“12 Days Cusco – Ausangate Trek – Titicaca Lake & Puno”

DAY 1.- ARRIVAL IN CUSCO & TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru!

Your adventure begins with a welcoming greeting at Cusco airport to transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the arecheological city of Cusco, known particularly for its excellent cuisine and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. Your Travel Designer can arrange a tour for you should you wish and you’ll have all
of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.

Lodging: Cusco –  Sonesta Hotel Cusco****  or similars.

DAY 2.- CITY TOUR – TEMPLE OF THE SUN  & FAMILY DINNER.

Your local expert guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former colonial monastery was previously the Qoricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun (“in our ancient language “Quechua” the Sun is called INTI”) and according to the chronicles, the Qoricancha was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Your next stop will be the Plaza de Armas.

After touring the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven by private vehicle to the countryside just outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area such as the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, one of the emblematic buildings of the Inca Empire (just above from the center of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th Century. It is a vast fortress built from huge stones and the way how they built and transported and worked is still a mystery. The temple and amphitheatre of Qenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.

Places That Are Visited:

• Santo Domingo Monhastery / Qoricanca – Temple Of The Sun.
• Main Plaza of Cusco City – Main Square surrounded by the Inca palaces.
• Saqsayhuaman.
• Qenko.
• Puca Pucara.

At night we will have our family buffet dinner, where we will enjoy live show of typical dances from all over Peru, enjoying amazing traditional andean music.

Lodging: Cusco – Sonesta Hotel Cusco****  or similars.

DAY 3.- SACRED VALLEY & TRAIN TO MACHUPICCHU.

Guiding you through to the fertile Sacred Valley, once the spiritual and commercial heartland of the Inca Empire. You will be collected from your hotel by your expert, local guide and private vehicle to be driven firstly to The Animal Sanctuary of Cochawasi, located in heart of the valley: here we may observe many of the native Andean species such as the puma, Andean cóndor, alpacas, and many more.

Your next stop will be the Incan fortress of Pisaq. where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. There we can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain and the religious area of this important citadel.

After Pisac we head to Urubamba where we have a delicious  buffet lunch (Not Included).  Then we continue on to Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied town on the American continent. The narrow streets of Ollantaytambo, along with their canals, have not changed much from the time of the Inca Empire, giving you a feeling of what it would have been like to live during this time.

In the afternoon we will board the train to Machupicchu town.

Lodging: Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu.

Waman Hotel Machupicchu *** o similars.

DAY 4.- PRIVATE TOUR OF MACHUPICCHU.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machupicchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. Then after your guided tour, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before an afternoon at your leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.

We will coordinate the time to meet in Aguas Calientes to board our train back to Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you in our private bus or van back to Cusco to your hotel, so with this experiences we have completed our service to Machupicchu and the Sacred Valley of The Incas.

Meals: Breakfast
Minimum Altitude: 2,040m/6,727ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,440m/8,052ft
Difficulty: Easy

Optional:

The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu: Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45 minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep, if you are scared of heights. This is done after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $35 per person to hike. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance, due to popularity.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

The trek to Machu Picchu Mountain: It has the most spectacular view, It is a 1.5 hours hike to the top. Located to the southwest of the citadel of Machu Picchu with a height of 3,050 m (10,007 ft.), This trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and also panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The cost is $35 per person to hike.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

Lodging: Cusco –  Sonesta Hotel Cusco****  or similars.

DAY 5 TO 8.- “4 DAYS AUSANGATE ADVENTURE & RAINBOW MOUNTAIN”

DAY 5.- FIRST DAY ADVENTURE: CUSCO – TINKI – UPIS – HOT SPRINGS.

This amazing adventure will start after your breakfast, We will pick you up from your hotel at 4 a.m. to begin your expedition. You will have private transportation to the trail head at Tinki. Tinki is a small Andean village located near Ocongate, located at 3,900 m/12,795 ft above sea level. Here, you will meet your horsemen and horses. You will enjoy your first breakfast prepared by our trekking chef.

Then, you will start the gradual, uphill hike. It will be three or four hours until we reach our lunch area. Along the way, we will have amazing views of Ausagnate, far in the distance. We will pass by traditional villages, and perhaps meet some local people, dressed in their colorful, traditional clothing. They may be accompanying their indigenous llamas. Our lunch spot is in an amazing location, surrounded by stunning mountains and an excellent view of Ausangate Glacier peak. After lunch, it will be another two hour hike until we reach our campsite at Upis Alto, near the famous hot springs. Upis Alto is a small village located at 4,100 m/13,451 ft elevation. This will be our first campsite at the skirt of  Ausangate.

Walked Distance: 13 km / 8 m
Campsite Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,450 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water
Weather: Dry and cold

DAY 6.- SECOND DAY ADVENTURE: UPIS – CONDOR PASS – PUKACOCHA.

After an early, nutritious breakfast you will prepare for the second day of the hike. Today, you will have wonderful views of the Ausangate glacier peaks. You will also see the lakes and waterfalls, and perhaps some llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas (the undomesticated ancestor of the alpaca), as well as condors soaring above. We will have a three hour, uphill hike until we reach the first pass, which is at 5,000 m/ 16,404 ft high. You will have magnificent views of the surrounding area, especially in the dry season. In some months of the year, we will hike through some snow.

You will most likely get to see vicuñas, which are the most impressive, wild animals in Peru. They belong to the family of Andean camelids. Today, their fleece is the most expensive wool the world. After taking some amazing pictures, we will continue on a two and a half hour, gradual, downhill hike until we reach a beautiful area, where you will enjoy your second day’s lunch. Following, it will be another two and a half hours until we arrive at our campsite, at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake). This campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites, located at the skirt of the Ausangate peak and at the bank of the lake. You can see amazing sunsets from here, and perhaps some condors and eagles flying nearby.

Walked Distance: 12 km /7.5 m
Campsite Elevation: 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water
Weather: Dry and cold

DAY 7.- THIRD DAY ADVENTURE: PUKACOCHA – CHILLKA – VICUÑA PASS.

We will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea, to start one of the most beautiful days of the trek. You will enjoy the majestic views of some of the highest peaks in the Andes, and the depths of the beautiful valleys. You will have two mountain passes to make today.

After an early breakfast, we will start with a two to three hour, steep climb to Alpaca Pass at 5,100 m/ 16,732 ft elevation. Along the way, you will have gorgeous views of the blue lakes and the Ausangate Glacier Peak. You may even see avalanches happening from the glacial hills. Once you reach the summit of this mountain, you will be right in front of Ausangate, so you will be able to enjoy the Chillca Valley, and the many alpaca grazing along these hills. After taking some great pictures, you will continue for another two hours on a gradual, downhill trek, then we reach our lunch spot, located in Chillca Valley. Be aware that some sections of the trail can be a bit difficult to see. You will see views of the waterfalls, green hills and snow-capped peaks.

After enjoying your lunch and a little nap, you will continue on to the second pass of the day, called Vicuña pass, at 5,300 m/17,388 ft elevation. It will be a slow-paced, hour and a half hike to reach the summit of this highest pass of the trek. Along the way, it may be possible to see some condors, and vicuñas. Once we are on top of the mountain we will enjoy a cup or two of traditional coca tea which will be provided by your porters. Then it will be another one hour, downhill hike until we arrive at our campsite at the banks of Lake Yanaccocha, where you will enjoy our daily happy hour of hot drinks. This campsite is located few hours away from our final destination, The Rainbow Mountains.

This is a perfect place to spot the famous Inca constellations and do some star-gazing.

Walked Distance: 15 km/9.3 m
Campsite Elevation: 4,400 m/ 14,435 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water
Weather: Dry and cold

DAY 8.- RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CHILLKA VILLAGE – CUSCO.

After another early breakfast with your trekking team, you will will gradually trek uphill for an hour and a half until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountains and the Red Mountain Valley, located at 5,200 m /17,060 ft elevation. Your tour guide will walk you to to the perfect spots for postcard pictures. He will also explain why these mountains are different from any other mountains in the Vilcantoa Range. Part of the difference is due to a composition of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations in the middle of the Red Mountains. This is one of the key tourist highlights in South America, and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Peru.

After taking photos and enjoying the views, you will continue on the expedition to the end of the trail. This is all downhill, along the Chillca Valley. You will travel three hours until you stop to enjoy your final lunch with your team. We will then drive for 2 hours back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. The drive provides nice views of the Andes and we will pass some traditional villages along the way. You will be arriving into Cusco around 6 p.m.

Walked Distance: 12 km /7.5 m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinking water
Weather: Dry and cold

Lodging: Cusco – Sonesta Hotel Cusco****  or similars.

DAY 9.- DEPARTURE TO PUNO – ROUTE OF THE SUN.

In the morning we will depart from the bus terminal and head towards Puno. This is a special journey by bus which allows us to visit the many diverse locations along the way on the route of the sun. There will be planned stops to visit the following:

Andahuaylillas: (the sistine chapel of the Americas, this temple is one of the best examples of the fusion between Catholic and Andean religions).

Raqchi: A Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha, construction of monumental dimensions, an estimated 100 meters long, 26m wide, 14m high. This is the only known temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, creator of the Universe.

La Raya: Midway point on our journey and highest point on the road – 4335 m.s.n.m. The impressive views here allow us to admire the rugged high altitude, full of tall peaks, many of which are snow-capped, and herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. This is the geografic border between two cultures, the Quechua of Cusco and the Aymara of Puno.

Pucara: This ceremonial center is one of the oldest and most important of the high plains, well known for its lithic structures and tombs.

We are going to arrive to Puno around 5:00pm. At the bus station in Puno, a member of the hotel will be there waiting for you holding a sign board with your name on it to transfer you to our hotel. So, all you need to do is just look for your name.

Lodging: Puno – Qalasaya Hotel**** or similars.

DAY 10.- FLOATING ISLANDS OF UROS & AMANTANI ISLAND.

A full day of boat excursion afloat Lake Titicaca. We will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands. The islanders will give us a presentation about their lifestyle upon their man-made islands, built using the totora reed which grows among the shores of the lake. We will learn about their existence on these small islands and how they have adapted to its conditions.

Continuing across the lake we will arrive to the island of Amantani. Here we will meet the Quechua families that will offer us a cosy home-stay style lodging and prepare us traditional food for lunch. After lunch we will make the short ascent to the two hilltops of the island while observing the daily lifestyle of the local people. Atop of the island we will visit two ancient pre-Inka temples, Pachatata and Pachamama (father & mother cosmos). In the evening after dinner the community members will hold a small welcoming party for us.

Lodging: Amantani Island (HOMESTAY).

DAY 11.- TAQUILE ISLAND & BACK TO PUNO.

After breakfast on Amantani we will board the boat again to make the short trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. Here we will ascend the beautiful stone paths to the community, a small and quite shy population, not to mention very hard-working and wise, a culture full of art and tradition. Taquiles’ people are cheerful and proud of their origen and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca.

Lodging: Puno – Qalasaya Hotel**** or similars.

DAY 12.- PUNO – JULIACA – FLY TO LIMA & FLY HOME.

A brief transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca. Upon arrival in Lima there will be assitence for an international connecting flight, or if prefered, transfer for a hotel.

End of the tour!!!

INCLUDED:

• 11 night’s accommodations with (5 nights with 3 stars hotels, 2 nights with 4 stars, 03 camping nights and 1 night in a Homestay in the Tititcaca Lake).
• 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 family dinners.
• Meet and greet airport service.
• All Private transportation.
• All Private transfers.
• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for orientation. Here we provide you with duffle bags that will be on horse-back during the trekhorse-back during the trek.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+.
• Professional Cook for the Lares trek.
• Horses to carry all equipment and 7 kg of your personal items.
• Pick-up and transportation from your hotel.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Afternoon Snacks and 4 Dinners. If you have a dietary request (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, etc) or allergy please advise us upon booking and re-confirm the day of our briefing.
• Wake up tea: Every morning our staff will bring tea to your tent
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 4 man tent for every 2 trekkers
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Golden Sunrise Machupicchu ****** ,
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress.
• Oxygen bottle
• First aid kit
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)round trip)
• Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Transportation Ollantaytambo-Cusco.
• Bus to Puno.
• Titicaca Lake tour – Puno.
• Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bag (Optional Rental Fee will apply).
• Breakfast on day 4 and lunch and dinner on Day 8.
• Entrance Fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Extra US$ 75.
• Tips for Staff.
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Original Passport.
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount).
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Warm jacket.
• T-shirts.
• Comfortable Trousers.
• Sun hat.
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher).
• Insect repellant.
• Personal medication.
• Camera and film.

THIS TOUR RUNS ALSO AS A PRIVATE SERVICE!
****Daily Departure with at least 2 people****

DEPARTURE DATES:

• As long as we meet our minimum of two people, our Incredible Adventure Tours can leave any day of the week, twelve months a year.