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 tour in Lima. (1 night hotel)
Day 2
We leave Lima early by public bus for a fascinating journey of
contrasts that will end amid the towering high Andes at the small
highland city of Huaraz. We head north through the coastal desert as
far as Pativilca, then turn inland and begin our climb northeastward
into the Andes.
We follow the Fortaleza valley, the fertile cultivated river banks
contrasting dramatically with the barren mountain sides. Cacti
gradually give way to denser vegetation and then puna grassland as
we ascend to the highest point on our journey, Conococha (4050
metres).
We turn north into the Callejon de Huaylas and enter a different
world, the huge snowpeaks of the Cordillera Blanca dominating the
landscape. We arrive in Huaraz (3090 metres) late afternoon and
check into our hotel. (3 nights hotel)
Day 3-4
A bustling town of 80,000 inhabitants, Huaraz lies amid the
scenic splendour of the Callejon de Huaylas and is the ideal base
from which to explore the region. Callejon de Huaylas is the name
given to the Santa valley, which separates the Cordillera Blanca
from the Cordillera Negra, and rates as one of the finest areas of
South America for its superb mountain panoramas. The Callejon is
bordered to the east by the Cordillera Blanca, the mountain range
with the greatest number of peaks over 6000 metres outside the
Himalayas.
From Huaraz itself one is awestruck by the breathtaking vista of
Mounts Vallunaraju (5686m), Tocllaraju (6034 metres) and Ranrapalca
(6162 metres) towering over the city and, to the north, the gigantic
forms of Huascarán (6768 metres) and Huandoy (6395 metres).
Over the next two days, while acclimatising to the altitude before
our trek, we will have the opportunity to discover the wonders of
this fascinating region. Besides its magnificent scenery, the area
is renowned for its traditional villages with their lively markets
(easily reached by public bus or mountain bike), its thermal
springs, and pre-Inca history. One of the oldest and most remarkable
archaeological sites in all the Andes, the remote 3000 year old cult
centre of Chavin de Huantar, can be reached by bus. The Huari-Tiahuanaco
(pre-Inca) site of Wilkawain is not far from Huaraz. White-water
rafting on the Santa river is another option.
Day 5-12 Today we embark on our trek. The drive to the trailhead
takes us north through some magical landscapes. Leaving the Santa
valley at Caraz (2290 metres) we continue to Cashapampa (2900
metres) where we start the trek.
We begin with a gradual ascent of the Santa Cruz valley. By
mid-afternoon the valley levels out and, at Llamacorral, we set up
our camp.
The second day we pass the lakes of Laguna Chica and Laguna Grande
and begin our ascent towards the first pass, the magnificent peak of
Taulliraju (5830 metres) looming large up ahead. We camp at
Taullipampa surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
We continue the ascent on day three, with a steep zig-zagging climb
across moranic screes, fringing the shores of the turquoise lake of
Taullicocha. The panorama that unfolds as we approach the pass at
Punta Union (4750 metres) is magnificent; the nearby peaks of
Chacraraju (6112 metres), Artesonraju (6025 metres) and Piramide
(5885 metres) as well as Alpamayo (5947 metres), Santa Cruz (6259
metres) and Huandoy (6395 metres) fill the view. We descend into the
Huaripampa valley passing many tarns, to camp at Huaripampa.
On day four we continue our descent towards Vaqueria (3700 metres),
with the possibility of a side trip up the Quebrada Paria to the
remote glacial lakes of the surrounding high peaks. Tonight we camp
near the village of Vaqueria. At this stage, itineraries 1 and 2
diverge.
Itinerary 1
Day five is free for further exploration and
relaxation. You may fancy heading by vehicle up to the pass at Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4750 metres) for outstanding views of
Huascarán (at 6768 metres Peru's highest peak), Huandoy and the
Llanganuco lakes.
On the sixth day we head back into the wilderness, and approach the
awesome glaciated flanks of Mount Contrahierbas (6036 metres),
setting up camp nearby. We reach the highest point on the trek,
Punta Yanayacu (4900 metres), on the next day. From the pass the
immense forms of Chopicalqui (6354 metres) and Huascarán dominate
the view to the west. Our camp at Oxipampa is set amid dramatic
scenery, with the sharp spires of Mounts Ulta (5875 metres) and
Hualcán (6122 metres) to the south, while to the east Contrahierbas
looms large. We have left a day free for a side trip up either
Quebrada Paria or Quebrada Shantoq. (8 nights camp, all meals)
Day 13 Today we descend the Ulta valley and rendezvous with our
vehicle to return to Huaraz, and a well deserved soak in the nearby
thermal springs (optional).(1 night hotel)
Itinerary 2
On day five we take a vehicle up to the Portachuelo
pass and descend on foot or by vehicle in the shadow of Huascarán.
The drop to the Llanganuco valley is a thousand metres. We continue
to our night stop at Pisco base camp (4400m). Day
six sees us continuing to the summit of Pisco (5750m). Setting
off early, we cross a broad moranic 'moonscape', reach the snow line
at 4800m and don crampons for the ascent of the glacier. At the col
separating Pisco from Huandoy to the north, we start to negotiate
the northern slopes of Pisco. Late morning should see us on the
summit for some of the most spectacular panoramas in the range. Our
descent takes us back to the base camp and a deserved rest. Day
seven (buffer day) is free for R&R or further exploration. (7 nights
camp, all meals)
Day 12
We descend to the main valley and rendezvous with our vehicle
for the return to Huaraz. (2 nights hotel)
Day 13
Free in Huaraz.
Day 14
We return to the Pacific coast and Lima, by bus. (1 night
hotel)
Day 15
Tour ends Lima
Cusco Extension
Today we fly to Cuzco (3400 metres). According to legend, Cuzco was founded by Manco Capac, 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 is likely that Manco arrived from the south about
800 years ago and founded what would become the capital of the Inca
Empire. Major expansion began several centuries later with
Pachacutec. Under his successors the Empire reached its zenith,
stretching from Colombia in the north to central Chile in the south.
Cuzco (Q'osqo) became a very important city. But in 1532, a band of
Spaniards arrived and within a year the largest empire in the
Western Hemisphere was theirs. These were Pizarro's Conquistadores,
and under their auspices Cuzco's transformation began.
Today, the blend of finely engineered Inca walls and Spanish
colonial architecture give Cuzco its special character. It's a great
city to wander around. Beyond its whitewashed streets are some
outstanding examples of sacred Inca architecture; notably, the
monumental temple-fortress of Sacsayhuaman (accessible on foot),
made up of precisely interlocking stones, many weighing 200 tons
plus. A little further afield is the stunning Sacred Valley. Well
worth visiting are Pisac, with its craft and produce market and
mountain-top citadel, and the indian town of Chincheros. At night
Cuzco offers a superb selection of live Andean folk music.(2 nights
hotel)
Day 16
Free in Cuzco, for shopping, exploring or simply relaxing.
Alternatively, you may fancy white-water rafting on the Urubamba
(optional).
Day 17
Early this morning, we take a train to Machu Picchu, Lost
City of the Incas. A short bus journey, amid these beautiful
forested mountains, takes us to the site, perched dramatically on a
ridge 400 metres above the Urubamba river.
Machu Picchu's remoteness protected it from the plundering Spanish
colony and when, early this century, it was rediscovered and cleared
from encroaching forest, its structures were in surprisingly good
condition. Since then, the enigmatic site has posed many questions
and provided few answers. The ruins are extensive and we have all
day to explore the temples and palaces whose purpose still baffles
archaeologists. Late in the afternoon, we descend to our night stop, Aguas Calientes.(1
night hotel)
Day 18
Today you can return to Machu Picchu (optional) and enjoy the
morning tranquillity, while further exploring the site, or climb
Huayna Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, we take the train back to
Cuzco.(1 night hotel)
Day 19
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
Our tours are designed for small groups, so we can maintain
flexibility and informality while at the same time removing the
frustrations and hassles associated with independent travel in an
unfamiliar country. Your tour leader will make all the travel and
accommodation arrangements, will be on hand to iron out any
problems, and will give you expert advice and information on places
to visit, things to do, where to eat and so on. In the cities we use
clean comfortable hotels, but as this is an adventure tour and we
travel to little-visited wilderness areas we will inevitably have to
use more basic accommodation at times. When camping we use two
person lightweight tents, 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
level of fitness required for the trek, since this is a subjective
matter. However, we have classified this trek as strenuous. We
recommend preparing yourself for the tour by taking regular
exercise, bearing in mind that we will be walking approximately
eight hours per day, and that the trek involves long, steep ascents
and descents. Experience of hillwalking or trekking and camping in
remote places would also be useful. On the fully supported trek all
personal belongings other than a day-pack will be 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 is 5100 metres, but we will be camping
well 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 Cusco21C/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
No visas are currently required for British citizens visiting
Peru, however you must have a passport valid for at least six months
after the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check
their 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 the
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 trek and all
breakfasts elsewhere, but you will need money to cover: other meals,
snacks and drinks (approximately 30-50% cheaper than Europe); any
equipment hire (Itin 2: crampons, harness and ice axe for Pisco
ascent - £25 approx).; handicrafts; airport tax ($25 international,
$7 national); optional excursions (rafting $30); extra entrance
fees; tips; laundry etc.
Flights
Domestic flights in Peru are included in the tour cost. If
you need some assistance in purchasing a ticket for your
international flight to Lima from the UK we can give you advice and
suggest travel agents.
Insurance
You must have insurance to cover you against medical
expenses and repatriation. If you do not purchase insurance from us,
please ensure your insurance covers all the 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.
Luggage & Equipment
Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be
left in the Huaraz hotel while you are trekking. For your 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 donkey. You will also require
a day-pack of approximately thirty litre capacity, to carry camera,
water, waterproofs, sun protection, first aid kit, etc. Itin 2: For
the ascent of Pisco you will need: Plastic boots or four-season
leather boots suitable for step-in or strap-on crampons, crampons,
harness and ice axe. (These can be hired in Huaraz, allow £6 per day
approximately. Advise us as early as possible so that items can be
reserved). Also gaiters, headlamp, gloves/ mittens and 'goggle'
sunglasses. (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 or 5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures
Population and people: total population of approximately 23.9
million: 50% is Indian, 32% is mestizo, 12% white, 2% black.
Capital city: Lima, current population approximately 7.5 million. Geography: Peru is five times the size of Great Britain and the
third largest country in South America, with an area of
approximately 1.28 million square kilometres. Peru is bounded to the
north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the east by Brazil and Bolivia, to
the south by Chile, and to the west, the Pacific Ocean.
Government: The elected president since 2001 is Alejandro Toledo.
Economy: GNP US$ 34 billion (1993). Agriculture (employing 33% of
economically active popln.), fishing and mining (2.4%) are the
traditional sectors of employment, with manufacturing (10%) playing
an increasingly important role. The service industry employs 27% of
the workers. The major food crops are rice, maize, and potatoes
while the major cash crops coca (most of which is illegally grown)
and coffee. Copper, zinc, gold, petrol products, lead and silver are
all important mineral exports. |
