HIGHLIGHTS TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU JUNE 25 - JULY 4, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Exploring Machu Picchu, a destination whose magic and mystery lives up to its hype Challenging yourself on an ancient Incan trail that traverses fifteen different bio-zones, under towering Andean peaks Relaxing in comfortable and small environmentally sustainable remote lodges Learning the culture and customs of local Andean families Supporting local businesses that believe in sustainability Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jun 25 - Jul 4, 2018 Location: Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Peru Cost: $4,675.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Our first meeting is at 1PM in the hotel lobby in Cusco Depart: We will have you back to the Cusco airport by 1PM on July 28 and you can plan to fly out anytime after 3PM TRIP OVERVIEW While visiting Machu Picchu is definitely one of the highlights of this trip, there is so much more of Incan culture and history to explore. We start our immersion with a half-day of exploring Cusco, followed by a full day in the Sacred Valley. Our guides' knowledge is amazing, answering any questions we might have. Then we start our trek on the Salkantay Trail, an ancient Incan Trail (not "The" Incan Trail). Trekking through constantly changing ecosystems, our trail traverses high passes and follows rivers, on paths through rocky plains and deep forest, as we go beyond the crowded guidebook trails and into the authentic heart of the Incan empire. At night we rest in remote and beautiful mountain ecolodges, enjoying delicious and expertly prepared cuisine. At the end we visit Machu Picchu, situated on the spine of a jungle-cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above a roaring river, the crowning glory of the Incas. RATING This trip is appropriate for women in very good physical condition with previous hiking experience, who can hike 6 to 8 hours a day on rocky and sometimes steep mountain paths. The most challenging day includes hiking over a 15,000 foot pass with a 2500 foot elevation gain in 3 miles. This trip is rated 4 because on most days we hike 3 to 5 hours and there are a couple of 6-8 hour days. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and strength training for your legs is strongly recommended. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Experienced bilingual local guides and an Adventures in Good Company guide Nine nights double occupancy lodging in hotels and lodges All meals from dinner the first day through breakfast the last All transport once you arrive in Cusco including airport transfers Entrance fees to Machu Picchu and the Salkantay Trail Gratuities for staff and drivers and luggage transport by mules on the trek Not included: airfare to Cusco, travel insurance (evacuation insurance is required), guide gratuities, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JUNE 25, MONDAY If you are flying in to Cusco this morning, you will need to leave the day before in order to arrive this morning. We'll meet you at the airport and take you to our hotel. After time to rest and recover from your travel, we will spend the afternoon touring the main sights of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. This three to four hour tour will help us start to acclimatize to the altitude (Cusco's altitude is 11,000 feet). Walking along ancient streets, we'll visit the most important places such as the Main Square and the cathedral that was built over the Inca palace of Suntur Wasi; Qoricancha, the temple of the sun, the most important temple for Inca Culture; and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. We'll have dinner at a local restaurant tonight and undoubtedly go to bed early. Overnight Cuzco. D DAY 2 JUNE 26, TUESDAY Following a delicious breakfast at our hotel we'll take a tour of The Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour includes a visit to the Chinchero textile coop. A woman named Nilda Callanaupa has set up a weaving cooperative in Chinchero that does demonstrations of traditional weaving, and there are very well crafted textiles available for sale. We'll also visit the fantastic Inca complex of Pisaq and the village of Ollantaytambo where we have a guided tour of the fortress of Ollantaytambo. That night we'll meet with our trekking guide to discuss the itinerary and have a chance to ask last minute questions and make sure we're completely prepared for the trek. B, L, D
DAY 3 JUNE 27, WEDNESDAY After a very early breakfast, we will be picked up at 7:00 am for the drive to the starting point of our trek. Along the way we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo. After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before a half hour drive up a winding mountain road to a place called Marcoccasa. Here, we begin our trek on an old route called the "Camino Real" (Royal Path). On the way we'll stop to catch our breath: you'll have to decide if it's because of the spectacular views of the mountains or because of the altitude. In any case we'll also stop to eat our box lunch. Our destination is the Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort, located in the high Andean Valley of Soraypampa at an elevation of 11,800 ft. Although we could drive there, this beautiful trek will help further our acclimatization and get us used to hiking at altitude. The lodge has spectacular views of, and takes its name from, the majestic peak at the head of the valley - the "Salkantay", the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft, the highest in the region. After having some time to get settled in our rooms, we'll have time to relax before an evening briefing by the fireplace followed by appetizers and a hearty dinner. After dinner we might relax in the hot tub or, on a clear night, gaze at the achingly beautiful star-studded sky. Our hiking time is 3-4 hours, 7.4 miles, and 1950 feet elevation gain B, L, D DAY 4 JUNE 28, THURSDAY We've built in an extra day, partly so that you have one more day to acclimatize before we start and partly to give you a chance to explore this stunning area. Of course the lodge is also a delightful place to relax. If you're up for it, we highly recommend joining us for a hike to a glacial lake at the base of Humantay Mountain. If you like cold water plunges, you could even go for a (very) short dip! The hike takes about 3 or 4 hours and is an excellent activity for acclimatization and a first experience of high-mountain trekking. We have free time in the afternoon, and you might opt for a relaxing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi or curling up in the comfortable reading room with a book. That evening, after another delicious dinner. we'll make our final preparations for our trek. Our hiking time is 3-4 hours, 3.7 miles, and 1450 feet elevation gain and loss B, L, D
DAY 5 JUNE 29, FRIDAY Today is undoubtedly our most challenging day! After an early start, we will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point today, and indeed the whole trek, is a pass at 15,213 ft. We gain 2500 feet in 3 miles and reaching the top of the pass is very welcome! And it is amply rewarded, as we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for the Andean condors that are often visible in this area. Our spirits are further lifted and our body rejuvenated by a hot lunch along the trail. From the pass we descend toward the Wayra Lodge ("Wayra": wind; 'the place where the wind lives') our destination for the evening. After hiking between 6 and 8 hours, we are delighted to reach the lodge where hot showers and hot dinners are most welcome. Our hiking time is 6-8 hours, 7.4 miles, and 2575 feet elevation gain, 2410 ft elevation loss B, L, D DAY 6 JUNE 30, SATURDAY Today we leave the land of snow-capped peaks and begin descending to the valley. This an easier day and we can enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at Wayra Lodge. After breakfast we begin our trek by hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery as we enter a cloud forest. Cloud forests are both fascinating and endangered, with dramatically different flora and fauna than we've just seen. Our destination for today, the Colpa Lodge, is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers that are all fed by snow melt. The outdoor hot tub in this lodge has prominent views of lush green mountains and a small, far-away, local town. Dinner and overnight at the lodge Our hiking time is 3-4 hours, 5.5 miles, and 150 feet elevation gain, 3550 ft elevation loss B, L, D DAY 7 JULY 1, SUNDAY Today's trek is longer so we'll depart early this morning and head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas. Our trail rises and falls before descending to the river. We'll stop along the river to relax and enjoy a hot picnic lunch. We'll cross the river on a bridge and then continue up along the side of the mountain. This area is known for banana, granadilla, and avocado orchards, and coffee plantations that are said to produce some of the best organic coffees in the world. After another hour of trekking we'll be picked up by a private vehicle for a 30- minute drive to the beginning of the "Llactapata Inca Trail", a restored ancient Incan trail. From the head of the trail it's a short climb (30 min.) to the Lucma Lodge, set among coffee plants and avocado and banana trees. We may arrive in time to explore the small village of Lucmabamba. Our hiking time is 6-8 hours, 8 miles, and 1160 feet elevation gain, 2510 ft elevation loss B, L, D
DAY 8 JULY 2, MONDAY After a hearty breakfast and an early start, we tackle the last day of our trek. We head uphill for about 3 hours and 1900 feet towards Llactapata pass (8,974ft). Here we have a distant but amazing view of Machu Picchu, including both Machu and Huayna Pichhu (or "old" and "young" peaks) from the southwest. This is a vista few tourists ever glimpse. An added value are the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. There couldn't be a better place to enjoy our lunch. We then begin our final steep descent of 2-3 hours to the rushing Aobamba River, through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. At the end of the trail we hop on a train for a short (45 minutes) scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. We'll celebrate the end of the hike with dinner in Aguas Calientes, where an early bed time will re-energize us fror the following day's trip to Machu Picchu. Our hiking time is 4-6 hours, 6.8 miles, and 2150 feet elevation gain, 3300 ft elevation loss B, L, D DAY 9 JULY 3, TUESDAY Today we visit Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", with an option to climb either Huayna PIcchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. More recent research has shown that it wasn't actually a city; rather it was a retreat for the Incan wealthy. It is truly as stunning as the pictures show, with the sheer rock face called Huayna Pichu towering in the background. We'll start with a guided tour of about three hours. Our guide will explain how the city is divided into three sections- the Sacred District, the Popular District, and District of the Priests and Nobility and help us understand the significance of the various temples and parks. The stonework has been painstakingly restored and the temples in particular are as amazing as you've heard. For many that will be enough and the comfort of our lodging below beckons us to relax. For others, additional time to explore as you want, perhaps walk to the Sun Gate, is a more inviting option. Regardless of which you choose, we'll gather agin in our comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes for dinner and the night. B, L, D DAY 10 JULY 4, WEDNESDAY This morning after breakfast we'll return by train, enjoying one final ride through the beauty of the Sacred Valley, and then by private vehicle to Cusco. If you're returning today, we'll have you back to the Cusco airport by 1pm and you can plan for flights out after 3pm. Alternatively you can be dropped off at your hotel if you want some more time in Cuzco. If you're staying on for more time in Peru, we'll be glad to put you in touch with people who can help you plan the rest of your time. Peru is a fascinating place and a trip to Lake Titicaca, the Nasca Lines, or into the jungle would all be amazing additions. B
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE All planes to Cusco (CUZ) fly through Lima, and depending on the connections available, you may want to spend a night there. We'll include a list of Lima hotels in the PreDeparture document. Regardless of what day or time you arrive, you will be met at the Cusco airport and transported to the trip hotel (El Mercado) or any hotel of your choice near there. Detailed information about the pickup will be sent with the pre-trip letter 6 weeks prior to your trip. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. ACCOMMODATIONS We stay two nights in a 4-star hotel in Cuzco (El Mercado); and 2 nights at a 5-star hotel in Aguascalientes (InkaTerra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel). On the Salkantay Trail we stay in small remote mountain lodges where, with the exception of the first lodge, we are the only ones there. They are known for exceptional comfort and hospitality, and offer comfortable rooms and beds with glorious views, hot tubs, and excellent food. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions on this trip although variety may be more limited than you are used to. WEATHER Peru is close to the equator so rather than having a summer and winter, it has a wet and dry season. July is during the dry season. The specific area that you will be visiting will most likely be dry and experience daytime temperatures in the high 70s and nighttime temperatures dropping to mid 40s. When in the high mountains expect temperatures to be significantly cooler. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page. NOTE: Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is required for this trip. If you do not choose to get insurance that covers Trip Cancellation, you can still purchase Post-Departure benefits that includes evacuation.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair light-to-mid-weight hiking boots that are well broken in. Boots should come above the ankle. 1 pair comfortable shoes (athletic shoes, sport sandals, crocs) for lodges and after hiking 2-3 pair hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (e.g. Thorlo, Smartwool, Teko or Ultrex) CLOTHING 2 pair of comfortable synthetic long (3/4) pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1 pair shorts/capris or hiking skirt (lightweight and quick drying, may be unnecessary if you bring zip-off pants) 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved 1-2 lightweight long sleeved shirts (for protection from the sun. Button up front is recommended for one) 1 lightweight long underwear top: silk, wool, or synthetic (polyester) 1 medium weight long underwear top: wool or synthetic 1 lightweight/midweight/warm fleece/down jacket or pullover 1 warm down or synthetic-fill jacket (to wear in the evenings at high altitude must fit over other layers) 1 rain jacket and rain pants: a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Be sure your warm layers fit underneath 1 pair warm fleece/wool mittens or gloves 1 warm wool/fleece hat 1 buff (good for a lightweight hat and if trails are dusty) 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain underwear, sports bra (all quick drying) swimsuit (for the hot tub) 1 2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear around the hotels and out to dinner EQUIPMENT/ ESSENTIALS 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for details and recommended capacity) 1 pair of trekking poles (required) 1 rain Cover for your pack Passport and a Xeroxed copy of passport Sunscreen and lip block with SPF of at least 30. Chapstick inside your nasal passages helps with dryness Sunglasses (100% UV blocking w/ retention strap) 2 liter water carrying capacity (water bottle /hydration system). If you have a hydration system, also bring a small water bottle for drinking while riding in the van and visiting cultural sites. Insect repellent TOILETRIES (small everything) toothbrush, small toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, moist towelettes, sanitary supplies and a zip-lock plastic bag, contact lens paraphernalia small personal patch kit : bandaids, 1 safety pin, blister bandaids and moleskin, foot powder, ibuprofen, imodium, pepto, personal medications. Consider bringing Diamox for altitude. If you decide to bring some, try taking a small dose at home first Motion sickness pills (e.g. Bonine) if curvy roads make you carsick **Individuals with a history or potential of having severe allergic reactions must bring an Epi-Pen!! OPTIONAL (if you want it, bring it personal preference and not required for the trip) small journal and pen, book Benadryl for bug bites aftersun lotion or aloe pocket knife with scissors ear plugs (for a good night sleep) ziplock bags (multiuse) camera and film/memory card and extra batteries/charger short gaiters (helps keep dirt and rocks out of your shoes while hiking) favorite snacks electrolyte supplement to add to water occasionally, i.e. powered gatorade
NOTES ON PACKING The Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers what we have found to be essential for your safety and comfort for this particular trip. Although we will be staying indoors every night, you may be tempted to skimp on the warm clothes. Please don t. It is essential that you have the warm clothing and the rain to stay warm in case of inclement weather. The temperatures can vary significantly, depending on the elevation. It can get into the 30 s at night and be in the 70 s during the day. This is normally the dry season, but it can rain (or snow). You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. During the trek, your bags are carried by horses and are thus exposed to the elements i.e. rain/snow/dust. We recommend packing your belongings in a mid-sized soft duffle bag for the duration of the program. Our local partner can loan a duffel bag to anyone who might wish to use one. These can be picked up at the first meeting in Cusco. The train to Machu Picchu imposes a baggage weight limit of 8kg/18lbs per person. To ensure your bag does not exceed this amount, we highly recommend taking advantage of the duffel and storing your extra luggage at our hotel in Cusco. You will only need a day-pack for each day s hike and your duffel will meet you upon arrival at each evening s lodge. No hard-sided suitcases or duffel bags on wheels are allowed on the trek. Use small waterproof stuff sacks and/or plastic zipper bags to organize clothing & gear in your duffel bag. You could also use regular stuff sacks and put them all in a large, sturdy, plastic garbage bag within your duffel (bring an extra in case it rips). You will be able to store extra clothes in Cusco. Daypack: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear (jacket and pants), snacks for the day, sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. We recommend a 2 Liter size. We also recommend a one liter water bottle for drinking while in the van. Personal First Aid Kit: Small first aid kit with familiar medicine you might need for personal use, ESPECIALLY blister or foot remedies like toe tubes, moleskin (not molefoam), gelskin, blister bandages or similar. The amount and kind you bring will depend on your tendency to blister.
Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Please do not bring cotton clothing for hiking it is not adequate for keeping you warm, especially when wet. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions. Pack Cover: These are waterproof/resistant, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your backpack and keep both the pack and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. Pack covers are sized. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks do come with built in pack covers. An alternative to purchasing a pack cover is to use a heavy-duty, plastic bag to line your pack to protect the contents from rain your pack however will get wet using this method. Purchasing a pack cover is highly recommended. Short gaiters are optional. Some people like them because they keep your socks clean (reducing the chance of blisters) and keep debris out of your boots (another blister preventive measure), and most importantly---if it rains they keep your socks dry and prevents wicking water down into your boots