The Inca Trail
Starting Point: Cusco
Level of difficulty: intermediate
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 34 km
Accommodation in tents |
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During this scenic trek, about 2000 m must be overcome in four days. Along the road, you’ll see many different Inca ruins. Our starting point is at the famous km 82 of the railway line from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The first day is the hardest. There’s an almost uninterrupted ascent of six hours. The second day we pass the Warmiwaskuña pass. Sitting at 4200 m, it will also be the highest point of the journey. It is wonderful to observe how the landscape changes when passing through different climate zones. Your campground will be near the ruins of Paqaymayu. On the third day, after crossing another pass, we set in the descent towards Wiñay Wayna, where we visit the archeological complex. On day 4, all hikers will be waked up before dawn, to go to the Sun Gate Inti Punku. If the weather’s good, you can see how the first light slowly falls over Machu Picchu. Then, we’ll enjoy an extensive tour. After your visit, you can relax in the train and bus that will take you back to Cusco. Facts:
Access is limited to 500 people per day. Permits must be bought months in advance. One can only depart if accompanied by a licensed guide. In comparison to other routes everything is more formalized, but also more organized. The hike on the Inca Trail is usually quite comfortable. You only carry a light day pack; the rest is carried by porters. When you arrive at the camp, the tents are already set up and food is served. The road network of the Inca stretched across large parts of the Andes and the coast and was not limited to Peru only. In fact, although this route became famous under the name Inca Trail, it’s only a segment of the original trail.
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Climbing Mount Misti
Starting Point: Arequipa
Level of difficulty: Physical condition:
intermediate /Technical difficulty: low
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 25 km
Accommodation in tents |
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| If you ever wanted to get closer to heaven, climbing the Misti is a first step. The Misti is an active volcano standing at 5821 m, subject of many legends, and a spectacular backdrop for the city of Arequipa. Nowadays, the volcano is free of snow almost all your round, so that climbing it doesn’t require much technical knowledge. Rather, you’ll have to get used to feeling a difference in your body’s circulation, since your body has to adapt to the altitude. Your tour leader will give you plenty of good tips on how to keep your body moving as gently as possible
On the first day, a jeep will drive you to the starting point at 3800 m. From there, you’ll climb up through a landscape overgrown with low shrubs, until reaching the campground at 4400 m.
Day 2 starts with an early wake-up call at 2 AM. After a quick breakfast in the moonlight, you’ll strap on your head torch, to continue climbing, this time through a sandy soil until finally reaching the cross on the summit, entirely made out of rail road tracks. The sights on the road are not overly attractive, but once at the top, the view is overpowering. For those who dream of topping the 6000 m -limit, climbing the Chacani, also near Arequipa, is another option. Here, crampons are required, since you will cross and ice field.
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Llama trek Olleros-Chavín
Starting Point: Huaraz
Level of difficulty: intermediate
Duration: days
Distance: 39 km
Accommodation in tents |
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Other than you, the beasts of burden are the stars of this trek. Instead of traditional donkeys or mules, we will use indigenous llamas. The roads we follow are also age-old paths that existed long before the Inca . You will be accommodated in tents. The highest point of the trip is the Yanashallash Pass (4700 m asl) On the second night, you’ll have the opportunity to brush with locals or to participate in a folkloric night in Jato or Chichucancha.On the last day you will reach Chavín de Huantar in the early afternoon. After an extensive visit of the archeological complex, a coach will take you back to Huaraz.
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Salkantay-trek to Machu Picchu
Starting Point: Cusco
Level of difficulty: intermediate-high
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 89 km
Accommodation in tents/1 night in hotel |
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Physically, the Salkantay-Trek is more challenging than the Inkatrail, but it also offer astounding scenic highlights. Furthermore, it is the less touristy counterpart of the Inca Trail. The hike goes up to 4500m, to the Salkantaypass, which we will cross on the second day. Afterwards, we will descend to 2500m, to the’ceja de la selva’, or eyebrow of the jungle, a forest of clouds. With a little luck, you’ll see more than a few cocks of the rocks. The Salkantay-trek doesn’t lead straight to Machu Picchu, a train will take us over the last piece of the road. This gives us a chance to rest in a hotel in Aguas Calientes,the little town on the foot of the Machu Picchu. On the last day, you will enjoy an early ride to Machu Picchu, followed by an extensive guided tour. If you rather continue hiking, we offer two optional treks; one to the Inti Punku Sun Gate, or to the top of Wayna Picchu.
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Colca Canyon
Starting Point: Arequipa
Level of difficulty: low
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 23-29 km
depending on the route
Accommodation in very simple cottages |
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If a classical visit to the wonderfully scenic Colca Canyon is too quiet for you, why don’t you opt for a hike? Many trails, used by the locals in the villages, cross the canyon. Many of these villages are located so deep in the canyon; they can only be reached on foot or on donkey back. Several routes lead to the valley. A basic hike consists of a one-day descent, a day-trek in the valley and a very early hike the next day, in order to watch the condors fly at the Condor Cross. This hike is relatively easy, yet cannot be compared to a walk because of the altitude. If you don’t feel fit to climb, you can borrow a mule from a local for a small fee. You will be accommodated in bungalow parks or “oases”, where you can enjoy snacks, beer, soft drinks and even a pool. Many bungalows also have access to hot springs or the Río Colca.
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Santa Cruz-trek
Starting Point: Huaraz
Level of difficulty: high
Duration: 4-5 days
Distance: 55 km
Accommodation in tents |
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The Santa Cruz trek is probably the most famous route in the Cordillera Blanca and the most popular in the country, apart from the Inka trail. This trek passes by a wonderful road that leads to the Llanganuco lagoons. From here to Cashapampa, the views get more and more breathtaking. Not only will you see the snow-capped mountain tops of the Cordillera Blanca, but also glacier lakes in the most beautiful tones of green and blue. This trek can also be extended in a nine day tour or you can complete it with hiking the giant glacier Pisco (5752 m asl). This, however, requires a higher level of technical expertise.
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