| HOLIDAY NAME | : | Inca Trail Colca Canyon Titicaca Lake |
| DURATION | : | 15/D 14/N |
| DEPARTURE | : | ( book at least 4 months in advance) see available inca trail spaces |
| SEASON | : | FROM MARCH TO NOVEMBER |
| GROUP SIZE | : | 02 Min and 08 Max |
Ecological Sustainable Adventure Travel Tours
Quechuas Expeditions Authorized Inca Trail Adventure Tour Operator
Under Local Mountain-jungle & cultural Multilingual Guides Management
QUECHUAS EXPEDITIONS Highly Recommended By:
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SOUTH AMERICAN EXPLORERS / LONELY PLANET / FROMMERS /NYTIMES / CUSTOMER LIVE COMMENTS 2009. | Fixed Departures 2010 | Terms & Conditions | Methods of Payments | |
THE INCA TRAIL + COLCA CANYON LAKE TITICACA TOUR 15D
Enjoy this tour through the very best of southern Peru, from one of the world’s deepest canyons to the highest navig
able lake in the world and into the Andes. Start in Lima and then onwards towards Arequipa, the “White City”, followed by a boat trip on Lake Titicaca home to floating islands of the Uros people. Finally, hike through the Andes along the legendary Inca Trail to reach the magestic Inca city of Machu Picchu.
In Colca Canyon we have the best view down into the canyon in order to observe the majestic flight of the condors rising with the morning thermals. We have plenty of time to enjoy the valley before our journey to Puno and the amazing cobalt blue waters of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat ride to the traditional island of Amantani where you’ll stay with the locals, learning more about their ancestral traditions and daily life.
One of the most famous treks in the world, the Inca Trail presents you with culture, nature and history thanks to its rich Incan past. The 45 km journey- which combines mountain scenery, subtropical jungle and Inca paving stones, tunnels and ruins - can be walked in 4 days. We begin our trek in the Sacred Valley which gives a day to gently acclimatise to the altitude. Here your guide will give you a tour of the ruins of Ollantaytambo. The following day you begin the Inca Trail at 82km (2650m).
The trail was built some 500 years ago by the Incan civilisation and leads to the sacred Incan city of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Over 400 species of orchid have been discovered in the area
and the landscape is rich in wildlife, from hummingbirds to the majestic Andean condor and the shy spectacled bear.
Early morning on the fourth day you finally reach your destination - Machu Picchu and although it sounds a cliché, seeing the great city in the clouds is truly a humbling experience.
The historical Inca Trail is indeed so enticing that places on the trek are limited to a maximum of 500 people per day. Therefore, it is essential that you book at least 5 months in advance. It is also important to remember that the trail is always closed for the month of February for maintenance. To really enjoy this trek it helps if you are of a reasonable fitness level. With heights ranging from 2000m - 4200m this is by no means a walk in the park, but will be a rewarding experience for any hillwalker.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day:1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel).
Day:2: Arrive Arequipa and take a visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina (Overnight in Arequipa hotel).
Day:3: Colca Canyon (Overnight).
Day:4: Puno (Overnight in Puno).
Day:5: Visit the beautiful island of Amantani on Lake Titicaca (Overnight Amantani home stay).
Day:6: Island Visits - Taquile & Uros (Overnight Puno).
Day:7: Travel to Cusco visiting the Inca temple Raqchi on our way (Overnight Cusco).
Day:8: Tour of the Sacred Valley (Overnight Ollantaytambo).
Days:9-11:Start the classic Inca Trail (Camping).PERMIT REQUIRED BOOK IN ADVANCE options instead of classic inca trail Lares trek/Salcantay trek/inca jungle
Day:12: Arrive at Machu Picchu (Overnight Cusco).
Day:13: Cusco (Overnight Cusco).
Day:14: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel).
Day:15: Depart Peru
| NUMBER OF PEOPLE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6-10 | 10-16 PEOPLE |
| PRICE US$ PER PERSON | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ | US$ |
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY: Walking and journey times are approximate
Day 1: Arrive Lima (Overnight in Lima hotel). Transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Day 2: Arrive Arequipa (Overnight in Arequipa hotel). Fly from Lima to Arequipa where you will meet with your tour leader who will be with you for the trip. Transfer to hotel. Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city yet it maintains a laid back atmosphere and a traditional colonial style as it lies in the shadow of El Misti volcano. We take a visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Later in the afternoon we visit the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where we have the opportunity to view the Inca mummy known as “Juanita”.
Day 3:Colca Canyon (Overnight): Travel for approximately 3 ½ hours along a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing en route to Colca Canyon. On our drive there are ample photo stops allowing us to enjoy some spectacular views of volcanoes, agricultural terraces and wild alpaca and vicuña herds. We spend the night in the Colca Valley allowing us time to acclimatize and take a dip in the relaxing thermal baths of La Calera.
Day 4: Puno (Overnight in Puno): After an early breakfast we depart in the direction of the famous vantage point of Cruz del Condor from where we have the best view down into the canyon in order to observe the majestic flight of the condors rising with the morning thermals. We return briefly to visit the towns of Maca and Yanque, with stops to view the marvellous Colca Canyon. After lunch we transfer by tourist bus to the city of Puno (3800m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5: Island Visit - Amantani (Overnight Amantanti home stay):Today we leave the port of Puno by way of a tourist boat and cruise Lake Titcaca (the highest navigable lake in the world at 3800m). Our destination – the Island of Amananti. We lunch on the island and then we split into smaller groups and billet into family homes where we stay with the locals and experience their style of living first hand for a once in a lifetime cultural exchange. In the late afternoon we can enjoy the breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca from the top of the island. On a clear day we will even be able to see the distant peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia.
Day 6: Island Visits - Taquile & Uros (Overnight Puno): Say our farewells to our host families and return to Puno today via our first stop on Lake Titicaca is Taquile Island. The people of Taquile Island’s unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The island is characterised by the quality of their textiles. Here, the men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. We lunch on Taquile before resuming our boat trip to the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Arrive in Puno and spend the night in the hotel.
Day 7: Cusco (overnight Cusco): An 8 hour panoramic bus ride brings us over the highlands to the former capital of the Incas: Cusco. During the trip we enjoy our lunch and visit different tourist attractions like the colonial church of Andahuaylillas and the Inca temple Raqchi (dedicated to Wiracocha the most important god in Andean ideology). Arrive in Cusco and transfer to our hotel for the night (3400 m).
Day 8: Sacred Valley (Overnight Ollantaytambo): Travel through the Sacred Valley and visit the towns and Inca ruins of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. Get a chance to learn a little about the local people, their way of life and their traditional weaving techniques.
Day 9: Start the Inca Trail: Depart from Km 82 and cross the Urubamba River Bridge and begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. We travel along the winding path that skirts the river, offering views of the Vilcanota mountain range. Our route journeys through the narrow Cusishaca valley and later we’ll reach the indigenous community of Huayllabamba. Our local crew of porters cook and guide look after us well for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear for the hike, so those passengers doing the hike only need carry a small daypack for the daily essentials. We camp at Wayllabamba. Approx. walking time 5 hours
Day 10: On the second day we climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. Don’t be put off by the name – with your guide’s encouragement you’ll make it to the top and enjoy the fantastic view that awaits you! At 4215 m (13769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike is Runcuracay (3998m)(13113ft) where on clear days, we enjoy superb views of the snow- capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Tonight we camp at Pacaymayo. Approx. walking time 7 hours
Day 11: Today the trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on a climb which is steeper than Dead Woman’s Pass but shorter (1 ½ hours), you will walk through a causeway and a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12136 ft). On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650 m (11972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. It is the longest day.Approx. walking time 8 - 9 hours.
Day 12:Arrive at Machu Picchu (Overnight Cusco): Today we visit the remarkable Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you. It may be called the Sun Gate but bear in mind we are in the cloud forest and sometimes “Cloud Gate“would be a more suitable name. The morning is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary site of Machu Picchu, where your guide will be on hand to explain and give you an insight into the life of the Incas at Machu Picchu. For the keen, there’s also the opportunity to climb the sacred peak of Huaya Picchu. In the afternoon, we take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cuzco. Approx. walking time 2 hours.
Day 13: Cusco (Overnight Cusco): Free day in Cusco. Shop for souvenirs or take a look round Cusco’s beautiful Main Square with its colonial architecture or take an optional city tour (this and any other activities can be arranged through your tour leader).
Day 14: Arrive Lima (Overnight Lima hotel). Transfer to airport and catch our flight to Lima. Say goodbye to your tour leader at Cusco airport. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You may want to book a city tour if you have time.
Day 15: Depart Peru: Transfer to airport to catch your international flight.
WHAT TO BRING ON THIS HOLIDAY
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Checklist:
• Original Passport (and some copies)
• Travel insurance (and some copies)
• Airline tickets (and some copies)
• USD cash and travellers cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and films
• Rechargeable batteries and adapters
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife.
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
• Sport hiking sandals
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Purifying tablets or filter
• Flashlight head light recommended
• Money belt
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
RECOMMENDED IF YOU DO INCA TRAIL- SALKANTAY- LARES TREK – INCA JUNGLE – CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU - AUSANGATE AND OTHER TREKS THAT LAST MORE THAN 2 DAYS
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bag)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho ,plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us )
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Money Exchange: Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit cards or debit cards will actually work in Peru. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a commission or given a less-favourable exchange rate for travellers cheques. Always take more rather than less.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
The Price Includes: Tour GUIDE leader (who is your guide in the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Cusco), cook who is charge of making the food , 4 season (MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR Tent performance elevated retailer ) 4 man tent for 2-people so there will be plenty of space to set up your backpacks ,THERM-A-REST Sleeping mattresses ( a whole new way to sleep in comfort.), equipment (double-, dining- and kitchen-tents, mats, table, chairs etc.) entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu. English speaking local tour guides at Colca Canyon and Puno. All internal transport connections.
Group Size: 4 – 16
Group Leader: Bilingual tour leader from Arequipa to Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights), camping (3 nights), homestay – basic with the locals (1 night)
Transport: Train, bus, plane, boat, hiking
Meals Included: All meals while on the Inca Trail. This includes snacks and fresh drinking water. Meals while on the island tour. Breakfasts included when staying in the hotels.
Meal Budget : Allow approx. US$10 /$15 for every meal not included.
Not Included:*Sleeping bags,alcoholic drinks, tickets for the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, tips for the guides, porters and other staff. Lunch and dinner whilst staying at hotels. City tours of Lima and Cusco. All airport departure tax - Lima International Departure tax is approximately $30 USD and Lima Domestic Departure tax is approximately $6 USD. Travel insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
*Sleeping bags,hiking poles can be easily rented in Cusco at a price of $4 per day. Just ask your tour leader
