T H E G R A N D A N D E A N E X P E R I E N C E T O M A C H U P I C C H U

Transcription

1 T H E G R A N D A N D E A N E X P E R I E N C E T O M A C H U P I C C H U

2 The Grand Andean Experience to Machu Picchu is a 10-day journey through ancient history, living culture and the magnificent landscape of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This once-in-a-lifetime exploration into the sacred havens of the Incas is equal parts physical, cultural and spiritual journey, a journey of knowledge and transformation gathered while trekking, biking, sightseeing and enjoying the plush comfort of warm, welcoming high mountain Lodges.

3 10 DAY EXPEDITION: A HOLISTIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND OF THE INCAS DAY 1 EXPLORING PISAQ The town square is often the center of activity throughout this region, but so too is the town market, and none is more alive than the famous market at Pisaq. A morning visit to check out its unique array of products will inspire you with a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored on your journey. Travelers seeking inspiration in nature can opt for an invigorating morning hike surrounded by amazing views of the Andes Mountains that guard this magnificent valley. Later, enjoy exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha, where you will learn about its artisanal potato farming practices and enjoy a traditional Pachamanca meal, cooked under hot stones. After lunch you will visit the archaeological complex at Pisaq, an afternoon excursion that offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks. Activity Menu (morning to noon): - Cultural Activity: Visit Awanakancha (an Andean camelid exhibition and traditional textile center), the town of Pisaq and local market, and experience an encounter with members of the local community of Viacha. OR - Hike: From the local community of Amaru to the local community of Viacha.. Duration: hrs. Hiking Level: Moderate. Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,200ft. / 4,328m. Group Activity (afternoon): Group lunch at the local community of Viacha. In the afternoon, the whole group visits the Pisaq archaeological site together, before heading to the lodge. Overnight: Lamay Lodge (el. 9,705ft./2,958m.), located in the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. DAY 2 INCA SITES AND VILLAGES Now that you have gotten a glimpse of the rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to go even deeper with an exploration into the heart of the Lares Valley. A scenic drive into the mountains, along the celebrated Inca Weaver s Trail, allows you to visit the unique and uncrowded archaeological site of Ancasmarca along the hub-town of Lares. After lunch, you can choose between visiting the traditional and ancient weavers village of Choquecancha, or opt for hiking amidst turquoise blue lakes and towering peaks to the remote village of Huacahuasi, where we all meet to spend the night. This lodge, which is run in joint venture with the local community and aims to protect the cultural heritage and the environment, provides an interesting insight into the evolving role of the original Andean people in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco. Group Activity (morning to noon): In the morning, briefly explore the town of Lamay and visit the archaeological site of Ancasmarca.Group lunch at the town of Lares. Activity Menu (afternoon, after the group visit): - Cultural Activity: Visit the town of Choquecancha, meet with local weavers and visit the old church. OR - Hike: From Quelquena to Huacahuasi. Duration: hrs. Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate. Mountain pass at an elevation of 12,595ft. / 3,839m. OR - Hike: From Cuncani to Huacahuasi. Duration: hrs. Hiking Level: Moderate. Mountain pass at an elevation of 13,838ft. / 4,219m. Overnight: Huacahuasi Lodge (el. 12,585ft./3,835m.), located in the local community of Huacahuasi, in the Lares Region. 2

4 DAY 3 HIKING AMONG AUTHENTIC INCA TRAILS Spend some time in the morning learning more about the heritage and day-to-day activities of the Huacahuasi community. Then, you can choose to embark on a spectacular hike across varied terrain and a high mountain pass to an adjacent valley and the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, the oldest living city in Latin America; or try a 2-in-1 activity, hiking from Lares Pass along an authentic Inca trail down into a beautiful canyon ending in the local community of Totora where you ll meet the vehicle to head into the Sacred Valley for lunch. Alternatively, if you prefer to see more of the Sacred Valley, choose to drive all the way back for a visit to an impressive ethnographic museum featuring the history of Peru s rich civilizations before lunch in the Urubamba River countryside. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming maze-like streets of Ollantaytambo or enjoying an optional mountain bike excursion through the Sacred Valley. Activity Menu (all day): - Cultural Activity: Drive back to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit a local farmer s market and a Pre-Inca and Inca cultural museum. Enjoy a barbeque lunch at a Kuychi Rumi and in the afternoon explore the town of Ollantaytambo. OR - Inca Trail Hike: Beautiful hike from Lares pass to the village of Totora. Duration: 3 hrs. Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate. Enjoy a barbeque lunch at a Kuychi Rumi. OR - Hike: From Huacahuasi to Patacancha. Duration: 7 hrs. Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging. Mountain pass at an elevation of 14,646ft. / 4,464m. Lunch en route at Ipsaycocha lake; afternoon arrival in Ollantaytambo. - Optional Activity (afternoon): Mountain Bike Excursion: Drive back and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on mountain bike from Urubamba to Pachar. Duration: 2 hrs. Biking Level: Easy to Moderate. (Note: This activity comes at an additional cost). Afterwards, enjoy a visit to an artisanal brewery in which many of their beers are made with local products. (The brewery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Overnight: Kuychi Rumi Lodge (el. 9,284ft./2,830m.). Note: Guests that opt for the cultural activity and guests that opt for the Inca trail hike excursion will meet for lunch in Urubamba at a countryside restaurant and then can choose the option to mountain bike in the Sacred Valley or visit the town of Ollantaytambo together in the afternoon. Guests that opt for the hike will meet up with the rest of the group late in the afternoon at the hotel in The Sacred Valley of the Incas. DAY 4 OLLANTAYTAMBO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND QUILLARUMIYOC From its beginnings as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec to its history as a stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the temple at Ollantaytambo was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. After an early visit to the temple of Ollantaytambo you will embark on a scenic drive. En route you will make a stop at the fascinating archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc to enjoy a picnic lunch and explore the surroundings of the site. Afterwards you will pass through the mountain village of Mollepata, stopping for a short coffee break and a visit to Yanapana, Mountain Lodges of Peru NGO, where traditional weavers offer beautiful textiles and insight into their age-old techniques. After this visit you can choose to continue on to the Salkantay Lodge by vehicle or opt to do a soft hike up to the lodge from Challancancha. You will spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge where gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds await. Group Activity (morning to early afternoon): Explore the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo before traveling by vehicle to the archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc for a picnic lunch and site visit. After lunch the scenic drive toward Soray continues, with a visit to Yanapana, textile center and NGO, in Mollepata en route. Optional Activity (afternoon): Hike: From Challancancha to Soray. Duration: 2 hours. Hiking Level: Easy. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (el. 12,690 ft./3,869 m.). 3

5 DAY 5 A HIKE TO LAKE HUMANTAY Today you will take an acclimatization hike up the slopes above the lodge to Lake Humantay, a stunning lake fed by the hanging glaciers of Mt. Humantay. The hike is optional, but the views are amazing, and those brave enough can even go for a dip. Afterwards you will return to the lodge for lunch with your afternoon at leisure, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor Jacuzzi. Enjoy a second cozy night at the Salkantay Lodge, with an evening briefing by your guide covering any necessary gear and the anticipated itinerary for the following day. Trekking Time: Approximately 4 hours. Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging. Optional Activities: Hike to Lake Humantay or Horseback Riding. Overnight: Salkantay Lodge (el. 12,690 ft./3,869 m.). DAY 6 CROSSING THE SALKANTAY PASS This is the big day! After an early start, you will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point on the trek is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638m. (15,213 ft.), where you are sure to become awed by the views of snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the glaciated south face of Salkantay Peak towering above you. You ll want to keep your eyes out here for Andean condors, as they are often visible in this area. From the pass you will descend towards Wayra Lodge ( Wayra means wind, taken from the name of the location Wayracmachay, or the cave where the wind lives ), your destination for the evening. Trekking Time: 6 8 hours (including lunch). Hiking Level: Challenging, crossing a 4,638m (15,213 ft.) mountain pass. Optional Activities: Horseback Riding. Overnight: Wayra Lodge (el. 12,812ft./3,906 m.). DAY 7 DESCENDING INTO THE CLOUD FOREST After a leisurely early morning breakfast at Wayra Lodge, you will continue your descent along the left bank of the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery where the warm air rising from the jungle accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge you will be greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones. This special lunch is prepared by covering the food with hot stones, plantain leaves, high Andean grass and local herbs while the contents are baked in this traditional underground oven. Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers, and boasts an outdoor Jacuzzi with panoramic views of lush green mountains. You will spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail. Trekking Time: 3 4 hours. Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate. Optional Activity (afternoon): Mountain Bike Excursion: From Manchayhuayco to Collpapampa, descending through a beautiful valley offering opportunities to admire the diverse cloud forest vegetation covering the surrounding slopes. Duration: 3hrs (approximately). Level: Easy (Note: this activity comes at an additional cost). Overnight: Colpa Lodge (el. 9,414 ft./2,870 m). 4

6 DAY 8 FOLLOWING THE SANTA TERESA RIVER VALLEY Today you will hike along the Santa Teresa river valley, a more populated rural area where you ll pass through banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards as well as coffee plantations (this region is known to produce one of the top organic coffees in the world). After a morning on the trail and a hot picnic lunch served by the river, your hike continues another hour before you ll meeting a private vehicle for a short transfer to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail (aprox. 30 minutes). From the head of the newly restored Inca Trail you will make your way to Lucma Lodge, set amid an avocado orchard. On the way, visit an organic coffee plantation where the owner will take you on a short tour of the farm to share how the coffee is grown, harvested, dried and processed. Trekking Time: 5 6 hours (including lunch). Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging (because of distance, not terrain). Optional Activity Menu (all day; optional activity replaces day of trekking from Collpapampa to Lucmabamba): - Zip Line Excursion: Located in Santa Teresa. (Note: This activity comes at an additional cost). OR - Mountain Biking Excursion: Two options available, both highlighting the most iconic mountains of Cusco. (Note: both options come at an additional cost). - Option A: Yanama pass Lluskamayo. Begin atop Yanama Pass from where you will head downhill almost 8,000ft./2438m., riding on dirt road with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. End in the town of Lluskamayo where lunch will be waiting. Duration: 5 hrs. (approximately). Biking Level: Easy to Moderate. - Option B: Hornopampa - Lluskamayo. A shorter version of Option A. Duration: 3.5 hrs. (approximately). Level: Easy. Overnight: Lucma Lodge (el. 7,003 ft./ 2,135 m.). DAY 9 LLACTAPATA TREK: GETTING CLOSER... After a hearty breakfast, you will head uphill for two to three hours towards Llactapata Pass (8,974ft./ 2,736 m.), where you will come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. You will take a short break to explore the recently restored archeological site of Llactapata before enjoying lunch served at a scenic viewpoint looking out to Machu Picchu. From here you will begin your final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. End you trek near the river where you will board a train for a short scenic ride (approx. 1 hour) to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu. Trekking Time: 4 6 hours. Hiking Level: Moderate to Challenging. Overnight: Aguas Calientes (el. 6,232 ft./ 1,900 m). DAY 10 VISIT MACHU PICCHU SANCTUARY After a very early buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will make your way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (approximately 30 minutes). Your trip leader will give an introductory 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, after which you will have the option to explore freely through the site for approximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you will meet up with your guide again to return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and an afternoon train ride back toward Cusco. The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about 1½ hours, from where a private vehicle will then take over for the drive back to Cusco (an additional 1½ hour). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7 or 8 p.m.), you will be dropped off at the hotel of your choice. 5

7 LODGES Our mountain lodges have brought together traditional Inca building techniques and sensitivity to the surrounding environment with all the comforts of home. At the end of each day, you will enjoy hot showers, fine gourmet meals, select wines, goose-down bedding, massages, outdoor jacuzzis and highly personalized service from our local staff. ADDITIONAL SERVICES Our travelers recognize us for something unique, and it s not for building lodges on a remote mountain trail, but for the experience, service and magic we have created. As a consequence of our success with The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the market values us as a boutique operation, highly focused on customer service, always striving for excellence, and fused with a significant attention to detail. Our motivation is to design superb travel experiences and create wondrous memories for our guests - on some occasions - even life-changing ones! CUSCO Enjoy exploring the vibrant city of Cusco and its surroundings, which offer many great cultural and historical attractions, along with a variety of fine dining, traditional shows, and bargain shopping. Spending time in Cusco is the perfect starting point to acclimatize and gain initial perspective on local history and culture. WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO: EL MERCADO MLP welcomes you to the elegant El Mercado, a boutique property located a stone s throw from the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco. Formerly part of the city s old farmer s market, El Mercado s 32 rooms and quaint atmosphere guarantee personal and friendly service, providing an immersion into the cultural and historical traits of Cusco and Peru. For more information visit: ART BOUTIQUE B&B EL RETABLO Channelling the vibrancy and traditions of Cusco, the Art Boutique B&B El Retablo is the newest property of MLP. Located at the pulsing heart of the historical capital, only three blocks away from the Main Square, and with 17 unique rooms, the intimate El Retablo blends traditional heritage of Peruvian artisans with contemporary comfort. For more information visit: 6

8 LIMA Historically referred to as the City of Kings, Lima still holds its essence as a historic and bustling capital one needs to visit. Spend some time at the Plaza Mayor, and experience the change of guard at the Presidential Palace, or maybe the tour of the catacombs of San Francisco Convent. Take in the sunset while you stroll on the boardwalk in the Miraflores district, heading towards the historical Barranco district, filled with artisan boutiques and local flavor. If you were wondering about what and where to eat, Lima is now considered the gastronomical capital of South America, so great cuisine, from street vendors to fine dining, can be found in every corner. EXTENSION PACKAGES Do you feel like exploring more of Peru? Maybe explore the colorful island communities of Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world), or adventure into the rich wilderness of the Peruvian Amazon jungle, or visit Colca Canyon, with its incredible depths, Inca terraces, and soaring condors. There is plenty to do so please let us know if you would be interested in receiving any suggestions. GUIDES Our guides are among the best in Peru (some even having won international awards) and have on average at least 15 years of experience guiding in the mountains, not only in Peru, but around the world. Many of them are considered pioneers in this area, having scouted many of the current routes in the country. All MLP guides have excellent language skills, and are highly trained in managing group dynamics. All guides undergo continuous medical and rescue training, with a certification in Wilderness First Aid. You will appreciate their knowledge of history and cultural traditions, as well as their interpretation of local flora and fauna, and their great insights (and stories!) that go far beyond any guide or history book. Dalmiro Portillo Lixayda Vasquez Johann Muñoz Silver Ballón 7

9 SPEND AN EXTRA DAY IN MACHU PICCHU Even though you have enough time to see the core of Machu Picchu Sanctuary during the regular guided tour, most of our guests realize that they would have liked to stay a little longer since there is so much to explore! Let us know at time of reservation if you would like to add this optional day. By spending an extra day at Machu Picchu, you will be able to: Make the best of your time visiting a World Heritage Site situated on a spectacular mountain ridge. Explore areas of the site that are less visited by most travelers, such as climbing Machu Picchu Mountain (special permit to be purchased in advance) or hiking to the Inca Bridge or the Sun Gate. Visit the town of Aguas Calientes and shop the local craft markets. Treat yourself to a relaxing end to your vacation and fuland hospitality of the unique Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel. INCLUDES One additional night at the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel with dinner on day 7, breakfast and lunch on day 8, bus tickets to/from the site, entrance tickets to the Sanctuary, and transfer back to Cusco from Ollantaytambo (train ticket is included in your program cost). This extension cost does not include a guided visit of the Sanctuary or a climbing permit for Machu Picchu mountain. Both can be provided at additional cost. Please inquire with your Travel Specialist for additional information. GIVING BACK YANAPANA PERU In 2006 MLP sponsored the creation of Yanapana Peru, a not-for-profit Civil Association dedicated to social and environmental responsibility. Yanapana is committed to improving the quality of life through sustainable community development, in an effort to reduce extreme poverty in the Andean Highlands. Main activities of the association include donations for the enhancement of nutrition and infrastructure at a local public school, funding and training for local entrepreneurs, which include jam and honey, handmade textiles and organic coffee production. Other supportive efforts are directed towards child sponsorship programs, as well as medical prevention, detection and treatment programs. In our own journey through sustainability, we realized that it was necessary to take steps beyond what was traditionally being done in social inclusion, which is why in 2012, a joint-venture was born between the community of Huacahuasi and Mountain Lodges of Peru, naming it Kuska Purispa: Walking Together. We are convinced that sustainable tourism in the region should be built around a model that empowers local communities, making them active investors in local development projects for the long-term benefit of all. We are committed to work under this innovative business model and keep empowering and generating added value to local communities in Peru. 8

10 T H E G R A N D A N D E A N E X P E R I E N C E T O M A C H U P I C C H U CHOQUECANCHA ft / 3050 m HIDROELECTRICA 5809 ft / 1771 m AGUAS CALIENTES (Town of Machu Picchu) 6232 ft / 1900 m H VERONICA PEAK (WAKAYWILLKE) ft / 5682 m LAKE IPSAYCOCHA ft / 4331 m HUACAHUASI ft / 3835 m LARES ft / 3210 m *MACHU PICCHU 7872 ft / 2400 m PATACANCHA ft / 3848 m IPSAYCOCHA PASS ft / 4464 m CUNCANI ft / 3838 m QUELQUENA ft / 3645 m LARES PASS ft / 4440 m ANKASMARCA ft / 4000 m MANCHAYHUAYCO LLACTAPATA 7003 ft / 2135 m LUCMA 7003 ft / 2135 m WAYRA ft / 3906 m OLLANTAYTAMBO 9284 ft / 2830 m H KUYCHI RUMI 9284 ft / 2830 m PITUSIRAY & SAHUASIRAY GLACIER ft / 5369 m ft / 5818 m URUBAMBA 9186 ft / 2800 m TOTORA ft / 3680 m LAMAY 9705 ft / 2958 m AMARU ft / 4008 m COLPA 9414 ft / 2870 m HUMANTAY LAKE ft / 4221 m CHALLANCANCHA ft / 3651 m SALKANTAY PASS ft / 4638 m SALKANTAY PEAK ft / 6271 m QUILLARUMIYOC AWANACANCHA ft / 3525 m VIACHA ft / 3941 m PISAQ (Archaeological site) ft / 3531 m PISAQ (Town) 9873 ft / 3010 m SALKANTAY LODGE ft / 3869 m CUSCO ft / 3430 m MOLLEPATA 9371 ft / 2857 m LEGEND Pass Train River Hike Point of interest Lodge Archaeological site Lunch & rest area H Hotel Train station Bike NGO Social & Environmental Responsibility *Optional hike: Huayna Picchu Mountain CUSCO 9

11 2017 RATES & INCLUSIONS DETAILS US$ 4,700 (MARCH - DECEMBER) All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 10. Transportation from hotel in Cusco to Lamay on Day 1 and from Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day nights lodging (7 nights in MLP lodges, 1 night in The sacred Valley and 1 night in Aguas Calientes in a 4-Star hotel). All meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 10. Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) from Day 1 to Day 10. Tours are led in English. Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by pack horses/mules and/or porters. Guided visit to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (including entrance and transportation to site). Transportation (Train to Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo). At the lodges we provide filtered and sparkling water, tea and coffee, juice and soft drinks free of charge. Alcohol, sports drinks and natural bottled water are not included. NOTES Rates are per person for the 10-day/9-night lodge trek program, based on shared accommodations.* Trip Rate is subject to change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control. * Single supplement 50% of per person cost additional. If a guest is a single willing to share, we will do our best to pair up the guest with another traveler of the same gender. If no roommate is found then guest would be subject to a 25% supplement of per person cost. EXPORT SERVICES (DL NO. 919) Regarding the General Tax Sales (IGV), Peruvian law considers accommodation to non-resident guests as export service. In order to be exempted and as a requirement, all non-resident guests must present upon check in their original passport and Andean immigration card - provided at your arrival to the country and with no more than 60 days after the arrival date indicated at the Andean immigration card. 10

12 USA/CANADA: / EUROPE: +44 (0) / BRAZIL: / AUSTRALIA: / PERU: info@mountainlodgesofperu.com /