ITINERARIES IN PERU - PROGRAMS OF OUR PARTNERS |
| INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS |
Day 1: CUSCO or OLLANTAYTAMBO TO KM 104 - HIKE TOMACHUPICCHU
Early in the morning morning we take the train to km 104. Today
we begin an uphill climb out of the valley towards the ridge line
that leads us through the famous gateway to Machu Picchu. After
3 hours of moderate hiking we reach one of the most dramatic sites
along our route, Wiñayhuayna (Forever young, 2,550 m/8,366
ft), whose terraces and ceremonial bath cling to the mountainside
overlooking the winding Urubamba River a thousand feet below. In
this cloud forest ecosystem we can identify some of the more than
1000 species of orchids, various bomareas, lichens, bromeliads,
begonias, mosses and tree ferns along the way. Colorfull butterflies
may accompany us as we climb two final sets of stairs to reach Intipunku
(2,700 m/8,860 ft), the Gateway of the Sun. With an incredible view
of the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Day 2: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
We take the first bus to the ruins, a full day dedicated to exploring
the site with the guide. You will have the optional opportunity
to climb Huaynapicchu ("young peak") from where you have
a superb overview of the ruins. In the afternoon we will take the
train through the Urubamba valley, back to Cusco. Reception at the
train station and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at your expense.
For the exact route
click here
| CORDILLERA BLANCA 5 DAYS |
The Cordillera Blanca is, without question, one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world. Protected as Huascarán National Park, most of the Cordillera among the earth's treasured natural resources. The Cordillera Blance, bearing Peru´s highest mountain, the Huascarán (6867 m), is also the highest mountain chain in the Peruvian Andes. Hundreds of multicolored glacial lakes, dozens of crystal clear rivers and waterfalls make it one of the most attractive mountain destinations on earth.
Day 1: Leaving Huaraz. The trip starts at the trailhead at Cashapampa (2,900 m/9,515 ft). Here, the arrieros or mule drivers will be waiting for us. As they load the gear, we'll begin the trek. We might encounter farmers tending their potato fields in the meadows at wider parts of the canyon. Campsite will be at Ichicocha (small lake). From there it will be possible to observe a variety of highland bird species including ducks, Andean gulls and possibly a pair of Huallata (Andean geese).
Day 2: After breakfast we will pass lake Jatuncocha. To
the left, you will see the outstanding snow-peak of Quitaraju (6,036
m/19,798 ft). Hiking through scattered forests, we willl catch a
glimpse of the pyramidal summit of Alpamayo (5,948 m/19,510 ft),
rising above the Arhuaycocha gorge. Campsite is at the end of the
valley with magnificent views of glaciers and peaks surrounding
us on all sides including Artesonraju and Quitaraju.
Day 3: We will follow an ancient pre-Inca stone-paved path
up to the top of Punta Union pass (4,750 m/15,585 ft). This will
be our first full view of the magnificent Cordillera Blanca. After
taking a break, the trail descends into the Huaripampa gorge. There
are beautiful glacial lakes along the way. The route passes small
lakes, cascading rivers and small forests of Queñual trees.
Campsite is at the fork of the Paria and Huaripampa gorges.
Day 4: An early morning 2-hour walk brings us to Colcabamba,
the only small village we will pass along the way. This is a wonderful
opportunity to interact with the local people. Our route leads through
forests of Queñual and Quisuar: the world's only trees growing
at this elevation. On arrival to Colcabamba, the hike continues
uphill along a dirt road until finally leading down into the Morocco
gorge toward Yanama. Campsite will be at Pacchapata.
Day 5: Today, the hike moves on to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco
pass (4,800 m/ 15,750 ft). From there we will be able to enjoy excellent
views of Huascarán's east face as well as the summits of
Huandoy (6,396 m/20,980 ft), Chopicalqui (6,355 m/20,845 ft) and
Chacraraju (6,113 m/ 20,050 ft). Next the trail descends into Llanganuco
gorge where we may spot herds of vicuñas, South America's
finest cameloid. We continue descending into the Llanganuco gorge
viewing orchids and other plants native to this special region.
A late afternoon bus ride takes us back to Huaraz. Dinner is at
your expense.
-This trip requires 2 extra travel days Lima-Huaraz-Lima and at
least 1 day in Huaraz for altitude adjustment (In case you have
not been on similar altitudes the days before reaching Huaraz).
-If the people take the first flight from Cusco to Lima (Arrival
around 08:00-09:00) could connect to Huaraz by tourism bus around
10:00.
| INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS |
Day 1: An early morning departure from Cusco
takes us through the pastoral Sacred Valley to Chilca. The trail
meanders easily alongside a river with views of snow-capped peaks
before reaching the ruins of Llaqtapata (2,550 m/8364ft), a pre-Inca
agricultural settlement. Veering away from the river and up the
dry Cusichaca river gorge, the trail winds gently past terraced
farmlands and flower-adorned houses to the village of Huayllabamba,
built upon Inca foundations. There are views of the Urubamba mountain
range and its most spectacular peak, Veronica (5,750 m/-18,860 ft).
In Huayllabamba, there is a great opportunity to interact with the
kids of the small village school.
Day 2: Crossing the Llulluchayoc and Huayruru rivers, the
trail continues upward through a forest with ice-covered streamlets.
Vegetation thins and the day warms on the approach to Warmiwañusca
(dead woman) pass (4,270 m/14,000 ft). This is the highest point
of the trail. On the way to the pass there is a forest of queuna
(polylepis) trees. This endangered species is one the highest (altitude-wise)
growing trees in the world. After a steep descent, the route cuts
through a peaceful meadow with waterfalls, creeks, lakes and tiny
Andean wild flowers. Campsite is on the Pacaymayo river.
Day 3: Tthe group climbs an Inca stairway to the fortified ruins of Runkurakay (3,700 m/12,136 ft). This was an Inca "tambo" or post-house. Here begins the final push to Runkurakay pass (3,850 m/12,628 ft) with its magnificent views of small lakes, gorges and spectacular Pumasillo (6,246 m/20,486 ft) in the Vilcabamba range. The stonework on this stretch of the Inca Trail is well preserved. After visiting the impressive ruins of Sayacmarca which overlook the Aobamba valley, the trail soon passes through a natural tunnel used by the Incas. We'll continue on to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650 m/11,972 ft). There is a magnificent view of the Urubamba river and Salcantay (6,271m/20,569 ft). This mountain was considered to be a sacred mountain for the Inca. Next campsite: Wiñaywayna (2,900 m/9,512 ft).
Day 4: Arriving at Intipunku (sun gate), we will pause to rest with plenty of time to photograph the first overview of famous Machu Picchu (old mountain in Quechua, native language of the Inca). From Intipunku, it is a short hike down to Machu Picchu (2,475 m/8,118 ft). Time permitting, after the guided tour of the ruins, it may be possible to climb Huaynapicchu (young mountain, 2,700 m/8,856 ft), the jutting peak overlooking the complex. In the early afternoon, we will catch a bus to Aguas Calientes where the group boards the train for a journey that winds through the beautiful Urubamba river valley. You will be picked-up in either Ollantaytambo or Cusco and transferred to the designated hotel. Includes breakfast.
For the exact route click here
| CHOQUEQUIRAO 4 DAYS |
Day 1: We'll leave Cusco this morning in a private bus and drive northwest toward the community of Cachora, trailhead for our trek. Along the way we'll visit the archaeological site of Sayhuite and see the beautifully restored Inca fountains and massive carved stone that some think may represent a map of some sort. We continue by bus descending to Cachora where the "arrieros" (mule handlers) will be waiting. Here we start the trek, descending into the Apurímac river valley. Our campsite is close to the mighty Apurímac River whose name is translated with "voice of god" or "mighty speaker" in Quechua. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 2: After breakfast we start the steep ascent to a lookout point (3000m/10,200ft) from where we have our first view of Choquequirao. Nestled on a prominent ridge overlooking the chasm created by the Apurímac River, this mythical city must have rivalled Machu Picchu in terms of beauty. Little is known about this seldom visited site which was first mentioned in writings by the British historian Sir Clement Markham and was explored briefly by Hiram Bingham in his search for Vilcabamba. We ascend to our campsite, located just before Choquequirao. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 3: Very early in the morning we visit and explore the ruins (much of the area is still overgrown). We'll descend from the ruins following an Inca trail past a few fountains, terraces and a small Inca rest house overgrown with vegetation as we make our way back to the Apurímac River, near which we'll establish camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 4: Early in the morning we'll start hiking back to the
town of Cachora to meet our transportation back to Cusco. On the
way we'll stop at the hot springs located at Conoc, before arriving
at our hotel in Cusco. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
| TREKPERU website | e-mail to TREKPERU | online-request |
| SPECIALS |
|
|
|
|
