HIKE
THE INKA TRAIL:
Trekking
in Peru’s Andes
No
trip currently scheduled
May
we suggest:
The Inkas and Their Ancestors
Under the great emperors Pachacuti Inka Yupanqui and his son, Topa
Inka Yupanqui, the Inka controlled almost one third of South America.
Ruled from the capital city of Cuzco, these Quechua speaking people
created a road system that extended 12,000 miles, through what is
now central Chile northward into Ecuador. This intricate system
was the crucial transportation link within the empire and was larger
than that of the Romans. With its carefully constructed stone staircases
and tunnels, it was designed for efficient foot travel, and today
reflects the great precision of the ancient engineers.
 Join
Far Horizons on a 15-day journey that includes a four-day trek through
the towering mountains along the road connecting the royal capital
of Cuzco with the hidden city of Machu Picchu. In 1981, the Peruvian
government acknowledged the road’s uniqueness by including
it within a huge national park, the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.
Along with only eleven others, and a Peruvian specialist, trek through
the lush cloud forest and deep canyons, across three monumental
mountain passes, and through tunnels carved out of the living rock.
And while enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the trail, stop
to explore several extraordinary archaeological complexes with still-standing
stone houses, intricate irrigation canals, and still flowing, ritual
fountains.
ITINERARY:
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner |
|
 DAY
1: Depart Houston on our flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer
to La Antigua Hotel for the night.
DAY
2: This morning, fly to Cuzco with time to rest and adjust to
the altitude. In the afternoon, depart for our exploration of this
capital of the Inka Empire and first seat of power for the conquering
Spaniards. Visit the Cathedral that was built on the palace of Inka
Viracocha and contains an altar of solid silver, and Santa Domingo
Church, built on the walls of the Inka Temple of the Sun, Koricancha.
This was the most magnificent complex in pre-conquest Cuzco with
walls covered in sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise,
and windows constructed so the sun would enter and cast a near blinding
reflection of golden light off the precious interior. Gather this
evening for our welcome dinner party. Overnight for two nights in
the Casa Andina located a block from the main plaza. (B/D)
DAY
3: Begin today in Chinchero where village houses are built on
the foundations of Inka buildings. Today is market day and there
will be time to barter for crafts in the outdoor market held within
the plaza before enjoying a private weaving demonstration and a
special lunch of local cuisine.  Continue
to the great Inka fortress of Ollantaytambo, built to guard travelers
on the road along the Urubamba River in the valley below. In the
afternoon, continue to the village of Yucay and overnight at the
beautiful Posada del Inka, a restored hacienda encircled by lush
gardens. (B/L/D)
DAY
4: This morning our bus will take us to Chilca and km. 77 where
our gentle trek will begin along the left bank of the Urubamba River,
with splendid views of the 19,000-foot tall, snow-capped Waqaywillka,
or Mt. Verónica.  We
will pass the hill fort of Willkaraqay, an ancient pre-Inka town.
From here we look upon the stunning city of Llaqtapata, or Patallacta,
the first of the Inka sites that we see. As we gaze upon its multitude
of agricultural terraces, we realize that the city must have been
a breadbasket for the surrounding towns. Camp here for the night.
(B/L/D)
DAY
5: Our walk this morning takes us to the Native community of
Huayllabamba where the trail ascends steeply to a large pampa
below the first pass where we camp at 12,500 feet. Today, we enjoy
a stunning view of Mount Huayanay as we will hike through the first
of many lush cloud forests, home to many rare birds including one
of Peru’s 127 species of hummingbirds, the giant hummingbird,
or píngara. (B/L/D)
 DAY
6: Begin this morning by hiking gradually uphill for two hours,
often up flights of stairs, to cross Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead
Woman’s Pass!), the highest point of our hike at just over
13,910 feet. As we climb, we traverse several environmental zones
- from temperate valley forest to the treeless grasslands of the
windswept highlands. After stopping for the endless spectacular
views at the gap, we descend to the Paqaymayu River where we rest
and have lunch. Then it’s back to the climb with a stop to
explore Runkuraqay, an Inka tambo or semi-circular watchtower,
guarding the valley. Then we ascend past the twin lakes of Yanacocha
to the second pass of just under 13,000 feet. As we hike down from
this pass, the splendid city of Sayaqmarka will come into view.
It is dramatically located on the edge of a rocky promontory with
spectacular vistas of the Aobamba Valley and the distant snow-covered
peak of Mt. Pumasillo. This royal center is positioned on the edge
of a cloud forest filled with a visual wealth of orchids, colorful
birds and other wildlife, and to reach it we must climb a narrow,
steep staircase cut out of the mountainside’s stone face.
We also pass by Conchamarka, a small, recently discovered tambo,
and then set up camp at Chaquiqocha, with memorable views over the
valley to Sayaqmarka. (B/L/D)
 DAY
7: This morning’s ascent takes us though the first tunnel,
an engineering marvel 215 feet in length with stairs carved out
of solid rock. Coming out of the other end, we climb again to arrive
at the third and last pass on the trail, Phuyupatamarka Pass, just
under 12,000 feet high. Original stones line this part of the trail
as it winds sharply down into the cloud forest until we see the
magnificent city of Phuyupatamarka lying below us. Located on the
edge of a gorge dominating the Urubamba Valley, Phuyupatamarka is
built around a plaza encircled by steep agricultural terraces with
ritual fountains with swiftly flowing fresh water cascading down
the hill. Its sinuous curves and twisting terraces follow the contours
of the promontory on which it was built. Back on the trail as it
abruptly descends, we walk down several stone staircases, one of
them a winding staircase, passing through a second tunnel, and continue
along a path above the Urubamba Valley to Wiñaywayna.  Perhaps
the most beautiful of the citadels along the Inka road, Wiñaywayna
is named for an orchid native to the area that blooms all year and
garlands the city with hues of brilliant scarlet, violet and gilded
umber. Stunningly located on the steep slope overlooking the Urubamba
River, the architecture of the complex is truly dazzling. Nearby
is Intipata, or Sun Place, with its convex series of terraces.
Two more hours of trekking takes us to the Intipunku, or Gate of
the Sun, where we look upon the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu
below. Continue for another another hour to the Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hotel, our home for the next two nights, for a hot shower, an optional
massage, and well-deserved iced drink. This delightful inn is a
series of wooden bungalows set in tropical gardens overlooking the
Urubamba River. (B/L/D)
 DAY
8: Sunrise through the jungle mist awaits us at Machu Picchu.
This beautiful, elegant mountaintop city was probably constructed
as a royal palace complex for the emperor Pachacuti and his family
in the early 15th century, and appears to have been an important
spiritual and ceremonial location. It was never found by the Spanish
conquerors, and was lost until 1911 when a local farmer showed the
city to the explorer, Hiram Bingham. For those still wanting another
challenge, the top of Huayna Picchu, the towering granite peak that
overlooks Machu Picchu awaits. Near the top of the mountain, pass
through ancient terraces so inaccessible and so narrow that they
were probably not used for agricultural purposes, but instead were
ornamental gardens to be admired from the city below. (B/L/D)
 DAY
9: The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, set like a jewel in a privately-owned
12-acre cloud forest at 6700 feet altitude, has 372 orchid species
along its nature trail. After checking out of the hotel, enjoy a
guided tour along the hotel's paths through the nearby forest to
see not only the many different stunning orchids but also other
ornamental plants, including heliconias, or wild ginger, and ferns.
The hotel also supports the Spectacled Bear Rehabilitation Project,
and we will stop to see the bears being prepared to be released
back into the forest. After lunch in a local restaurant, board our
train to return to Ollantaytambo and the Posada del Inka. (B/L/D)
 DAY
10: Begin the day in the ancient Inka city of Pisac, overlooking
the Urubamba River valley. Climb past the impressive farming terraces
to the ancient ruins where fine stone masonry buildings still stand
in testimony to the ancient craftsmen. The majestic architecture
and breathtaking views make this well worth the hike. Today is market
day, and in the village of Pisac Native people attired in the colorful
dress of their communities display their handicrafts in the shade
of centuries-old trees in the central plaza. Our special dinner
party this evening will be held in the beautiful Hacienda Huaoccari,
hosted by the owners. (B/L/D)
 DAY
11: This morning's explorations take us to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress
overlooking Cuzco; Quenko, a shrine with a circular amphitheater
and stone altar; Puka Pukara, a smaller fortress guarding the Inka
road; and Tambomachay, sacred bathing place of the Inka elite. The
afternoon is free to enjoy Cuzco. Overnight in the Casa Andina for
two nights. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
DAY
12: Gather this morning to walk to two of Cuzco’s newest
and most spectacular museums.
The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, a branch of Lima’s Rafael
Larco Museum, is housed within a 15th century Inka building that
later became the mansion of the Spanish conqueror, Alonso Díaz.
The collection contains 450 extraordinary artifacts dating from
1250 BC to1532 AD.  The
nearby Inka Museum contains artifacts designed to trace Peruvian
history from pre-Inka civilizations and Inka culture, including
the impact of the Conquest and colonial times on the native cultures.
On view are ceramics, textiles, jewelry, mummies, architectural
models, and an interesting collection - reputed to be the world's
largest - of Inka drinking vessels, or qeros, carved out of wood,
many meticulously painted. The afternoon is free for further explorations.
Gather later for a lecture on 16th century Inka history by a local
Cuzco professor. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
DAY
13: Our morning flight returns us to Lima and a tour of the
famed oracle center of Pachacamac. A pilgrimage site for all pre-Inka
tribes including the Chimú, the Sun Temple here housed a
wooden god that can be seen within the site museum. Dinner is free
to enjoy one of Lima's wonderful restaurants. Overnight in La Antigua
Hotel. (B/L)
DAY
14: This morning we will drive to the suburbs of the city. In
1999, Guillermo Cock and a team of archaeologists began an excavation
of the huge site of Puruchuco where a group of squatters had settled.
Their salvage work has shown Puruchuco to be the second-largest
excavated ancient cemetery in Peru and the largest cemetery for
a single time period ever excavated in Peru. They have uncovered
more than 2000 mummy bundles, large funerary bundles that contain
more than one corpse, representing a full spectrum of rank and age
– all from the Inka period. We will join Mr. Cock in his laboratory
to see the mummy bundles and discuss how the latest scientific methods
are assisting in understanding the lives of the people from this
time period. Our departure party will be held in an elegant Miraflores
restaurant. Airport transfer for the overnight flight to Houston.
(B/L/D)
DAY
15: Arrive USA.
(B)
breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
2008
STUDY LEADER: John Hoopes received his B.A. in Archaeology
(cum laude, with Distinction in Archaeology) from Yale University,
under Dr. Michael Coe, and his PhD from Harvard University under
Gordon R. Willey. Dr. Hoopes is an Associate Professor of Anthropology
at the University of Kansas, where he teaches classes on Latin America
including the Central Andes. He is also Associate Curator, Museum
of Anthropology at the University of Kansas, where he is the advisor
for research and exhibition of Precolumbian collections from Mexico,
Central and South America. Dr. Hoopes is Associate Editor for the
SAA Bulletin, the newsletter of the Society for American Archaeology,
the world's largest professional organization for archaeologists.
He has worked on archaeological projects throughout Central and
South America, and was trained in Peruvian archaeology by Geoff
Conrad, who excavated burial platforms at Chan Chan, and the renowned
Izumi Shimada. John began traveling in Peru in 1980 when he hitchhiked
from Quito, Ecuador to Trujillo and then on to Arequipa and Cuzco
(camping out in a soccer field at the base of Machu Picchu during
his first visit there!) He has been doing fieldwork in Latin America
since 1978, and is completely fluent in Spanish. John's knowledge
of Andean archaeology and enthusiastic personality makes him an
ideal study leader for this trip.
 2008
PERU TRIP DATES: No
trip currently scheduled
2008 TRIP COST:
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes round trip air fare from Houston to Lima, internal flights
in Peru, all hotels, meals as listed in the itinerary, ground transportation,
entry and service fees.
COST
DOES NOT INCLUDE: passport or visa fees; airport or departure
taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry;
excess baggage charges; personal tips; alcoholic drinks; telephone
and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
 2008
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single
supplement must be charged.
RESERVATION: A
deposit of $500.00 is required along with your registration form.
Final payment is due 75 days before departure.
Upon
receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will
be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information
book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites
and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of
final payment.
CANCELLATION
AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before
departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received
less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason
you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees.
Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip
cancellation.
INKA
TRAIL NATIONAL PARK: Due to recent rules made by the Peruvian
government, all registrations must be received by two months prior
to the departure of the trip in order to have time to gain the necessary
permits.
PRIVATE
TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours of archaeological
sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include
a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited
about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please
be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of
the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other
commitments, or that the date or time of our visit to their project
must changed.
PLEASE
NOTE: This
trip is for the hardy! This trip is designed for flexible,
energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure
and a positive attitude. You should be an experienced hiker in excellent
physical condition and without fear of heights. The portion of the
Inka road we walk is more than 25 miles in length, generally steep
going up and down stone stairs, traverses high altitude passes 11,000-13,000
feet high, and at times is narrow and edged by a steep precipice.
We will camp for three nights, and remember, there are no bellboys
along the Inka Trail. The ability to maintain a flexible mind-set,
team spirit, and a good sense of humor are helpful! If you have
questions about your ability to handle this sort of challenge, please
call us.
TRIP
LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS
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