Outdoor Travel Adventures

You have to go now!

 We fly into the former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco which is our base for this great expedition, a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun night-life. From Cusco we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Inca Fortress town  of Ollantaytambo, before embarking on the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu  Picchu. This 5 day/ 4 night trek involves spectacular Andean scenery along an ancient paved Inca trail. We will be visiting many ruins and spending an entire day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. From here, we return to Cusco for a rest day where we can relax and prepare for our next adventure. The journey from Cusco to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca is a classic Altiplano traverse through beautiful villages. You will get there on one of the best train rides in the world.  At the lake we'll stay in local houses. This trip is designed for adventurers who want the best trekking available. Careful planning  has gone into maximizing the enjoyment of the highlights of this part of the world.

 Look at some of these highlights! This is camping and trekking in style. While walking, you only need to carry a daypack.

*The Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo is an incredible site.

*The Inca Trail is scheduled to avoid the crowds at sites such as: the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200m), Inca ruins at Runkuraca, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca ruins, where we camp and are provided with a spectacular view of the Vilcabamba range.

*We'll view the cloud forest on a series of seemingly never-ending steps to Winay Wayna, which is another mysterious ruin. * And so to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and Machu Picchu.

*:From Cusco to Puno by train (one of the Great Train journeys of the World) and then a boat cruise on Lake Titicaca, visiting the amazing floating reed islands of Uros.

*On to Amantani Island, famous for its beautiful weaving and friendly people. We'll have accommodations with a local family and in the afternoon, climb to the top of the  island for spectacular views and sunset over Lake Titicaca.

This experience is perfect for adventurers who want to visit a fascinating country, its people, its history and do it on foot and among the people!  We have purposely limited this trek to 12 people which allows for good conversation and assistance when needed. The emphasis is on adventure and comfort since accommodations are in the 3 star range. We are traveling at a perfect time to avoid the crowds yet still catch good weather.

Trip price of $2799 includes group travel in Peru and Bolivia including plane, bus and train; airport transfers; camping and cooking equipment including two-person tents and sleeping mats; professional, English-speaking, guides; Inca Trail guide; porters; cook team; guided tour in Machu Picchu; entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins; bus transfer to and from the ruins; hotels in Milaflores, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno and Lima; basic accommodation on the Island of Amantani; tour of Silustani ruins (time permitting); meals except lunch and dinner in towns and leader, Rick French. Airfare from the USA to Lima, Peru (estimated at $580 from Rochester, New York) is not included. A $300, non-refundable, deposit is required to register.  Balance is due July 24, 2004.

For more information, contact the leader, Rick French, at Box 82, South Lima, NY 14558, telephone 585-346-5597 or email: info@PackPaddleSki.com.