek, since it
is a subjective matter. However, we recommend you get in plenty of
biking time before departure.
We will trek up to eight hours per day, and treks will involve several long
ascents and descents. NB On the trek all personal belongings other than a
day-pack are carried for you. You are only expected to carry your
day-pack.
Altitude
Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at
altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The
highest point on the trek, 4830m, 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 biking and
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 biking and trekking. For the
ride and trek, 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
vehicle (biking expedition) and donkey/porter (trek). You will also
require a day-pack to carry items you need to hand. For the biking
expedition, bike and helmet are provided. Bring your own cycling
gloves and cycling shorts/trousers.
(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.
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