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| The Weavers' Way to Machu Picchu |
Nowadays it is a little difficult to confirm spaces at the Inca Trail especially in August and September. Tropical Nature Travel has the pleasure to introduce an interesting alternative to the famous Inca Trail, The Weavers' way to Machu Picchu.The Cordillera Urubamba in southern Peru is the last great range of snowcapped mountains before the eastern slope of the Andes falls away to the Amazon basin. Tucked behind this 40-mile chain of 18,000 ft.-plus peaks lies a region of high altitude valleys. Here the Quechua people maintain an ancient way of life, herding alpacas and llamas, farming the Andean slopes, and practicing a tradition inherited from their Inca ancestors: the making and wearing of superb textiles.
This short trek begins at the eastern end of this mountain chain, at the colonial village of Lares, with its delightful hot springs baths, and ends with a road journey to the famous "living Inca settlement" of Ollantaytambo. In between we follow a hiking route that skirts the northern slope of the Cordillera, crossing one high pass. We encounter villages where the colorful ponchos of the men vie for attention with the exquisite "manta" shoulder garments of the women, and each wear a distinctive local headgear that announces their origin from this part of Peru. The villagers along the way are generally friendly and welcoming, and some will offer to sell you their excellent weavings.
Day 1 - to Lares/HuacahuasiWe leave Cusco in the early morning, driving to the provincial town of Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and climbing northward to a spectacular high pass before dropping down to the village of Lares on the east slope of the Andes. Here we take a delicious dip at a hot springs in the meadows outside of town and then enjoy a picnic lunch. Then we begin a leisurely half-day hike up the valley of the rushing Rio Trapiche, before reaching the highland village of Huacahuasi, where we camp for the night. (L,D)
Day 2 - to Patacancha
We climb steadily, traversing an open, treeless landscape of ground-hugging plants and flowers among pastures of Andean bunch-grass scattered with roaming herds of alpacas and llamas. Reaching an altitude of 4,500m. we cross the pass of Ipsayccasa then descend into the Patacancha watershed, with the lake of Ipsaycocha to our right. We may see Andean Geese, Puna Ibis and other waterbirds in the wetlands here as we journey through the heartland of these Quechua people, who are locally nicknamed "Huayruros" - the name of a red and black seed reminiscent of the color combinations of the local textiles. We reach the village of Patacancha and camp nearby. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - to Pumamarca/Ollantaytambo
Our transport takes us downvalley to Pallata, where we begin a short, half-day hike to Ollantaytambo, via the scenic early-Inca site of Pumamarca (Puma town). This well-preserved Inca outpost was apparently a fort protecting the approaches to the Sacred Valley. From there we hike down a trail that winds gently across steep mountain slopes, through a stupendous series of agricultural terraces built by the Incas and now partially restored to agricultural use. At the village of Munaypata we rejoin the main road, where our transport makes the final short drive to Ollantaytambo. After lunch we visit the impressive ruins here, and tour the nearby village, where people go about their daily lives among original Inca streets and houses. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.(B,L,D)
Day 4 - to Machu Picchu
We take the morning train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and then ascend by bus to the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu. Here you will have a guided exploration, visiting the best-known features of this astonishing and mysterious Inca settlement. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco. (B)
What we include
- A licensed, well-trained, English speaking guide, who visits the clients the evening before departure to explain the trek and answer any questions.
- Camping Equipment: Spacious The North Face tents, dining tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking equipment. Trekkers need only bring sleeping bags.
- Chef preparing healthy, hearty meals cooked with fresh, local ingredients.
- Well-paid and well-treated porters. We supply the appropriate duffel for you to pack and them to carry. You carry a light daypack.
- Transportation from Cusco to start of the Lares trail, first class train—the Vista dome—Ollanta/Aguas Clientes (Machu Picchu)/Cusco.
- Entrance fees and roundtrip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary.
- Hotel accommodation at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred valley.
- Although the trek is rated as moderate, we strongly suggest spending at least two nights before start this trek to totally adjust to the altitude.
- If you are interested in interacting with and helping communities during your trip in Peru, this trek gives you an excellent opportunity to do so. You can bring school supplies for the children that you will meet.
- You can add an extra night in Machu Picchu to return to the Inca citadel at dawn to see the ruins in perfect morning light.
| The Weavers' Way to Machu Picchu | |||
| Trip length |
4 days/3 nights (2 nights camping and 1 night at Sacred Valley Hotel) |
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| Departs in 2008 |
June 11, 25 August 7,21 |
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| Per person cost |
2 individuals | Groups of 3 or more formed abroad | Single supplement |
| Casona Yucay | $890.00 | $830.00 | $75.00 |
| Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, Casa Andina, Pakaritampu | $920.00 | $860.00 | $110.00 |
| Sol & Luna | $940.00 | $880.00 | $105.00 |
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| Prices based on two people sharing. Maximum eight people per group. Private departures available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed. Price includes camping equipment: The North Face tents, dinning tent, toilet tent, tables and chairs, oxygen bottle and cooking equipment. Trekkers need only bring sleeping bags. Porters carry your backpack and you carry a light day pack. | |||
Staying on in Peru? Whether your interest is archaeology, wildlife or culture, in a short extension tour you can experience more of the rich living heritage of this vibrant country. Day trips and adventure trips are also a great way to see Cusco and Lima and their nearby sights. We can even arrange hotels and transportation.
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