Hidden Trails of the Andes
On this challenging and remote Inca Trail trek you’ll delve deep into the former domain of the Incas: over high plateaus, across several passes, into isolated valleys dotted with simple villages and patchwork fields, and past ancient Inca outposts, including Paucarcancha, considered the gateway to the Machu Picchu region of yesteryear. And the rewards are grand: eye-popping vistas of snowy 19,000-foot peaks, a close-up view of the Huayanay Glacier, and, of course, Machu Picchu itself.
Activities
7 days strenuous hiking at high elevation (max. 15,000')
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, plus hike a remote part of the trail few get to experience!
- Visit important sites in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Chinchero, the agricultural site of Moray, and the salt pans of Salinas
- Accommodations include three nights at Cuzco's five-star Hotel Libertador
2010 PRICES
$3,995 (7-14 members)
$4,195 (3-6 members)
$350 internal airfare
$1,100 single supplement
Minimum age is 14.
Duration: 12 days Start Location: Lima End Location: Lima Best time to go: May - August
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Cusco
Meet in Lima, Peru, and fly to Cuzco. Overnight at Hotel Libertador.
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Day 2 : Cusco – Pisac
Tour the Inca ruins near Cuzco and at Pisac in the Urubamba Valley.
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Day 3 : Cusco – Chinchero
Visit the village of Chinchero, the ruins of the palace of Inca Sinchi Roca, and the colonial village of Maras. Hike to the saltpans and into the Urubamba Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo and visit its fortress located on a promontory overlooking the valley.
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Day 4 : Parpishu – Chilipahua
Drive to the trailhead and begin your Inca Trail trek to Wayllabamba, passing several Inca ruins, including Inca Raccay, Incasamana, and Paucarcancha, crossing four passes (the highest is 15,750'), and enjoying views of Salcantay, Verónica, and other dazzling snowy peaks.
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Day 5 : Chilipahua – Ancascocha
We leave our campsite and head northwest, slowly ascending past some small houses at Incaraqay, a community of sheepherders on the high puna. From here a one-hour hike brings us over another pass at Pampaq’asa (13,776') and down into the gully of the Silque River. Climb up to another pass at Ancascocha (14,596') in full view of Mount Huayanay and the Silque Valley. Ancascocha is an ancient Quechua word that means “Blue Lake” and we’ll camp near a lake at 12,792' or in the valley above the lake at 14,000'.
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Day 6 : Ancascocha – Keska
Follow a switchback trail up to the pass of Huayanay at 15,000', then descend to the ruins of Inca Raccay, once a tambo (inn)that provided food and shelter for travelers. Continue to Moyo-Moyo, with its three beautiful waterfalls and down the Keska Valley past small households of farmers working their patchwork fields. Camp along the upper valley floor (12,136').
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Day 7 : Keska – Paucarcancha
Today is a relatively easy day. Hike over a low pass and then down to recently restored Paucarcancha (10,168'), an Inca complex of 16 buildings that was a checkpoint at the convergence of the Keska and Pampaccahua valleys. We’ll explore the site and have a chance to relax and take some time out before tomorrow’s hike over another pass.
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Day 8 : Paucarcancha – Pacaymayo
We follow the Cusichaca River into the village of Huayllabamba where we join the “Classic” Inca Trail. Hike steeply through three vegetation and climatic zones over the Warmiwanusqa Pass (“pass of the dead woman”—13,776'). As we head over the pass, there are wonderful views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. From here we can also see the trail ahead of us as it descends into the Pacaymayo Valley (11,800').
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Day 9 : Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca
A steady climb takes us over Runkuraqay Pass (12,900'), with commanding views back toward Warmiwanusqa. Descend to the remarkably situated ruins at Sayacmarca, a fortress city located on an unassailable promontory between two valleys.
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Day 10 : Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
From Phuyupatamarca we descend steeply to the jungle-bound ruins of Winaywayna (“forever young”), perched on a promontory above a gorgeous waterfall and featuring a series of ceremonial baths. Continue to Intipunku (“gate of the sun”) at about 9,400 feet, the original entrance to Machu Picchu.
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Day 11 : Machu Picchu – Cusco
Morning to explore Machu Picchu including optional hike to the top of Huayna Picchu. Depart in the afternoon via train to Cusco.
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Day 12 : Lima – Fly home
Fly to Lima and depart (or continue with one of our extensions to the Amazon rainforest or Lake Titicaca).
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Hotel Libertador
CuscoFacing the Sun Temple "Koricancha," this romantic, personalized hotel is a traveler's favorite, reaching 11th place on Condé Nast Traveler's list of top South American hotels. Rooms furnished in a classic, traditional style ensure the hotel maintains its serene character despite its central location.
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Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aquas CalientesA luxury boutique hotel just steps from the train, but a secluded natural paradise. Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes on the banks of the Urubamba River, the Pueblo Hotel was rated by Travel & Leisure readers as a top 500 hotel of the world in 2006. Rustic elegance distinguishes the private bungalows, each with its own fireplace, and the lush gardens are home to orchids, exotic birds and other flora and fauna.
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Casa Andina
Mira FloresDayroom at Casa Andina Private Collection Generous elegance and exemplary Limeño spirit distinguish this premier hotel, with its views over Miraflores and the coast, outstanding service, rich woodwork and Peruvian artwork curated exclusively by Larco Museum for Casa Andina.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
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Manolo Lazo
Manolo Lazo is one of Peru’s most experienced adventure travel guides, with more than 15 years of experience leading treks and whitewater rafting trips. A resident of Cusco, Manolo is well versed in the rich history of the Andes as well as the classic trekking routes that follow the ancient Inca trade paths. His knowledge of the country, its people, and traditions add immensely to your appreciation of the trip. Manolo is fluent in English as well as Spanish, and conversant in Quechua—the historic language of the Incas, and he has a gift for instilling confidence in every trekker.
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Juan de Dios Castillo
Juan de Dios was born in the northern Andes and raised in Cusco. For the last 16 years he has worked as a guide in the Andes, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and the Galápagos. Juan is comfortable guiding any active trip, be it cultural, trekking, or river rafting. His knowledge of the local Quechua language and his extensive studies in Inca culture provide him with a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him a great traveling companion.
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