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Inka Trail Trek Cusco - Santa Cruz Trekking - Alpamayo Climbing
offered by supplier M18167 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 16
day(s)
Group Size: 10
- 30
people
Destination(s):
Peru
Specialty Categories:
Archeology/History
Hiking & Trekking
Season: April - September
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 950 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 950 US Dollar (USD)
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This Tour Combines the Archaeological tours in the Lost World of the Inca in Cusco and the Adventure Tours in the Cordillera Blanca, the famous Santa Cruz hiking. It combines different emotions on the adventure experience in Peru.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: USA/ Europe - Lima Hotel
Reception at the international airport of Lima by our Tour leader, and transfer to the maria Angola Hotel, in the nice, modern and safe district of Miraflores of Lima, and overnight in Hotel Lima at 25 masl.
Day 2: Lima - Cusco. City tours in Cusco Hotel
After the breakfast in the Hotel we will aboard a taxi to the Airport, we will take the plane at 9 am, and flight to Cusco 3300masl. For one hour, then we will be transferred to the selected hotel in Cusco, then after the accommodation in Cusco Hotel, we will leave for lunch to the selected restaurant, then in the afternoon we will start the city tours, visiting important touristic places of Cusco such as: Plaza del Regocijo. Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery -the legendary Koricancha - and the Old Town. Drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Tambomachay, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco. At leisure to explore this most magical city, capital of the Inca Empire (15th century). Colonial churches and mansions built on the original Inca foundations. Beautiful plazas. Artisans workshops in the San Blas District where you can appreciate the local craftsmanship with precious metals, wool, wood and stone. Overnight at Hotel Selected. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Cusco Sacred Valley - Full Day Tour
At dawn, a hazy mist covers the route from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley and soon Cuzco, with all its vestiges of Inca antiquity and colonial grandeur, is lost from sight. The mist, however, does not prevent one from making out the cyclopean silhouettes of the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Nor does it diminish the majesty of the Qenqo labyrinth with its zigzag carvings on the great stone, looking for the entire world like some ancient altar. Tambomachay is next, a place of ceremonial baths with carved channels and cascades standing in tribute to the skill of the Inca stonemasons and architects. Tambomachay was one of the main centers of Inca water worship and even today, a steady stream of crystalline water wells up from the earth's depths.
Finally, after the bus stops winding its way through the countless curves in the road, a riot of color, a hive of activity and chaos punctuated by loud, shrill voices hawking the day's bargains. This is the main square of Pisac, taken over every Sunday without fail by artesanos selling local handicrafts. Tourists also descend in hordes to see the colorful locals and to go to the mass, said in Quechua, after which a memorable procession leaves the church. And of course people come for the handicrafts. At this market, and at a much quieter and less touristy one on Thursdays, it is possible to buy ceramics - Pisac has Peru's best hand-painted ceramic jewelry - weavings, alpaca sweaters, woolen bags, llama rugs and much more. Pisac is a colonial town built on the ruins of an Inca citadel.
The town stands at the entrance to the Sacred Valley. It is an immensely fertile area irrigated by the Willkamayu or Vilcanota River, which further downstream, becomes the Urubamba. Here it is possible to see how Incan agronomists were able to grow crops on the steep mountainsides. The problem: how to retain rain water for crops on the 45° slopes. The solution: terraces. The Incas built the terraces two to three meters wide and used them with great success to feed their huge empire. Mao Tse Tung later borrowed the idea to solve a similar problem in China, as can be seen at Tachay, one of the finest examples of crop terracing in the world. The terraces in the Andes are beautifully built and blend in perfectly with nature. Incan agricultural ingenuity is manifested in other ways as well.
Near Pisac the Urubamba River is very straight in comparison with other areas. The Incas formed that section, more than three kilometers long, into a canal so that the land surrounding it could be farmed efficiently. It is the largest pre-Columbian canal in North and South America. In the mountains above Pisac, an ancient cemetery keeps watch over the town. It is possibly the biggest find of its kind and, according to local legend, there is a figure of stone there decorated with the most beautiful flowers of the empire. It is Inkill Chumpi, the lovely and sweet daughter of Hualla Puma who was turned to stone after disobeying the mysterious and sacred bird, the Qoriquenke, which had been brought there by Asto Rimac, the prince of the Huallas who ruled in Antisuyo.
Passing through nearby Qoya and Lamay one arrives in Yucay and Calca, which were, according to historical legend, the favorite haunts of Inca Wiracocha, and the place from which the Inca's captains sallied forth to subdue the rebellious people of Pisac. Wiracocha ruled over a kingdom beset with internal unrest at a time when the Inca `Empire' measured no more than six miles around; the vast empire of the Inca, known as Tahuantinsuyo, would come later. Tired from a life spent dealing with troublesome chieftains, Wiracocha eventually abdicated and withdrew from public life to spend his final years enjoying the comforts of his small palace at Calca. Now, only some insignificant ruins remain in Calca, nothing that would conjure up images of its Inca past.
Yucay is a prettier, more interesting village with a 300-year old hacienda that has been converted into one of the Sacred Valley's ritziest hotels. One of the rooms is even supposed to be haunted. Next up is Moray, a place where one can see four circular and concentric stone constructions forming a series of rings. They are supported by stone walls, and surrounding the main construction are terraces that form a type of horseshoe. It is believed that the Incas used the rings, and their varying micro climates, for agricultural experiments. Others believe the rings could have been an amphitheater for civic or religious ceremonies. In Maras one can see mules loaded with sacks of salt from the natural salt pans at the end of town. It is difficult to reach the site, but is worth a visit as these salt pans are believed to have been in use since the Inca era.
Farther along the right bank of the Sacred River is Urubamba, also known as the Pearl of the Vilcanota, owing to the beauty of its countryside. Then comes the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. It was the Spaniards that christened it the Fortress of Ollantaytambo. It is a geometrically perfect town with straight streets, trapezoidal doors, and walls carved with beautifully delicate designs. In order to get to the Inca ruins above one must climb a series of well-laid out steps. The air is thin, but guides will urge visitors onward with the promise that it is well worth the effort. Most impressive is the main temple with its double façade featuring six monoliths assembled out of rose-colored granite. It looks as if these granite blocks are welded together, but they are not. The blocks were brought from the distant quarries of Cachicata.
For those unfamiliar with the legend, the ruins of Ollantaytambo - now sadly somewhat overrun by vendors - are named after Ollanta, an Inca hero who rose to the rank of general through his warrior prowess. Ollanta fell in love with Cusi Coyllur, or "Happy Star," the favorite daughter of the Inca Pachacutec and asked to marry her. Pacacutec refused, however; it was impossible for a member of the monarchy to marry a commoner, even one who was a military leader. Thus scorned, Ollanta rebelled against his sovereign and defeated his troops with an army led by his lieutenant, Rumiñahui. The Inca Pachacutec died in the fighting and was succeeded by his son, Yupanqui. Rumiñahui, deciding he had more of a future as a loyal subject, betrayed Ollanta and took him prisoner. The new Inca, however, remembered Ollanta's past heroism, showed clemency and even allowed him to marry princess Cusi Coyllur. Like a fairy tale, the newlyweds lived happily ever after and had a daughter, Ima Sumac, or "Morning Star," a legendary beauty in her own right.
Visitors lucky enough to be at Ollantaytambo at sunset will likely wax poetical about the delicate interplay of light and dark that emphasizes the contours of the buildings while throwing other parts into shadow. The effect enhances the aura of mystery that surrounds the place and seems to symbolize the struggle between life and death. The Vilcanota River has witnessed the Valley's history in silence, and continues to flow through the region as it has since the dawn of time. The locals consider the maize that grows in the Sacred Valley a gift from God. However, the area is also famous for its thriving wildlife, and is a haven for foxes, partridges, deer, kestrels, and, soaring way up in the sky, the condor.
Returning to Cuzco, one can take the longer route that passes through Chinchero, with architecture that is a balance of Inca and Spanish Colonial, surrounded by the snow-covered mountains of Chicon and Wekey Willca. Off to one side there are two types of terracing: one for growing crops and the other for containing mud slides, which were as much a source of concern for Inca engineers as they are today. Like Pisac, the main square in Chinchero doubles as a handicraft market on Sundays. There is a legend that maintains the town was the birthplace of the rainbow and there is a special rainbow ceremony on May 2. From an architectural standpoint, the Sacred Valley route is truly admirable in that Inca architects believe in the importance of not divorcing men from their surroundings. Instead, they strove to combine human necessities with what the earth, air, landscape, sky, and nature already offered. There was a strong sense of ecology as well, something that would not again be fashionable for hundreds of years.
The Inca were not alone in their respect for the environment and their desire to erect buildings in harmony with it. In Kampuchea, the temples and homes in Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat are examples of man and nature working together, like the parts of a clock. Perhaps because of this Inca world view, many people believe there is something mystical about the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu in particular is viewed as a center of energy and there have been UFO sittings near the Huapo Lagoon; the area has become an important destination on the New Age travel circuit. The sun will have long since faded by the time the visitor returns to Cuzco, but memories of the Sacred Valley will have not. The mystery and majesty of the place are sure to remain for a long time. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 4: Cusco - Piscacucho - Guayllabamba
We will depart from Cusco and go on to Urubamba where we have a brief stop, then on to Chillca to start the trekking.We will have lunch in Miskay with an additional rest of a half hour approximately, after which we start our trek to the first campsite. Along the way we will visit the archaeological site called Llactapata Breakfast (In hotel), Lunch and dinner Accommodation in tents. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 5: Huayllabamba - Pacaymayu
We will have breakfast early and start trekking to the highest point of the Inca Trail, where we can see different ecological zones and enjoy changing climates. We will cross the Warmiwañusca pass at 4200 meters above sea level. After lunch we will continue on to the campsite at Pacaymayo and enjoy dinner and a well deserved rest. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner Accommodation in tents. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 6: Pacaymayu - Winayhuayna
We will walk approximately 45 minutes up to reach the second pass at 3850 meters above sea level, and will visit Runcuracay along the way. We will also visit the Sayacmarca archaeological group and then go on to the Phuyupatamarca ruins. After lunch we head to Wiñaywayna where we will spend our last night. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner Accommodation in tents.
Day 7: Winayhuayna - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
After an early breakfast, we start on the final leg of the trek to Machupicchu. We will arrive at Inti Punku where we will have a panoramic view of the Machupicchu citadel. After a short hike down to Machupicchu, we register and start on our 3 hour guided list. After enjoying the remains, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will have a buffet lunch in a Typical Restaurant, then free time to enjoy the town before we return to Cusco. Includes: (B) (L).
Day 8: Cusco - Lima Free Afternoon - Huaraz Day Tour
After the breakfast in the morning we will take the 9am flight back to Lima, then we will have lunch in lima and city tour in Lima in the Afternoon, then at 11pm we will go to the bus Station of Movil Tours (Turistic Bus) with WC, and Ground Hostess service, we will leave lima to the North side along the PanAmerican high way, 200km along the pacific Ocean offshore, the we will start climbing up to the Cordillera Negra arriving to the highest pass of Conococha 4100 masl, here where the Callejon de Valley starts, we will descent along the Callejon de Huaylas and along the Santa River. In the right side will be the white mountain or Cordillera Blanca, and in the west side will be the Cordillera negra, in total after 400 km we will arrive to huaraz at 6am, and we will be transferred to the selected Hotel el Nogal, in the touristic area of Huaraz, at 4 km north side Huaraz, an ecological Hotel next to the Hot springs of Monterrey, And accommodation in the Hotel Huaraz. 3100 ma. Includes: (B) (L).
Day 9: Huaraz - Llanganuco - Pampachey Full Day Tour to the Trail Head
After the breakfast in the Hotel we will aboard the Bus to go along the Callejón de Huaylas in the north side of Huaraz. Passing different traditional Andean towns, first arriving and making the first stop in Carhuas (2650m), her we will find the traditional made at home Ice-Crams from local fruits, and authentic and ecological Handcrafts Shown in EL ABUELO handcrafts shop, El Abuelo is a shop located in the main square, where we will enjoy Carhuas’ native products, then we will continue with our travel to the next stop in the ancient town of Yungay, this city was buried by an Avalanche that fell down from Huascaran Mountain in 1972, the the New Yungay (2500m), from here we have to start going up to the Llanganuco Valley, almost in the base of Huascaran Mountain in its north side, for the entrance to the Llanganuco Valley we will register in the National Parks Control, after we will visit the two lakes of Llanganuco, where we will have Lunch, then in the early afternoon we will continue going up to the portachuelo pass (4767m) if the there is no cloud we will appreciate impression ant peaks of the Mountains, Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Pisco, Huandoy, and others, from here we will go down to our first camp place to Vaqueria/ Pampamachey (3600m aprox) and overnight Camping. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 10: Pampamachey - Paria, Lama Trekking and Horse Riding
Today we will start our trekking, first we will make a short walk down and start going up by the Huaripampa valley, we will have most beautiful walking by the Andean small villages and full of pastures, we will arrive to the Paria small ravine where we will camp at (3800m), overnight camping. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 11: Paria - Taullipampa, Lama Trekking and Horse Riding
Today we will go up to the pass of Punta Union (4750m) from here we will have impression ant views of the mountains, landscapes, matching its natural mountain colors in the blue sky, the white mountains, Dark green hills, turquoise lakes, feeling the Andean fresh air at this altitude, from a short stop we will continue now going down until our camping place of Taullipampa (4200m) overnight camping. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 12: Taullipampa - Base Camp Alpamayo, Lama Trekking and Horse Riding
After the traditional breakfast, we will continue to base camp of Alpamayo Arhueycocha. Alpamayo south base camp, we will get here early and prepare and check our climbing gears for the next day, overnight at 4300masl. 25 Base Camp Alpamayo - Camp 1, Climbing, no climbers Horse Riding. After breakfast, We will climb the moraine rocky trail to get the glacier, We will walk the rocky area for about 3 hours, then we will get the glacier at 5000masl, then we will start using our climbing gear, and start climbing for about 2 hours and half, to get the col, at 5600 masl, then for a half hour we have to go down to the high camp 1 at 5400 masl, camp in the glacier. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 13: Camp 1 - Alpamayo Summit - Camp 1
Today the breakfast will be at 2 or 3 am in the morning, and we will start climbing using head lamps, and after 1 hour approx walking in the snow we will get the base of the wall (Ferrari route) the inclination is approx 75º, then we will start climbing the wall, and after 2 or 3 hours climbing we will succeed the summit, where we will have impressionist white mountain peaks. And after to enjoy for a few minutes we will come dawn rappelling with the help of our guide, arriving to the camp place at 11 or 12 am and just for lunch, and rest in the afternoon, overnight in the glacier at 5400masl. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 14: Camp 1 - Base Camp
After the breakfast in the glacier, we will take the same route to go back to the Base Camp, Arriving at 3pm approx. And camp at 4300 in the base camp. Includes: (B) (L) (D).
Day 15: Base Camp - Cashapampa - Huaraz
Today we will have easy walking down almost flat area, then we will continue walking down passing by the small lakes named Jatuncocha and Ichiccocha, in a few hours we will get the place of Llamacorral at (3800m), here we will have lunch, the we will continue going down by the beautiful valley full of plants, as we close to the town of Cashapampa; the valley will be narrow, and we will finish our trekking for about 4 pm, so we will aboard our bus to Huaraz to our hotel arriving to Huaraz at 6 or 7pm. Includes: (B) (L).
Day 16: Huaraz - Lima Bus Tour 8 hours
Passengers will be transferred to the Bus station after the breakfast in the hotel. 4 hours driving in the Andean area, and 4 hours driving in the coast area along the Pacific Ocean offshore. Arriving to Lima in 8 hours. Then passengers will be transferred to the Hotel in lima or to the international Airport assistance from Tour Leader of Peru – end of our services. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes: If there is less passenger this tour will be modified in the itinerary and the prices according to the passengers requirements.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Archeology/History
Hiking & Trekking
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