|
PERU Women's Trek
PERU
Inca
Trail Trek to Machu Picchu &
Andean Retreat Center
Women’s
Trek
The
adventure along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is indeed an
unforgettable one. We follow in the footsteps of the Incas
as we travel the ancient trail and lush Peruvian pathways
to glorious views of Machu Picchu. The stunning combination
of Inca ruins, glorious mountains, exotic vegetation and amazing
culture will remain with you long after your journey is over.
Discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is still a mystery to archaeologists
who can only question its function. The Incas were the first
to build permanent structures in this area, and their handiwork
invokes a tremendous feeling of awe. By making this journey
on the centuries- old Inca Trail, you will gain a greater
understanding of the Inca culture. The trail is a work of
spiritual art, and walking it was formerly an act of devotion.
We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey into another
time period, another civilization .
Day
1: Cusco City Tour
Our
journey begins in Cusco,
the archaeological capital of the Americas, and the continent's
oldest continuously inhabited city.
After settling in to our comfortable hotel, we
relax with Coca tea and allow our bodies to adjust in the
altitude of Cusco (~11,000 feet above sea level). In
the afternoon we take an easy guided walking tour of Cusco,
including visits to Qoricancha (the ‘Temple of the Sun’),
the Cathedral, and Saqsaywaman
(the ‘Royal Sun House’,
11,300 feet) . Full
of beautiful, massive Inca walls, Saqsaywaman dramatically
overlooks the city.
We see where the Incas held their religious celebrations and
visit some of the most sacred Inca sites. Walking
tour of historic sites is approximately 2 hours with 2 extra
hours visiting Saqsaywaman
Overnight
in Cusco (Dinner)
Day
2: Pisac Ruins and Market
After breakfast we transfer to the mountain top ruins of Pisac,
one of the finest in the Cusco region. This complex of ruins
features fine example of Inca architecture, defense, religion,
agriculture, roads and residential construction. We wind
our way towards the Urubamba Valley floor and the village
of Pisac where a traditional Andean market awaits us. Products
from the surrounding communities are displayed in full color:
assortment of weavings, fruits,vegetables, spices, livestock,
jewelry and clothing. It is a cultural experience just to
wander through the market and watch the bartering going on
as it has for hundreds of years. We arrive to our retreat
center, located in the lush Urubamba Valley, late afternoon
with time to relax before dinner.
Day
3: Moray, Maras & THE Salinas (Salt Terraces)
Today
is sure to be one of the most fascinating walks you will ever
encounter. We begin by touring the famous circular agricultural
terraces of Moray (11,800 ft). Hundreds of years ago the
ancient people created this experimental agricultural laboratory
in order to develop different strains of crops. This area
was chosen due to the fact that the climates of many different
ecological zones were found on this one site.
We
walk along ancient farming paths to the village of Maras and
continue on to the Salinas or Salt Terraces where salt has
been collected since pre-Hispanic times. The snow-capped
Andes provide the backdrop for our walk to this unique site
still used for salt in the highlands. Upon reaching the
Urubamba River we continue along a local path skirting the
river. Arriving late afternoon to our Andean Retreat Center
for the evening. Walking details: 12 miles, 8 hours.
Overnight
in Urubamba Valley (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day
4: Cancha Cancha Village
Today
we commence our walk with a transfer to the trailhead at Huaran
(11,000 ft) and begin our gradual uphill walk to the traditional
mountain village of Cancha Cancha (13,000 ft), situated at
the base of a glacier. We walk alongside a glacial stream
where llamas graze, and enjoy the cool morning shade as the
sun rises over the Andean peaks on both sides of our path.
Midday,
we enter the mountain community of Cancha Cancha and enjoy
a picnic with local families. In the afternoon, we visit the
small village school. We descend along the local path and
return to our warm hacienda late in the afternoon. Throughout
the day, we enjoy spectacular views of the Andes as we gain
elevation. This day is one of the most challenging and rewarding
that the tour has to offer. Hiking Detail: Approximately 8
miles, 8 hours walking.
Overnight
in Urubamba Valley ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY
5: INCA TRAIL Trek– Chillca
To Llaqtapata
After
breakfast, we transfer to Ollantaytambo, a traditional little
town at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins and terraces, with
a street plan that is basically as the Incas designed it so
many years ago. We have time to explore before while our porters
prepare our gear. We transfer to Inca trailhead at Chillca
(km 77) where we meet our porters and begin our trek along
the original Inca trail, bound for the mystical city of Machu
Picchu. Our porters will take care of the luggage and food
during the trek; guests will carry daypacks only.
Our
first trekking day is relatively easy with beautiful views
of the Urubamba Valley and snowcapped Veronica Glacier.
After lunch we pass trough the small settlement of Miskay
before descending into the Rio Kusichaca Gorge and camping
near the ruins of Llaqtapata.
Overnight
at campsite (8,365 ft) , (BLD)
DAY
6: INCA TRAIL: Cusichaca
River gorge & Huayllabamba
Climbing
slowly at first we traverse terraced-agricultural landscapes
through the dry Cusichaca River gorge until we reach the Indian
community of Huayllabamba, the last village along the trek.
An optional sidetrek to Paukarkancha Ruins is available.
The main trail ascends steeply from here through lush cloud
forest and along mountain streams and old Inca trails. The
vegetation thins as we approach the Warmiwanusqa Pass, the
highest point of the trek. We camp at a large pampa (grass
lands) below the pass, surrounded by snowcapped mountains
and alongside glacial streams.
Overnight
at campsite (~12,800 ft) , (BLD)
DAY
7: INCA
TRAIL: Warmiwanusqua Pass to
Phuyupatamarca City
We
awake early as sun stretches over the peaks and warms our
tents. After a hearty breakfast we begin our most challenging
day which includes three passes. Our first, Warmiwanusqa
Pass (Dead Woman-- 13,776 ft.), is the highest point of the
trek and possibly one of the most difficult portions. After
a steep climb of approximately two hours we reach the summit
for photos. From here the trail descends to the Pacamayo River
Valley, a beautiful combination of water, meadows and spectacular
views.
The
trail turns up again on Inca-stone stairs to the famous watchtower
ruins of Runkurakay. Cresting the second pass at 12,630
we rest before continue down the stone path where we enjoy
lunch and time to rest before beginning perhaps the most beautiful
portion of the trek. The afternoon begins with the impressive
ruins of Sayacmarca as we continue to descend deep into the
jungle, the air rich with scents of the rain forest with distant
views of snowcapped mountains. At the end of the day we
approach Phuyupatamarca (City above the Clouds), our final
campsite with views of the Urubamba Valley and Salkantay Mountain
in the distance. Trek Detail: Approximately 10 miles/7 hours
trekking.
Overnight
at campsite (11,906 ft)
DAY
8: Inca Trail to Intipunku (Gateway
of the Sun)
For
those with energy, we offer an early morning optional ascent
several hundred feet to view sunrise over Salkantay peak.
Leaving camp, we descend down 3,000 steps cut into the mountain
along a series of Inca-engineered, stone-hewn steps and flagstone
paths, through thickening cloud forest and rising temperatures.
We visit the ruins of Wiñayhuayna (Forever Young) offering
views of newly uncovered agricultural terraces at Intipata
(Sun Place). The name Intipata comes from the abundance of
beautiful, fragrant orchids growing year-round in the area.
We
arrive with a long descent down the 2,000 cut stone steps—our
approach to the Intipunku (Gateway of the Sun) and the magnificent
Machu Picchu. We ascend slowly, enjoying the spectacular
site in the late day sun. The train has departed the valley
far below and taken with it all of the day tourists. Relax
in solitude before descending to our comfortable hotel for
a hot shower and warm meal. Trek Detail: Approximately 6 hours
trekking.
Overnight
Machu Picchu (~8,000 ft) , (BLD )
Day
9: MACHU PICCHU
Experience
a morning-guided tour of the ruins, with an optional walk
to the Inca drawbridge and Wilka Picchu, or the afternoon
is yours to explore on your own. We enjoy our time in the
most beautiful ruins of South America; the combination of
Inca buildings, magnificent views, exotic vegetation and unforgettable
mountains makes this place a unique treasure for travelers
of every kind. We roam around Machu Picchu and take optional
visits to the Temple of the Sun, the Three-Windowed Temple,
the Royal Tomb or we can simply admire the majesty of the
slopes overlooking the Urubamba Valley. Late afternoon we
depart by train the Urubamba Valley.
Overnight
in Urubamba Valley ,
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day
10: Restorative Willka Tika
Enjoy
time at the retreat center walking through the meditation
garden, practicing in the yoga room or relaxing in the outdoor
tubs. Join the local cooking class late morning to prepare
our lunch. After lunch we stop in Urubamba for last minute
shopping and visit to pottery house before transferring to
Cusco for last minute shopping and repacking. Enjoy a final
festive dinner in the Inca Capital.
Overnight
in Cusco
Day
11: Cusco – Departure
Morning
group transfer to the airport for flights to Lima (for flights
schedule approximately 10:30 a.m.), and connecting flights
back home (generally depart late evening) or flights on to
Jungle extension.
Details
: 10 Night/11
Day
Fully Supported trekking program (the only trekking supplies
necessary are a day pack and a 3-season sleeping bag). Includes
all meals except one lunch, all trail fees, transporation
throughout the trip including private bus, deluxe train tickets,
service of U.S. escort and Peruvian/bilinguial guide.
Travel
information
: You will need
to purchase a roundtrip international ticket to Lima, Peru
as well as an internal (domestic ticket)
roundtrip from Lima to Cusco. In general we recommend taking
an overnight flight from the U.S. and connecting directly
early morning on a flight to Cusco. This avoids the tiring
transfers and overnights in Lima. On the return from Cusco
to Lima, most airline schedules force a full day in Lima so
you will have time to visit museums, etc. on your final day
before returning to the U.S.
Departure
from Cusco : Day in Lima: On
the last day of the tour we provide a group transfer to the
Cusco airport after breakfast for guests on the mid-morning
flight or you may take a taxi at your leisure from the hotel.
Most of the international flights
leave Lima around midnight. This means that guests will
have 8-12 hours between the arrival time in Lima and the international
flight departure time. Day tour including museum visit,
lunch and day rooms available.
More
About the Trek: This
four-day trek is considered moderate by Andean standards.
Most hiking is between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, and the maximum
elevation reached is 13,800 feet. For the most part, you can
hike at your own speed. The group will spread out along the
trail to cover about 6 to 8 miles per day (6 to 8 hours of
hiking). Trail conditions can be primitive, and there is a
good deal of up-and-down (often 2,000 to 3,000 feet of elevation
gain and subsequent loss per day). Expect dramatic temperature
changes (freezing to 70 degrees) and be prepared with the
appropriate clothing, with many layers to take off and on.
You
should be prepared for four days and three nights of trekking.
Each participant should be in excellent health and physical
condition. To realize the maximum enjoyment from your trip,
you must remember that your trek is an adventure .
The essential requirements are proper clothing and physical
condition, flexibility, curiosity and a sense of humor.
On
the Trail (three nights)… Our
days begin with a cup of hot coca tea or coffee and a basin
of warm washing water brought to each tent. We pack up our
personal belongings as the camp crew breaks camp, and we eat
a hot breakfast, usually eggs, pancakes, or oatmeal. We depart
camp with our heavy layers on (it’s generally very cool in
the morning), and a daypack to carry our water, raingear,
camera, snacks and room for layers as we take them off.
You will not have access to your duffel during the day as
it is being carried ahead with the camp equipment. The camp
staff and porters pass us early on the trail, some on the
way to our picnic lunch spot, others to set up the next camp.
There is always a guide in the lead. Usually the trip leader
and the escort take turns in the lead and in the rear to make
sure that no one gets too far behind on the trail. Along the
way, the group spreads out over the trail, taking photos,
stopping to rest, and enjoying the scenery. Trails vary in
steepness and difficulty. Guests will hike at their own
pace. It is important not to push too hard, as this is when
altitude can cause problems.The
morning walk lasts about three or four hours before stopping
for a leisurely lunch of an hour or more at a scenic spot
on the trail. After lunch, we walk for another few hours until
we reach our campsite. Before dinner, there’s free time to
read, relax and clean up a bit. Temperatures drop quickly
as the sun falls behind the peaks, and darkness arrives early
in the mountains (around 6:30 p.m.). We enjoy “trail happy
hour” followed by dinner: a mixture of continental, Peruvian,
and Quechua cuisines. Expect hearty hot soup (often made with
the local grain, quinoa), with a main dish (fish, chicken,
spaghetti, etc.) and dessert. Toilet tents are prepared for
our group use at each campsite.
11
days/10 nights • Walks: Moderate-Challenging • Comfort Notes:
Small Regional Accommodations, 4 nights deluxe, supported
camping at high elevation
|
