Land of the Incas Aug 07

Dates: 02 Aug - 11 Aug 2007
Min sponsorship: £2750
Registration fee: £199
Contact: ndcschallenges@ndcs.org.uk

Itinerary

Day 1

London – Lima

Morning flight from London. Evening arrival and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Lima – Cuzco

Early rise for a domestic flight over the Andes to the historical city of Cuzco (3400m above sea level). Transfer to our Hotel where we’ll spend the next 2 nights. This afternoon is free to explore independently or take an optional tour.

Day 3

Cuzco

Free day in Cuzco to acclimatise to the altitude and explore the old capital of the Inca Empire.

Day 4

Cuzco – Ollantaytambo – Huayllabamba

5-6 hours approx.

A very early start in order to transfer by coach to the market town of Ollantaytambo. We start trekking at an altitude of 2500m. The terrain is fairly gentle. We camp overnight at Huayllabamba (3000m).

Day 5

Huayllabamba – Warmiwanuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) – River Pacamayo

6 hours approx.

From Huayllabamba the trail climbs steeply along the banks of the River Llullucha and through beautiful cloud forest fowards Warmiwanuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4200m. This is the highest point of the trek and the altitude makes it a slow ascent. From the top there is a steep descent to our camp in picturesque surroundings near the River Pacamayo (3600m).

Day 6

River Pacamayo – Runku Raccay – Phuyu Pata marca – Winay Wayna

11 hours approx.

We start off with a steep ascent to the small archaeological site of Runku Raccay. We continue to Runku Raccay pass at 4000m before descending to the well preserved Inca town of Sayac Marca (3600m). From here we continue through beautiful cloud forest to our lunch stop at Phuyu Pata Marca (Town above the Clouds). The campsite tonight is quite lively with a good bar and music.

Day 7

Winay Wayna – Intipunku – machu Picchu – Agua Calientes

3 hours approx.

An early start today in order to reach Intipunku (Gates of the Sun) for sunrise. From here it is possible to catch our first glimpses of the awe-inspiring Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. We will have a group photo and guided visit before lunch. This afternoon you are free to either further explore the Machu Picchu site, climb Huayna Picchu mountain, or to take a bus straight to Aguas Calientes, a good town for shopping. We re-group this evening for dinner.

Day 8

Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cuzco

Early morning train to Ollantaytambo, with great scenery en-route to Cuzco. Today is free for sightseeing and shopping. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal and are entertained by local musicians!

Day 9

Cuzco – Lima – London

Lunch time flight from Cuzco to Lima. Free afternoon before an evening return flight to the UK.

Day 10

London

Arrive UK.

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