We departure from Cusco by bus and travel to the Sacred Valley for approximately 1 ½ hrs to Yanahuara (2900asl). Our hike begins here in a fertile valley and follows a small river up through the mountain corridor. After walking roughly 5 ½ hours, we begin to see the glacial peaks of Urubamba range. We have reached camp when we see the thatched-roof stone house of the Mantanay community .
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our hike upward through the high puna to the Huayruro pass (4450asl). From this high mountain perch, one can behold the extensive Vilcanota range and the pastoral farmland and Aruray lagoons below. The well-marked trail forms a zig-zags down to these greener pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and sheep graze alongside flocks of Andean water birds. The rare Peruvian Viscacha, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. Continuing down even further, we reach the picturesque community of Willoq, where we’ll have dinner and set up camp for the night.
Willoq Community /Pumamarka / Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
This day combines authentic encounters with native Andean communities and their ancient weaving methods with important archaeological sites such as Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo.
We can appreciate the traditional lifestyle and work of the indigenous people whose maternal tongue continues to be Quechua, the language of the Incas.
From Huilloc we descend to the small archaeological complex at Pumamarca. The origin and purpose of this site remains a mystery, but was thought to be a control point for water distribution and for the population. Continuing along the original Inca path, we observe agricultural terraces and views of the valley below. After walking approximately 4 hours we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will board a train to go the final route to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes we will make our way to our hotel, where we will spend the night.
After spending the previous night in a comfortable hostel, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu and enjoy an official tour of these spectacular Inca ruins. There is time to explore on your own before the afternoon train departs Aguas Calientes. We arrive to Cusco at approximately 9:00pm.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe
Reference Words:Adventure Huayruro, Treks Peru, Tour Operator Peru, Trekking Peru, PUMAMARKA INCA CIRCUIT, TREKS PERU, TOUR OPERATOR PERU, TREKKING PERU
