Peru Trekking: The Road Less Traveled
September 14-22, 2024
detailed itinerary | Price | FAQs
What Makes This Adventure Special:
This itinerary is unlike any out there. In working closely with the local communities, we designed a specialty trek capturing the beauty and solitude of the Andes. Camping in the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities allows us the chance to support their efforts in protecting their Meso Andean Relic Cloud Forest.
Your travels include:
Be a trailblazer with us as we explore this brand new trail created and discover in collaboration with the Misquiyaco, Pampaccahua, and Chamana communities.
Visit the Chincheros Weavers in the Sacred Valley, Explore the one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” on the planet, Moray, and meander through the residentially owned salt “mine” with 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans
Experience the humbling beauty and awe-inspiring vastness of the Andes on a 4 day luxury camping trek
Explore Machu Picchu with our highly-educated guide
Be prepared for a moderate to intense hiking experience that will open your eyes to the magic and awe-instilling power of the Andes mountains as they soak into your spirit and rejuvenate and invigorate your mind and body.
Plus:
+ Knowledgeable guides with decades of experience and personal connections with locals
+ Daily mindfulness activities and intentional conversation
+ 2 experienced Root tour leaders
+ 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!
Detailed Itinerary
(Click “+” To learn more)
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Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco and dinner on your own.
Accommodations: Casa San Blas Boutique
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
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After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Koricancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique
Meals: B | L | D
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After breakfast, we will drive the Urubamba, or Sacred Valley, to visit the Chincheros Weavers where we will learn traditional practices of all stages of weaving, from the yarn making and dying process to the actual weaving of the yarn. Next we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
We’ll then make our way to Moray, where you will have the privilege of exploring one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” on the planet. It is believed that the beautiful and elegantly constructed descending circular terraces were used to support a variety of microclimates, encouraging the growth of specific crops attuned to each climate. The temperature difference between the uppermost and lowest levels can vary by as much as 15°C (59 °F). Plants that thrive at the deepest level of over 30 meters (98 ft) are different species from those that thrive at the uppermost levels. To think that indigenous Peruvians used experimental techniques to nurture diverse food crops centuries before modern greenhouse techniques were invented, is truly impressive!
Shortly there after we’ll arrive in Maras, famously known for its spectacular mountainside salt ponds. Here residents “mine” with 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans, which are divided among local families. You will be able to observe the salt pans from a viewpoint and taste the famous Maras salt, known for its beneficial health properties. You’ll get a glimpse into a lifestyle very different from your own, as you learn about the techniques used to extract this mineral-rich condiment. Purchasing a bag of precious salt will help support this community in maintaining their centuries-old traditional way of life.
In the afternoon, we´ll return to Cusco for dinner and stay overnight.
Accommodations: Casa San Blas Boutique
Meals: B | L
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From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will gain our first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon, before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the trailhead just beyond the village of Misquiyaco where we’ll begin our trek through one of Peru’s newest private conservation areas signed into law in 2021.
We begin our uphill hike through an old growth Meso-Andean Relict Forest, a rare type of inter-Andean cloud forest that exists in less than 0.02% of Peru’s vast territory. Among the species that inhabit this forest are the Tasta (Escallonia myrtilloides) and Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa) tree species, which are protected by Peruvian law.
As we approach the heights, we will observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, leaving behind the tree line to enter the high grasslands to reach our campsite at Acopía (13,628 ft.).
Trekking time: ~5 hours
Trekking distance: 6.5 miles
Altitude: Min. -10 698 ft. | Max. - 3 579 ft.
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: L | D
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Leaving Acopía, we will continue our uphill climb toward the first pass at Tambomachay (4367 km/ 14,323 ft). As the day warms up, we may see some Andean bird species, including Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains.
After 4-5 hours of gentle uphill climbing, we will reach our lunch spot Uspaccasa (4,559 km/ 14,953 ft), a sheltered area just beyond the pass with majestic views of Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay.
After lunch, we’ll continue along the high ridge and veer right toward Cruzjasa Pass (4,683 km / 15,360 ft) where we will have fantastic views of the South face of Mt. Palcay, the south face of Mt. Salkantay and the Pampacahuana Valley and enjoy the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity.
From here, we descend on a steep trail to our campsite where we will sleep surrounded by mountains and stars at Mirador de Pampacahuana (3902 km / 12,801 ft).
Trekking time: ~8 hours
Trekking distance: 10 miles
Altitude: Min. - 3,921 km / 12,864 ft | Max.: 4,818 km / 15,808 ft
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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We’ll take our leave of imposing Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q ́esca valleys.
After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we will have lunch. Then we’ll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward the Patallacta ruins. This site was once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu. After a brief visit, we will continue to our campiste at Chamana, which is a private campsite that we have equipped with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days.
Camp at Chamana (2585 km / 8480 ft).
Trekking time: ~7 hours
Trekking distance: 10.4 miles
Altitude: Min. - 2,585 km / 8,481 ft | Max. - 3,921 km / 12,864 ft
Accommodations: Camping
Meals: B | L | D
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At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. Aer visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the Sanctuary through the town of Q’oriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located.
The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, in time to take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Dinner on your own.
Trekking time: ~5 hours
Trekking distance: 10.4 miles
Altitude: Min. - 2471 km / 8107 ft | Max. - 2808 km / 9213 ft
Accommodations: El Mapi
Meals: B | L
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Afer an early breakfast, a quick, half-hour bus ride brings us up the road to the gates of Machu Picchu where we’ll enjoy a guided three-hour tour of this ancient hilltop citadel. Exploring the various sectors and entering some of the houses and temples will bring these iconic ruins to life for us. As we immerse in this mystical place, we’ll feel that we’ve entered a dream of ancient times.
Wandering among these ancient manmade structures blended seamlessly into natural surroundings, will leave us with a sense of wonder and reverence, and gift us with memories to savor for years to come.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the village where a train will take us back to Ollantaytambo. On-board entertainment, snacks, and hot and cold refreshments are available. We will arrive in the Ollantaytambo train station, where we will be picked up and driven back to the city of Cusco.
Accommodations: Casa San Blas Boutique
Meals: B | L
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Today you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: B
PRICE: $4595 per person, Double Occupancy
Deposit: $500 due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Solo travelers will be paired with one another or you can choose a single room for an additional $550
Payment plans available, please inquire.
FAQs
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We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
+Transportation+Professional bilingual guide
+Hotel in Machu Picchu Village
+Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Village and from Machu Picchu Village to Cusco
+Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Village (round trip)
+Double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads
+Guided tour in Machu Picchu
+Lunch in Machu Picchu Village on day 5
+All meals during trek
+Non-alcoholic drinks
+Kitchen and dining tents
+Cook and field staff
+Horses and drivers
+Entrance tickets
+Solar energy lamps
+Eco toilets
+Adequate garbage disposal
+First aid kit and oxygen tank
+Meals as detailed
+Daily mindfulness activities
+2 pre-trip calls
+2 post trip calls
+Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions logistical, emotional, or otherwise!
+Tips/Gratuities
+6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
+ 3 month pre-trip preparation series
+Lifetime access to the Root Community
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Airfare, travel insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
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The average temperature in September is usually in the upper 60’s F during the day and 40’s F and below during the night. September is the last month of the dry season heading into the wet season, so there is a slightly elevated chance of rain. Most days however, you’ll be soaking up the warmth of the sun!
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You’ll need to make sure you are in Cusco, Peru any time on September 14, 2024.
Please depart from Cusco, Peru any time on September 22, 2024.
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We classify this trip a level 5 out of 5. This means that prior hiking experience is required. Expect long hikes, significant elevation gain and variable terrain.
We definitely recommend preparing physically for this trip and will provide a basic training plan when you sign up.
Check above in the detailed itinerary with daily mileage, approximate walking time, and elevation gain.
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Sleeping accommodations are a combination of hotel stays and camping as detailed in the itinerary. All camping is double occupancy. For hotel accommodations there is a pricing option for single occupancy.
Our superior guides and support staff will provide a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and thick camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
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This is a trekking trip, however it is not a backpacking trip so you will not be carrying a large pack. Porters transport your luggage to each new overnight accommodation. You will carry a day pack (recommended with hydration bladder) to hold your needed gear from the day (sunscreen, water, camera, extra layers, etc.) for the day hikes.
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Yes! Most dietary requests can be arranged in advance.
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There will be of course access to electricity and some wifi on the nights you’ll be staying in hotels. However please be prepared to have minimal to no electricity and wifi service while trekking. If you need a charge we recommend bringing a charging block.
Should an emergency occur we do have methods of communication via satellite phone.
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During the camping portion of this adventure there is no access to showers. However we do provide a private tent with a transportable toilet. Additionally, our guides will brief you on “leave no trace behind” principles for elimination on trails and outdoors.
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You can find a packing list here. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
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It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip. Three months before the start of your trip you will receive a pre-trip preparation series that includes a training plan.
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Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!
Why Trek With Root?
Hear directly from our travelers:
Christina
“Trips with Heart
You go for the adventure, but get much more! I was blown away by the thought put into my backpacking trip with Root. It was such a memorable experience. The type of community Root attracts for these adventures and makes space to connect with during the trip ensures you leave with friends for life. Thanks for that 😘”
Amma
“12/10 experience!!!
This trip could not have gone better. I met 8 amazing humans and together we conquered the backcountry of Colorado. We saw so many beautiful views and everyone was so supportive. I would recommend this trip and this company to anyone!”