|
Departs any day May-September for two or more
15 days:
US$2935 / GB£1490
|
Just like the name says, this is truly the ultimate Andean trekking
experience. We'll spend nine stunning days of this trip
traversing
old Inca roads in the remote
Vilcabamba
region of Peru, exploring seldom-visited and forest-clad ruins; spotting
condors, Andean eagles and countless varieties of orchids and other
flora; taking in the most magnificent vistas and landscapes of arguably
any trek in South America; and finally arriving at the Sacred City
itself, Machu Picchu, for a full day of exploration and discovery.
This is one of the most rewarding and exciting outdoor experiences to be
had in South America, yet is completely accessible to the average
healthy person. Many of our former passengers had done very little
or no trekking before this trip but enjoyed it immensely. Our trek
is fully supported and our days
are not long, averaging six hours of walking, so there is plenty of time to relax and
enjoy this magnificent adventure.
|
|
Day |
Location |
|
14th
Aug |
Arrive Lima PM |
|
15th
Aug |
Lima
City Tour |
|
16th
Aug |
Fly
to Cusco and Cusco City Tour |
|
17th
Aug |
Free Day in Cusco |
|
18th-26th Aug |
Vilcambamba Trek |
|
27th Aug |
Machu Picchu |
|
28th Aug |
Cusco-Lima |
 |
TRIP
ITINERARY
|
Day |
Activity/Location |
|
1 |
Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If
arriving during the day, your hotel will be in the neighborhood of
Miraflores, with good shopping and restaurants, and you'll have an
included city tour in the afternoon. If arriving late at
night, you'll be close to the airport for a bit more sleep before
your next day's flight, and you'll have a tour of Lima upon your
return.
|
|
2 |
Today we fly over the Andes to Cuzco, old capital of
the Inca Empire. We'll have time to explore the ancient walls
and buildings of the city center and
then head up to the Inca
fortress of Sacsayhuaman for great afternoon views
of the city and
valley below.
|
|
3 |
A free day in Cuzco to get used
to the altitude, see some sights, buy last
minute supplies, and just
hang out in this beautiful colonial city.
|
|
4 |
This morning we head out of Cuzco to the tiny,
picturesque village of Cachora, the starting point of our
trek. We'll take it easy today to allow ourselves time
to acclimatize, walking generally downhill
into the spectacular Apurimac Canyon. Shortly after leaving the village, we'll find ourselves
skirting a ridge
high above the Apurimac River, with a stunning line
of glistening white peaks, the Salkantay range, directly across from
us. The views are great from the start and are just a
taste of what awaits us... Camp is in a grassy meadow next to
the trail.
|
|
5 |
The splendid ruined city of Choquequirao
is our goal as we wind our way up lush, verdant hillsides and past
several
waterfalls to finally arrive at the enormous rows of terraces that
mark the entrance to the ruins. Camp is just below the
terraces.
|
|
6 |
Nearly as large as Machu Picchu and many would say in
a more stunning location, Choquequirao was never discovered by the
Spanish conquistadors.
It was probably one of the "royal
estates" of the Incas and served as a gateway to the wild Vilcabamba region beyond. It was also likely used as a
base
from which to attack the Spanish on the road from Cuzco to Lima
during the Inca rebellion of the 1500's and may well have held
Spanish
prisoners. Today, the site is only partially cleared,
allowing us to see many
of the delicate and beautiful aspects of
Inca architecture while also
allowing us to "play Indiana
Jones" and discover many constructions still half-buried in
vegetation. After a tour of the ruins, we can set off on side
trails
to do some exploring or sit quietly and watch for condors,
which frequent the site almost daily in good weather. We'll
depart around midday for our campsite down by the Rio Blanco, where
we can enjoy a campfire from gathered driftwood. On the way
down we'll visit the ruins of Pincha Unuyoq. It's terraces and
buildings cover many acres of the hillside and served as an
agricultural support center for Choquequirao.
|
|
7 |
Today is up but not very long, as we ascend about halfway up
Victoria Peak
on the way to the first of two passes on our trek.
Our camp is a small family farm and tonight our
hosts will prepare fresh lamb, chicken and guinea pig in an ancient style called pachamanca, in
which stones are superheated and
then collapsed onto a collection of
meat, herbs and vegetables. The result is delicious!
Before our meal, we'll have the
opportunity to climb up to the ruins of Corihuayrachina. Our effort is rewarded by one of the nicest
views on the
entire trek, reinforcing the fact that the Incas sure
knew how to pick the best spots to build on. Corihuayrachina
was discovered by an expedition in 1999 and was featured recently in
the National Geographic documentary, Inca Mummies.
It is in the process of being excavated and gives us a fascinating
look into modern archaeological methods.
|
|
8 |
Our
trek has been pretty amazing already, but the scenery today inspired
several of our passengers to name part of this section "the Garden
of Eden." We start out by making our way along a high ridge
and then ascending through lush, green foliage up Inca steps toward
our first pass. Near the
pass, the old Inca highway becomes
even more exposed and we see the
first of many old gold and silver mines scattered
beside the trail. After eating lunch at the summit (approx.
4000 m./13,200 ft.), we descend into "The
Garden", where we'll wind
our way down among countless flowers and
below massive overhanging
cliffs, while still high on a ridge many thousands
of feet above the
valley below. This is unquestionably one of the most
beautiful, amazing places on this planet. Camp tonight is in
the school
yard at the tiny village of Yanama, where we'll have a
chance to visit with
the school kids and leave some supplies
with their appreciative teacher.
|
|
9 |
It's time to tackle the second pass today, but don't
worry: most of the trail ascends at a gradual, relaxed grade. High Andean meadows, pasture lands,
waterfalls and nearby
snowfields are the theme as we head up the valley
and eventually
find ourselves almost completely ringed by snowcaps. Where
to
go? Through La Puerta, The Door, an aptly-named
pass which, at 4,400 m., truly feels like the top of the
world. The last time we were here, a combination of sunlight
and mist actually put our shadows inside a rainbow, one of
the many incredible experiences that we've had on this trek.
After crossing
the pass, we'll descend to one of our most
picturesque campsites, a large meadow next to a swiftly coursing
stream, with the snowcaps we've just crossed towering over us.
Another day in paradise...
|
|
10 |
Lots of good news today. First, it's almost all downhill from
here, and second, would you believe hot springs on the way to
tonight's campsite? That's right, thermal springs gush from
the rock face into a small pool, creating a most fantastic and satisfying
soak. And the spot? A narrow ravine at the meeting
of
two rivers, where parrots create a constant squawking backdrop as
they make their way up and down the two valleys. The walk
today is about eight hours down a gentle
valley, stopping for a break at the schoolhouse and tiny store in
the village of Totora.
|
|
11 |
The trail begins to widen as we continue down a warm green valley to our
next camp. The highlight today is a
massive 40 m. waterfall gushing from the cliff above the
trail. We'll camp this evening in another flat, grassy
schoolyard, just one hill away from our first view of Machu Picchu.
|
|
12 |
One more morning ascent and we can lay our eyes on the
Sacred City.
We'll ascend this last bit of Inca road, cross
the ridge, and see Machu Picchu glistening in its mountain saddle,
with the small peak of Huayna Picchu
behind. This is a view of
Machu Picchu that very few get the opportunity to
see. One
more descent to the valley bottom, where we'll catch a local train
around the peninsular ridge on which Machu Picchu sits to the town
of Aguas Calientes, where we'll have dinner at a nice restaurant,
maybe enjoy a well-earned beer or two, and crash in a cozy hotel bed.
|
|
13 |
We'll want to get up
early today to explore this archaeological jewel of South America. After a guided
tour, you've got plenty of free time to explore all the nooks and
crannies of this magnificent place. In the afternoon, we'll catch
the train back to Cuzco, where we'll enjoy a farewell
dinner of traditional Andean cuisine.
|
|
14 |
Back over the Andes to Lima today, where you may book
additional accommodation to explore Peru's capital city or catch
your connecting international flight.
|
|
15 |
Departure Day |
TRIP DETAILS
Departs any day
May-September for two
or more
15 days:
US$2935 / GB£1490
Is this trip for me?
This adventure includes a trek which is longer but no more difficult
than the traditional Inca Trail. You should be in average physical
shape, but need have little or no trekking experience. Many new
and novice trekkers have enjoyed this trip immensely. As always, a
certain patience for the unpredictability of developing world travel is a
must.
Joining the tour
You will be given the name, address and phone number of our joining hotel
before departing, but that won't be necessary. On all
Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our
representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will
accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped
off by airport taxis!
Trip briefing
Upon purchase of this trip, we will send you via email, fax, or regular
mail (your choice) a trip briefing, which includes joining instructions
with a map to the hotel in Lima, a list of things to bring, and a
climate/currency/visa guide.
What's included in the trip
-
Airport pickup/drop
off and
transfer to/from hotel
-
Southern Crossings
bilingual guide
-
Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco and Cuzco-Lima.
-
Five nights
of hotel
accommodation. All hotels are twin share with
private bathroom and hot water.
-
Trek:
Choquequirao
to Machu Picchu, including food, tent, sleeping bag,
bilingual guide, cooks and packhorses.
-
Ten
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on our trek.
Breakfast is also included in all of our hotels.
-
The Cuzco Visitor's
Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in
and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in
Cuzco.
-
Excursion to the Machu Picchu
sanctuary, which includes bilingual guide, train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes and entrance to Machu Picchu.
-
Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap
What's not included
International flight to/from Lima,
international airport departure taxes (US$25 from the Lima airport), pre-
& post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance,
meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while
on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature.
Travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do
require that you have a policy. Check
www.travelguard.com to purchase
a policy for your trip.
Extra Accommodation
We
will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you
before or after your trip:
In Lima: $110 double/$90 single
In Cuzco: $95 double/$70 single
Single Accommodation supplement: $410
Please add this to your total
payment if you will be travelling alone or wish to have private
accomodation
Pre-Trip Planner
Required documents
All travelers
to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months
from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S.,
Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other
nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or
consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at
entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks,
currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the
internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.
Required immunizations
No
immunizations are required of travelers to Peru. Travelers may
wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all
other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500
ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone,
and travelers may wish to receive a yellow fever vaccination and take
malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health
department for more information. Ultimate Inca Trails does not
travel to malarial or yellow fever areas.
Things to bring
Our trip will
be a backpacker-style adventure which includes a 10-day remote trek. One
should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging
from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the
possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:
Please
note: During our trek, mules will accompany us to carry most of our
things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15
pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the mules. Such
items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD
player, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a
daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a
layer or two for changing weather conditions. Of course most people
also carry a camera.
·
Passport and, if necessary, visa
·
Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
·
Airline ticket
·
Photocopies of airline ticket and documents
·
Wearable pouch for documents and money
·
Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase
·
Smaller, comfortable day pack
·
Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in
·
Sandals or flip-flops
·
Rain poncho or jacket
·
Waterproof pants
·
Sun hat
·
Hat for cold weather
·
Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)
·
Scarf and gloves
·
T-shirts
·
Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments
·
Towel and swimsuit for hot springs
·
Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)
·
Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)
·
Sunscreen
·
Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
·
Lip balm
·
Earplugs
·
Alarm clock or watch
·
Sanitizing hand wipes or gel
·
Camera and film/digital memory cards
·
Camera batteries
·
Playing cards, games, reading material
·
Prescription medications
·
Toiletries
Note that
common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as
toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene
items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear
and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera
batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be
downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.
Climate
Rain is
possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud
forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will
visit is as follows:
Cuzco:
days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are cold in
Cuzco.
Lima:
warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often overcast.
Trek:
strong sun leads to warm days, but the nights get very cold with a
chance of rain. Layers are important due to temperature changes and
daily hiking.
Money guide
The unit of
currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion
1 U.S. dollar =
2.8 nuevos soles
1 GB pound =
6.16 nuevos soles
Automatic cash
points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and
Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks
(American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances
are also options. Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money
Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange
houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are
recommended and most easily exchanged. Please
note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the
slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills
come out of the ATMs in country.
Expect to spend
about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru.
Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters,
for example, run between $5 and $30.
|
