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Coming soon 2009 calendar of trips
If you need airport pick-up, please let us know in advance.
Day 1
Our trip begins in Lima, the capital of the Conquistador. The groups meets and has lunch at a typical Lima restaurant. The afternoon is spent strolling through the local craft galleries and markets in colonial and residential Lima, with a stop for a Pisco Sour in a very special place.
Day 2
Very early in the morning (4:30 am) we take our one hour flight to Cuzco. After settling in our hotel, we take time to enjoy the most beautiful of all Peruvian cities. Stunning architecture and the warm atmosphere of this colonial city makes us feel like having some fun, so in the evening we venture out to the local Peñas and restaurants in the Plaza de Armas.
Day 3
One cannot go to Cusco without seeing the exquisite archaeological site of Saccsayhuaman, which is the annual gathering spot for natives when they celebrate their heritage with the festival of the Inca Sun God. We walk through this historical park and learn about the religion and politics that still link the present day natives to their ancestral Inca heritage.
Day 4
It is time to put on our hiking gear because today we start the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the “Lost city of the Incas”. At the break of dawn, we travel by bus and truck to the start of the trail, at the town of Chilca. From Chilca, we hike parallel to the Urubamba river, eventually going up a path by the Cusicacha stream until we reach the village of Huayllabamba (2,700 metres) where we camp for the night.
THE INCA TRAIL
Day 5
An early start from Huayllabamba allows us ample time to reach the first and most difficult pass Warniwanusca, at 4100 meters. Along the way we trek up centuries old, Inca-built stone walkways and traverse the high ridges of the Cordillera Mountains, overlooking a thunderous river in the gorge below. Finally reaching the summit, we descend the mountain, eating lunch in a picturesque valley and setting up camp near a small stream called Pacamayo.
Day 6
On the second day of the hike, we travel through the egg-shaped archaeological ruins called Runkurakay, climbing the second pass at 3,900 metres. After reaching this plateau there is an incredible change in landscape, from grassland to tropical vegetation. We also pass through a second archaeological site, Syacmarca, and continue on a well preserved Inca Trail to Puyupatpmarca, where we spend the night.
Day 7
Today we take our time. It is an easy hike to Winaywayna (3700 metres). A few kilometres past here we see an unforgettable sight, the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu breaking through the clouds. We rest at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, to absorb this incredible sight, then for the next thirty minutes we continue on to Machu Picchu, looking at the same view the Incas had while walking this trail. This really is quite a feeling! To end the day, we hike to the town of Aguas Calientes (Hot Water) to soak in the relaxing thermal baths.
Day 8
We spend the entire day at Machu Picchu, there is so much to see !! In the late afternoon we take the train back to Cuzco.
Day 9
At Cuzco, you have a free morning to do as you please. You can catch up on your washing, write and mail letters, or just sit around and rest. In the afternoon you can visit the handicraft shops, but you have to save your energy for the evening because we are going to the famous Kamikasi Pub for a night of fun.
Day 10
We leave for Puerto Maldonado, the biological capital of Peru. The 54-minute flight takes us from the cold snow capped Andes mountains of Cusco, over the high dense jungle, and into the low jungle capturing an impressive view of rivers sinking their ways through the dense green Amazon Forest ... just the flight is a must-see!!! This pristine rainforest hosts an ecosystem more beautiful and complex than any in the world. Arriving in Puerto Maldonado, we have no time to waste!! Immediately we board our boat, eat some snacks, and travel down the Madre de Dios River to a lake where we can canoe and enjoy a diversity of plants, birds and other exotic creatures, and with luck, maybe we can catch some fish for dinner. There are pirañas in these waters, so we can eat them, rather than the other way around! After dinner, we go for an evening canoe. Canoeing by night under a bright moon surrounded by the noises and shadows of the jungle is a magical feeling!! It also gives us an excellent opportunity to see some of the jungle’s more notorious creatures, such as caiman.
Day 11
We begin this day with a nature walk. There is a wide assortment of wildlife, from trees the size of small houses that are draped with vines, fruits and fauna, to miniature humming birds, insects, monkeys, squirrels, wild pigs and other mammals. With any luck we may see the jungle jaguar, which often sun bathes on the tree branches overlooking the Amazon River. We have to be very quiet and alert on our walks so that we don’t startle the many creatures that inhabit these forests. There are also snakes and tarantulas, but no worries, they are more afraid of us than we are of them. Back at the base, we’d better bathe in the lake to get rid of the little invaders from the bush!!
Day 12
Early in the morning we return to Madre de Dios River gather our supplies and take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado. At the airport we have a small breakfast and then fly to Cusco. The rest of the day is for you to spend as you like.
Day 13
It is on to Puno by train! The amazing 12-hour trip takes us through numerous villages and mountains. This incredible scenery is speckled with llamas and alpacas herded by natives adorned in colorful clothing typical of their cultural region. And on the lively train ride we are entertained by food vendors, musicians, poets, and sometimes thieves. Puno is located on Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world. At such a high altitude the evening can be very cold, so much so that you will probably need a hot shower and a warm meal to beat the cold night.
Day 14
In the morning we take a boat to the island of Taquile. On the way we stop at Uros, an island made entirely of reeds. The local ethnic group that inhabits this floating island is quite unique. They live in reed houses and gain their livelihood from fishing and trading on reed boats. The small town of Taquile is a different story; everything is made from stone, including the beds and toilets. The landscape is very beautiful. We spend one night here, lodging with a local family in (of course) one of the stone houses!
Day 15
A morning walk around this island gives us an opportunity to investigate the Sillustani graves and other ruins dating back to Pre-Inca times. We will discuss how the present day cultural group has maintained many of the traditions and modes of subsistence as their Pre-Inca ancestors. We leave Taquile at 1:00 p.m., arriving in Puno at 5:00 p.m.
Day 16
From the town of Juliaca, we catch a plane to Arequipa. Upon our arrival, we will settle into our hotel and in the afternoon we will explore Sta. Catalina Monastery and the central part of Arequipa.
Day 17
An early start, we drive up into the mountains, through amazing Andean landscape, seeing vicuñas and petroglyphs. Arriving at Chivay, we will have a relaxing bath in the hot springs. Chivay is a very quiet town, where we can enjoy music and a beer.
Day 18
Another early start, leaving for Cruz del Condor. This special spot is well known for spotting condors, so let’s cross our fingers. Around this part we can also see vizcachas, and of course enjoy the beautiful terraced fields all over. We return to Arequipa in the evening.
Day 19
We fly back to Lima and settle into our hotel. We can spend the afternoon shopping - the markets are full of crafts and great gifts for family and friends. In the evening we will visit a very special place for our farewell dinner.
TOUR GUIDE AND MEMBERS
- Guided by Lucho Hurtado, with Tour Leader depending on type of Tour. Local guides in each region may be called upon to assist the tour.
ACCOMMODATION
- During the trip, we use hotels of good comfort (hot water, clean and safe). We also sleep in huts in the jungle and on Taquile Island, and tents on the Inca Trail. With the “Real and Adventurous” trips we will use backpackers accommodation, all well recommended.
FOOD
- In towns or cities, we can try the wide assortment of Peruvian dishes available. There is always international food in restaurants, but I can always advise you of something typical and tasty to eat. In the jungle and on Lake Titicaca, we will eat fresh fish, vegetables and lots of fruits.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
- The weather and climate varies immensely depending on the region and altitude. The jungle is very hot and humid. The Amazon temperature can range from 25-35 degrees Celsius during the day to a nighttime average of 12-15 degrees Celsius. Mountain temperature tends to be warm during the day and extremely cold at nights. An average day temperature is about 18-22 degrees Celsius and in the dry cold nights it goes down to 0 degrees.
BASIC EQUIPMENT
- 1 backpack
- 1 sleeping bag
- Toiletries
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- 1 small first aid kit
- 1 water bottle
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 pair trekking shoes
- 1 pair of light weight shoes or sandals
- 1 camera and all the film you may need
- Flashlight
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
- For this type of tour all members should be in good health. We recommend that you be vaccinated against Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Hepatitis. Contact your local health unit to find out about required vaccinations. Please bring any medicine you may need for minor ailments (diarrhea, headaches, etc) and be sure to bring anti-malarials!
THE COST
- Adventure with Comfort:
- Real and Adventurous:
- It is necessary to pay a deposit of US$100 and to complete the appropriate booking form
- The balance of the tour must be paid no later than eight weeks prior to our departure date. Payment of the full amount before the eight weeks, entitles you to a 50% discount on your booking fee.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
- A guide for 19 days
- Hotels
- Transportation (bus, boat, and plane)
- Welcome and Farewell dinners
- Reception and transfer from airport to hotels
- Food during treks
- Tourist Tickets to archaeological sites
- Tents and cooking equipment
- Heaps of fun and a memorable time while sharing a lifetime experience!
IT DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Arranging of Visas
- Vaccinations
- Insurance of any kind (travel insurance is compulsory for all tours)
- Airport tax for your flight out of Peru
- Personal equipment
- Laundry
- Meals in towns, cities and trains
- Soft drinks / Alcoholic drinks Cigarettes / Toiletries
- Medical Attention
- Souvenirs, tips and gifts
Reservation & Payments:
BOOKING FORM FOR ADVENTURE TRIPS
Incas del Peru charges $100.00 BOOKING FEE to confirm a client's commitment to our services or programs. If we receive full payment for the services request at least 45 days in advance before the service or program starts we will waive the BOOKING FEE.You may wire the Booking Fee or make your full payment by PAYPAL (
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) or make your deposit to the following account number:
Payments in/to Peru
Foreign Currency Account in US Dollars
Mr. LUIS HURTADO Z.
Beneficiary Bank: Banco de Crédito del Peru.
Account At Beneficiary Bank: 355- 09121947-1-25.
BIC: 002-355-109121947125-65
IBAN:002
Address: Calle Real # 1013 Huancayo, PERU.
Payments in New Zealand
Paying to a bank account US dollars: Please arrange an International telegraphic Transfer / SWIFT MT103 to ANZ Bank, Wellington, New Zealand. SWIFT address ANZBNZ22 for credit of BEVERLY MAREE STUART.Foreign Currency Account Number 204201-USD20
Paying to a bank account NZ dollars: Make your deposit to BM Stuart Bank: ANZ Wanganui Account Number: 01-0790-0109 632 00
Paying by mail: Please make cheques payable to BM Stuart 84 Parsons st Wanganui - New Zealand
Sincerely
Lucho Hurtado
Director
INCAS DEL PERÚ
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