Treasures of the Incas. 8 Days

Transcription

1 Treasures of the Incas 8 Days

2 Treasures of the Incas Discover the best of Peru, from the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. Stroll through the ancient back streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cusco. Enjoy aweinspiring hikes through fertile valleys and highland plateaus to Incan ruins and out-ofthe-way villages. Take a picturesque train ride up the narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River. And spend a half day hiking up the classic Inca Trail to the legendary lost citadel of Machu Picchu. This inspiring eight-day trip is the ultimate Peru adventure and a journey you won't soon forget. Details Testimonials Arrive: Cusco, Peru Depart: Cusco, Peru Duration: 8 Days Group Size: 4 16 Guests Minimum Age: 16 Years Old Activity Level: Level 3. "This trip is a perfect combination of high-altitude hiking in the spectacular Andes and lessons in fascinating Inca culture." Sara G. "Not only great vistas but the guide, accommodations, food and the Peruvian people make this a most memorable trip." Thomas S.

3 REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 Drawing on over 40 years of experience in the region, MT Sobek can be relied on for expert leadership. This itinerary truly immerses you in the native culture and provides the most complete introduction to Inca history. We've put together a trip that includes excellent regional food and the finest accommodations. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Exploring remote mountain villages on foot, a spectacular train ride, hiking the Inca trail, and discovering the splendor of Machu Picchu. A highlight of the trip, accommodations include a 16thcentury convent, whitewashed casitas, and a hacienda-style hotel. Mild during the dry season, although it often cools down at night. Temperatures from 55 F-75 F. Jackets are necessary at night any time of the year. Manuel started out as a field assistant with Mountain Travel Sobek more than 20 years ago, and is now considered one of the best trek and tour leaders in Peru. He graduated with a degree in agriculture and when not guiding trips, he raises white corn on a farm in a valley near Cusco. Manuel s knowledge of the local Quechua language combined with his extensive studies in Inca culture, provide a unique understanding of the Andean people. His love of Peru and easygoing manner make him the ideal traveling companion. Manuel Luna

4 Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CUSCO Arrive in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Meet your trip leader at the airport and transfer to your hotel on the city's main square. Take a walking tour that introduces you to the history of the Inca civilization and its former capital with its ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards, and cobblestone streets. In the evening, enjoy a group welcome toast with a lovely view of the city. DAY 2 VISIT ANCIENT INCA RUINS & ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES Start your day with a tour of the Sachsayhuamán complex, a masterpiece of Inca architecture. Then, explore the Kenko temple, the military ruins at Puca Pucará, and the ceremonial bath of Tambo Machay. Afterwards, depart for the Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Learn how traditional Andean textiles are made, and explore the Pisac ruins to witness some of the finest Inca stonework in existence. Then, descend through a network of stairs, walkways, tunnels, and temples down to the town of Pisac and visit its colorful market. Activity: 4 hours touring 939' elevation gain & 1,510' elevation loss DAY 3 DISCOVER MARAS, MORAY AND MISMINAY Embark on a full-day exploration of the Urubama Valley, beginning in Moray with its impressive circular terraces built into the top of a limestone hill. Continue on to colonial village of Maras, where one of the finest salts in the world is extracted. Experience true Andean hospitality in the community of Misminay, where you'll be welcomed into a home for a traditional lunch. Then, join the locals in their daily activities: you might weave fabric using ancient techniques, help out with the crops, or even go for a donkey-back ride. Activity: 3-4 hours / 7 miles hiking 1,685' elevation gain & loss DAY 4 HIKE NARROW TRAILS FROM PUMAMARCA TO OLLANTAYTAMBO Follow a dirt road high into the Andes, where you'll observe the native Quechua way of life in local villages. Hike an Incan path from a small archeological complex to the Choquicancha agricultural terraces, and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley below. Next, explore the incredibly well-preserved ruins at Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the Inca Empire, and explore the town,

5 which has been inhabited since the 13th century. On the way home, stop to see an artist use ancient techniques to make pottery. Activity: 5 hours/6.3 miles hiking with 2,680' elevation gain/loss DAY 5 EXPERIENCE THE LEGENDARY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU Ride a classic Vistadome train up the narrowing gorge of the Urubamba River. Then, begin your half-day hike along the Inca Trail to the lost citadel of Machu Picchu. After about 2 hours, the valley turns into a cloud-forest canyon. Continue uphill to Intipunku, the original entrance to Machu Picchu. Pause to absorb the awesome view, then follow the trail down into Aguas Calientes and relax at the hotel for the rest of your day. (Optionally, skip the hike, continue by train, and explore the Machu Picchu on your own in the afternoon.) Activity: 6 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,640' elevation gain DAY 6 EXPLORE MAGICAL MACHU PICCHU Enter the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu by morning light. Take a highly informative tour of the site's main structures and learn about their importance in the lives of the Incas. Take a challenging climb up Machu Picchu's Old Mountain (optional) and be rewarded by breathtaking views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch, then return to the hotel to relax, join an excursion, or stroll the lush gardens, including the world's largest native orchid collection with 372 species. Activity: 4 hours/2 miles hiking (optional) DAY 7 TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE TO CUSCO Enjoy the morning at your leisure, either taking short local hikes or relaxing at the hotel. After lunch at the hotel's exquisite restaurant, Qunuq, catch the Vistadome train back down to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, explore Cusco before a festive farewell dinner at a restaurant in Cusco. DAY 8 BID FAREWELL TO CUSCO & FLY HOME

6 After breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning, depart on homeward-bound flights. Meals: (B)

7 Oct 7-14, 2018 May 5-12, 2019 Jul 7-14, 2019 Aug 18-25, 2019 Oct 6-13, 2019

8 2018 $ 4,695 per person Additional Cost $ 1,800 SIngle Supplement 2019 $ 4,495 per person Additional Cost $ 1,050 Single Supplement Special Offer 15% Early Bird Savings for 2019 PRICE INCLUDES Expert leadership from experienced adventure guides Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Potable water and snacks throughout 1 glass of wine or beer at dinner All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation Arrival and departure day group airport transfers PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess baggage charges Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs Airport transfers if arriving outside of the group transfer Optional travel protection

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