HUAYANAY TO MACHU PICHU
(4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS)
Around Huayanay mountain, connecting with a section of the Inka trail and culminating in Machupicchu.

We recommend two days predeparture to aclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

The Inca road system was the most extensive and highly advanced transportation system in pre-Columbian South America. The network was based on two north-south roads, with numerous branches. The best known portion of the road system is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Main routes The eastern route ran high in the puna and mountain valleys from Quito, Ecuador to Cusco, Peru (The capital of the Inca Empire) to Mendoza, Argentina. The western route followed the coastal plain except in coastal deserts where it hugged the foothills. More than twenty routes ran over the western mountains, while others traversed the eastern cordillera in the mountains and lowlands. Some of these roads reach heights of over 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) above sea level. The trails connected the regions of the Inca empire from the northern provincial capital in Quito, Ecuador past the modern city of Santiago, Chile in the south. The Inca road system linked together about 40,000 kilometres (25,000 mi) of roadway and provided access to over 3,000,000 square kilometres (1,200,000 sq mi) of territory.

Situated between 500 to 800 meters (1,600 to 2,600 ft) above sea level, this monumental road, which could reach 20 metres (66 ft) in width, connected populated areas, administrative centers, agricultural and mining zones as well as ceremonial centers and sacred spaces. These roads provided easy, reliable and quick routes for the Empire's civilian and military communications, personnel movement, and logistical support. The prime users were imperial soldiers, porters and llama caravans, along with the nobility and individuals on official duty. Permission was required before others could walk along the roads, and tolls were charged at some bridges. Although the Inca roads varied greatly in scale, construction and appearance, for the most part they varied between about 1 to 4 meters (3.3 to 13 ft) in width.

Much of the system was the result of the Incas claiming exclusive right over numerous traditional routes, some of which had been built centuries earlier. Many new sections were built or upgraded substantially: through Chile's Atacama desert, and along the western margin of Lake Titicaca, serve as two examples. The Qhapaq Ñan (English: Great Inca Road, or Main Andean Road, and meaning "the beautiful road") constituted the principal north-south highway of the Inca Empire traveling 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) along the spine of the Andes.

The Qhapaq Ñan unified this immense and heterogeneous empire through a well-organized political system of power. It allowed the Inca to control his Empire and to send troops as needed from the capital, Cusco.

The most important Inca road was the Camino Real, as it is known in Spanish, with a length of 5,200 kilometres (3,200 mi)). It began in Quito, Ecuador, passed through Cusco, and ended in what is now Tucumán, Argentina. The Camino Real traversed the mountain ranges of the Andes, with peak altitudes of more than 5,000 m (16,000 ft). El Camino de la Costa, the coastal trail, with a length of 4,000 kilometres (2,500 mi), ran parallel to the sea and was linked with the Camino Real by many smaller routes.

Itinerary
This is one choice jewel of a hike: close proximity of high snowcapped peaks, Andean villages in hanging valleys, deep gorges and broad wide expanses of Andean highland plateau. We connect with a section of the original Inka Trail and have a chance to see the different ecosystems. Plus, the train rides to and from Machu Picchu along the Canyon of the Urubamba River, are thrilling and impressive treat unto themselves.

Day one:
We begin climbing out of the Cusco valley and then on a large highlands plateau, driving for some ninety minutes on the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Our first stops are at some of scenic lookouts and spots with spectacular overviews of the Urubamba Mountain Range (their summits almost 3000 meters above us and yet the ramparts of the Cordillera are less than 50 kilometers away. Spectacular photography of the impressive panorama of the eastern Andes. The plateau (known as the plateau of Chinchero, after the principal village in the area) comes to an abrupt end at what is actually the south rim –or left margin- of the Grand Canyon of the Urubamba, which flows east to west at this point, several thousand meters below us.

The road then drops vertiginously from the highland of Chinchero to the Urubamba River valley floor. Along this stretch of valley there is a succession of villages, some which once were impressive Inka urban centers. One such is the town of Ollantaytambo, which boasts some of he most impressive and massive Inka Stone masonry among its archaeological remains. We put in a stop at this archaeological site, touring and photographing it. Having completed our visit, we continue by vehicle following a secondary gravel road and eventually reaching the small village of Chillca, which is where our trailhead begins. First, however we make the acquaintance of our field staff and camp hands. The wranglers soon strap our gear on the llamas and horses who will be packing the expedition appurtenances throughout, until later in the journey when we are close to Machu Picchu and walking on Inka Royal Roads, where pack animals are not allowed.

And so we reach the moment when there is nothing further to do other than start hiking. Today’s trekking will cover a distance of approximately 11 kilometers (8 miles). There will be good opportunities to catch glimpses of Andean wildlife as we gradually make our way up through the different Inter Andean valleys all the way to the beginning of the Puna ecosystem (Andean grass land). It constitutes a great chance for those fond of observing nature to see different Humming Birds (like the Giant Humming Bird and the Sparkling Violet Ear), as well finches (Rufus cellared sparrow); likewise also observe some of our native forestry and flora, such as the bush called Chillca (Bacharis peruviana), the Kiswar (Buddleja longifolio) and the Colle (Buddleja coriacea). ). We arrive at camp already in the afternoon, and partake of high tea and hot drinks. (L, D). In the evening and night, fantastic opportunities for star gazing.

Day two:
Today we’re up early and after a hearty breakfast off we go and climb to the top of the Pass of Anscascocha (“blue lake pass”) at 14 800 ft. above sea level) passing through diverse vegetation: different kinds of bromeliads (epiphytes) such as the Puya densifora bromeliad and the tall Andean grass called Ichu (stipa sp). There is a wonderful view of Ancascocha Lake (12,000 ft) and the snow capped peak of Huayanay (The Mountain of the five peaks, 19000 ft.)

Lunch takes place at this point, followed by a photographic session of the Urubamba range and the awesome and overpowering Mt. Salkantay which -at 21000 ft.- is the highest and most massive mountain in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. We now descend the pass - from the highland of the Andes we start going down following the original path of the Inkas and passing one of their well built Tambos, or rest stations, along the way. This wad once an important Inka Road, leading from the aforementioned city of Ollantaytambo (on the Urubamba watershed) and leading to Tarawasi, another important administrative center located on the Apurimac River watershed. After a 13 kilometer (8.7 miles) trek, we finally set up camp in the vicinity of Huayanay mountain, in full view of its glacier field; this camp is at (11,800 ft). The star and constellation gazing in this camp is breathtaking. (B, L, D).

Day three:
We have ahead of us a beautiful day. We continue our descent to the Urubamba basin floor A beautiful day, taking in part of the inter Andean valleys and the scrub bush vegetation ecosystem with the chance to see birdlife such as the Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater) and the Long Tail Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi), as well as the Aplomado Falcon (Falcon femoralis). We also traverse the sections of the original Andean high forest characterized by arboreal species like the Huaranhuay (Tecoma stans) and the Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa).

This day we will explore the archaeological site of Paucar Cancha (10000 ft), finely constructed at the confluence of two torrents, and go on to visit the once-important Inka Administrative nucleus of Llaqtapata (9000 ft.) It is large broad archaeological complex, with many sectors. It is also an admirable lunch spot. After lunch we go down to the gorge of the Urubamba river. In these places we will encounter other numerous archaeological sites to visit. After we’ve had our fill of ruins we go to camp for hot drinks and Dinner. Camp is in the proximity of Inka ruins. As usual, insuperable star-gazing. (B, L, D).

Day four:
Early this morning, we trek a short distance to the railway line where we board the train bound for Machu Picchu. After the spectacular train ride mentioned at the start of this description, we go up to Machupicchu for a good, in-depth tour with explorations and explanations of the archaeological site. Later, we shall have a good chance to climb one of the mountains which rise close to the complex. If we do this, our odds are greatly favorable of seeing orchids such as the forever young “Wiñay Wayna” (epidrendum secundum) and others.

After a good break, followed by lunch and another good break, we have an optional hike to Intipunku -the Gateway of the Sun- (an easy hike of one and a half hours) where we have the chance to admire a different view, or perspective of Machupicchu. The upper reaches of the hike to Intipunku are very bountiful in flora and fauna. There are other species of birdlife we hadn’t seen until now -like the Wrens- as well as innumerable species of orchids –both epiphytic and ground growing- and, of course, several other Inka Roads, their ashlars stairways vanishing into the forest. After that enjoyable saunter, we some time free for a spiritual journey in the Citadel. Late afternoon we catch the train to Cusco, arriving there by 8.30 pm.

Note: We can and are willing to recommend good hotels for you. Also highly recommended is to add a river rafting trip and a jungle trip plus a city tour this package.

Included

Sleeping bag.

Lodge.

Hotels.

Equipment and gear.

Tents and mattresses (all seasons).

Meals.

Transportation.

Bus.

Horses handlers.

Tours.

Guides (cultural and natural).

First aid.

Radio communication.

What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:

Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).

Sun Block; Insect Repellent.

Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).

Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.

A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.

One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).

Sandals for River use (Teva types).

Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).

Reading material.

Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).

Bathing Suit.

Water Bottle (I liter capacity).

Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.

A bandana for neck protection.

A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).

Camera and plenty of film.

Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).

At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).

A good waterproof jacket and anorak.

Any questions, consults and information, contact us at:

Mail: info@cuscomachupicchu.com

Phone: (0051 - 84) - 984764938