Andean Lodge to Lodge Trekking
South America
Countries Visted: Peru
5 days / Trip Code: APX101

$1690.00 (double / per person)

Trip Overview:
Facts About The Lodges:

Our four newly built lodges, also referred to as “Tambos” (a term used by the Incas for the “resting places” located along their amazing highway system that once covered large parts of South America) are comfortable hotels, different from other constructions usually found in isolated high mountain treks.

Three of the installations have the same design consisting of a solid two-story building, made mostly with rocks from local quarries. Eucalyptus-logs and all the wood used in the construction had to be carried a long way from lower elevations of the Cusco region, since there is hardly any vegetation at these altitudes. Due to labor contribution, land valuation, and direct investment, the communities of Chillca and Osefina own almost a fifth of the shares of the company.

The profits generated will be used to improve education and living conditions in general. Our project has created 24 full-time jobs and 30 or more temporal employment opportunities. Furthermore, it creates a market for alpaca meat and fleece products, as well as traditional woven textiles manufactured by the women of the communities. The direct jobs created the first year will represent some 60,000 dollars in salaries. In five years all professional services should be provided by the community members.

This Adventure Includes:
Professional Bilingual Mountain Guide + assistant guide y required by group size. Private Transportation from Cusco to Start of Trek and from End of Trek back to Cusco. Impermeable Duffle Bags for Luggage carried by llamas. Llamas to carry Luggage.
Muleteers. All meals during trek (B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D= Dinner).
Water refill during trek when required by passengers. First Aid KIT with Oxygen. Andean music presentations upon arrival to each lodge. 1 pair of Alpaca Sleepers for each visitor. 24 hours hot water in each lodge. Rooms with private Bathrooms. Heaters in Rooms.

This Adventure Does Not Include:
Tips
Alcoholic Beverages
Extras not mentioned in Itinerary
Laundry

Service Level:
The Standard Level (Our Standard Level service features 2- 3 star accomodations and comfortable transportation throughout the itinerary. Some meals may be provided. The standard level provides private guides and transfers.)

Physical Demand Rating:
4 (Demanding)

Departure Info:
Minimum :1 Passengers in Fixed departures / A Fixed departure may be converted into a Private group with a minimum of 4 passengers.

Departures : Every Friday from April to End of November or Upon Request for Private Services.

Additional Trip Description:
Social Impact Fact:
Due to labor contribution, land valuation, and direct investment, the communities of Chillca and Osefina own almost a fifth of the shares of the company. The profits generated will be used to improve education and living conditions in general. Our project has created 24 full-time jobs and 30 or more temporal employment opportunities. Furthermore, it creates a market for alpaca meat and fleece products, as well as traditional woven textiles manufactured by the women of the communities. The direct jobs created the first year will represent some 60,000 dollars in salaries. In five years all professional services should be provided by the community members.

Additional Trip Notes:
Prior to departure passengers must be in good conditions though trek is designed for non professional trekkers. 1 month before to departure participants must do at least 2 miles of hiking or jogging at least 2 days a week. Swimming is another good option; it will help your lungs capture more oxygen.

To help prevent altitude sickness the best measure is to acclimatize for at least two days with limited activity, eat light meals, drink lots of water and abstain from alcohol. Other methods include ingestion of aspirins which liquefy your blood and make it flow faster.

Adventure Type:
Eco Adventure

Budget: $1501 ~ $2000

Days: 5

Day 1
Cusco/Chillica:
After an early breakfast passengers will d epart from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe (1 hour and a half, 100 km ). After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, we start ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca , where we will be greeted by the community. ( 1 hour and a half, 42 km ). From there it is a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo”(45 minutes). Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.B/L/D

Day 2
Chillica / Machuracay:
Our hike begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views.The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls descending from the Santa Catalina Mountain . This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area and once we reach the small Paloma lagoon the countryside will be dotted with these animals, and also a large number of alpacas.

After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, we will reach the Machuracay Tambo,located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate. B/L/D

Day 3
Machurcay / Anatapata
After a demanding ascent of the Palomani pass at an elevation of 5,200 m . / 17,000 ft ., we will descend to Ausangatecocha . Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the “apu” will inspire us as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the “Nevado Del Inca” . Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo

Day 4
Anatapata / Huampococha
A spectacular part of the trail finds us hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of marvelous geological wonder and natural beauty. Also, be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. We will sleep that night in the Huampococha Tambo , in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.B/L/D

Day 5
Huampococha / Cusco
After a last climb over the Anta pass; we will gradually make our descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco. Upon arrival to Cusco, passengers will be directed to their hotel. B/L

Pre-Trip Travel Information:
Hiking Experience Required:
Level : 6 to 7 hours Moderate day hikes / Need good shape and prior experience.

Highest lodge : Machuracay Tambo, 4,800 m /15,800 ft . above sea level.
Highest point : Palomachayoc Pass 16,700 ft/5,100 m. above sea level .

For all of us going to the “El Camino Del Apu Ausangate” we should stress the need of an acclimatization period, needless to say is that those in good physical condition, enjoy it more, we will go over a mountain pass of 5150 meters above the sea level, remember to drink lots of water and/ or coca tea, The days normally are beautiful and the air is thin and briskly in the morning the temperatures range from 32° to 75°, In the same day, remember we will be hiking in the heart of the Andes; It could be cold in matter of minutes.

Prior to departure passengers must be in good conditions though trek is designed for non professional trekkers. 1 month before to departure participants must do at least 2 miles of hiking or jogging at least 2 days a week. Swimming is another good option; it will help your lungs capture more oxygen.

Cancellation Policy:
For Adventures 8 Nights or LESS:

60 or more days: $150
30-60 days: $400 Advance payment cost
29–8 days: 40% of trip cost
7–0 days No refund

For Adventures 9 Nights or MORE:

60 or more days: $150.00
30-60 days: $400.00 Advance payment cost.
29–8 days: 40% of trip cost.
7–0 days No refund.

Client Note:
We stronly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance.

Required Deposit Per Person:
$400.00

Deposit Note:

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