A Journey with the Last Incas

Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Urubamba

Peru

This trek is a unique experience, visiting isolated villages that conserve the pride and traditions of their Inca ancestors, communities dedicated to agriculture, breeding of llamas and alpacas, the excellent pack animals, wool and food suppliers. In the Andes, very few places conserve the traditional techniques of weaving and dresses making. Our journey finishes in the semi tropical fertile valley of Lares, where we enjoy the relaxing hot springs after days of hiking. Natives handle the llamas that carry our gear through this splendid landscape of snow-capped mountains, just as their ancestors did, many centuries ago.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Ollantaytambo - Patacancha
From Cusco, we drive to Ollantaytambo. After visiting the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, a powerful fortress of Inca aristocracy during the invasion of the Spaniards, we continue by bus to Patacancha (3806m), a beautiful community. From here, we walk approximately four hours to the community of Palca (4173m) where we set up camp (L D).

Day 2: Palca - Qelcanca
Early morning, we ascent to the first pass (4392 m) and admire the splendid views over the Urubamba mountain range before descending into the valley of Qelcanca, a community dedicated to the breeding of Llamas and Alpacas. This community hosts a school where the teaching is in the native Quechua language. We visit the community and the surroundings and set up camp at (3844 m), with beautiful views of the snowed Terijuay (5800 m) (B L D).

Day 3: Qelcanca - Cochayoj - Cachin
Today, we hike gradually uphill, passing beautiful lake Yuraqcocha, till we cross the pass at 4337m, from where we appreciate Lake Call Cochayoj. We descend enjoying the Andean landscape of mountains and herds of Alpacas until we arrive to the community of Cochayoj, famous by its dedication to the traditional weaving techniques. We continue descending the mountain to the community of Cachin situated above the valley of Lares at 3726m (B L D)

Day 4: Cachin - Lares
In the morning, we visit the Cachin community, the most famous specialist weavers of the whole region, using techniques conserved since ancient times, including the exclusive designs of animals, plants and legends of their ancestors. Their houses and granaries are constructed while conserving the traditional Inca stone architecture. Around midday, we descend towards the valley of Lares, situated at 3207m, a typical colonial town with a church, a main plaza and narrow streets. It is an ideal place to finish our adventure while camping near the hot springs (B L D).

Day 5: Lares - Urubamba - Cusco
We drive back to Urubamba in the Sacred Valley, over a pass of 4265m, from where we appreciate the view over the mountains of the Sawasiray and Pitusiray and descend into the Urubamba valley and return to Cusco (B L).

General Information

Rated: moderate

A Journey with the Last Incas
	2 people		3 people		4 people		Fixed departure
Duration	5 days	4days	5 days	4days	5 days	4days	5 days	4 days	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 828	$ 715	$ 647	$ 558	$ 548	$ 475	$ 650	$ 575	$ 62
EUR	€ 687	€ 593	€ 537	€ 463	€ 455	€ 394	€ 539	€ 477	€ 51
GBP	£ 464	£ 400	£ 362	£ 312	£ 307	£ 266	£ 364	£ 322	£ 35

(*) Price last updated on 07 June 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included in price:
Bi-lingual mountain guides, experienced cooks, camp and field staff, transport and meals as mentioned, top quality camping equipment, inclusive mess tent, cooking gear, portable toilet, first aid kit.

Not included:
Sleeping bag and foam pad, tips.

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