iTINERARY
The trek is something completely unique, away from the main Inca Trail, using a previously unknown valley rediscovering otherwise neglected ruins. The has benefitted the local area with constructed toilets and community structures in villages that do not otherwise benefit from tourism. Local horseman are used throughout and the trek helps to support local education and health initiatives hand-in-hand with local community leaders.
The Peruvian Andes mountains are the setting with the trail following part of old Incan routes - passing through areas such as Cachiquata, where stones for the Incan fortresses were excavated and taken to their resting sites. Large stone blocks sill lie along the path, where they were left when the Spanish invasion prevented the completion of Ollanta fortress.
The trek culminates at UNESCO World Heritage site, Macchu Picchu ruins.
During the 8 days, accommodation will be camping in 2 man tents in remote area's with no showers and limited washing facilities. Each day we will cover up to 15kms with varied terrain and weather, trekking near fertile fields of the sacred valley through to scrub and high mountain pastures. Ascents and descents on occasions will be steep and exposed.
Peru's climate varies widely, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to near arctic in the highest mountains of the Andes. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night below 0'C with changeable wet and dry conditions and temperatures up to 30'C during the day
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a major consideration as it commonly occures above 8,000 feet, with the trek seeing heights of 10,800 feet in Cuzco and peaks of 14,419 feet at Charca Huaylla Pass and 12,985 feet at Angascocha School. The only treatment for this is to move to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. However, the folk remedy in Peru is to dring tea made from the coca plant. Nice!
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dAY IN FOCUS
(updated 26 March 2008)
We arrive at Cuzco (10,800 feet) on day two of our adventure. Flying in from Lima (1,640 feet) and so altitude is something we have to think about. The itinerary is designed to allow time for acclimatisation. We will travel by coach to Sacsayhuaman (12,142 feet) and begin our afternoon trek from here. On day 3 we again take a bus journey to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet) and then on to Rapcca for lunch before the afternoons walk. Not only will we get to see a typically Incan town, but also it is more time set aside for acclimatisation.
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Day 1 (4 October)
London to Peru
Departing from London, we will arrive in Lima in the evening. The city slopes gently from the shores of the Pacific Ocean into valleys and mountain inclines located as high as 1,640 feet above sea level. Our accommodation on our first night will be a hotel in this magnificent city.
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Day 2 (5 October)
Lima to Cusco
A short flight from Lima will take us to Cuzco (10,800 feet), the ancient Inca capital. Said to have been founded around 1100 AD, Cusco is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western hemisphere. Taking time to acclimatise to the altitude, we will travel by coach to Sacsayhuaman Inca Fortress for our first taste of the Inca world. From the fortress we will trek to our first camp at Cachicata.
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Day 3 (6 October)
Cachicata to Soqma
Our third day will begin with a bus journey to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet), a typically Incan town. This is a rare opportunity to experience a community steeped in ancient cultural heritage. We will then travel on to Rapcca for a packed lunch, before trekking to our overnight camp at Soqma. |
Day 4 (7 October)
Soqma – Cormarca
We will begin our fourth day with a steep climb, past dramatic scenery and a stunning waterfall, to the Perol Nyoc ruins. We will be among the few people to enjoy the vista and the tranquil beauty of this ancient ruin, as it was recently rediscovered and cleared by the local ‘Across the Divide’ support team. We will then make the climb to the Inca terraces at Cormarca, and be among the few individuals to camp at this hidden site.
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Day 5 (8 October)
Cormarca – Angascocha School
Today’s trekking will be even more challenging, but the rewards will be spectacular! We will begin with an early start, climbing upwards over a long, steep, zigzagging route to Charca Huaylla Pass (14,419 feet). Here we will experience views of snow peaks and the Sacred Valley. Continuing upwards, we will reach the highest point of the trek at Chanca Chuco Pass, then trek on to our overnight camp at Angascocha School (12,985 feet).
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Day 6 (9 October)
Angascocha School – Camicancha
Today begins with a long descent through a dramatic canyon, into the orchid and humming bird habitat of Elfin Forest. We will follow the line of the river as it descends towards the Sacred Valley, stopping for refreshments at Balconcillo, a natural outcrop that forms a fantastic viewpoint. When we reach our camp at Camicancha, we will experience more temperate weather, and have the chance of an evening campfire.
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Day 7 (10 October)
Camicancha – Piscaycucho
Today’s trekking follows the contours of the Sacred Valley, to a eucalyptus forest close to the Chillca Bridge (9,475 feet). After a packed lunch, our trail will pass through arid montane habitat, including a cactus forest. Finally, we will reach our picturesque campsite at Piscaycucho, also known as ‘Kilometre 82’.
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Day 8 (11 October)
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Our day begins with a trek to the train station over the river bridge. We will then board the train for the journey from Kilometre 82 to Kilometre 104. We will climb the Inca Trail to the ruins at Huina Huayna where we will stop for lunch. The climax of our day’s trekking is the truly breathtaking climb through the Sun Gate and the spectacular view down onto Machu Picchu (7,875 feet).
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Day 9 (12 October)
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Today gives us a second chance to experience Machu Picchu. A dawn wake-up call and a bus journey will allow us to watch the sun rise above this most enigmatic of Incan sites; it really is an awe inspiring spectacle. We will be guided around the ruins after which we will be free to explore the site. After lunch we will travel by train back to Cusco, where we will have the opportunity to spend the evening in this bustling town. |
Day 10 (13 October)
Cusco – Lima
An early morning flight back to Lima will leave us with some time before our flight to the UK. In Lima, we will leave our bags with our local agent before having lunch and perhaps a last-minute shop at the local market. We will then travel to the airport for our flight home.
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Day 11 (14 October)
Arrive back in the UK.
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Please note that this itinerary is provisional and subject to change
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