|
LICENSED INCA TRAIL OPERATOR
|
LARES-5
DAYS
This trek combines Peru’s magnificent scenery and exotic wildlife
with visits to local communities known for their world-renowned
weaving and crafts. Leaving the Sacred
Valley, we follow an original Inca trail, admiring the variety of
native flora and fauna, including brilliant indigenous plants
weavers use for dye. The next day we begin a steep ascent towards Pachacutec Pass (4,697 mt /15,406 ft), surrounded by breathtaking
views of beautiful lakes. From the pass, our gentle ascent reveals
dramatic vistas of the snow-capped peaks of Colque Cruz, Pitusiray,
Sawasiray, Sirihuani, and Chicon. On the third day we see the
turquoise Chicon glacier and the seven lakes with native waterfowl
such as flamingos. Later, we’ll relax in the medicinal waters of
Lares hot springs before our journey to Machu Picchu, for the
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the “Lost City of the
Incas.” Earthbound Adventures won’t let you miss a thing.
Difficulty: Moderate Tour
Code: LAR5
Activities: Camping and hiking
Departures: Every Friday
Season: January-December
Start-End: Cusco
Includes Machu Picchu
and backpackers train back to Cusco.
Group Service: $370 minimum of
6 persons
Private Service: 1 person:
$1,204, 2 persons: $660, 3 persons: $520,
4 persons: $479, 5 persons: $410, 6 persons: $377, 7-10 persons:
$340.
Day 1: Cusco - Cancha Cancha Community
Day 2: Cancha
Cancha - Quiswarani
Day 3: Quiswarani - Cuncani
Day 4: Cuncani –Lares – Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco
___________________________________________________________________
<TOP>
We'll pick you up
from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. for the drive to Pisaq and Huaran Creek
(2,950 mt/9,676 ft). We hike for three hours on an original Inca
trail, pausing to examine and photograph exotic flowers and
wildlife. At Cancha Cancha (4,000 mt/13,192 ft.), residents welcome
us with samples of traditional cuisine while sharing stories of
their history, culture, and daily life in the 21st century. We will make camp (Duration: 3 hours / Distance: 6
Km/3.8mil). Meals: L, D.
<TOP>
After breakfast, we
hike slowly uphill to Accopata, an extension of the Cancha Cancha
Community, where shepherds live in typical stone and ichu (straw)
roof huts. Here we begin a rather steep ascent toward Pachacutec
Pass (4,697 mt/15,406 ft), with gorgeous views of the unusually
pale, blue-green Azulcocha and Suerococha lakes. From the pass, we
follow a trail that slowly descends, with panoramic vistas of Colque
Cruz, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Sirihuani, and Chicon peaks. We
traverse Collaycocha Lake (4,200 mt/16,000 ft.), reaching a
waterfall near the Community of Quiswarani (3,902 mt/12,798 ft.).
Here we rest and make camp, enjoying traditional cuisine and the
company of local children and women weavers. Be sure to bring extra
cash to purchase their exquisite artistic creations. (Time: 6 hours
/ Distance: 9 km/5.5mil). Meals: B, L, D.
<TOP>
As we leave our campsite heading toward the
Huillquijasa Pass (4,457 mt/14,618 ft.), we’ll have wonderful views
of the Chicon and Colque Cruz glaciers and the seven lakes teaming
with Andean geese, ibis, and flamingos. Over the summit, we continue
downhill until we reach the Community of Cuncani (3,886 mt/12,746
ft.), a picturesque village similar to the previous campsite. This
was the last refuge of the Royal Panakas, a fascinating Inca sect.
After our picnic lunch, we continue through a narrow valley full of
spectacular gigantic boulders, to reach the Trapiche Valley floor.
In the afternoon we continue through the ever-changing puna with
lakes, farms, and roaming deer, until we arrive in Cuncani 3 hours
later, where we will have a hearty supper and settle in for the
night.. (Time 6 hours/Distance 9 km/5.6mil). Meals: B,L,D
<TOP>
We leave Cuncani at
8.00 a.m. to walk through a fertile valley with lush vegetation and
farming communities. Few places in the world are home to such a
rainbow of begonias and wild orchids. After this delightful 2-hour
walk, we arrive in Lares (3,261 mt/10,696 ft.), capital of the
district of the same name. The principle attraction is its hot
springs, where hikers enjoy a leisurely and soothing dip. After
lunch, a private car takes us to Ollantaytambo where we catch the
train around 4:00 p.m. to Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend a restful
night in a real bed in a hotel. Meals: B, L, D.
 <TOP>
In order to see Machu Picchu at its best, this day
begins with an extra-early wake-up call at 5:30 a.m. We will eat a
hot breakfast and store our luggage at the hotel. The early tourist
bus takes us to Machu Picchu. At dawn, the ruins are not as crowded,
so we’ll have the best chance to experience their magic. After a
guided tour of about 2-ｽ hours, you will have approximately 3 hours
to explore the whole site by yourself. There is time to climb Huayna
Picchu mountain to get the best view of Machu Picchu, as it takes
little more than 1-ｽ hours round trip. Or you may choose
to visit the Temple of the Moon, located behind Huayna Picchu.
Meals: B
___________________________________________________________________
Included:
* Transfers to and From Cusco
* Train ticket from Aguas Caliente
to Cusco (backpacker train)
* Short bus from Machu Picchu to
Aguas Calientes
* Park Entrance Fee
* 3 nights camping, 1 night in a
Hostel (private room)
* Large, double-occupancy tents, kitchen tent, dining
tent, latrine tent
* Sleeping bag/mat ($30 refundable deposit)
* Horses (to carry tents, food and
cooking equipment)
* 1 spare horse
* Meals as in itinerary: 3
Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
* Cook and cooking equipment
* English speaking guide
* Emergency first aid kit
* Oxygen tank
Not Included:
* Breakfast 1st Day/Dinner last day
* Taxes, tips, international
airfare and personal expenses
* Hotel accommodations in the
city
Gear list:
* Passport
* Backpack or duffle bag
* Warm clothing/thermals
* Trekking shoes
* Sandals
* Raincoat
* Sunscreen
* Flashlight
* Insect repellent
* Bottled water
* Personal first aid kit
* Bathing suit and towel
* Hat
* Sunglasses
* Camera, film and batteries
* Change of clothes/shorts, T-shirts, pants, long sleeve shirts,
socks and underwear.
|
