ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM WHEN
INKA TRAIL IS FULL
The
Weavers’ Way to Machu Picchu:
Lares, Patacancha, Ollantaytambo & Machu Picchu
Nowadays it is a little difficult to confirm spaces at the Inca Trail especially
in August and September. We present this alternative to the famous Inka Trail,
The Weavers' way to Machu Picchu.
The
Cordillera Urubamba in southern Peru is the last great range of snowcapped
mountains before the eastern slope of the Andes falls away to the Amazon basin.
Tucked behind this 40-mile chain of 18,000 ft.-plus peaks lies a region of high
altitude valleys. Here the Quechua people maintain an ancient way of life,
herding alpacas and llamas, farming the Andean slopes, and practicing a
tradition inherited from their Inca ancestors: the making and wearing of superb
textiles.
This
short trek begins at the eastern end of this mountain chain, at the colonial
village of Lares, with its delightful hot springs baths, and ends with a road
journey to the famous “living Inca settlement” of Ollantaytambo and continuing
to Machu Picchu. In between we follow a hiking route that skirts the northern
slope of the Cordillera, crossing one high pass. We encounter villages where the
colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite “manta”
shoulder garments of the women, and each wear a distinctive local headgear that
announces their origin from this part of Peru. The villagers along the way are
generally friendly and welcoming, and some will offer to sell you their
excellent weavings.
Itinerary
8
days / 7 nights
Rated: Moderate
Day 01
ARRIVE IN CUZCO
Arrive and transfer to hotel Don Carlos. Rest of the day at leisure to adjust to
the high altitude.
Day 02
CUZCO
Morning get together with Inka trail outfit for last minute information.
Afternoon tour of the city and visit ruins nearby such as Sacsayhuaman, Kenko,
Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay. (B)
Day 03
CUZCO/LARES/HUACAHUASI
We leave Cusco in the early morning, driving to the provincial town of Calca in
the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and climbing northward to a spectacular high
pass before dropping down to the village of Lares on the east slope of the
Andes. Here we take a delicious dip at a hot springs in the meadows outside of
town and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we begin a leisurely half-day hike up
the valley of the rushing Rio Trapiche, before reaching the highland village of
Huacahuasi, where we camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 04
PATACANCHA
We climb steadily, traversing an open, treeless landscape of ground-hugging
plants and flowers among pastures of Andean bunch-grass scattered with roaming
herds of alpacas and llamas. Reaching an altitude of 4,500m. we cross the pass
of Ipsayccasa then descend into the Patacancha watershed, with the lake of
Ipsaycocha to our right. We may see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other waterbirds
in the wetlands here as we journey through the heartland of these Quechua
people, who are locally nicknamed “Huayruros” – the name of a red and black seed
reminiscent of the color combinations of the local textiles. We reach the
village of Patacancha and camp nearby. (B,L,D)
Day 05
PUMAMARCA-OLLANTAYTAMBO
Our transport takes us downvalley to Pallata, where we begin a short, half-day
hike to Ollantaytambo, via the scenic early-Inca site of Pumamarca (Puma town).
This well-preserved Inca outpost was apparently a fort protecting the approaches
to the Sacred Valley. From there we hike down a trail that winds gently across
steep mountain slopes, through a stupendous series of agricultural terraces
built by the Incas and now partially restored to agricultural use. At the
village of Munaypata we rejoin the main road, where our transport makes the
final short drive to Ollantaytambo. After lunch we visit the impressive ruins
here, and tour the nearby village, where people go about their daily lives among
original Inca streets and houses. Overnight in Ollantaytambo POSADA YUCAY (B,L)
Day 06
OLLANTAYTAMBO-MACHU PICCHU
We take the morning train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and
then ascend by bus to the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu. Guided exploration,
visiting the best-known features of this astounding and mysterious Inka
settlement. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inka
achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes for overnight at hotel MACHU PICCHU
INN. (B,L)
Day 07 MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO
Day at leisure to explore the area on your own. You can hike to Huayna Picchu or
visit some other interesting sites such as Inka bridge, Temple of the Moon, the
Intipunko (main entrance to Machu Picchu during Inka times). Mid-afternoon
return to Cuzco with transfer to hotel DON CARLOS. (B)
Day 08
CUZCO-LIMA-USA
Transfer to the airport for flight to LIma where you will be connecting with
your international flight. (B)
DEPARTURE DAYS:
JUL.07, 21; AUG.04, 18; SEP 08, 22
COST PER PERSON:
DBL.
US$2185; TRP $2086; SGL SUPP. $588
INCLUDING:
Local airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima.
A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide, who visit the clients the
evening before departure to explain the trek and answer any question.
Camping Equipment: Spacious North Face tents, dinning tent, toilet ten, tables
and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking equipment. Trekkers need only bring
sleeping bags.
Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients.
Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to
pack and them to carry. You carry a light daypack.
Transportation from Cusco to start of the Lares trail, first class train-the
Vista dome- Ollanta/Aguas Clientes (Machu Picchu)/Cusco.
Entrance fees and roundtrip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu
Picchu archaeological sanctuary. (not on the 2nd day to Machu Picchu)
Hotel accommodation as mentioned in itinerary.
Not
Included: International airfare; personal items; insurance (available thru
Insure America..please see
Insurance, )
WEATHER.
The Andean weather can be unpredictable, despite the sharp divide between dry
and wet seasons. The dry season runs from May to October or November; the rainy
season goes from December through April. Nevertheless, in the mountainous
Cordillera Urubamba, showers can occur at any time of year. Therefore, even in
the “dry” season, your daypack should always include full rain gear.
Day time temperatures can vary greatly, with daytime highs ranging from
10ºC/50ºF to 25ºC/75ºF and nigh time lows ranging from 10ºC/50ºF to a cold
0ºC/32ºF, though seldom much lower. Bring a swimsuit for bathing in the hot
springs at Lares.
DEPOSITS:
US$300.00 at the time of booking.
FINAL PAYMENT:
60 days before departure.
CANCELLATIONS:
Prior to departure: up 35 days US$200.00 penalty per person ;
34 or less no
refunds.
For
further information call your travel agent or 1-800-327-0080
®
