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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. On our included city tour, we'll have time to explore the
markets and churches 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.
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|
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.
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|
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, and if
you've got the energy, we'll have the
opportunity to climb up to the ruins of Corihuayrachina. Corihuayrachina
was discovered by an expedition in 1999 and was featured in
the National Geographic documentary, Inca Mummies. |
|
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 explore Peru's capital city or catch
your connecting international flight. |
|
15
|
Departure Day |
TRIP DETAILS
15 days:
US$3750
Currency Converter
Departs any day
May-September
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 needn't have a lot of trekking experience. Many novice trekkers have enjoyed this trip immensely.
That said, you are indeed hiking up and down big mountains at
high altitude, so it isn't going to be easy. And as always, a
certain patience for the unpredictability of developing world travel is a
must.
Joining the Tour
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!
What's
included in the trip:
·
Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop
off at end of the trip
·
Southern Crossings bilingual guide
·
Internal flights,
Lima-Cuzco, Cuzco-Lima
·
Six 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.
·
Machu Picchu excursion,
including bilingual guide, round trip Backpacker train fare, transportation
to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu
sanctuary
Lima City Tour
Cuzco City Tour
Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap
What's not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport taxes (approx.
US$45), 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. Medical 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: $120 double/$100 single
Single Person Supplement $425
Please add this to your total payment if you will
be travelling alone.
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
A
yellow fever vaccination and certificate is required to travel to
the Amazon. 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. The yellow fever vaccination with the
official certificate is required, and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your
physician or local health department for more information.
Things to bring
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
chilly 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.
Baggage
For your international flights, please check with
your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs)
of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small,
purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as
international carry-on size regulations.
Money guide
The
unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current
currency conversion
Currency Converter
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.
Just like the name says, this is truly the ultimate
alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (for the classic Inca
Trail,
