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AUGUST 5-18, 2006
$2899
Rick French, Leader
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Tentative Itinerary
Day 1-Saturday, August 5, 2006 Arrive in Lima. Transfer to Hotel in Miraflores and rest up. Day 2-Sunday, August 6, 2006 Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco. Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. A day spent exploring the sites here to acclimate to the rarefied air of this beautiful valley. Day 3-Monday, August 7, 2006 Time spent exploring the valley, short hikes, colorful market, visit Ancient Incan Archeological sites such as the Incan Salt Mines. Day 4-Tuesday, August 8, 2006 From here we drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. From Chilca, we start to trek along the banks of the Urubamba river. This is ideal for acclamation purposes. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m/7505ft) beside some spectacular ruins. This is camping and trekking in style. While walking, all you need to carry is a daypack--all camping equipment is carried by our support team of traditional porters. All camp chores are done for us and delicious food is served by a cook and his helpers. (B/L/D) Day 5-Wednesday, August 9, 2006 We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up through interesting changes in habitat. Our camp is at Llulluchupampa (3680m/12,070ft)--a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views of the valley. (B/L/D) Day 6-Thursday, August 10, 2006 Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass, 4200m/13,775ft). This is the highest point of the trail. We descend into the Pacasmayo Valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca ruins, Runkuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m/13,113ft) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well preserved Inca pathways we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation before passing through a tunnel and a gentle climb to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp. (B/L/D) Day 7-Friday, August 11, 2006 Our final day's hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on a series of seemingly never-ending steps to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin. And so to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun, and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to the Urubamba river to stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes where hot springs and cold drinks await the weary trekker. (B/L/D) Day 8-Saturday, August 12, 2006 Returning first thing in the morning, we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We board the afternoon Inca Train back to Cusco to our hotel. And then, if you have the energy, we can explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B/L) Day 9-Sunday, August 13, 2006 There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B) Day 10-Monday, August 14, 2006 From Cusco to Puno by train (one of the Great Train journeys of the World). We travel all day through spectacular scenery to arrive in the early evening in Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Here you are met at the train station and transferred to the Hotel Francis--a modern, well-equipped 3 star hotel conveniently located in the center of Puno. This evening you are free to explore Puno (B) Day 11-Tuesday, August 15, 2006 We board a boat for a cruise on Lake Titicaca, visiting the amazing floating reed islands of Uros and Tequile, famous for beautiful weaving and friendly people. On Tequile you are allocated your accommodation with a local family and in the afternoon, those who fancy it can climb to the top of the island for spectacular views and sunset over Lake Titicaca. (B/L/D) Day 12-Wednesday, August 16, 2006 We travel back to Puno by boat and transfer to the hotel Francis. In the afternoon, if time permits, we can visit the Pre-Inca Ruins of Silustani. (B) Day 13-Thursday, August 17, 2006 Transfer to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. Transfer downtown to your hotel and free time to explore central Lima. (B) Day 14-Friday, August 18, 2006 Final free time to explore Lima, maybe visit a museum or try some delicious seafood before returning to the airport in time for your international flight home (usually leaves at night). (B) Meals included: (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner ) Return to Outing Description. |