Lodge-to-lodge trek in the high Andes

Sacred Peak of the Incas

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Mountains are sacred deities for the Andean people, and one of the most revered is Ausangate (20,945'), a bastion of the traditional cultures that thrive within its powerful spiritual shadow. On our six-day lodge-to-lodge trek, we venture close to its glittering icy walls, pause by turquoise glacial lakes nestled in high Andean valleys, pass grazing herds of llamas and alpacas, and take in extraordinary views of the stunning ice peaks and glaciers of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Our overnights are in community-owned mountain lodges a day’s walk apart, offering a comfortable alternative to camping and a chance to learn about the lives of the Quechua people who live in Ausangate’s shadow.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Cusco

From Lima, we head to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, and acclimatize to the heady altitude with an exploration of the city, whose still-visible Inca walls are the foundations for many of Cusco’s colonial buildings. The next day, a warm-up hike takes us from the natural springs at Tambo Machay above Cusco to the great fortress of Saqsayhuaman, whose enormous, mortarless stone ramparts are a marvel to behold.

Days 3-4
Urubamba Valley / Huchuy Cusco

Our explorations in the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, include a wonderful hike from the highland market village of Chinchero to Huchuy Cusco, a fascinating Inca ruin that only hikers can reach. En route to the ruins, we cross a ridge offering views stretching all the way to Ausangate, some 40 miles away, and from the ruins themselves, we take in a stunning panorama of the Sacred Valley below.

Days 5-9
Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge Trek

Our trail begins along a spectacular gorge and leads to our first night’s lodge situated in a valley at 13,000 feet that boasts great views of the Cordillera Vilcanota. We spend two nights here and take a great day hike for extra acclimatization. Continuing on ancient paths used by roving llamas, we hike in a magnificent valley edged by glaciated mountains and tumbling waterfalls, stop at cerulean lakes, and admire herds of alpacas tended by alpaqueros in traditional dress. Other wildlife we may see includes puna ibis, caracaras, torrent ducks, and the occasional condor soaring in the vast mountain skies. Crossing Palomani Pass (17,000'), we have tremendous views of the glaciated south face of Ausangate looming in the brilliant blue sky. Toward the end of the trek, we hike through a spectacular setting of mountains marked by striking red, ochre, and blue mineral strata—a geological wonder! Our last night’s lodge faces a lagoon where Andean geese make their nests. Throughout our trek we have opportunities for interaction with the Quechua families who maintain patterns of life sustained for centuries.These families live truly close to the land, tending their llamas and weaving exquisite textiles with distinctive designs encoded with cultural meanings.

Days 10-11
Cusco / Lima

A hike over one last pass brings us to a valley where a stone forest of limestone rocks makes a perfect habitat for vizcachas, members of the chinchilla family. Passing traditional homes and farmlands, we arrive at the roadhead and return to Cusco for a festive farewell dinner. On Day 11 we fly to Lima, visiting one of the city’s famous museums before flights home.

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Tour Costs $3695 (12-15 members) $3895 (9-11 members) $3995 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $780 Internal airfare: $350 (subject to change) Prices are for 2009 dates **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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