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From approximately 1450 to 1530, the western
coast of South America flourished under the vast Incan Empire. At
their height, the Inca were worthy of comparison to the ancient
Roman society. Their many achievements include superior roadways,
government, and counting systems. Lasting roughly a century, the
Inca culture was highly sophisticated, but most information about
them was lost during the time of Spanish conquest. Today
archaeologists continue to uncover some of the buried mysteries to
further our knowledge of the Inca. On our trek, we too hope to
discover more about this fascinating culture.
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We begin in Lima, with most tour members
arriving during the evening of Day 1 or early in the morning of
Day 2 (with their rooms reserved from the night before). After
breakfast, we will tour the city including: the Plaza Major, the
Government Palace, the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. We will
visit the Casa Aliaga, a well-preserved colonial mansion in
continuous occupancy by the same family since 1535. We will also
enjoy a visit to a private collection of Inca and Pre-Inca arts
and artifacts, and tour the Larco Herrara Museum with its
extensive erotic art collection. Dinner this evening will be at
Huaca Pucllana, a lovely Peruvian restaurant.
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This morning we head out for
our flight from Lima to Cusco(approximately one hour). After
arrival in Cusco, we will begin adjusting to the altitude in
preparation for our upcoming mountain trek. We will drive down to
the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a beautiful stretch of villages
and ancient ruins spread across a broad plain beneath the gentle
mountain slopes northwest of Cusco. The area is home to several
grand haciendas, Inca temples, and quaint villages. It is also a
fertile valley and major center of agricultural production. With
the Urubamba River as its source, native Andean crops such as
white corn, coca, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables
flourish in expansive fields and along spectacularly terraced
mountain slopes.
We will stop at the market in
Pisac, an ancient city famous for its arts and crafts. We then
arrive at our hotel in Yucay for the night. After dinner, we rest
and prepare for our mountain trek begins.
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For the next four days/three nights we will
follow the Inca Trail through one of the most stunning
combinations of natural beauty and rich cultural history
imaginable. The following itinerary is typical of the trek but
maybe fluctuate based on weather conditions, campsites available
and the progress of the group. In few other places does a trail
challenge and thrill a hiker with such mystery and magnificent
scenery. Each day we will ascend to new vistas, see incredible
ruins (only visible by walking the trail) and live in the actual
footsteps of those who built this path nearly 600 years ago. And
each day the anticipation of Machu Picchu, one of the most amazing
archaeological wonders of the world, pulls us upward to the
clouds.
Our starting point is at km.
marker 82 in the trail. It will be a relatively short day of
hiking as we cross over a small bridge to and make an initial
climb to our first campsite. Our introduction to the ruins begins
as there are several ancient sites amidst the terraced landscape
of the great Andes.
After breakfast, we begin a
difficult but rewarding day of trekking. We will cross over the
highest pass on the trail: 13,800 ft and perhaps the second
highest of 13,280 , depending on the weather and the timing. As we
ascend the first pass, we may catch a glimpse of our second pass
off in the distance. As the path winds slowly uphill through a
small forest we reach Pallacta, an elaborate archeological complex
of roughly 112 rooms. We continue up and over the Cusichaca Valley
to reach the tiny Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the
trail ascends steeply to our first pass. Along the way we will see
a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. We will also pass through our
first cloud forest where white slips appear out of nowhere only to
dissolve like a magic handkerchief and leave us with a perfect
patch of blue sky. We can also catch a glimpse of the very rare
que-ua tree found only here in the Andes.
With the tree line below us we
move slowly not only to preserve our breathing but to enjoy the
outrageous mountain views. We descend to the Pacamayo River, and
then climb again to the Runkuraqay, a beautifully restored ruin
circular in shape and used as a lookout. It still offers wondrous
views which we pause to enjoy before heading over a lower pass to
Sayacmarca. Tonight we camp at Phuyupatamarca (town at the edge of
the clouds). We again have hiked approximately 9 km but today’s
trek will take us eight hours.
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On our final morning on the trail, we follow
along a buttress toward the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, located on
a ridge of the same water course we have been traversing. With
each step we draw closer to the crown of the Lost City—Machu
Picchu. Today's hike is not easy. We walk carefully on massive
stone steps spiraling downward, then we climb up and up again. But
our reward is well worth the effort: the first glimpse of Machu
Picchu as we enter through the Sun.Gate, the same way the Incas
did it over 500 years ago.
The ancient city atop the
mountains at 8,000 ft seems untouched since being inhabited by
the Incas. Because of its remote location, the Spanish
conquistadors missed Machu Picchu and it became a refuge for the
escaping Incas during the time of conquest. Amazingly preserved
temples still stand with huge walls of artistically carved white
granite. Every turn offers another view, another photo
opportunity, or another chance to absorb the magic and the history
that make this place so special.
With this sky high treasure at
our feet, we have time to explore before we shake the dust off
our clothes, enjoy a hot shower, and replace our sleeping bags
with soft hotel beds at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Lodge. The lodge
is in the village below Machu Picchu, and we'll have the full
morning to explore the ruins. A mid-afternoon train will take us
to Cusco where we spend the next two nights.
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Our city tour takes us to the remains of the
Tambomachay Baths a delightful complex of waterworks comprised
of lovely stonework, aqueducts, and waterfalls fed by cold and hot
springs. We will visit the Kenko Amphitheater with its intricate
carvings and winding underground passageways; the red fortress of
Puca Pucara and the impressive Sacsayhuaman which overlooks Cusco.
In the afternoon, we see a sample of the old town including the
Santo Domingo Monastery and the Cathedral. In San Blas we can roam
the ancient streets and shop at the square filled with native art
galleries and craft booths. Tonight we enjoy our Farewall Dinner
and party in Cucso.
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Our flight leaves Cusco in the morning for
Lima.Most flights to the US leave Lima late at night, and
arrive in the US early the next morning, so there will be time to
take a spin around the city or do some last minute shopping.You
may want to reserve a day room at our hotel until its time to
leave for the airport. Individual transfers to the airport are not
included in the tour price, but can be reserved as a tour option.
So now you are an expert on
the Inca civilization. Hope your memories and the dust of the
trail stay fresh in your mind until your next Alyson Adventure!
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