After
four days biking over the Andes from Cusco into the Amazon jungle,
we spend five days in the wildlife paradise of the Manu Reserve.
Returning to Cusco, we embark on the beautiful four-day Inca Trail
trek 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 and time of rendezvous with tour
leader.
Itinerary
details
Note:
Should 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 Cuzco (3400 metres).
Having checked in to our hotel, we have all day today and tomorrow
to absorb the unique atmosphere of Peru's historical capital, while
adapting to the altitude. (2 nights hotel)
Day 3 Cuzco's past is a fusion of indigenous and colonial. This can be
seen in the juxtaposition between perfectly interlocking Inca
stonework and whitewashed Spanish-style streets. Cuzco is a great
city to lose yourself in its labyrinthine alleyways and teeming
markets. Just outside the town, and accessible on foot, are some
spectacular archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, a monumental
temple-fortress of pharaonic proportions made up of precisely
fitting stones, some weighing upward of 200 tons! Further afield,
and easily reached by road, is the town of Pisac, with its
fascinating produce and crafts market and citadel, featuring the
most impressive Inca agricultural terraces in the area. In the
evening folk bands frequent the lively 'penas' for which Cuzco is
renowned.
Day 4-7
Loading bikes onto the support vehicle, we leave Cuzco early at the
start of our 300 km journey of contrasts to the Amazon.
We head NW to the starting point of our day's biking at Chincheros
('village of the rainbow'-3700m), home to a lively Indian market and
the impressive remains of Emperor Tupac Yupanqui's Inca temple.
Here
begins a spectacular 25km descent to Urubamba (2800m), affording
impressive views of the Urubamba mountains ahead and the Sacred
Valley of the Incas below. This section can be done on one of two
routes: By road, following the asphalt road, or off-road by way of
Moray (a strange Inca site like a sunken colisseum and apparently
used by the Incas for acclimatising plants) and the salt mines of
Maras.
From Urubamba we follow the beautiful Sacred Valley upstream (either
by bike or in the support vehicle) through Calca (2850m) and on to
Pisac (3000m) and the extensive citadel which sits high above the
town. Here we leave the Sacred Valley and climb for 32km, now on a
dirt road,
towards the Huachuqasa pass (4150m). Before the pass we set up camp
for the first night. (We aim to cover this section in the support
vehicle).
Day two sees us continue to the pass and descend to Paucartambo
(3000m) via Colquepata (3900m). Riders can choose between two
alternative routes to Paucartambo: Either a direct descent on the
dirt road, or an off-road detour via the Inca 'chullpas' (burial
towers) of Ninamarca. Paucartambo, eternally spring-like in climate,
is normally a peaceful colonial town. But once a year it explodes
into life and colour during the spectacular Virgen del Carmen
festival. The climb out of Paucartambo culminates at the eastern
Andean watershed. Here we take a detour to our night stop at Tres
Cruces, a natural balcony at about 3800m with the Andean cloud
forest spread out below. The sunrise from here is spectacular and
even if you aren't lucky enough to experience this multi-coloured
spectacle, the view is always a marvel.
On day three we begin our descent to the Amazon, and over the next
two days our bikes take us steadily from 4000m through mountainous
cloud forest to a mere 600m! We have good possibilities of seeing
some of the varied and beautiful bird life resident in the cloud
forest during our descent. The vegetation is lush and verdant, and
flowers are beautiful. Our third night's camp is spent in the midst
of the cloud forest near Union (1500m), and the fourth and final
night of the bike journey at Atalaya (600m). (4 nights camp, all
meals)
Day 8-12
Today we begin our expedition into lowland Amazon rainforest and the
Manu National Park. At Atalaya we board a motorised canoe and follow
the Alto Madre de Dios river downstream through the Cultural Zone.
This part of the journey provides the opportunity to observe heron,
egret, kingfisher and other species. Afternoon sees us turn into the
Manu River and enter the Reserved Zone. Here we are swallowed up in
a primeval world. The Manu Biosphere Reserve, where we remain for
the next four days, is Peru's largest tropical rainforest reserve
and a repository of some of the world's most important jungle
wilderness; renowned for its pristine flora and the profusion of its
fauna.
Tonight we camp on a beach of the Manu River and continue by river
on day nine. Early in the afternoon, we reach our camp for the next
two nights.
We spend the next two days hiking through the virgin forest and
exploring the Lakes Otorongo and Lake Salvador.
With luck giant otters and various monkey species, such as the black
spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) and red howler monkey (Alouatta
seniculus), can be seen. We might also come across species such as
giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), white-lipped peccary (Tayasu
pecari) and woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha).
The following day we take a final walk in the surroundings of Lake
Salvador then return down the Manu River, joining the Madre de Dios
River to camp at Tambo Blanquillo. At first light we visit the macaw
lick to watch the dazzling spectacle of hundreds of parakeets,
parrots, and macaws eating clay. We spend the rest of the day making
our way back up the Madre de Dios to camp.
(5 nights camp, all meals)
Day 13
Today we board our vehicle (bus or plane) for the journey back to Cusco. (2 nights hotel)
Day 14
Free day in Cusco.
Day 15-18
We leave Cuzco early and drive by bus to the village of Chilca, the
starting point of our trek. The journey takes us across the Pampa de
Anta and on to Ollantaytambo. This town retains much Inca
architecture, more perhaps than any other inhabited town. We have
time to explore before continuing our journey to Chilca (2700
metres) and by mid-morning begin our trek.
The Inca Trail formed only a small part of the extensive network of
Inca highways, but this 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu, reclaimed from
the cloud forests only this century, 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 and finely-constructed sites along the trail
also suggest that access was limited to an elite. Its (and Machu
Picchu's) absence from early Spanish chronicles demonstrates that
its existence was not known about during colonial times, and
explains why the Inca religious structures escaped 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. The
region's flora includes 60 species of orchid, and the varied
avifauna includes hummingbirds and various species of birds of prey.
For most of the first day we walk through a temperate environment.
The second
day features the first major ascent of the trek. We follow the
Llullucha valley up to the treeless puna and on to Huarmiwanusca
Pass (4200 metres). From here we descend to our camp in the
Pacasmayo valley (3700 metres) or at the nearby ruins of Runkurakay.
The third day we cross the second pass (4000 metres) and descend
through lush cloud forest on a paved Inca pathway past the ruins of
Sayajmarca and Conchamarca and continue to the third pass at
Phuyupatamarca (camp). The views into the Urubamba gorge 1700 metres
below are spectacular.
On day four we make a dramatic descent along an ancient stairway to
the beautiful sacred sanctuary of Huinay Huayna (2700 metres) before
continuing to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), and feasting our eyes on
the stunning Lost City of Machu Picchu spread out below. We intend
to descend to the site mid-afternoon, and enjoy the peaceful scene,
before dropping a further 400 metres to the railtrack town of Aguas
Calientes, where we spend the night.
Tonight you have the
opportunity for a well deserved soak in the thermal baths of Aguas
Calientes. (3 nights camp, 1 night hostel, all meals except final
dinner)
Day 19
Today we have the whole morning to enjoy Machu Picchu. There is
ample time to explore the extensive site, as well as climb the
dramatic path up Huinay Huayna mountain, before boarding the
afternoon train to Cusco; one of the great railway journeys. (2
nights hotel)
Day 20
Free day in Cusco with the chance for some low-energy shopping or
more energetic white water rafting (optional) on the Urubamba river.
Day 21
Today we fly 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
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 bike approximately six to eight hours
per day with several long ascents and descents. Trekking days,
roughly five to eight hours, similarly involve several long ascents
and descents. NB The bike trip is fully supported: our support
vehicle is at our disposal should any riders wish to sit out a
tricky section. 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 bike ride is 4150m, and on the trek, 4200m, 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. 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.
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.. |
