Join our travel group on this exciting adventure vacation to Peru! On the Lares trail, situated high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is a fascinating and magical place which was built by the great Inca Empire more than 100 years before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Now, it has been voted one of the new seven wonders of the world! It was never discovered by the Spanish or mentioned in their chronicles, but a professor from Yale - Hiram Bingham, discovered the ruins buried beneath dense undergrowth in 1911.

Trip overview: This multi-sport trip to Peru offers a wide range of different adventure activities as well as cultural tours and archeology of the Inca Empire. It includes visits to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, as well as famous locations in the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Among other activities- You will have a chance to interact with locals, try local cuisine, explore ancient ruins, learn the history of this unique area, go on a multi day trekking adventure that is fully outfitted, pursue outdoor activities, see glaciers, jungles and other fantastic scenery in the Andes mountains, sample the fun nightlife, and visit local markets. This is a fully guided tour and our guides will take you to the famous sites of Peru as well as off the beaten path destinations.

• 9 days, 8 nights
• September 25th- October 3rd, 2009
• Deposit: $500
• Full trip price $1,725

Day 1 Fri Sep 25th . ARRIVE LIMA AND TRANSFER TO CUSCO

Please book your intl flight for:
Arrival in Lima on your intl flight no later than 8 am on Sep 25th.
(If you need to arrive on the 24th, ask us for a rt airport transfer and extra night at a hotel in Lima close to the airport- $99)

Mid- Morning flight from Lima to Cusco (this flight included in package)
At arrival in Cusco, we will get our luggage,  and be transferred to the Hotel in Cusco.
 
Upon arrival at hotel- checking in. Unwind from the flight and relax.
In the afternoon we will get together for a meet and greet with all members of the trip, introductions, and a chance to taste a Coca tea (Andean leaf) while you are informed and given some tips about Cusco of what to do or where to go on your free time. Then your tour guide In the afternoon your tour guide meets you at your hotel and takes you on a sightseeing tour of the town taking in the colonial churches and visiting Inca ruins outside the city; Sacsayhuaman (temple of the Lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place, Pucapucara (Inca Fortress) and Tambomachay (Temple of the water). Lunch and Dinner on your own.  Hotel Residencia de Sol (or similar)

Day 2   CUSCO: Breakfast is included. Free day in Cusco to partake in one of the numerous adventure tours at additional cost (horseback riding, white water rafting, mountain biking-  or just take a free day to explore on your own (ideas include catching a soccer match or shopping for crafts)
Lunch and Dinner on your own arrangements.  Free evening.  Hotel Residencia de Sol

Day 3  CUSCO - CALCA - AGUAS TERMALES LARES - HUACAWASI Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner is included.. We leave from Cusco early in the morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley. About 1 hour to reach Pisac (3,350 mts) where we will proceed on directly to the ruins before returning for a short stop at Pisac and its famous market. We will then continue on to Lares (3,250 mts) Optional Hot Springs and enjoy some time soaking in the medicinal hot springs, after lunch we have four hours of trekking to our campsite above Huacawasi (3,850 mts) L, D
Day 4- HUACAWASI - EPSAYCOCHA  Breakfast, Lunch  is included
After continuing up through the valley, we arrive to the community of Huacawasi. People here produce some of the finest weavings in Peru. Passing this community we begin climbing up to Condor Pass, the second of the trip at 4300m. From here, we catch a stunning view of the renowned Mount Veronica (5750m.) Descending gently for about one hour, we come to the beautiful Epsaycocha Lake, and our last campsite. B,L,D

Day 5- EPSAYCOCHA - HUILLOQ - PUMAMARKA - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES: Breakfast, Lunch is included
Today our trail leads downhill to an overlook facing a wide valley. Descending into the valley, we eventually arrive to the administrative Pumamarka Inca site and enjoy our guided tour. Lunch.
We continue the hike for an hour and half to arrive Ollantaytambo. This Inca fortress is situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archaeological remains and a wide variety of flowers and birds species. We take the afternoon train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there in a comfortable hotel. Reunite with the non-trek group this evening. Overnight in Aguas Calientes Hotel

Day 6-  MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO: Breakfast is included
At  5:30 am early morning bus up to Machu Picchu .  There should be 6 to 7 hours available to spend in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huaynapicchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas. Bus back to Aguas Calientes included. Afternoon transfer returns to Cusco. Optional visit to Aguas Calientes Hot springs (extra charge 2$ per person) before the train ride back to Cusco at around 4:30 pm. Transfer to hotel. B.  Lunch and Dinner on own arrangements.  Hotel Residencia de Sol (or similar)

Day 7- CUSCO:  Breakfast is included.  Free day to do another adventure activity or just relax and shopping and exciting nightlife of Cusco. Lunch and Dinner on own arrangements.  Hotel Residencia de Sol

Day 8- LIMA:  Breakfast Included.  Morning at leisure. Lunch on your own.  Group transfer to Cusco airport. Late morning fly back to Lima.

 

 When you arrive at the Airport in Lima you will come out to arrivals, there will be a staff member there to meet you with a sign with your names on it. Transfer to hotel. Optional- Farewell dinner in Lima plus 3 hour city tour $60 (includes rt transport to restaurant, 3 hour guided city tour of Lima, and dinner at Argentine style steakhouse with a glass of champagne or Pisco sour included, plus 1 wine, bottled water, or soda- other drinks are etxtra).  Hotel Melodia (or similar).
 
Day 9-LIMA:. Breakfast Included. We will transfer you to the airport for flights back to the US based on your departure time. If your flight is in the evening you may leave luggage in the hotel's luggage storage after checkout.

*Please note all times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc are approximate and subject to change at the guide's and or host's recommendations. Learning Escapes reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (ie worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). During the trek, we reserve the right to change the campsites, daily itinerary, and historical sites visited if needed for safety, scheduling, and other concerns.

LAND PACKAGE COST $1,725 * **
* double occupancy accommodations
** Additional 5% Service Charge for Credit Cards

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 2,175 *
* Additional 5% Service Charge for Credit Cards

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE !!

(Balance due 60 days ahead of travel)

- Please book to arrive in Lima from your home city on September 25th by no later than 10am in morning or earlier(anytime on the afternoon or evening of the 24th for arrival is fine also)
- Please book your departure flight from Lima to your home city on the 3rd of October  anytime during the day or evening.

- Flight Booking:  Beat the Internet Prices! Call Gabriele at International Travel Consultants 301-294-0222

=====================================================

Domestic flights within Peru
Airport transfers on arrival and departure in every destination
01 night's hotel in Lima and 04 nights hotel Cusco.  1 night Aguas Calientes,  
Professional local tour guides while on the tours and trek.
Private transport on all tours.
Hotels include: breakfast and taxes.
Excursion in Cusco and nearby sites.
Economic Tourist Train return from Aguas Calientes / Cusco with seats reserved.
Transfer from the train station in Cusco to hotel.
Breakfast is included in accommodation.
Early Bus from Aguas Calientes town up to Machupicchu (25') and Bus return from Machupicchu down to Aguas Calientes.
Afternoon Train from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu.
Tourist economic Train returns from Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo and Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco hotel).
Entry into Machu Picchu
US Based Host for trip

Visitors pass for Cusco sites $ 61.00 (this is valid for the Sacred Valley)
Airport departure tax ($ 6.00 each way)
International departure tax $ 31.00
(taxes and entrance fees subject to change)
Tips
Extra personal expenses and optional tours
Meals not mentioned on the program.
Limit of weight on domestic flights 30 lbs


•    Private Tourist Transport from Cusco to Lares.
•    Professional English-speaking guide (Licensed)
•    Mules and or Horses to carry food, camping equipment and client's luggage.
•    (Clients carry only a daypack).
•    Arrieros (horse tender).
•    Horse for emergency.
•    Complete camping equipment: two-person tent (Brands The North Face and REI), tent for toilet, tent for kitchen, dinning, cooking gear, oxygen, first. Aid Kit. Satellite telephone
•    Cook and assistant specialized in preparing your meals.
•    Complete meals while on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea time every afternoon and wake up tea every morning.
•    Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
 
•    Sleeping bag $ 25.00 (you can tell me in Cusco if you need to rent one and pay at that time)
•    Insurance against loss, illness and/or accident. Tips, and other extras not specified.

MEETING BEFORE THE TREK: There is a meeting prior to the departure day to the Inca Trail Trek (IN CUSCO) with Your local guide and with all the members of the group where you will be informed with all the necessary information and recommendations regarding this trek.

MEALS: We provide all meals during the Trek. Meals consist of a buffet selection of soup or appetizers, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly cleaned with disinfected water prior to serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled and afterwards cooled drinking water. A sample of the MENU while on the trail. Breakfast: oats, milk, coffee, bread, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, fruits, tea, chocolate, coffee, coca tea, orange juice. Lunch: fresh vegetables soups, mais cream, escabeche (Peruvian styled marinated vegetables with chicken), fruit salads, hot drinks Dinner: Chicken soup, vegetables soups, saltado de lomo (chopped meat with french fried and tomato sauce, estofado de pollo (chicken stew), pasta with tomato sauce.

TIPPING: Guiding and staff (porters, cooks) is acceptable at your discretion when you feel they have gone beyond their normal job requirements and should be compensated by you for it.

TRAVEL BAGGAGE: The Hotel in Cusco has a storage room where you can leave the travel luggage (extras things you wont need on the trail, in order to lighten your bag up some) when going on the Inca Trail and there is no fee for it, Otherwise you can also leave your things at our office in Cusco.

Climate: Cuzco's climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January - March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, and the temperatures can drop to 32ºF at night along the Inca Trail. Temperatures range from 59-68ºF during the day (if it's sunny), to 41-50ºF during the day (if not sunny) and 32-41ºF at night at the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

SUGGESTED TRAVEL LIST
* Valid Passport.
* If you have travel insurance, be sure to bring copy of policy details
* Money Belt or Neck Pouch
* MedicAlert bracelet if appropriate
* Cash, credit cards, ATM card. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. There is often an 8 to 12% commission for credit card charges. It is often cheaper to use your credit card at an ATM to get money.
* Phone card if you plan on phoning home.
* Baggage:
        -Two pieces of baggage are allowed up to 50 pounds plus one carry on.
        -The weight limit for internal flights in Peru is often 22kg.

WHAT TO TAKE :
You will be on the move a great deal, so our general advice is to pack as lightly as possible. And old rule of thumb has always been to lie out what you think you will need, put half of it back, and you will still have too much.
At the higher altitude inn the Andes Mountains the temperature can feel cool especially at night. You should pack for both a hot climate as well as an autumn type climate. On July and August is dry season but there might be some rains in the mountains so you should include a rain gear.
We recommend using a duffel bag or backpack. Suitcases are not to appropriate. A small daypack is also essential. The following list is a general guideline:

ITEMS
Insect repellent
Rain jacket
Toiletries
Hat
Battery operated alarm clock (there are a lot of early mornings you need to be up, we have found your own time piece helps even if there are clocks in rooms some may not have alarms.)
Water bottle
Small flashlight

Small sewing kit

Sleeping bag (or you may rent one in Cusco)

Sunscreen

Backpack or Hiking Pack for the Trek to carry all your items

Toilet Paper

Water bottle or non-disposable canteen such as a Nalgene type

Extra cash in soles and/or U.S. dollars, NO ATM's on the trail or in Aguas Calientes town.

CLOTHING
Light pullover or sweatshirt
Warmer sweater or polar jacket or polar fleece
4 shirts, 4 t-shirts
2 pairs of shorts / skirts
3 pairs of long pants
Underwear and sleepwear
Thongs or flip-flops
Walking shoes or hiking shoes
Towel and swim wear
Thermal underwear.
Rain gear (poncho, jacket, and pants)

OPTIONAL
Camera
Playing cards or other favorite games
Reading / writing material
Sunglasses
Baseball cap
Sandals
*Travel insurance is highly recommended!

Altitude Sickness: This is a high altitute site and the air is much thinner up there. Check with your health care provider (physician or Nurse Practitioner) to see if you are candidates for a medication to prevent altitude sickness.

PLEASE NOTE: Learning Escapes reserves the right to increase published trip, cruise rates and air fare supplements without prior notice when necessary because of vendor increases.

ROOMMATES: Learning Escapes will assign roommates on a first come, first serve basis. You must be prepared to pay the single supplement for a private room should we not have a roommate to share the cabin with you. Roommates are matched according to gender and general age range. We cannot be responsible for roommate compatibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: travel insurance is available and insures and reimburses you in the event you must cancel(and forfeit the moneys you have paid for your trip) because of illness, family or personal emergency as well as trip delays due to weather, flight delays, traffic accidents, strike, job actions, medical expenses during trip, bag delay and more. VISIT www.travelguard.com for travel insurance pricing.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation of trip reservations are costly and penalties apply. CLICK HERE to read cancellation penalties.