Day One Arrive Lima
Day One Arrive Lima
Day One Arrive Lima
wildlife, and a rich human canvas spanning thousands of years. Cruise to a timeless
island in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Explore Cuzco’s
wondrous palaces, streets and plazas. Trek on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu,
the unforgettable Lost City of the Incas. Each day you enjoy unforgettable wonders.
During the nights in cities and towns you stay in small, delightful hotels, and enjoy an
unforgettable night in a native home on Taquile Island in 12,500-foot high Lake Titi-
caca. During the 4-day trek along the Inca Trail you enjoy our top-quality trail service
with porters, cooks and full camp service. Our guides are talented English-speaking
Peruvians who contribute enthusiasm and valuable personal insights into the past and
present of this astonishing region. Join one of the most adventuresome programs you
will find anywhere in South America as you explore our Andean world.
We meet you on your arrival in Lima airport and check you into the comfortable airport
hotel for overnight. (Note: Daily breakfasts are included. Other Meals included in land
cost are designated as BL (Box Lunch), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)
We transfer to our hotel overlooking the Chili River, with the classic view of El Misti
Volcano just to the west. You have the remainder of the morning free to acclimate.
Arequipa’s major points of interest are within easy walking distance of our hotel.We
spend the afternoon touring the most popular of these: the Santa Catalina Convent,
and the Museo de Santuarios Andinos, better known as the Inca Mummy Museum.
We travel by van up into the highlands on a highway which climbs clockwise around
the western flank of Chachani Volcano. At Pampa Cañahuas, a high plain north of
Chachani, we see troops of wild vicuñas, the graceful relative of the llama and alpaca.
The country is relatively dry, and we pass few signs of habitation along our route until
we cross a 4,600 metre /15,088 ft pass and descend into the basin of Lake Titicaca.
The highest navigable lake in the world at 3,856 m/12,650 ft, Lake Titicaca is
intensively settled around its whole margin. The deep waters of the lake buffer the cold
nights at this elevation, making the basin less harsh for agriculture than many
highland zones of lesser elevations. Looking across this huge inland sea, 110 miles in
length and some 45 miles in width, we see the impressive snowpeaks of Bolivia’s Royal
Range. We visit the famous burial towers at Sillustani, then continue to our hotel
overlooking the lake, just east of the city. BL
We transfer to the port and board a launch for the 3½-hour cruise to Taquile Island.
Taquile’s rocky, terraced slopes rise precipitously from the waters in the center of the
lake. Formerly a private hacienda, the Quechua-speaking islanders regained ownership
in the mid-twentieth century, and have been receiving tourists into their homes since
the early 1980’s. Half a century ago, a trip to the island was an adventure, often an
overnight trip in precarious sailboats. Now cooperatives of island families operate
comfortable motor launches to make the trip a delightful immersion into another world.
We spend a delightful afternoon hiking on the island. L
We have a second day to explore this entrancingly beautiful and peaceful island. Only
four miles long and less than a mile wide, the island has hidden beaches, hilltop
shrines, and a gentle and industrious population of Quechua peasants who welcome us
wherever we go. We depart by boat in the afternoon, and visit the astonishing floating
reed island communities of the Uros Indians. Return to the mainland, overnight in
hotel. L
We spend the morning touring the city's fascinating streets, palaces and temples of
foot. Many of the streets retain the stone Incan walls of the former palaces which
made up the heart of the city. Highlights include the cathedral and the Santo Domingo
church/Koricancha complex. Your afternoon is open to visit museums or to shop.
Cuzco’s night life is also full of variety, with strolling musicians contributing traditional
Andean music in most of the restaurants.
DAY 8/SATURDAYTREK
Briefing Prior to departing for the trek, we meet for an orientation briefing by our
guide, who reviews in detail the packing list, the details of the route and many other
issues of the upcoming trek. You have the remainder of the day to visit the museums
and colonial sites that have tempted you during your city tour of the previous day. B
We depart Cuzco by private van to our trailhead in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With
our Quechua porters transporting the camp gear, we walk carrying only light packs.
The first day’s route is mainly level as we hike along the turbulent Vilcanota River, with
magnificent views north to Nevado Veronica (5,900 m/ 19,000'). Explore the Inca city
of Llactapata, and continue up the Cusichaca River to camp at 3,000 m (9,842'). LD
DAY 10/MONDAY WARMIWAÑUSQA
We climb steeply up into magical forest of endemic Polylepis trees, with gnarled trunks
and reddish, papery bark. At last we emerge above the treeline, where the views from
Warmiwañusqa Pass (4,200 m/ 13,776') justify all the hard work. You gaze east to the
Huaynay peaks and west into the rugged Vilcabamba Range. We descend to our camp
in the valley bottom at Paccaymayo. (3,720 m/ 12,200'). LD
Soon after leaving camp we encounter the Inca outpost of Runkurakay, a small
fortification. The trail continues steeply upward until we reach the second pass at
3,860 m/12,661', and enjoy views north to the 18,000’ peaks of the Urubamba Range,
and the even higher peaks of Pumasillo in the western Vilcabamba Range. We descend
to the restored ridgetop townsite of Sayaqmarka (3,580 m/11,745 ft). From
Sayaqmarka onward, most of the trail is finely paved granite blocks. We camp on a
spectacular ridgetop above the ruins of Phuyopatamarka (3,495 m/ 11,460') with mag-
nificent views down to the Vilcanota River and the Vilcabamba Range. LD
Climb to an ancient ceremonial lookout on a granite knoll directly above our camp.
From here, priests undoubtedly saluted the spirit of the sacred mountain Salcantay
(6,275 m/20,580') directly south of us. We descend on a fine Inca road through exotic
cloud forest habitat. Orchids and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular
section of the trail high above the river. After visiting the superb outpost of Winya
Wayna, we traverse a steep forested mountainside along a well-engineered Inca road
to emerge at the Gate of the Sun for our first view of Machu Picchu (2,430 m/ 7,970')
from high above the city. Stroll down the royal road for a suitably regal entrance to the
Lost City of the Incas. Tonight we are in camp by the river at the base of the ruins. We
visit the colorful nearby town of Aguas Calientes. LD
DAY 13/THURSDAY MACHU PICCHU
We enter the ruins early for a full day exploring this unforgettable site. Those who wish
to view sunrise can enter the citadel gates at 6 AM; the sun’s rays clear the mountain
ridges to the east around 7.15AM. Those who prefer a later start enjoy a relaxed
breakfast in camp, and join the guide for a detailed tour of the famous citadel of Machu
Picchu. Return to Cuzco by train in late afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Fly to Lima on an early afternoon flight, and transfer to our delightful small hotel in the
quiet Miraflores or San Isidro district. You have the remainder of the afternoon open
for optional touring in Lima. Overnight in hotel.
All land transportation, in private bus or common carrier where trains are used; airport
transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days; entrance fees to museums and sites
mentioned in itinerary: Santa Catalina Convent, Museo de Santuarios Andinos, Uros
Islands, Taquile island, Raqchi, Cuzco cathedral, Santo Domingo/Koricancha; shared twin
accommodation in comfortable hotels, one night in homes of islanders on Taquile (single
hotel accommodation available at extra cost);meals as indicated; tips for group baggage
handling.
International and internal airfare; airport fees and border taxes; beverages with included
meals;meals not specified as included in the itinerary; insurance, laundry, and other items
of a personal nature; your guide's tip; The Machu Picchu National Sanctuary trail fee. As of
Oct 1, 2009, the rate is S/.251 for the 4-day trek; approximately US$90 at S/. 2.85= US$1).
The cost of this park fee is subject to change without prior notice. We pre-purchase these
trail tickets and will collect the fee from you at the trek orientation meeting
Weight Restriction: We include porterage for up to 10 kg (22 lb.) of personal gear. If your
packed duffel exceeds 10 kg. In weight (including sleeping bag and pad) at the trailhead,
you will have to transfer excess items from your duffel to your daypack.
Día 8/SaturdayTrek
Presentación de información Antes de partir a la caminata, nos reunimos en una reunión
de orientación de nuestro guía, que revisa en detalle la lista de empaque, los detalles de
la ruta y muchos otros temas de la próxima caminata. Usted tiene el resto del día para
visitar los museos y sitios coloniales que han tentado a usted durante su visita a la ciudad
del día anterior. B