Trekking holiday to Machu Picchu
| country: | Peru |
| location: | Inca Trail, Machu Picchu |
| departures: | Departs daily throughout the year |
| price: | From US $1280 (9 days) excluding flights. Price includes transport, accommodation, excursions and guides |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Trekking holiday to Machu Picchu
This expedition will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: Choquekirao and Machu Picchu.
The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquekirao.
The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquekirao.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Cusco, Cachora to Chiquisca. From the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest then, we have lunch break at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). Campsite in Chiquisca at 1550 masl. |
| Day 2: | Chiquisca to Choquequirao Ruins. We start walking from here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. After a short rest we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. Campsite near at Choquequirao. 3033 masl. |
| Day 3: | In Choquequirao. We have the entire day to explore this stunning Inca settlement. As mysterious as Machu Picchu, its name means “Cradle of Gold”. the main plaza features several clusters of newly-discovered buildings, including the Ridge Group, and the Waterfall Temple, an intriguing ceremonial complex facing the cascades of a steep ravine. |
| Day 4: | Choquequirao to Maizal. On this day we walk uphill for a while up to 3299 masl considered as a first pass and then descend to Rio Blanco, 1909 masl. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. From Rio Blanco we climb up to Maizal for about 3 hrs. Camp at 3000 masl. |
| Day 5: | Maizal to Yanama. We start walking uphill passing by the impressive Inca mines called Minas Victoria and towards the Victoria Pass. We start the descent towards Yanama, We pass over 4154 masl and finally descend to our campsite at 3800 masl. |
| Day 6: | Yanama to Totora. After breakfast we start climbing slowly to our higher pass 4668 masl, the view is amazing, in the Mt. Sacsarayoj and Mt. Padreyoj. We walk and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields-and bush areas we spend the night. |
| Day 7: | Totora to La Playa. On this day we descend to the Totora river. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas. Campsite at 2125 masl. |
| Day 8: | La Playa - Aguas Calientes Town. From La Playa we take a local transportation to Lucma, from here we start our climb to Llactapata (new Inca Site) the famous for a “great condor view of Machu Picchu”, then we enjoy our picnic box lunch then we hike down hill to the Hydroelectric Station |
| Day 9: | Machupicchu Full day and go back to Cusco. Visit the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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We promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, respecting and benefiting local people. We believe that sustainable, sensitive tourism is an invaluable help to developing the communities and preserving the environments of Peru. Our aim to encourage more people to visit Peru by promoting supremely enjoyable and informative trips whilst maximising the benefits these generate for the local economies, environments and host communities in Peru.
Environment We have a zero litter tolerance. On our treks all rubbish and waste material is carried out and disposed of in suitable facilities in the main towns and cities. The waste is divided into organic (green bags) and inorganic (black bags). We never bury waste along the route of the trail and certainly never dump rubbish behind a hedge. Environmental degradation, landfill, and scarce water resource are all very important issues faced by most of the countries in the world. Instead of feeling powerless in the face of these problems we prefer to focus on what we can do. We use biodegradable cleaning products (soap, detergent) – the passengers must use these products. They may be a little more expensive but we will be using river water that is up to now still very clean and we want it to stay that way. Community We work with two communities called Cachora and Yanama, Yanama is the middle way between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. We use their horses to this challenge trek. We value and respect diversity when hiring, and believe in participative management, fair payment policies, professional development, good conditions and safety at work, personal and family development and good treatment of subcontracted personnel. We employ professionals local and native staff with many years experience and pay our trekking staff such as cooks and porters well above average wages, on time and just after finalize the trip, they are not overburdened, and we are organized enough to ensure a safe pace along the trail. We aim to work with providers who share our social responsibility philosophy of offering our clients the highest quality while respecting our communities and the environment. We promote the participation of the communities in which we operate by contracting local guides, drivers, and executives. We are currently working on a pilot program in a small Andean community that we hope to replicate throughout the Andean region. Keeping all group sizes small (max 10 people) to prevent our holidays becoming too intrusive on local communities. This has the added benefit that all customers are able to benefit from the knowledge of our local tour guides We are recognised as honestly paying taxes (19%) to the State and recognized by all Peruvian Tourism Institutions SUNAT. When an overseas tour company sends the money to a Peruvian tour company who will actually operate your trip, this payment is exempt from tax (basically so you don't end up paying sales tax twice). That means that if you buy a trek or tour with a tour company outside of Peru you are not contributing towards the Peruvian economy in the form of sales taxes. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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