Inca Mountains Trek Dossier 2002

For dates and prices please return to the Inca Mountains Trek front page

Crossng the Campa pass after a snowstorm, Cordillera Vilcanota

The highlight of this trekking holiday is the circuit trek of Ausangate in the Cordillera Vilcanota of southern Peru. It is a relatively easy but wild trek, crossing two passes of 5100m. From each of the passes there are spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountains, including Ausangate, Collquecruz, and Jatunhuma, all of which are higher than 6000m. Plenty of llamas are guaranteed and we will also see some of the exotic wildlife of the area including vicuñas, vizcachas, humming birds and the wonderful condor. The trek will take us a total of nine days, allowing time to explore some of the side valleys. On the way round the trek we are offering an option to climb two easy peaks, Huayruro Punco 5500m and Campa 5470m. There is no extra charge for this option but we do need to know in advance.

Before going to the Cordillera Vilcanota we will have several days sightseeing in and around Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It is a city with a fantastic and colourful atmosphere and our time here will give us a chance to see many of the famous ruins in the area including the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. We will then do the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is a four day trek along ancient stone highways to the world famous lost city of the Incas, discovered deep in the jungle in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.

Though some previous experience of hillwalking, trekking and camping in remote areas are an advantage, both the trek and the climbing option are suitable for anyone who is fit and adventurous.

Inca stonework, Cuzco street

The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Many ruins from the days before the Spanish conquest of Peru are still visible in the city and surrounding foothills. There are countless examples of the Incas incredible skill as stone-masons. Huge granite blocks fit so well that a knife cannot be inserted between them. There are also some beautiful buildings in the city built by the early Spanish colonists, including the Cathedral and buildings around the main square.

Because the city lies at an altitude of 3300m we'll spend a couple of days in Cuzco when we first arrive in Peru, getting used to the altitude. This will give us time to explore many of the ruins including the magnificent toothed fortress of Sacsayhuaman which sits on a hillside above the city and is a rival even to Machu Picchu. There will also be time to look around the markets of Cuzco and nearby towns. As your time in Cuzco will be flexible and not everyone may wish to see every ruin, the cost of any tours taken at this time is not included in our price.

THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

The most spectacular way to arrive at Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the way the Incas designed the city to be approached. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a four day walk along beautifully engineered Inca 'roads' crossing several high passes up to 4200m above sea level. The Inca 'roads' include long flights of steps, traverses above deep ravines and tunnels cut through solid rock. On the way to Machu Picchu the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular with views to Salcantay and other snow capped peaks. We will also pass many impressive ruins from the time of the Incas, some still half hidden in the thick forest. Then on the very last day we'll get our first view of Machu Picchu from the pass known as Intipuncu - the Gateway of the Sun.

The classic view of Machu Picchu from near the gate of the sun, Intipuncu

Machu Picchu (pictured below) was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham early this century when he was looking for a fabled 'lost' Inca city in the deep valleys around Cuzco. This is the most famous ruin in South America and not without reason. The setting is superb. Machu Picchu sits on a mountain ridge, high above the deep gorge of the river Urubamba and surrounded by thick forests. The ruins themselves are extensive with many houses, temples and fortifications. We could fill a whole dossier just describing the ruins but it wouldn't do them justice - it's better just to go and see them yourself. The exact reason the Incas built Machu Picchu is not known (because they left no written records) but it was clearly a site of ceremonial importance. We will have a whole day at the ruins. Entrance fee is included in the expedition price.

The Cordillera Vilcanota are a compact mountain range situated about 100km south east of Cuzco. They are perhaps the most rugged and remote mountains in Peru. The range contains several peaks over 6000m high, including Ausangate the highest peak at 6384m. All the mountains are steep and snow capped - we will get spectacular views of them from many sides as we do the circuit trek round Ausangate. The peaks are almost without exception serious mountaineering challenges, not climbed until the 1950's

We start and finish the trek in the small village of Tinqui on the northern edge of the Vilcanota mountains. The trek will be fully supported, with horses or mules carrying all equipment, but is still a relatively strenuous undertaking because of the high passes (up to 5100m) that we will cross. Typically we'll walk for six hours per day. This trek normally takes five days but we've allowed extra days in our schedule so that those taking the climbing option have time to climb. On summit days those not climbing will have the option of a rest day or a day spent exploring the high mountain valleys.

Early morning cup of tea on the Inca Trail

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This time of year is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes and there are long periods of stable weather with plenty of sunshine and only occasional afternoon showers. In the highest parts of the Cordillera Vilcanota there are sometimes high winds and light snow flurries. Though the sun will often be strong and warm, temperatures at 4-5000m can be extremely cold, going down to -5°C during the 12 hours of darkness each night, so bring a warm sleeping bag and a good book!

On this type of expedition there are inevitably some hardships which clients must be prepared to put up with in return for the great rewards of trekking through such wild and remote mountains. Cold nights, tired feet and some tinned and dried food are a few of the experiences which will just have to be enjoyed!

For both the trek and climbing options customers should preferably be experienced hillwalkers or trekkers but no climbing or mountaineering skills are needed. Previous experience of wilderness camping is very useful as these are very remote mountains. All customers on the trek should have a good level of fitness as we cross passes up to 5100m high and will walk for around 6 hours per day.

For the climbing option some extra fitness and stamina is essential. Summit days will be only 6-8 hours long but will take the place of a rest day. If you have any doubts about the suitability of these expedition options for you then please give us a call.

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Chatting with the locals, Cordillera Vilcanota

FLIGHTS

Flights from London to Cuzco via Lima the Peruvian capital cost around £700. We normally arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), who have very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as it means we are all on the same flight out to South America. If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary.

Visas are not necessary for British citizens, but you should have a full passport valid for six months from the date of travel. If you will not be using a British passport please make this clear when booking - you may need a visa.

All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like advice on insurance please ask

ACCOMMODATION

While we're in Cuzco we use a clean and secure hotel, with hot showers and all the other comforts of home. It will be possible to leave extra luggage and clean clothes in Cuzco whenever we go off to the mountains. We will be camping when we are out in the mountains; modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us, but you'll need your own four season sleeping bag and mat.

SECURITY

Peru suffers from a bad reputation for theft and insurance is a necessity. It has to be said that thieves steal from easy targets; most tales of theft involve the victim doing something unwise. It is important to stay alert when in busy public areas and to guard your belongings carefully at all times. Muggings and other violent crime are very rare. We will issue further advice to all clients before departure.

Having said all this, we have run countless trips to South America including many to Peru and we have only ever seen a few small thefts. We can quite confidently say people are more likely to lose something than have it stolen!

Mountain Hazards : There are very slight risks from bad weather, and the usual mountain hazards including slight risks from rockfall, crevasse and avalanche hazard on the optional peak ascents.

Peru is one of the poorest countries in South America and hygiene standards reflect this. Even with a bit of caution you may get an upset stomach at some stage. It is a good idea to avoid tap water, unwashed fruit, ice, seafood and all food sold by street vendors. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, polio and hepatitis are needed! Your doctor may also recommend rabies and diphtheria injections. Malaria and yellow fever precautions are not necessary as we won't be visiting mosquito risk areas.

Peruvian family and trekkers, Tinqui, Cordillera Vilcanota

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At the time of printing this dossier we have not yet confirmed the leader for this holiday. All of our regular leaders have considerable experience of trekking in the Andes. Please call our office nearer the departure date if you want more details.

Our treks and expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The trek will be co-ordinated, organised and led by us, but as far as possible will adapt to the plans and aspirations of the members. We will consult and involve all members when planning the details of the expedition.

Please note that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.

The minimum number of customers we need to run this trek is four. The maximum size of the trek will be eight customers plus leader. We have no minimum requirement to run the climbing option.

In some circumstances we may be able to run the trip with a local Peruvian leader if we have fewer than four customers.

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