Get to know local people, and their customs and traditions. Join in the world of the Alpaca and Llama herders, and wander in the same space where the Andean culture originated
INTRODUCTION
Two indigenous Andean communities in conjunction with a Cusco tour outfitter have designed a hiking-route with four mountain lodges to satisfy travelers from all over the world in search of a challenge with comfort and style.
The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” provides a unique trekking experience, off the beaten path, in the Cordillera Vilcanota, a remote and unspoiled high mountain paradise in the Andes department of Cusco. It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a few days in harmony with nature and isolated Andean shepherds, combined with the comfort of cozy, eco-friendly Andean Lodges. After a catch up day in Cusco, a spectacular rail tour to Machu Picchu.
Day 1: You will arrive at the airport and be met by our local representative and transferred to a hotel in Lima.
Day 2: An early morning flight will take you to Cuzco. A leisurely day in town, where you can buy souvenirs and adjust to the high elevation. (B)
Day 3: Today will be the day for exploring ruins with a visit to the Koricancha, Tambomachay with their water fountains; Kenko, the religious center; Puca-Pucara, the red fortress, and finally the fortress of Sacsaywaman. (B, L)
Day 4: Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Indian Market of Pisac in the morning and Ollantaytambo fortress in the afternoon. This site, including the village at it’s base, exemplifies the best of Incan engineering. (B,L)
Day 5: We start in city of Cusco, with an interesting bus-ride along the Vilcanota Valley, on the paved main-road from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca). After a stop at the town of Checacupe and a visit to its beautiful colonial church, we ascend the Japura Valley that leads to the communities of Osefina and Chillca, the final stop of the bus-journey, where the groups are received by the locals. From there it’s only a 20 minute walk to the first lodge, the Chillca Tambo (4,300 m / 14,000 ft). Upon arrival, have time to explore the surroundings, or just to relax, enjoying the beautiful views and sceneries. In the evening people from the village will entertain our groups with traditional music.
Day 6, 7, 8 : The actual trekking begins early in the morning after breakfast. The distances on the trail vary from around 6 to 11 miles/10 to 16 km per Day. The lodges are all within daily walking distances, easily reachable in six to seven hours, considering regular hiking-speed and plenty of stops for taking pictures and enjoying the landscapes.
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories they might need on the trail). The hike itself is rather demanding, mostly due to the altitude, ranging from 14,000 to 16,700 ft/4,300 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. There are also some significant changes of altitude during the course of the day. (BLD)
Day 9: When we reach the road halfway between Chillca and Checacupe. It ends with a picnic lunch, before boarding the bus back to Cusco, on the above mentioned road. (BL)
Day 10: Today is a free day to relax back n the city. (B)
Day 11: Today you will embark on one of the most exciting journeys in the world – the train to Machu Picchu. Not known to exist by the Spaniards, Hiram Bingham brought Maccu Picchu to world attention in 1911, when he was searching for the last Incan stronghold of Vilacamba. (B)
Day 12: Today will be your return trip to Cuzco by train with time to revisit Machu Picchu on your own if you wish (the second day entrance fee is not included). (B)
Day 13: Transfer and flight back to Lima and onward flight home.
Besides the llamas, that carry a large part of the clients luggage, our groups are also followed by horses. Weary participants have the option to continue the trip on horseback. AN option exists to ride horse the whole trip at a small extra cost of US$250 pp. This is to pay for the extra horse guide.
Tour Includes: 12 nights accommodation, all local airfares, and transfers from airport, fully guided, breakfasts daily and all meals while trekking.