Handy Andes
Handy Andes TRIP LENGTH
TRIP CODE
21 days
GSAA
COUNTRIES VISITED Bolivia, Peru
START CITY
END CITY
Lima
La Paz
Some popular poses to choose from at Sun Gate include: toasting the view with a beer, picking your girlfriend up Superman style, the Karate Kid crane move and the selfie. (Was Andean Adventure)
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY DAY 1-2: LIMA Meals included: 1 breakfast Ceviche. It's raw fish marinated in lime juice. Say it like, "seh-vee-chay". Don't let mispronunciation get in the way of an awesome meal. Day 1 • Arrive in Lima, Pre-departure meeting is at 2pm. Day 2 • Spend some free time exploring Peru's capital • Follow the Pan American highway to the seaside village of Paracas by local bus.
DAY 3-4: PARACAS-NAZCA
Meals included: 2 breakfasts Day 3 Some people think birds are boring. But there's 150 different species here and one of them is called a boobie (think seagulls with blue feet). So there's always a silver lining. • Travel by boat to the Ballestas Islands • Gain good views of wildlife and natural rock formations • Travel by bus to Nazca later in the day Day 4 The flight over the Nazca lines is optional, but they're 1200 years old and possibly built by aliens, so probably worth seeing. • Free day to explore the mysterious Nazca Lines • Board a bus to Arequipa
DAY 5-7: AREQUIPA Meals included: 3 breakfasts • Most of the buildings are made out of volcanic rock from El Misti, which last erupted in '85. So while the rest of us were wearing acid wash jeans and dancing to our walkmans, these guys were busy building a city. Go trekking, rafting, cycling or horse riding. • Orientation walk with tour leader • Colca Canyon tour Included • Perhaps spend time trekking in the surrounding mountains, white-water rafting, mountain biking or horse riding
DAY 8-10: CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY Meals included: 3 breakfasts • We love the Pisac Markets, where you can see heaps of cute and cuddly guinea pigs running around. Pick your favourite and they'll cook him up for you. Wash him down with an Inca Kola. Day 8 • Travel by bus from Arequipa to Cusco. • Arrive Cusco, check-in to hotel. Free time. Trek briefing in the evening with tour leader Day 9 • Orientation walk with tour leader Day 10 • After breakfast, transfer to Sacred Valley • Visit a local community and learn about their unique culture and way of life
DAY 11-15: INCA TREK
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Get a decent photo of yourself with Machu Picchu in the background. You'll thank us later. Day 11 • Gaze upon massive Inca fortifications in Ollantaytambo • Begin the Inca trek • Hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the archaeological site of Llactapata • Stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak • Camp near the village of Wayllabamba Day 12 • The most difficult part of the trek - Dead Woman’s Pass • Panoramas of the Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges, and ruins in the valley below • Camp with a view over the cloud forest Day 13 • Climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay • Continue up the Inca staircase • Spectacular views of Pumasillo and the entire Vilcabamba range • Enter the beautiful cloud forest Day 14 • The final, and most spectacular, leg of the trek to Machu Picchu • Arrive at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun • Experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise • Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour • Return to Cusco by train Day 15• Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights. Rest weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cuzco.
DAY 16-18: PUNO- LAKE TITICACCA Meals included: 2 breakfasts Catch a bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Stay with the Uros people on their floating reed islands, which they built by hand. Yup. By hand. Day 16 • Catch a bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca • Spend the night in a hotel. Day 17 • Visit the Uros islands Of Lake Titicaca • Spend the night with a local family.
Day 18• Indulge in a breakfast with your host family • Take time to explore the island • Board an afternoon boat back to Puno.
DAY 19-21: LA PAZ Meals included: 3 breakfasts La Paz faces the Sea of Cortez, and if you're lucky the locals will put on a show. Look out for dolphins, sea lions and whales while manta rays and turtles swim around your feet. Embrace the circle of life with a fresh seafood dinner on your last night. Day 19 • Travel from Puno to La Paz • Spend an afternoon getting to know Bolivia's capital, La Paz Day 20 • During free time, choose to relax or explore to many local markets, alleyways, eateries and sights Day 21 • The trip ends today after breakfast
YOUR TRIP WHAT TO KNOW A good level of fitness and pre-trip training is essential. You will trek on hilly terrain or mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 4200 metres, for up to 7 hours per day.
NUTS AND BOLTS An experienced Peruvian tour guide, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & MEALS TRANSPORT • Boat • Bus • Public bus • Taxi
ACCOMMODATION • 3 nights Full service camping
• 1 night Island homestay • 16 nights Hotel
MEALS • 19 breakfasts • 3 lunches • 3 dinners
NOT INCLUDED International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS • Arequipa - Colca Canyon
US$35 • Arequipa - Juanita Museum
US$10 • Arequipa - Santa Catalina Convent
US$13 • Cusco - Inca Museum
US$4 • Cusco - City tour
US$10 • La Paz - Mountain biking
US$105 • La Paz - Precious Metals Museum
US$2 • Lima - City tour
US$25 • Lima - Inquisition Museum
US$4 • Lima - National Museum
US$3 • Lima - San Francisco Church and Catacombs
US$3 • Nazca - Desert Cemetery Excursion
US$9 • Puno - Sillustani
US$15
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Local contact numbers: PEAK South America +51 99605 5559 or +51 97009 4823 TREKKING IN PERU: Very Important - Correct Passport Details: In order to obtain your permit to trek the Inca Trail it is vital that you provide Gecko's with accurate details of the passport you will be travelling on in Peru. If you are travelling on a different passport from what is shown on your permit, you will be refused entry at the entrance to the trail.
Sister Companies- Please note that if there are less than four people schedules for your trek to Macchu Picchu it is likely that you will be trekking with clients that have booked through one of our sister brands. Book Early: The Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for hiking the ‘Classic’ Inca Trail route. These can often be sold out months in advance. To apply for your group’s permits, we will need your deposit, passport details and date of birth, so we ask that you book your holiday early. In the event that we are unable to obtain permits for the ‘Classic Trail' we will use the alternative 'Quarry Trail', an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. Meals during trek: Please note that we are unable to cater for those with a gluten intolerance (Coeliac) during the trek. Food labelling standards vary quite dramatically from country to country so it is not always safe to rely on ingredient labels in another country. Secondly, due to the remote nature of the trek and available cooking facilities, cross-contamination cannot always be fully avoided. Typical meals during the trek: Breakfast (toast, fruit salad, ground corn tortillas, vegetable omelette, fried plantains), Snack (biscuits, tea, pop corn, chocolate bars, hot chocolate), Lunch (Vegetable soups, steamed trout, roast beef, quinoa grained, mashed or scalloped potatoes), Dinner (Chicken, rice, goulash, rosemary potatoes, chicken wrapped in tomato sauce) SOME OTHER STUFF: Public Holiday Inconveniences: Please be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, quite a few museums are closed on Mondays. Hotel Breakfasts: Breakfasts in Latin America are simple affairs. They consist of tea or coffee, fruit juice, bread rolls, butter and jam. Eggs and fruit are sometimes available on request, for a small charge. Meal requests/ allergies: Please note - any special meal requests must be noted on your booking form when making your reservation. We may not be able to cater for any late requests advised on arrival.
---- ALTERNATIVE ITINERARIES FOR THIS TRIP - MACHU PICCHU ---QUARRY TREK In the event that trekking permits for the 'Classic' Inca Trail route are unavailable, we will use the 'Quarry' route. The Quarry Trail, is an exceptional alternative to the 'Classic' trail. This trek has all the components you expect from an Intrepid operated hike in the South American Andes: it’s safe, landscapes are breathtaking, there are opportunities to interact with local communities and to visit smaller and less known Inca archaeological sites.The overall distance hiked on this trek is approximately 26km, the maximum altitude reached is 4,450 metres above sea level. Since permits are not required for this trek, there are no restrictions as when you book your trip.
INCA QUARRY TRAIL: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. It's 26km long in total. The tail's highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek your gear (and camping gear) will be carried by horses (as opposed to porter). The first two nights of the trek are spent camping and the third one at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. Tents are set up by the porters. Meals are prepared by the trek cook.
Day 1 - We leave Cusco early in the morning to drive to Ollantaytambo and onto Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas used to venerate the moon. A short drive from here takes us to Rafq'a, the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. After an approx. 1hr walk we reach the small community of Socma. A further 60min walk takes to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. From here we continue on to our campsite, at 3700 meters above sea level. All going well, we should reach our campsite by lunch time. After lunch we set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which used to serve as a check point during the times of the Incas
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Day 2 - This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3hr walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley below we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot. Rested and full of energy again we take on a 2hr hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450 meters). From here we head down for 2hr to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate - this is not the Sun Gate where you enter the Machu Picchu site) with imposing views over the valley bellow and the Veronica mountain raising over the horizon. Our campsites is a stone throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600 metres)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 3 - Day three is all downhill hiking. The first stop is at the Kachiqata quarry, where we witness the work the Incas could not complete due to the Spanish conquest. Approximately at midday we finally arrive to the town of Kachiqata - the end of this challenging and fascinating trek. From here we visit Ollantaytambo and in the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening. Tonight we overnight at a simple but comfortable hotel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Day 4 - Today we take a very early bus (5:30am depending on weather conditions) along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minutes). In Machu Picchu we join the travellers who opted to hike the Classic Inca Trail option of this trip before taking on a guided walk of Machu Picchu.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
NON TREKKING ALTERNATIVE – MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN The Inca Trail is a highlight of any visit to Peru and it is highly recommended to anybody who is up to the physical demands of a Moderate trek. For those people joining a Gecko's trip who do not wish to join the four-day hike, Gecko's can make alternative arrangements that allow additional time in Cusco and return transport and accommodation to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Should you choose these alternative arrangements, the price for your Gecko's holiday remains the same.
You must notify Gecko's at the time of booking if you wish to take this option, which replaces the 4 Day Inca Trail.
DAY 1 & 2: CUSCO Your time in Cusco is your own. Accommodation will be provided for these two nights and breakfast is included. Your tour leader will not be available during this period as he or she will be trekking to Machu Picchu with the rest of the group. Meals included: 2 breakfasts
DAY 3 & 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO Your tour leader will have provided you with your return train ticket to Machu Picchu and your accommodation vouchers for your stay in Aguas Calientes. Please make your own way to the station to depart on the early morning train to Machu Picchu. The train trip will take approximately four hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you should check into your hotel. Please refer to your accommodation voucher for the hotel details. All of the hotels are a short walk from the railway station. In order to visit the site of Machu Picchu, you will take a bus up the steep zig zagging road to the entrance of the ruins. The buses depart regularly. The ruins are open from 7am to 5pm daily and we
will cover the cost of your return bus fare to the ruins and the entrance fee. The vouchers can be used the afternoon of Day 3, or the following morning on Day 4. If you wish to visit the ruins twice, the second visit will be at an additional cost of approximately USD $70 (paid locally). Those in your group who have trekked the Inca Trail will arrive at the site around 7am on day 4. It is possible to arrange to meet up with the other members in your group at the ruins, to join a fully guided tour of this ancient and mystical Inca City. Before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, there is free time to explore the ruins at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere. For the adventurous, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, where you have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. You can also make the short hike up to the Sun Gate for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon of Day 4, we have time for lunch, before catching the train back to Cusco with your fellow trekkers. Meals included: 2 breakfasts
ABOUT THIS INFORMATION The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
LAST UPDATED 28 January 2014
GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS Phone: 0808 274 5981 E-mail: [email protected] Web: Visit Geckos
TRIP CODE
21 days
GSAA
COUNTRIES VISITED Bolivia, Peru
START CITY
END CITY
Lima
La Paz
Some popular poses to choose from at Sun Gate include: toasting the view with a beer, picking your girlfriend up Superman style, the Karate Kid crane move and the selfie. (Was Andean Adventure)
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY DAY 1-2: LIMA Meals included: 1 breakfast Ceviche. It's raw fish marinated in lime juice. Say it like, "seh-vee-chay". Don't let mispronunciation get in the way of an awesome meal. Day 1 • Arrive in Lima, Pre-departure meeting is at 2pm. Day 2 • Spend some free time exploring Peru's capital • Follow the Pan American highway to the seaside village of Paracas by local bus.
DAY 3-4: PARACAS-NAZCA
Meals included: 2 breakfasts Day 3 Some people think birds are boring. But there's 150 different species here and one of them is called a boobie (think seagulls with blue feet). So there's always a silver lining. • Travel by boat to the Ballestas Islands • Gain good views of wildlife and natural rock formations • Travel by bus to Nazca later in the day Day 4 The flight over the Nazca lines is optional, but they're 1200 years old and possibly built by aliens, so probably worth seeing. • Free day to explore the mysterious Nazca Lines • Board a bus to Arequipa
DAY 5-7: AREQUIPA Meals included: 3 breakfasts • Most of the buildings are made out of volcanic rock from El Misti, which last erupted in '85. So while the rest of us were wearing acid wash jeans and dancing to our walkmans, these guys were busy building a city. Go trekking, rafting, cycling or horse riding. • Orientation walk with tour leader • Colca Canyon tour Included • Perhaps spend time trekking in the surrounding mountains, white-water rafting, mountain biking or horse riding
DAY 8-10: CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY Meals included: 3 breakfasts • We love the Pisac Markets, where you can see heaps of cute and cuddly guinea pigs running around. Pick your favourite and they'll cook him up for you. Wash him down with an Inca Kola. Day 8 • Travel by bus from Arequipa to Cusco. • Arrive Cusco, check-in to hotel. Free time. Trek briefing in the evening with tour leader Day 9 • Orientation walk with tour leader Day 10 • After breakfast, transfer to Sacred Valley • Visit a local community and learn about their unique culture and way of life
DAY 11-15: INCA TREK
Meals included: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners Get a decent photo of yourself with Machu Picchu in the background. You'll thank us later. Day 11 • Gaze upon massive Inca fortifications in Ollantaytambo • Begin the Inca trek • Hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the archaeological site of Llactapata • Stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak • Camp near the village of Wayllabamba Day 12 • The most difficult part of the trek - Dead Woman’s Pass • Panoramas of the Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges, and ruins in the valley below • Camp with a view over the cloud forest Day 13 • Climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay • Continue up the Inca staircase • Spectacular views of Pumasillo and the entire Vilcabamba range • Enter the beautiful cloud forest Day 14 • The final, and most spectacular, leg of the trek to Machu Picchu • Arrive at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun • Experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise • Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour • Return to Cusco by train Day 15• Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights. Rest weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cuzco.
DAY 16-18: PUNO- LAKE TITICACCA Meals included: 2 breakfasts Catch a bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Stay with the Uros people on their floating reed islands, which they built by hand. Yup. By hand. Day 16 • Catch a bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca • Spend the night in a hotel. Day 17 • Visit the Uros islands Of Lake Titicaca • Spend the night with a local family.
Day 18• Indulge in a breakfast with your host family • Take time to explore the island • Board an afternoon boat back to Puno.
DAY 19-21: LA PAZ Meals included: 3 breakfasts La Paz faces the Sea of Cortez, and if you're lucky the locals will put on a show. Look out for dolphins, sea lions and whales while manta rays and turtles swim around your feet. Embrace the circle of life with a fresh seafood dinner on your last night. Day 19 • Travel from Puno to La Paz • Spend an afternoon getting to know Bolivia's capital, La Paz Day 20 • During free time, choose to relax or explore to many local markets, alleyways, eateries and sights Day 21 • The trip ends today after breakfast
YOUR TRIP WHAT TO KNOW A good level of fitness and pre-trip training is essential. You will trek on hilly terrain or mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 4200 metres, for up to 7 hours per day.
NUTS AND BOLTS An experienced Peruvian tour guide, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & MEALS TRANSPORT • Boat • Bus • Public bus • Taxi
ACCOMMODATION • 3 nights Full service camping
• 1 night Island homestay • 16 nights Hotel
MEALS • 19 breakfasts • 3 lunches • 3 dinners
NOT INCLUDED International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS • Arequipa - Colca Canyon
US$35 • Arequipa - Juanita Museum
US$10 • Arequipa - Santa Catalina Convent
US$13 • Cusco - Inca Museum
US$4 • Cusco - City tour
US$10 • La Paz - Mountain biking
US$105 • La Paz - Precious Metals Museum
US$2 • Lima - City tour
US$25 • Lima - Inquisition Museum
US$4 • Lima - National Museum
US$3 • Lima - San Francisco Church and Catacombs
US$3 • Nazca - Desert Cemetery Excursion
US$9 • Puno - Sillustani
US$15
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Local contact numbers: PEAK South America +51 99605 5559 or +51 97009 4823 TREKKING IN PERU: Very Important - Correct Passport Details: In order to obtain your permit to trek the Inca Trail it is vital that you provide Gecko's with accurate details of the passport you will be travelling on in Peru. If you are travelling on a different passport from what is shown on your permit, you will be refused entry at the entrance to the trail.
Sister Companies- Please note that if there are less than four people schedules for your trek to Macchu Picchu it is likely that you will be trekking with clients that have booked through one of our sister brands. Book Early: The Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for hiking the ‘Classic’ Inca Trail route. These can often be sold out months in advance. To apply for your group’s permits, we will need your deposit, passport details and date of birth, so we ask that you book your holiday early. In the event that we are unable to obtain permits for the ‘Classic Trail' we will use the alternative 'Quarry Trail', an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu. Meals during trek: Please note that we are unable to cater for those with a gluten intolerance (Coeliac) during the trek. Food labelling standards vary quite dramatically from country to country so it is not always safe to rely on ingredient labels in another country. Secondly, due to the remote nature of the trek and available cooking facilities, cross-contamination cannot always be fully avoided. Typical meals during the trek: Breakfast (toast, fruit salad, ground corn tortillas, vegetable omelette, fried plantains), Snack (biscuits, tea, pop corn, chocolate bars, hot chocolate), Lunch (Vegetable soups, steamed trout, roast beef, quinoa grained, mashed or scalloped potatoes), Dinner (Chicken, rice, goulash, rosemary potatoes, chicken wrapped in tomato sauce) SOME OTHER STUFF: Public Holiday Inconveniences: Please be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, quite a few museums are closed on Mondays. Hotel Breakfasts: Breakfasts in Latin America are simple affairs. They consist of tea or coffee, fruit juice, bread rolls, butter and jam. Eggs and fruit are sometimes available on request, for a small charge. Meal requests/ allergies: Please note - any special meal requests must be noted on your booking form when making your reservation. We may not be able to cater for any late requests advised on arrival.
---- ALTERNATIVE ITINERARIES FOR THIS TRIP - MACHU PICCHU ---QUARRY TREK In the event that trekking permits for the 'Classic' Inca Trail route are unavailable, we will use the 'Quarry' route. The Quarry Trail, is an exceptional alternative to the 'Classic' trail. This trek has all the components you expect from an Intrepid operated hike in the South American Andes: it’s safe, landscapes are breathtaking, there are opportunities to interact with local communities and to visit smaller and less known Inca archaeological sites.The overall distance hiked on this trek is approximately 26km, the maximum altitude reached is 4,450 metres above sea level. Since permits are not required for this trek, there are no restrictions as when you book your trip.
INCA QUARRY TRAIL: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. It's 26km long in total. The tail's highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek your gear (and camping gear) will be carried by horses (as opposed to porter). The first two nights of the trek are spent camping and the third one at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. Tents are set up by the porters. Meals are prepared by the trek cook.
Day 1 - We leave Cusco early in the morning to drive to Ollantaytambo and onto Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas used to venerate the moon. A short drive from here takes us to Rafq'a, the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. After an approx. 1hr walk we reach the small community of Socma. A further 60min walk takes to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. From here we continue on to our campsite, at 3700 meters above sea level. All going well, we should reach our campsite by lunch time. After lunch we set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which used to serve as a check point during the times of the Incas
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Day 2 - This is the most challenging but most rewarding day of the hike. A 3hr walk takes us to the top of the first pass, known as Puccaqasa (approx 4370 meters). After enjoying the views of the valley below we walk down for 30min to our lunch spot. Rested and full of energy again we take on a 2hr hike to the highest pass of the trek: Kuychicassa (4450 meters). From here we head down for 2hr to a site the Incas called Inti Punku, (meaning Sun Gate - this is not the Sun Gate where you enter the Machu Picchu site) with imposing views over the valley bellow and the Veronica mountain raising over the horizon. Our campsites is a stone throw away at Choquetacarpo (3600 metres)
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 3 - Day three is all downhill hiking. The first stop is at the Kachiqata quarry, where we witness the work the Incas could not complete due to the Spanish conquest. Approximately at midday we finally arrive to the town of Kachiqata - the end of this challenging and fascinating trek. From here we visit Ollantaytambo and in the afternoon we travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening. Tonight we overnight at a simple but comfortable hotel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Day 4 - Today we take a very early bus (5:30am depending on weather conditions) along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minutes). In Machu Picchu we join the travellers who opted to hike the Classic Inca Trail option of this trip before taking on a guided walk of Machu Picchu.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
NON TREKKING ALTERNATIVE – MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN The Inca Trail is a highlight of any visit to Peru and it is highly recommended to anybody who is up to the physical demands of a Moderate trek. For those people joining a Gecko's trip who do not wish to join the four-day hike, Gecko's can make alternative arrangements that allow additional time in Cusco and return transport and accommodation to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Should you choose these alternative arrangements, the price for your Gecko's holiday remains the same.
You must notify Gecko's at the time of booking if you wish to take this option, which replaces the 4 Day Inca Trail.
DAY 1 & 2: CUSCO Your time in Cusco is your own. Accommodation will be provided for these two nights and breakfast is included. Your tour leader will not be available during this period as he or she will be trekking to Machu Picchu with the rest of the group. Meals included: 2 breakfasts
DAY 3 & 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO Your tour leader will have provided you with your return train ticket to Machu Picchu and your accommodation vouchers for your stay in Aguas Calientes. Please make your own way to the station to depart on the early morning train to Machu Picchu. The train trip will take approximately four hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you should check into your hotel. Please refer to your accommodation voucher for the hotel details. All of the hotels are a short walk from the railway station. In order to visit the site of Machu Picchu, you will take a bus up the steep zig zagging road to the entrance of the ruins. The buses depart regularly. The ruins are open from 7am to 5pm daily and we
will cover the cost of your return bus fare to the ruins and the entrance fee. The vouchers can be used the afternoon of Day 3, or the following morning on Day 4. If you wish to visit the ruins twice, the second visit will be at an additional cost of approximately USD $70 (paid locally). Those in your group who have trekked the Inca Trail will arrive at the site around 7am on day 4. It is possible to arrange to meet up with the other members in your group at the ruins, to join a fully guided tour of this ancient and mystical Inca City. Before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, there is free time to explore the ruins at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere. For the adventurous, you can climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, where you have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu from a unique vantage point. You can also make the short hike up to the Sun Gate for that classic photo of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon of Day 4, we have time for lunch, before catching the train back to Cusco with your fellow trekkers. Meals included: 2 breakfasts
ABOUT THIS INFORMATION The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
LAST UPDATED 28 January 2014
GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS Phone: 0808 274 5981 E-mail: [email protected] Web: Visit Geckos
