TAMBOPATA RESERVE – MACAW`S CLAY LICK - BIRDWATCHING
3 Days / 2 Nights
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DAY 1 = CUSCO – TAMBOPATA RESERVE - BOAT TRIP - CLOUDS OF BUTTERFLIES Morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the airport and 40 min flight. After arrival in Puerto Maldonado, welcoming and take a brief tour of the village, before boarding a motorized canoe. During the trip you may see Caimans, clouds of Butterflies, river Turtles and other jungle life. After traveling 3 hours down river, arrive at the lodge located in the Tambopata Wildlife Reserve. You are now deep inside the pristine rain forest. Once settled and after a brief rest, take a short walk to a nearby small lagoon, returning in time to observe the fantastic sunset at "Sunset Point". Once back at the lodge, board a canoe for a short night trip to spot caimans on the riverbanks. After dinner at the lodge, the resident naturalists will brief you on the Amazon.
DAY 2 = TAMBOPATA – MACAWS CLAY LICK - WILDLIFE WATCHING Early morning travel by canoe on the Tambopata river to Bahuaja Sonene national reserve, just in time to see the amazing sunrise, also to see many types of wildlife watching like Deer, Capibaras, Tapir in the deep rainforest. After short trip we will be in the best location to appreciate hundreds of Parakeests, Parrots and Macaws clay, around the springs enjoying their daily diet of salts on the banks of the river. Short hike looking for monkeys. Return to the lodge to have our breakfast, plenty of time to rest.
After lunch will enter walking to observe wildlife, like peccaries, deer, and others, with the possibility to hear or see the tracks of them, or discovering a troop of monkeys traveling through the forest in search of food. Time permitting, we will be able to enjoy a relaxing swim in the cascade of the cat. After dinner relax in our lodge surrounded by exotic nocturnal jungle sounds.
DAY 3 = TAMBOPATA – PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO/LIMA Early morning breakfast before leaving from the lodge and transfer to the airport of Puerto Maldonado and then flight to Cusco or Lima.
INCLUDED: Guide Assistances on the trip + Transfer in /out + Resident naturalist explanation + Motorized Jungle Canoe Trips + 2 Nights in the Tambopata Wildlife Reserve + Meals (2 B - 2L - 2D) + Flight from Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco.
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CLIMBING THE MISTI - ACTIVE VOLCANO
2 Days / 1 Night
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DAY 1
08 HRS. We pickup at hotel and travel 1 1/2 hours in our four wheels drive vehicle to the base of the volcano. We arrive at the West part of the base of Misti volcano.
10 HRS. Arrival to Los Pastores (3400 meters above sea level) which is the maximum point for our four wheel drives and begins our ascent. This is six to eight hours to the Eagles Nest base camp (4800 meters above sea level). This is a hard day as we walk up the sandy and slippery trail. You need to be in good physical condition and acclimatized to the altitude.
17 HRS. Arrival to our base camp, energetic dinner, set-up our tents and rest.
DAY 2
04 HRS.
Following an early and healthy breakfast, we start to climb to the summit of the volcano. After four to six hours, we enter the snow area, depending on the season, and adjust our climbing equipment (crampons + ice axe). We will carry only what is needed for cold windy conditions, something to drink, some energy food, a first-aid kit and our mountain gear. The time of ascent will depend on the physical condition and acclimatization of each climber. This day we need to follow a vertical ascent (hard and freezing), to reach the cross at the summit (5825 meters above sea level). We have a short walk over the top and around the biggest crater of this volcano. There is time for pictures and enjoying the landscape of all the highest mountains in this volcanic chain.
12 HRS. Decent to our base camp. This will take approximately one hour.
3 HRS. Arrival at the Base Camp, have lunch, pack up camp and descent to find our transportation waiting for us at Los Pastores.
16 HRS. Transfer back to Arequipa driving one and a half hours.
18 HRS. Arrival to Arequipa. We will drop you at your hotel.
INCLUDED: Expert Mountain English Speaking Guide + First Aid Kit + Communication system + Camping Equipment + Climbing Equipment (Crampons – Ice Axe – Rope)+ Porters (Meals + Equipment) + Private Transport Four Wheel Drive (4 X 4) + Meals on the Mountain.
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IKING IN THE DEEPEST CANYON IN THE WORLD
7 Days / 6 Nights
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DAY 1 AREQUIPA - COTAHUASI 06 Hrs. We leave from Arequipa in our private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser going northwest; after 3 hours travelling we will arrive at the agricultural valley of Majes (600 meters) where we will visit the petrogliphys of Toro Muerto, located in the desert walls of this canyon. We will have 2 hours to locate more than a hundred of carved masses of volcanic rock with human, animals and plant figures, that were work by the old civilizations of Peru over 1200 years ago. We will also visit the pre-Inca cemetery of Cochate.
13 Hrs. Arrival to the agricultural town of Chuquibamba, located over 3000 meters where we will be able to have lunch. Continuing with the 4x4 off road we will get the highest part of all the trip, 4700 meters, between the snow-caps of Coropuna (6450 meters) and Solimana (6325 meters). After 3 hours travelling over 4000 meters of height, we begin to descend to the canyon, until arriving at the colorful town of Cotahuasi (2600 meters). The town is surrounded by much flora and fauna. Hotel or camping at the border of Cotahuasi river.
DAY 2 COTAHUASI - VELINGA VILLAGE 07 Hrs. After our breakfast, we´ll encounter the rest of our team (carriers + cooker + mules), and begin to descend to the canyon and pass by the small village of Piro, bordering the river to arrive Cuyao bridge. We will follow the border on the right bank till we get to the suspension bridge of Toro. From here is a short hike to Sipia waterfall (1900 meters of height).
13 Hrs. After visiting the waterfall of Sipia, we cross a natural tunnel, continuing to Chaupo valley, located in the left margin of the canyon. Our lunch will be waiting for us in the middle of this oasis. We continuing walking by the left margin until arriving at an immense cactus forest, where we will have a rest and therapy with the wind crossing this nice place.
17 Hrs. We arrive at the valley of Velinga (1400 meters), a very beautiful place, surrounded by the immense walls of this canyon, with many varieties of fruit trees, bordered by the river, where we have the opportunity to practice fishing for trout and to enjoy thermal hot springs. Supper and camping.
DAY 3 VELINGA VALLEY - HUACHUY VILLAGE This day we will walk from Velinga to the valley of Quechualla (1300 meters), located near the deepest part of this canyon, 4 hours walk crossing to both margins. We will cross a second group of cactus, immense rock walls in both sides, discovering old agricultural terraces in good conditions of conservation completely abandoned for hundreds of years, constituting a great part of Inca way, formerly connecting the Pacific with the Cusco empire.
12 Hrs. Arrival to the small village of Quechualla, a beautiful valley, plenty of fruits trees, in the heat of desert, with very friendly and cosy settlers. Rest and visit the very old church. It is here where we have our lunch accompanied by delicious local fruits and red wine prepared by the settlers. After lunch, we will continue a long walk between small agricultural valleys, until reaching Huachuy town (3000 meters), located on the left wall of this canyon. This will be our highest camping point of all our adventure trek.
DAY 4 HUACHUY - MARPA VALLEY 06 Hrs. After a good breakfast we begin to walk the slopes of this Deepest canyon. This day we go down to the deepest part of this canyon, located between Solimana (Arequipa) and the Sara Sara (Ayacucho) ranges. After descending 5 to 6 hours by Inca trail, constructed 1200 years ago, we will arrive at the bottom, a very impressive and barren place of almost vertical walls, where exists a vineyard paradise called Marpa (1050 meters), surrounded by left terraces and pre-Inca tombs, leave us evidence of the presence of the Wari culture in this zone of old Peru.
13 Hrs. Before getting to our campsite, we will have a test of courage, cross the river Cotahuasi in a cable system, 50 meters in length. Lunch, fishing of trout, supper and camping.
DAY 5 MARPA VALLEY - YACHAU AOSIS 07 Hrs. After our breakfast, continuing along the right margin of the Cotahuasi River, We`ll discover abandoned old trails, old terraces, Inca cemeteries, forests of cactus, old spanish houses, gold mines of the Spaniards and Incas, all of them in the solitude and silence of this impressive geographic depth, with a 25 - 28 Cº of temperature. Also this day we will have another opportunity to cross the Cotahuasi in cable again, but this time of smaller distance.
13 Hrs. Arrival at the beautiful Yachau Oasis (800 meters). Oasis of grape plantations and variety of fruit trees in the middle of nowhere and bordered by the river. This day we will have the afternoon to fish trout, shrimp or simply to enjoy the wild nature of this place. Lunch, supper and camping.
DAY 6 YACHAU OASIS - CHAUCALLA VALLEY 05 Hrs. Beginning to walk early to avoid the high temperatures of the day, is a slight long walk on borders of the river, discovering small valleys used temporarily, it is possible to appreciate gold explorers, extracting minerals from the borders of waters. Breakfast and lunch on the half way.
14 Hrs. After walking 7 to 8 hours we will arrive at the agricultural town of Chaucalla (650 meters). Visit the local school, coexist with the settlers, exhibition of shrimp fishing, rest, supper and camping.
DAY 7 CHAUCALLA TOWN - AREQUIPA 04 Hrs. We will start to walk early, to avoid the high temperatures, it is a long walk in the desert and accompanied by the Cotahuasi going to the Pacific Ocean. This day will be the hardest last long distance trek, but we will also have our horses to ride great part of the route. Breakfast and lunch on the half way.
14 Hrs. We will arrive at the point where our 4x4 will be waiting for us, near the town La Barrera. From here we initiate our trip back to Arequipa, passing Iquipi town, Ocoña and Camana city.
22 Hrs. After travelling 6 hours by the Panamerica Highway in the south coast of Peru and then ascending to Arequipa, we go directly to your hotel and ending our adventure in the deepest and impressive canyon in the world.
INCLUDES: Private 4x4 from and to Arequipa (R/T) + Expert English speaking guide + Hotel in Cotahuasi + Camping gear + Horses for food and camping gear + One horse for riding + Meals (Breakfast day 2 thru Lunch day 7) + Cook + Assistant + Entrance fees + First aid kit + Satellite telephone.
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SALINAS SALT LAKE MOUNTAIN BIKE
A Full Day Adventure
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At 07:00 am Pick up from hotel and journey in our four wheel drive approximately three hours to Salinas Lake. On the way we will go through Chiguata, located between Misti and Pichu Pichu mountains. During the trip we will enjoy the Misti geological faults, the pre-Inca terraces of Chiguata and Cachamarca sector, Queñuales forest trees and fauna. We will then cross the Simbral tunnel and enter the Reserva Nacional de Aguada Blanca y Salinas. We take in views from the back of Misti volcano, Chachani and Pichu Pichu Mountain, stopping to see the Salinas Salt Lake, Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, Flamingos, etc.
At 10:00 am Salinas Salt Lake is over 4400m high. You will be given an explanation of the flora and fauna of this area, a safety orientation regarding the gears and brakes of our bikes, the protective gear, and a description of the route.
FIRST PART: We begin by cycling by the side of the lagoon, on a firm road or within the lagoon on totally dry and sand covered in borate. Both courses are possible. The journey takes two hours with many chances to see pink flamingos in season (January - August).
SECOND PART: We´ll descend 1600m. from Simbra´s Cross to Chiguata village on an abandoned road with a variety of flora and fauna, biking among Chiguata's terraces and Cachamarca, finishing at Infiernillo Bridge, passing Chiguata's police control.
Here we have the option to return back to Arequipa in 4x4 or by bike, depending on how we feel thus far.
At 4:00 - 5:00 pm We arrive in Arequipa and take you to your hotel and end our trip.
RECOMMENDED: For clients that are interested in information regarding the region´s flora, fauna, panoramic sights, history and culture.
INCLUDED: Private Four Wheel Drive + English Speaking Guide + Mountain Bikes + Gloves + Helmet + Snack + First-Aid Kit + Oxygen + Repair Kit/Parts + Free T-shirt.
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NASCA SANDBOARDING CERRO BLANCO 2070M
A Full Day Adrenaline
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At 05:00 am. Pick up from your hotel (in our private four wheel drive) to the base of the biggest sand dune in the world. It is located on the route to Cusco, at the beginning of the highland mountains. In ancient quechua language Yuraq Orjo means White Mountain and in Spanish means Cerro Blanco (2070 meters above sea level). After one hour driving we reach the closest point to the dunes available via vehicle. From here we start climb up 3 hours, carrying our boards, energy bars, lots of sun block and enough water for drink on the way up to the top. Ancients of Nasca culture considered this a sacred place and made ornament offerings to this sand dune. The highest temperature on the day is 25 / 28 Cº between 09:00 Am. to 02:00 Pm.
At 10:00 am. We arrive at the summit where it is dry, hot, windy and sandy, but offers spectacular views from this white mountain, covering the green Nasca valley. Here we rest, snack and are given sand boarding instructions. You can practice on the small dune trying several techniques of the board until we are ready to go Sandboarding on the main dune.
At 11:00 am. Time for best part of this trip!!! Time to feel the Cerro Blanco adrenaline in our body and blood. Which way first? How long I will be Sandboarding? How I will take pictures? These are just some of the regular questions asked… Do you want to know more?? We cant describe exactly how it feels, you need to get your own sandy experience...... Come on!!!
At 12:00 am. One hour later, some people may still be on their way down after many amusing falls… We wait and then travel as a group back to Nasca City.
At 13:00 am. Time to enjoy a lovely swimming pool and the best restaurant in the city. This is the end of our service.
INCLUDE: English Speaking Tour Guide + Four Wheel Drive Vehicle + Sand Boards + Lunch + Swimming Pool + Fre t-shirt.
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TREKKING SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICHU
5 Days / 4 Nights
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SUMMARY
This it is a remote and old Inca way, and offer wonderful views with less tourist concurred than the popular Inca trail, in the route we will be able to appreciate a progression of the diverse ecological floors, with subtropical zones, snowcapped, Glaciers, to arrive at the lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
FIRST DAY: CUSCO / MOLLEPATA/SORAYPAMPA At 07.00 am pick up from your hotel and transfer from Cusco to Mollepata, We will initiate the long walk accompanied by an experienced bilingual guide (English & Spanish). Mules loaded our entire luggage, thus also we will have some horses of emergency, in case that it is needed later. After 4 to 5 hours arrival to our camp site in Soraypampa. (Tee time - Dinner).
SECOND DAY: SORAYPAMPA / SALKANTAYMAYU After breakfast we ascend slowly towards the pass of Markokasa (3650m) continuing through beautiful landscapes until the viewpoint of Humantay (5917m) soon we continued towards the gorge of Salkantay where we will set up our tents. (Breakfast – Lunch – Tee time - Dinner).
THIRD DAY: SALKANTAYMAYU - PLAYA today we will initiate our long walk with exceptional views of the snow-covered of Salkantay (6271m) as we promote towards the pass of Incachiriasca (4880m) this beautiful mountain will astonish to us. Soon we descend to Sisaypampa, we will continue until the river/beach where we will camp on the foot of the majestic Salkantay mountain. (Breakfast – lunch – Tee time - Dinner).
FOURTH DAY: PLAYA / SANTA TERESA / HYDROELECTRICA / AGUAS CALIENTES After a healthful breakfast, we will initiate the long walk, towards the valley of Pampacahua where we will find rest of Inca channel, later we will descend till the archaeological site of Paucarcancha. Continue hiking along the Urubamba river until arriving finally at the hydroelectrica of Machu Pichu and then connect Aguas calientes (Breakfast – lunch – Tee time - Dinner).
FIFTH DAY: MACHU PICCHU DAY / RETURNTO CUSCO This last day will start at 05:00 am and after breakfast short hike up or travel by bus to Machu Picchu archaeological site, complete guided tour to this amazing complex, leisure time to explorer on you own.
At 1:00 pm time to return hiking down or by tourist bus to Agues Calientes, time to have your lunch (optional) and transfer by train to Cusco. After 4 hours arrival to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and end service. (Breakfast).
INCLUDED: Pick up from your hotel and transfer by private bus the trailhead = Mollepata + Machu Picchu entrance fees + English speaking professional guide + Igloo tents + Double thickness foam mattress + Cooking equipment + Meals (4B, 4L, 4D) + Horses days 1 - 3 (for equipment and personal items and 1 emergency horse) + horse men + Porter's days 4 (to carry tents, cooking equipment and food) + Dining tent with camp tables and chairs + Kitchen tent + Accommodation for our porters and cooks + First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle + Bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Pichu complex + Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco + Transfer from the train station to your hotel.
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SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS RIDE
A Half Day Tour
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MORAY / MARAS / SALINERAS At 07.00 am or 12.00 pm pick up from the hotel and transfer the ranch in Urubamba, were we will meet our horses. Saddle the horse and start our ride crossing the Urubamba river for climb 1000m to the high Andes (2 hours), there will see salt platforms of Salinas, a fascinating system used since the Inca times to extract salt from a natural mountain spring. Take it easy because the change of altitude does not only affect the horses. Over 3750m you will be observing Chicon, Veronica and Salkantay snowcapped mountains. Haven a lunch in the typical Andean village of Maras, we continue our ride to Moray Inca complex. There are no great ruins in Moray to impress visitors. Moray is more for the contemplative traveller with an affinity for such phenomena as the Nasca Lines. After 5 to six hours ride we return stables.
INCLUDED: Transfer to the ranch in Urubamaba (round tirp) + English tour guide + Horses + Snack (water - chocolates - fruits) + entrances to the 4 complex.
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SPECIAL MIXED TOUR TO COLCA CANYO
5 Days / 4 Nights
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SUMMARY
Colca canyon is the second deepest canyon in our planet, double deep Grand Canyon of United States. Is located in the middle of two highest volcanoes Coropuna (6450m) and Ampato (6380m), this canyon is most famous place to visit by the tourist from every where in world, wonderful area to see the rich cultural remains, comes from 1400 years ago, immense varieties of flora and fauna, snow ranges, green valleys, old and colony town, mighty rivers crossing the Andes, thousand of pre Inca terraces, friendly and charm settlers live in this part of Peru. Here is our field work arranging everything what we mentioned before, we are happy showing to the visitors every place and old costumes lazy by our old cultures. We have traditional tours and new alternatives to explorer an extra mile in this great canyon.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 AREQUIPA - CHIVAY 08 HRS. Our minivan will pick you up at your hotel between 8 and 9 am. We will head to the Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. We will be driving on the left side of Chachani (Volcanic) mountain (6070m). We will be making several stops in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve (4400m), a natural habitat for the Vicuñas, Llamas, and Alpacas. We will have views of the Papa Pampa (4850m) highlands, Snow capped mountains and volcanoes. We will be taking photographic breaks and discuss the ecological features frequently during this phase of our journey.
13 HRS. We will arrive in Chivay (3600m) where you will be served a wonderful buffet luncheon and perhaps be surprised by an Andean music group to accompany the meal. After a brief refreshing stop in your hotel, we will take a two hour to pre Incas ruins called Uyo Uyo and then continue onto the Hot Springs for two hours. Dinner is guaranteed to be both delicious and an ethnic experience as we enjoy an enthusiastic dinner music and dance performance in Chivay.
DAY 2 CONDOR CROSS - SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO 06 HRS. Breakfast at your hotel and then we continue on toward the famous Condor cross. We make brief stops at Yanque and frequently we are met by some townspeople who enjoy showing us their dress, perform and enchant us with their welcoming dances. We spend two hours at the Pass, a most spectacular spot in the canyon with impressive long views both along and down the canyon where the Condors can sometimes be seen taking advantage of the thermal air currents and interact with eagles and other "small" birds. The plaza at this point is transformed into an impromptu colorful marketplace where it is possible to buy embroidered objects, blankets and the occasional animal and fruit. We walk along the road for a bit till we cut across a field past the occasional farm animals and begin our four hour descent into the canyon to the Colca River (1200m descent). We cross to the other side of the canyon by way of the "new" bridge and begin the ascent to our first family lodge. We pass incredibly dense flora and fruit trees that welcome us to our beautiful "island" within the Andes.
14 HRS. Arrive to the lodge at San Juan de Chuccho (2300m). The local villagers are friendly and curious and it is possible to wander and meet "your" neighbors.
DAY 3 SAN JUAN DE CHUCCHO - FURE 07 HRS. A satisfyingly healthy country breakfast readies us to begin our long ascent to our next village, Tapay (3000m). We continue into Cosñirhua and Malata (2600m). We might stop into a small in to taste some of the local produce or enjoy a cool drink, or simply relish the local landscape, Wary built terraces, snow-capped summits, and rich varieties of flora and fauna. We continue from the Colca Canyon to the less traveled Llatica Canyon. We ford small rivers, pass through cactus forests (sometimes covered by delicious tunas), and enter dry and dusty zones. After a number of bends in the mountains, we arrive at Fure (3100m), located on the left rim of the Llatica canyon.
14 HRS. Lunch is prepared in the family lodge which is located over on a small hill, supported by pre Incas terraces and worked by local villagers. The views of the verdant valley can be breathtaking. Dinner can be prepared by your own surprise chef and the night is left for you to enjoy the incredible brightness of the Southern Cross and Milky Way within the darkness of the night.
DAY 4 FURE - WATERFALL - LLAHUAR LODGE 06 HRS. After a refreshing hot drink, we take a short (hour to hour and a half) trek to an incredibly little visited, waterfall, Waruro (80m). Our hike in the mysterious mist of the morning, takes us along the right bank of the Llatica River. We follow a narrow animal path in the midst of cactuses, around cliffs and past foliage-covered ancient tombs. All the while the sharp and jagged mountain peaks continue to entice us as they change color in the sunrise. Waruro is a most powerful, thunderous waterfall, forming an oasis in all seasons. A secret delighted in by the locals, yet infrequently visited.
09 HRS. We breakfast in our lodge and observe the tiny "town square" fill with the activities of daily living. We take our leave and continue our trek going down to Llatica village. We cross the river by a hanging bridge over rushing water and explore this quiet place.
14 HRS. Within the deepest area of the Colca canyon. Llahuar Lodge (2100m) presents a haven situated between the Colca and Llatica Rivers. We enjoy lunch while we relish views of both canyons, and bask in the warmth and welcome of our host and hostess, and Yola. We may look forward to the potential of freshly caught trout for dinner and watch ready his net for the catch. The thermals pools below the lodge offer a wonderful reward and a quiet place within a lush garden for the day's efforts. Occasionally has been known to pull out his guitar and add additional atmosphere to the evening's delicious dinner.
DAY 5 LLAHUAR LODGE - SORO - AREQUIPA - TORO MUERTO PETROGLYPHS 05/06 HRS. We breakfast as we watch the sunrise light up the canyon. A short (two hour) relatively level trek along the left bank of the Colca river, takes us across abandoned terraces completely covered by cactus through a small valley called Soro (2050m). All too quickly we pass abandoned farms and several working farms, pick our last tuna (in season), offered by the farmers and then we cross a suspension bridge over the Colca river to meet our 4WD. It’s a breathtaking drive back up the canyon along a serpentine road smoothly executed by our experienced drivers. The views beckon us to make several photographic stops because it’s hard to imagine that what’s to come can quite match the current scene. The magnificent views continue for the next as we make our way to Huambo (2900m), a village surrounded by green terraces, a lovely town square, and a different group of people (do you know their ethnic identity?) wearing different local dress. At the highest point of our journey in the Andean range, at the "Mirador del “Ampato" we have a good view of the Ampato, a snow covered mountain. In 1995 the mummy of 14 year old "Juanita" was found by climbers. We continue on to see two small volcanoes in the vast Pampa de Qerqe (whose summit is only 300m). We travel to the coast.
El Pedregal (1400m) long green valley in the middle of the driest area located on the both site of the Panamericana highway. There are three options at this point: Direct return to Arequipa (2 hours). A visit to the mysterious Toro Muerto Petroglyphs on a desert plain (2 hours = 600m) found within green fields of reclaimed dessert, and then continue to Arequipa (4 - 5 hours). Or, one can stay an overnight in Aplao and return to Arequipa the next day (for an additional cost).
INCLUDED:
Private transport from Arequipa/ Condor cross + Hotel in Chivay + 0fficial English Speaking Guide + Private 4WD and driver, from Soro to Arequipa + All meals (4B - 5L - 4D) + 3 Nights lodging within the canyon + Toro Muerto tour + All entrance to the Canyon Entrance.
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INKA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
4 Days / 3 Nights
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Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba (12km) The first day of the trek is relatively easy and serves as training for the days to follow. Travellers are collected early from their hotels (5:30 Am) and travel by private bus, past the villages of Chincheros, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. It is a 3 hour trip to the trailhead at Kilometre 88. On the way there, we stop at the town of Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for about an hour to have breakfast (not included in the price).
Having arrived at km 88, hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail on the right as it climbs steadily up from the river. After passing through a small village, the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay come into view high above the mouth of the river Cusy Chacca. From parts of this trail there are great views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow capped peak of Veronica (5870 metres above sea level).
Here we also have a good view over the extensive Llactapata Inca ruins. Llactapata means "Upper town" in Quechua and was first discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. We continue hiking 8 km on the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba "Grassy Plain", 3000 meters over sea level. We will eat dinner and spend the first night here.
Day 2: Wayllabamba to Paqaymayo (12km) After breakfast, following the left bank of the Lluyuchayoc river for about 1 hour we climb up to three stones and cross a small bridge over the Wayruro river. There is a toilet facility. The stream is named after the Wayruro, an ornamental tree.
Hiking up 4½ hours, you will see spectacular views of Lluyucha Pampa (3,680 metres high). Continuing up you will get to the first and highest pass of the Inca trail, called Abra Huarmy Wañusca meaning "Dead Woman's Pass" (4200 metres above sea level). At the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail with a warm and delicious lunch. We then do an steady decent following the trail on the left side of the Paqaymayo valley. Our dinner and second campsite is at 3600 meters over sea level.
Day 3: Paqaymayo to Wyñay Wayna (15km) After breakfast we climb up for one hour to the ruins of Runkuracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Paqaymayo valley. Another hour hiking we will be at the top of the second pass, called Abra de Runkuracay at 4000 metres high. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep. This section of the trail is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about one hour walking we will arrive at the pass called Sayaqmarca = "Inaccessible Town". This describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. After lunch, we level out into cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel.
We then climb up to the 3rd pass called Puyupatamarca = "Town in the Clouds" (3700 metres above sea level). Here excellent views are offered of several snow-capped peaks, Salkantay Mountain (6180 metres high) and Veronica Mountain (5750 metres high). Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six Inca Baths, probably used for the water ritual.
Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins, you will descend a thousand steps. Take care with your knees. After three hours walking through cloud forests you will arrive to Wyñay Wayna. This is our last campsite before Machu Picchu . There is a restaurant, a patio bar to buy drinks and well deserved hot showers.
That afternoon we go to the ruins of Wyñay Wayna "Forever Young". The ruins located on a nice slope comprise magnificent agricultural terraces. There are many buildings of quality stonework, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water.
Day 04: Wyñay Wayna to Machu Picchu (5km) to Cusco At 4 am. We will wake early, have breakfast and hike up to the last pass at to Inti Punku "Sun Gate" to get Machu Picchu before sunrise. From here you will appreciate Machu Picchu ruins, Wayna Picchu and the low canyon called Aguas Calientes. We will spend an hour watching a spectacular sunrise over the ruins.
Continuing down the trail to the best views of the ruins, you will have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu. We then descend to the main entrance, where you can safely check your large backpacks. Following a guided tour for two hours of the major sections, you will have free time to explore the ruins alone or to climb to Wayna Picchu (2 hours to go up and down).
At 1:30 pm. The entire group together hikes down through low jungle and continue hiking on left bank of the river to Aguas Calientes. There you will have a short time to buy some lunch, drinks or go to the toilet. The train departs at 4 pm. You will return back to Cusco about 8 pm.
INCLUDED: Official English Speaking Guide + Private bus transfer from Cusco to Km 88 + Entrance to the Inca trail + Entrance to Machu Picchu ruins (one day) + Porters to carry food and camping equipment + Camping equipment (tent + mattress) + All meals on the trail + Train ticket back to Cusco + First aid kit + Dining tent with camp tables and chairs + Kitchen tent + Porters insurance + Accommodation and meals for our porters.
Contact us info@peruadventurestours.com
CUSCO TO PUERTO MALDONADO 310 KM
6 Days / 5 Nights
www.peruadventurestours.com
SUMMARY
Biking from the mountains to the jungle is an unforgettable experience. From a high point of 4960m on the Hualla Hualla pass we descend from the Andes through the cloud forest into the jungle to 300m, making for a fantastic cross section through eastern Peru. Not only does the altitude and scenery change dramatically but also the local beliefs, traditions and dress.
Our route follows the road connecting Peru to Brazil, soon to be the “Pan Oceanic Highway,” presently a dirt road but will be paved over the next few years. This is a wonderful way to follow this interesting route before it turns into a main highway. Along the route we stay in small locally run “hospedajes” and eat in some of the numerous small cafes to give you an authentic taste of the local dishes.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco to Ocongate over the Cuyume pass. After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, we travel by 4 x 4 through Urcos to the Cuyume pass (53km from Cusco) The journey takes roughly 3 hours and passes through numerous rural villages and hamlets. As the road winds its way out of the Cusco valley the view expands into a patchwork of small fields which cover the surrounding mountains. At the top of the pass unload and give you a short safety briefing before getting on our bikes to for the first downhill of the trip. This short ride takes us roughly two hours and follows the dirt track down into a shady valley towards the village of Ocongate where we spend out first night. The village is typical of the region having a small plaza where markets are regularly held.
Level of difficulty: Easy, a mild introduction taking approximately 2 hours.
Distance: 4x4 63km – Biking 38km.
Day 2: Ocongate to Marcapata over the Hualla Hualla pass. Starting early we drive to the top of the 4950m Hualla Hualla pass (thought the adventurous may decide to cycle up part of the way). Climbing up we see spectacular views of Mt Ausangate (6340m) and the glacier (Caravaya range) which is the focus of the Qoylluriti festival where thousands of pilgrims flock each year to pay homage to the ‘Apu’ or spiritual mountain, and pass grazing flocks of Alpacas watched by shepherds in traditional Andean dress. Once over the pass the eastern side of the Andes fills the view. Deep glacial valleys strewn with giant boulders and remote hamlets surround us we start to descend. There are many opportunities here to take exciting off road shortcuts and further down the mountainsides are covered in steep terraces before the high scrubland gives way to cloud forest. We finish the day at Marcapata (2900m), a mysterious town cloaked in cloud by afternoon but offering spectacular views in the clear mornings. Hot springs wait to loosen your aching muscles, and a hearty meal to replenish your energy levels.
Level of difficulty: Difficult, with steep downhill and optional single track routes, taking 4 - 5 hours downhill with an optional 2 - 3 hours if you choose to cycle up to the top of the Hualla Hualla pass.
Distance: 4x4 12km – Biking 47km
Day 3 Marcapata to Quincemil, from then cloud forest to the high jungle.
After an energizing breakfast in Marcapata and a quick look around the town we start our rapid descent through the cloud forest. Dramatic green mountain sides meet in the valley bottoms where streams turn into rivers and waterfalls run like ribbons down the slopes. Coffee beans can be seen drying next to the road, while early morning fresh forest smell and fantastic views make this a beautiful downhill ride. As our road winds down the cloud forest flattens out and we enter the jungle. The second half of this day is spent fording streams and cycling on more of an even road. Giant ferns and cliffs hug the roadside and hundreds of butterflies flutter around you. We finish the day at Quincemil (755m), a small gold mining community.
Level of difficulty: Medium, mostly downhill with sharp rocky bends and some flat sections, 5-6 hours.
Distance: 4x4 0km – Biking 70km.
Day 4 Quincemil to Mazuko through the high jungle
Leaving bright and early to make the most of the cool morning we follow on the left bank of the river out of town and spend the first three hours alternating between fairly steep up and downhill sections. The road is fairly smooth on this day offering some lovely descents and some interesting stream and small river crossings which is a lovely way to cool off in the heat of the day! We pass through several small jungle villages including San Lorenzo and Inambari, constructed out of wood and raised off the ground to avoid the flooding in the rainy season. Though we obviously cannot promise wild life the sorts of animals that can be seen include Squirrel monkeys, Macaws, Wild boar, Orapendulas, Parrots, snakes and Vultures. Toward the end of the day the road flattens out and we finish the day in the lively town of Mazuko (440m).
Level of difficulty: Medium, but a long day and hard work on the uphill sections. The jungle is hot and humid from midday. 6 - 7 hours biking, if you don’t want to continue pedaling you can stay in the 4x4 to end of the day.
Distance: 4x4 0km – Biking 68km.
Day 5 Mazuko to Puerto Maldonado, into the low jungle
Staying in the jungle gives you many opportunities to taste fresh fruit drinks and dishes such as fried bananas and a jug of papaya juice for breakfast. This day we take our 4WD vehicle until Santa Rosa pass, from where we get nice view of the low jungle and the dirt road disappear in hug canopy. From Santa Rosa jungle village we have the last opportunity to continue pedaling on even dirt road to hundred ten (110km village). From here we normally use our 4x4 to do last hundred kilometers to Puerto Maldonado.
Level of difficulty: Easy, taking approximately 3 hours on the flat and deep low jungle.
Distance: 4x4 131km – Biking 40 km.
Day 6 Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. This day you are free to choose how you want to come back to Cusco by plane (40 min) or by bus (30h hours). After breakfast all our camp staff will back driving our 4x4.
PS. We suggest you to stay more days in the jungle and explore with organized boat trip to Tambopata reserve, you can do trip from 2 up to 5 days with everything included, check our jungle programs for itineraries and details.
INCLUDED: Experience English speaking guide + Private 4x4 vehicle support + 5 nights of basic accommodations + All the meals + Mountain bikes + Helmet + Gloves + Free T-shirt.
Contact us info@peruadventurestours.com
