Andean crossing

Descrição da estadia

Alojamento

Programação da estadia

• dia 1

  Arrival in Lima

  Flight – Arrival in Lima at the end of the day. Transfer to the hotel in the modern district of Miraflores (80 m). The immense capital completely breaks with the clichés of Peru. Located on the edge of the Pacific, in the middle of the desert, and with nearly 10 million inhabitants, Lima constitutes a world apart. Depending on your arrival time, possibility to visit the bohemian district of Barranco. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Lima.

• dia 2

  Pachacamac – Chincha - Paracas

  

  In the morning, departure via the South Pan-American Highway towards the ruins of Pachacamac, the largest religious sanctuary on the central coast of Peru, active for more than 1000 years. You will enjoy an exclusive visit of the site, with privileged access to areas usually closed to the public, such as the North-South street and a ramp pyramid. We will continue our route south to Chincha, where we will visit the San José hacienda, representative of the agricultural estates of the Peruvian coast that used slavery. Travel to the seaside resort of Paracas, renowned for its national reserve with spectacular desert landscapes and for its emblematic Pacific coastal wildlife. An excursion along the reserve’s tracks will allow us to explore its wild beaches and its unique panoramas. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Paracas. Transport time: 3h30

• dia 3

  Paracas – Moron Oasis - Tambo Colorado - Huaytara

  

  Early departure inland to reach the Morón oasis, a true hidden gem in the heart of the sand dunes. This place, still preserved from mass tourism, offers an authentic immersion in the grand landscapes of the desert, away from any crowds. Free time to walk around the lagoon or undertake the ascent of a dune in order to reach a lookout. We will then continue our journey to Tambo Colorado, an ancient Inca administrative site built of stone and earth. It is one of the best-preserved adobe ruins on the Peruvian coast, offering a fascinating immersion in an Inca city. Visit of Tambo Colorado and lunch. In the afternoon, we will begin our ascent toward the Andes in the direction of Huaytará, where we will spend the night in order to facilitate acclimatization to the altitude. Located at 2 658 meters, Huaytará marks the entrance into the ecological zone “Quechua”, characterized by a mountain atmosphere and greener landscapes. The town is also known for its San Juan Bautista church, built on an ancient Inca temple whose imposing niches are still visible. Visit of the church and the archaeology museum. Dinner on your own and night in Huaytará (2 658 m). Transport time: 2h30

• dia 4

  Huaytara – Incahuasi - Corihuilca Canyon - Ayacucho

  

  This day will be dedicated to the great crossing of the high plateaus of the Huancavelica region to reach Ayacucho. We will first reach Laguna Choclococha, which marks the entrance to the high plateaus of the Huancavelica region. The superb ruins of Incahuasi (3775 m) are a reward for travelers who venture this far, and we will not fail to visit them during a hike. After a long high-altitude crossing at more than 4400 m, where we will follow the largest underground gas pipeline in Peru, we will descend into a more temperate valley to make a stop by the Puyas Raimondi, spectacular endemic plants that can reach several meters in height, which bloom only once every 80 years. The Apacheta Pass (4700 m), which we will cross next, marks our entry into the Ayacucho region. Every place name here bears the memory of the dark years of the civil war, when the Shining Path and the Peruvian army spread terror in the Andes. The city of Ayacucho, also called Huamanga, was sadly its epicenter. The descent then proceeds quickly toward gentler altitudes, down to the warm Ayacucho valley. Before reaching the city, a stop at a viewpoint will offer us a magnificent view over the valley, then we will have the opportunity to explore the Corihuilca canyon, a narrow gorge with a singular atmosphere. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ayacucho (2800 m). Transport time: 5h

• dia 5

  Ayacucho - Wari

  

  In the morning, we will set off to discover the city of Ayacucho, often compared to Cusco for its colonial beauty. It is renowned for its many churches, as well as for its spectacular Holy Week festivities. We will then visit the ANFASEP museum, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the armed conflict between the Peruvian State and the Shining Path between the 1980s and 2000. This tragic period in Peru’s contemporary history led to massive forced migrations across the country, disrupting its social structure and shaping the current identity of major cities such as Lima. The conflict caused more than 70,000 deaths and left deep scars in the collective memory. It will also be possible to go to the La Hoyada sanctuary, located on the site of the former military detention center, where hundreds of anonymous graves, resulting from extrajudicial executions, have been uncovered. In the afternoon, we will visit the ruins of Wari, located about an hour’s drive away. This archaeological site was the capital of the first Andean empire, long before the Inca era. On the way, a stop may be planned at the Quinua pampa, where the commemorative monument to the Battle of Ayacucho stands, a decisive event in the process of Peru’s independence. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ayacucho (2 800 m). Transport time: 2h

• dia 6

  Ayacucho – Intihuatana - Vilcashuaman

  

  Early departure towards Vilcashuamán. On the way, we will follow several sections of the great Inca longitudinal road of the Andes, a true backbone of the Inca road network, which once linked Cusco to the different provinces of the empire. We will make a stop to visit the Inca site of Intihuatana, located on the edge of the magnificent Pomacocha lagoon. A boat crossing on the calm waters of the lake will take us to the ruins, offering a natural setting of great beauty. We will reach the village of Vilcashuamán around midday. Entirely built on the foundations of an ancient Inca administrative center, this village with the air of a little Cusco contains exceptional remains. The ruins of the ushnu (terraced ceremonial altar) and of the Temple of the Sun, today topped by the colonial church San Juan Bautista, are among the most remarkable in the country. Yet, this site of great historical importance remains little known and little visited by travelers. We will take the time to stroll through the village, in search of the many Inca remains scattered through its alleys, and will visit in detail the ushnu as well as the remains of the Temple of the Sun. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Vilcashuamán (3 490 m), in a hotel with simple comfort. Transport time: 2h30

• dia 7

  Vilcashuaman – Andahuaylas

  

  Early departure along a winding track that follows the route of the former Inca road, gradually descending to the bottom of the valley down to the río Pampas, a true regional natural border. This impressive river has carved one of the deepest canyons in the central Andes, constituting a major geographical obstacle since pre-Columbian times. A new modern bridge will allow us to cross the río at the most strategic point, the very place where the Incas had erected a suspension bridge, thus avoiding a long detour via Ayacucho. We will continue our ascent through a series of bends to reach the village of Uranmarca. On the way, we will stop at the archaeological site of Moyo Moyo, an ancient ceremonial platform that offers a spectacular view over the surrounding valley. We then enter the region of Apurímac, one of the most isolated provinces and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in southern Peru. After reaching the main road, we will enter Andahuaylas to settle into our hotel. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the city center. We will be able to stroll through its peaceful streets, visit the superb San Pedro Apóstol church and pay our respects at the tomb of the writer José María Arguedas, a major figure in Andean literature. Although removed from the world, the city does not lack charm and holds a few unexpected surprises, like this atypical bar offering creative cocktails made with local ingredients. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Andahuaylas (2 926 m). Transport time: 5h

• dia 8

  Andahuaylas – Sondor - Curamba - Abancay - Saywite – Cachora

  

  Early departure to the ruins of Sóndor, a spectacular archaeological site perched on a ridge, overlooking on one side the Pacucha lagoon and, on the other, the imposing peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. After a complete visit of the site through a short hike, we will continue our route to a pass sheltering the site of Curamba. Located on the ancient Inca trail, Curamba impresses with its ushnu, a ceremonial altar in the shape of a small pyramid, meticulously restored and oriented facing the glaciers of the Vilcabamba. This place, rarely visited, nevertheless ranks among the most remarkable archaeological jewels of Peru. After this stop, we will descend to the río Pachachaca before climbing back up toward the city of Abancay. Possible stop at the colonial bridge of Pachachaca, where several events of Arguedas’ novel “Deep Rivers” take place. From there, we will begin the ascent of a pass overlooking the city to reach the village of Saywite, famous for its Inca temple and its carved stone. A true masterpiece of Inca art, this immense rock is adorned with complex representations of the Andean world: canals, terraces, animals, mountains… a symbolic and sacred map. This site is also off the tourist circuits. We will end the day with a secondary road leading to the peaceful village of Cachora. We will be welcomed there by our hosts, with an unobstructed view of the Padreyoc glacier. This quiet village is also the starting point of the trek to the mythical ruins of Choquequirao. Free time to stroll. Dinner and night in Cachora (2 900 m). Transport time: 6h

• dia 9

  Cachora – Curahuasi – Limatambo – Cusco

  

  Last stretch of road before reaching the historic capital of the Andes, Cusco. We will start the day by heading to the town of Curahuasi, from where we will take a secondary track leading to the Capitán Rumi viewpoint. This impressive rocky promontory overlooks the vertiginous Apurímac canyon, one of the deepest on the continent. The site is also known as a prime place for observing condors. During our last visit, two young condors treated us to an exceptional show by flying over us for nearly an hour and landing very close to us. Throughout our itinerary, we will follow the Apurímac River, the main tributary of the Amazon, which has shaped, in this region, a true natural barrier. Depending on the group’s pace, a stop at the Conoc hot springs is possible, ideal for a well-deserved relaxing break. For the more adventurous, a short expedition can be considered to the ancient Inca tunnels of Maucachaca, remains leading to the base of the forgotten bridge of Maucachaka. We will then get back on the road to Limatambo to visit the small archaeological site of Tarawasi, an ancient Inca ceremonial center featuring a magnificent finely assembled stone wall. We will continue our ascent toward the high plateaus of the Cusco region, with a final stop at the ceremonial stone of Quillarumiyoc, dedicated to the worship of the moon. Arrival in Cusco at the end of the day. Check-in in the colonial city center (3 400 m), dinner on your own and overnight in Cusco. Transport time: 5h

• dia 10

  Cusco city center and Sacsayhuaman

  

  Early departure to avoid the tourist crowds at the sites of Tambomachay and Puca Pucara, ancient Inca places dedicated to the worship of water. From Puca Pucara, we will begin a pleasant hike through the Andean countryside. This route, punctuated by bucolic landscapes, will lead us, via a back path sheltered from mass tourism, to Qenko, a fascinating religious site with its finely carved rocks, its altars and its mysterious tunnels dug into the stone. We will then continue to the imposing site of Sacsayhuamán, a masterpiece of Inca megalithic architecture. Made up of enormous perfectly fitted blocks, this place served both as a major ceremonial center and as a fortress. The complete visit of the site includes a passage through one of the many tunnels hidden in the cyclopean walls, before walking back down to the center of Cusco, through the San Blas district, in the early afternoon. Lunch in town. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the historic center of Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire. We will visit the Plaza de Armas, the living heart of the city, then the Coricancha, once the most sacred temple of the Empire, today topped by the colonial church of Santo Domingo. The walk will continue through the cobbled alleys with impressive Inca masonry, notably those of Inca Roca and Hatunrumiyoc, famous for their perfectly interlocked stones. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Cusco (3 400 m). Travel time: 30 min

• dia 11

  Cusco – Pisac - Ollantaytambo

  

  This morning, we hit the road to reach Pisac, one of the most impressive and aesthetic Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, perched above the Urubamba River. From the summit, accessible by vehicle, we will begin a hike through the archaeological site: vast agricultural terraces clinging to the mountain, tunnels, residential quarters, temples and necropolises, all bearing witness to Inca ingenuity. The descent is done on foot down to the village of Pisac. We then visit the colorful handicraft market, as well as a workshop where traditional masks are made, before lunch. In the afternoon, we head to Ollantaytambo, a small town in the Sacred Valley and the departure point for trains to Machu Picchu. Those who wish can climb up to the Inca granaries of Pinkuylluna to enjoy a panoramic view. After the departure of the many tourists, we stroll through Ollantaytambo, where the Inca urban plan can be read in the houses with trapezoidal doorways, arranged around the cancha, a traditional central courtyard. The peaceful atmosphere of the town at the end of the day allows us to discover Ollantaytambo from another angle, far from the tourist crowds. Dinner on your own and overnight in Ollantaytambo. Travel time: 3h Note regarding Machu Picchu: A symbol of Peru, Machu Picchu remains an exceptional site. But its massive attendance, catastrophic management, and costs that have become disproportionate have profoundly altered the visiting experience. Today, the route is restricted to a small portion of the site, often rushed through in the crowd and without real immersion. In keeping with our values, we have chosen to no longer offer Machu Picchu systematically in our trips. We prefer to highlight other archaeological sites, more authentic, less saturated, and offering a more enriching discovery experience. Machu Picchu nevertheless remains accessible as an option, for those who still wish to live this experience. This option also allows you to gauge the real cost of this day. We will be happy to discuss it with you, share our vision, and advise you according to your expectations. Optional visit to Machu Picchu (not included): departure by train from Ollantaytambo in the early afternoon, dinner and overnight in Aguas Calientes. The next day, ascent by bus then visit of Machu Picchu for about 2h, accompanied by your specialized local guide. Return by train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco via the Maras salt mines.

• dia 12

  Ollantaytambo - Moray - Maras Salt Mines

  

  This morning, we visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, perched on the mountainside. A morning visit that allows us to fully enjoy the site before the arrival of the first tourists and to appreciate the ingenuity of Inca architecture. We then take the road to the plateau overlooking the valley, where the famous terraces of Moray are located, arranged in concentric circles. This unique site bears witness to Inca agricultural engineering and their ability to experiment with cultivation at different altitudes. We continue our day with a visit to the salt mines of Maras, an impressive set of hundreds of small basins fed by a natural salt spring, used since Inca times for the production of salt. Return to Cusco at the end of the day. Free time to stroll through the cobbled alleys or prepare your trekking gear. Dinner on your own and overnight in Cusco. Meals on your own Transport time: 1h30

• dia 13

  Vallée Sud, Lima

  

  In the morning, transfer south of Cusco to discover the archaeological site of Tipon, a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering, with its fountains, its irrigation canals and its monumental terraces. Still little visited, the site offers a peaceful atmosphere at the gates of Cusco. Discovery of the circuit of Baroque churches: the famous Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the « Andean Sistine Chapel », but also that of Huaro, just as impressive and rarely visited. On the way back, discovery of the pre-Columbian site of Piquillacta, an ancient city of the Wari civilization, laid out in a grid pattern, dotted with hundreds of granaries and stone houses. Lunch. Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima at the end of the day. Check-in at the hotel, in the heart of Lima’s historic center. Dinner and overnight in downtown Lima. Travel time: 1h30 flight

• dia 14

  Lima historic center

  

  The day will be dedicated to discovering the historic center of the Peruvian capital. We will begin by exploring the churches of the city center, the lively central market, and the Chinatown district. We will continue with a visit to the San Pedro church and the palacio Torre Tagle, remarkable for its finely carved wooden colonial balconies. We will then visit the magnificent Santo Domingo monastery, one of the city’s oldest religious buildings. Its tower offers a panoramic view over the historic center. Possibility to visit the Central Bank museum and its numismatic, folk art, and archaeology collections, or the Andres del Castillo minerals museum and its incredible crystal collection. After lunch, we will walk down through the vast urban parks to the Reserva park, famous for its circuit of illuminated fountains, as surprising as they are playful. Dinner and overnight in downtown Lima.

• dia 15

  Larco - Return flight

  

  In the morning, transfer to the Larco Museum, one of Peru’s archaeological jewels. There, we discover an exceptional collection of ceramics, textiles and metal objects, illustrating millennia of pre-Columbian history and know-how. The pieces on display tell the story of daily life, rites and the art of ancient civilizations, offering a cultural conclusion to our trip. After the visit, lunch at the museum’s restaurant, in the heart of a magnificent garden, where the peaceful atmosphere and the many plants create an ideal setting for a final moment of relaxation and culinary discovery. A demonstration by the bartender will allow us to learn how to prepare the famous national cocktail: the pisco sour. Transfer to the airport directly after the meal.

• dia 16

  Arrival

  

  Arrival at destination, with memories filling your eyes.