Machu Picchu – Peru
Recalibrate your mind amidst the ancient ruins
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Trip Summary: Located in western South America, the country of Peru was home to several ancient cultures, including the Inca Empire, once the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. Your R&R Career Expedition starts in the capital of Lima and includes exploring the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan site located on a ridge between the Wuayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains. Machu Picchu sits nearly 8,000 feet above sea level on the eastern slope of the Andes and overlooks the Urubamba River hundreds of feet below. One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world today, it features a breathtaking mountain vista, excellent preservation and terraced fields that were once used for growing crops.
During this 11-day trip you will spend a community service day at the CEBE Nuestra “Senora del Carmen” School. The community service project will benefit 80+ disabled children ranging in age from 5-18 years old and their educators. Three days will be spent trekking on the Inca trail and one day at Machu Picchu.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive in Lima
Everyone should plan on arriving or joining up with the team in Lima this evening. We will all sleep at the Ramada Inn at the Lima Airport.
Day 2 – Lima to Cusco
Breakfast is included at the Ramada Inn followed by our team departure from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco we will check in to our hotel. Enjoy lunch on your own in the square followed by a guided tour of Cusco. We will all reconvene for a team dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3 – Cusco
Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by the community service project at the CEBE Nuestra “Senora del Carmen” School. Lunch will be served at the school. We will leave the school in the afternoon and visit a local llama and alpaca farm where we can feed and learn about the animals. Shopping is available on property. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4 – Cusco to Chilipahua
Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by our departure for the private trail. Upon arrival to Pacchar trailhead we will begin our trek on the Inca Trail and through the Andes. The trail climbs via a small ‘pampa’ at Amparaki to the Watuq’asa pass, where we will pass an Inca wall and fortress known as Qosqoq’awarina. This is our lunch spot. Following lunch we will descend from the pass to the small valley called Anapahua and wind around up the valley to our campsite. Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking. (Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available every day on the trail. All meals are included on the trail).
Day 5 – Chilipahua to Ankascocha
We will awaken to morning coffee and tea followed by a complete breakfast. Afterward, we will be greeted by approximately 20-24 children from the Village of Chiliphua. We will present the students and teacher with items we have brought from the United States. Items can include: socks, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, toys, etc. Afterward, we will begin our trek up the valley through the high pass of Pampaq’asa, at 14,450 ft. We will begin our gradual descent to our lunch spot by the Silque River. Following lunch, we will descend to our campsite at Ankascocha. Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking.
Day 6 – Ankascocha to Piscaycucho
We will awaken to morning coffee and tea followed by a complete breakfast. Afterward, we will begin trekking downhill on a narrow valley full of “Huakanki,” the famous big red Masdevalia orchids. The trail zigzags next to a beautiful river where our lunch spot will be. Afterward, we will begin our trek into the community of Camicancha, a nice volcanic rock area, with a large view of “La Veronica,” a snow-capped mountain and the “Pakaritampu” Pyramid, at the other side of the “Sacred Valley.” We will be picked up by a bus and taken to our campsite. We camp at a beautiful campsite in Piscaycucho, Kilometer 82 on the Peru Railway. We will
enjoy hot showers, a eucalyptus steam bath and an authentic meal of lamb and guinea pig cooked on an open fire (panchamonca).
Approximately 4-5 hours of trekking.
Day 7 – Piscaycucho to Aguas Calientes
We will awaken to a complete breakfast followed by a short trek to the train station headed to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is about 1½ hours. We will arrive in Aguas Calientes, where we will check into the hotel. You are free to go for lunch, explore the shops and walk around the town. We will all meet for a team dinner at the hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8 – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by our bus departure for Machu Picchu. You can spend as much time or as little at the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. We will have a private guided tour of the ruins along with the hike up the famous Waynapicchu and Sun Gate. You can enjoy lunch at the ruins or return to town. We will all meet for a team dinner at the hotel. Approximately 3-4
hours of hiking inside Machu Picchu. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 9 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by a train ride to Ollyantotambo where we will have lunch and board our private bus that will take us back to Cusco. On our way we will stop at a local Chi Cha beer establishment and taste the local brew. Afterwards, we will continue our journey back to Cusco, and we will check in to the hotel and meet for our final team dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 10 and 11 – Cusco to Lima to Final Destination
Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by our bus ride to the airport for our afternoon flights to Lima. While in Lima you are able to go into town and have dinner or wait at the airport for your flight. Breakfast included.
The following items are provided for all participants:
- One coach air fare ticket to Lima
- Evacuation and travelers insurance policy
- All accommodations in hotels and four season tents
- Private transportation
- All meals as stated in itinerary
Cost Per Person – $7,500