DAY 1: ARRIVE LIMA, PERU
Late evening arrival and transfer to our hotel. JOSE
ANTONIO HOTEL
DAY 2: LIMA / CUZCO
Transfer for a flight to Cuzco, Peru. Upon
arrival in Cuzco, we are met and transferred to our hotel. Balance
of morning at leisure to acclimatize. This afternoon, we shall tour
Cuzco city. We will see several of the Inca ruins, including Qenqo
(Ceremonial Altar), Tambomachay (Ritual Baths) and Puca Pucara (Red
Tower Fortress) which took over 80 years to build; but the most impressive
of these ruins is the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, overlooking Cuzco.
Here, we will see three parallel levels of fortifications constructed
out of enormous rocks - some of them weighing an estimated 30 tons
- which all fit perfectly together without the use of any mortar. Across
the parade ground, which they face, is the solid rock throne where
the Sapa Inca is reputed to have sat while viewing his troops. It was
here at Sacsayhuaman, that the Incas made their last stand against
Pizarro's forces before retreating down the Urubamba Valley. MONASTERIO OR LIBERTADOR
HOTEL (B)
return
to top
DAY 3: CUZCO / CHILLCA / WAYLLABAMBA (9.9
miles / 6 hours trek)
Following an early breakfast, we are driven to the Sacred Valley of
the Incas; where we rendezvous with our Quechua porters. From Chillca,
we hike along the bank of the turbulent Vilcanote River, with magnificent
views to Nevado Veronica (19,000 feet). All camp gear is carried by
our porters, leaving us free to walk with only a light pack with essentials
for the day's hike. We shall camp for the night on a terrace in the
hamlet of Wayllabamba. CAMPSITE (B,L,D)
DAY
4: WAYLLABAMBA / PACAYMAYU (5.4
miles / 6.5 hours trek)
Today, we climb through magical Polylepis forest to high camp at Pacaymayu.
Today is one of the most demanding days of the trip as we gain a lot
of altitude. The first pass at 13,750 feet offers views east to the
Huayanay peaks and west into rugged Vilcabamba range. We descend to
our camp Pacaymayu. CAMPSITE (B,L,D)
DAY
5: PACAYMAYU / WINAYHUAYNA (6.25
miles / 7 hours trek)
We cross the second pass at 13,100 feet and follow a fine Inca highway
to the restored townsite of Sayaqmarka. The Inca trail in this section
is a white granite roadway, traversing a thickly forested mountainside.
We also visit the magnificent ruins of Phuyupatamarka(12,460 feet).
Then we descend to Winayhuaya where we camp. CAMPSITE (B,L,D)
return
to top
DAY
6: WINAYHUAYA / MACHU PICCHU (3.4
miles / 4 hours trek)
We descend rapidly from cloud forest into high jungle habitat. Orchids
and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail
high above the river. We emerge at the Gate of the Sun for our visit
view of Machu Picchu from high above the city. We stroll down the royal
road and at last enter the Lost City of The Incas. Camp by the Urubamba
River beneath the cliffs of Machu Picchu. CAMPSITE (B,L,D)
DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU / CUZCO
We return early to Machu Picchu for a morning guided exploration. Legend
has it that Machu Picchu was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural
site, probably the gateway to the jungle marches of the Inca Empire.
The central buildings were erected with the polished stoneworks of
the Cuzco Imperial Style, though the site was probably occupied well
before the Incas started their expansion. It was closely associated
with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege
of the Inca Royal family and priests. Machu Picchu does not owe its
reputation to colossal dimensions. No single building is more than
three stories high, though some structures take advantage of the slope
to build up complexes in tiers. Rather, it is a beautiful jewel in
an equally beautiful setting, perfectly proportioned to the contours
of the mountain, at times appearing to be suspended in the mist, a
shrouded apparition of the past. There is time to climb to Wayna Picchu
if you'd like to. In the afternoon, we return by tourist train and
bus to Cusco and overnight at our hotel. DON CARLOS HOTEL (B,L)
return
to top
DAY 8: CUZCO / LIMA
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima. We
are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Later today, we venture
out for a half day tour of Lima. Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro
in 1535 to be the capital of the viceroyalty, and up to the present,
old Lima preserves the architecture and street plans of colonial Lima.
Our guided tour will include Lima's superb colonial churches, palaces
and promenades (Cathedral, Government Palace, Passo de Aguas, etc.)
Then continue to the Gold Museum to visit the fascinating gold collection,
which gives the evidence of the high skill reached by the goldsmiths
of the pre-columbian cultures. JOSE ANTONIO (B)
DAY 9: DEPART LIMA
Approximately 2 hours prior to departure, we transfer to the airport
where we shall board our flight out. (B)
Departures:
Friday and Sunday (includes
internal air Lima/Cuzco/Lima)
|
