Peru's Machu Picchu and "Camino del Apu Ausangate" Hiker

Machu Picchu Hiking Tour and Cultural History Adventure to one of the Most Pristine Alpine Environments in the World!

This epic adventure begins in Cusco, cradle of the Inca Empire, and ends with a five-day, 32-mile trek in the remote Cordillera Vilcanota on a route we call the "Camino del Apu Ausangate" . In between experience the history and culture of the Inca empire at the Sacred Valley sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Our journey supports a reforestation program in the tiny village of Cachiccata and the eco-tourism efforts of the remote villages of Chillca and Osefina, home to one of the few remaining pastoral cultures on the continent. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience-- do not miss it!

Days 1-2 Cusco-Sacred Valley-Pisac. We begin in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, with a walking tour of its major sites, cathedrals, and Inca ruins. The following day takes us into the Sacred Valley where we visit a llama farm/textile center, walk through the famous ruins of Pisac, wander through the local handicraft market and plant a tree in Cachiccata.

Days 3-4 Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu-Cusco. After a tour of the fortress of Ollantaytambo, we board the train for an afternoon visit to Machu Picchu, recently named as one of the new seven wonders of the world. You can return the following day to climb up for a bird's-eye view of the citadel from lofty Huayna Picchu or choose to do a morning of birding, shopping or visiting a botanical garden before returning to Cusco.

Days 5-9 "Camino del Apu Ausangate" Trek. We depart from Cusco and drive through the fertile Vilcanota Valley to Checacupe. After a stop at the cathedral, we drive to the start of the "Camino del Apu Ausangate", our route for a five-day trek near the base of 20,945-foot Ausantage, the highest and most sacred mountain in the Andes of southern Peru. Set amidst one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems on the planet, the area is home to "llamichus" and "pacocheros" (llama and alpaca breeders), many of whom we encounter during our journey. Our high altitude trek from "tambo" to "tambo" is supported by llamas and horses and involves breathtakingly beautiful glacier-capped peaks, broad valleys, picturesque lakes and cool mountain streams.

Day 10 Departure from Cusco. You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward.