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Viktoriia
What calls you to go trekking in Peru?
Without a doubt, it is the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The main attraction and the calling card of any trip to Peru. But it is twice as interesting to get here not just as an ordinary tourist, but to try yourself as a pioneer - to reach the ruins of a mysterious city lost among the mountains and jungle, along one of the trails that were used by the Incas in ancient times.
Machu Picchu is not the only monument of ancient civilization on our tour in Peru. There are Inca-era archaeological sites throughout the Urubamba Valley, which we will learn about during our Sacred Valley and Cusco neighborhoods tour. We will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray circles, the salt terraces of Salineras de Maras and many other interesting places. Afterwards we will go on a circular trek at the foot of the Ausangate snow massif and the real natural wonder in the Vinicuña Mountains, the Rainbow Mountains of Montaña Arco Iris.
And all this - in comfortable conditions with light rucksacks, a variety of food, hot showers, and comfortable toilets even thousands of miles away from civilization! Well, what a secret, our hike in Peru we tried to make the best!
Those who have strength, desire and time (+8 days) can sign up for a continuation of the program, which includes Titicaca Lake , Colca Canyon, El Misti Volcano, a flight over the Nazca Lines and the Oasis of Huacachina. In that case, a $250 discount is available for the second program (does not add up to other discounts).
During 16 days tour in Peru we will be able to fully experience all the charms of South America and the maximum privacy with nature.
The most important attraction and calling card of any trip to Peru.
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the consultant approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
Kuluar experienced teamleaders will accompany the group along the entire route, making your trip as memorable and safe as possible! They have been to South America many times and know the country in detail.
The consultant, who will advise you before the trip, thoroughly knows the route and will tell you about it in detail!
The mere sight of which takes your breath away
During the trekking we will have the opportunity to see the distinctive culture of the indigenous Quechua Indians.
More than 25000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
The tour to Peru will begin with an arrival in the capital, Lima. We will stay in the prestigious Miraflores neighborhood, where most of the good hotels and restaurants are concentrated and where you can stroll along the Pacific coast in one of the many green parks. Those arriving in the morning, if you wish, can go to the historic city center, where the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located, as well as begin to learn the history of ancient civilizations of South America by visiting the pre-Inca ruins of Huaca Pucciana. Overnight in Lima.
In the morning we fly from Lima to Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire. The city is at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters and here we begin our acclimatization to the altitude, which will further help us avoid mountain sickness during the trekking. To facilitate the adaptation of the body Peruvians traditionally chew coca leaves, which have a mild tonic effect, and also make them into a hot tea - mate de coca, which we will also be able to try. After lunch we will explore the sights of Cuzco and its surroundings, where the history of the Incas and the Spanish colonizers who conquered it in the 16th century are intertwined. We will visit the main square of the city Plaza de Armas, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the archaeological sites of Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, see the ancient facades of the Cathedral, the former temple of the Sun Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Cathedral built on its place.
Overnight in Cuzco. Altitude: 3400 m.
The entire day will be devoted to sightseeing in the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the Urubamba River. In the morning our vehicle will pick us up from our hotel in Cusco and take us along a serpentine mountain path winding through green hills and rocky mountains to the picturesque circular terraces of Moray and the ancient salt mines of Salinas de Maras. In the middle of the day we will have a traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba, from where we will continue our journey to the Inca settlement and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. On the way back we will take a closer look at the way of life of the Quechua Indians and their weaving craft, we will buy unique items made of natural alpaca wool: sweaters, shawls and ponchos, scarves, hats, and much more.
Overnight in Cusco. Altitude: 3400 m.
We need to spend a few days in Cusco, not only for cultural and cognitive purposes, but also to allow the body to adjust to the altitude and get the necessary acclimatization for mountain trekking. So today we continue to learn about the history of the Incas and the attractions of the Sacred Valley. There are plenty of them in the area around Cusco. In the morning we will go to the town of Pisac, on the way to which you can also visit a market where the locals showcase their crafts. Here you can buy beautiful handmade souvenirs for you and your loved ones. After returning to Cusco, we have lunch, rest and pack before leaving for the mountains tomorrow.
Overnight in Cusco. Altitude: 3400 m.
Today begins the trekking program of our tour in Peru. We will get up early and after taking only the things we need during the trek, we will take a pre-booked car to the start of the route. After about two hours we will stop for a snack in the village of Mollepata and continue on the scenic local road with views of snow-capped peaks. The hiking part of the route begins after another two hours by car. The hike to the camp site in Soraypampa will take no more than an hour and after a short rest we will take a radial exit to the picturesque high-mountain Umantai Lake. This place is one of the most beautiful sights in all the Andes with incredible blue-green water reflecting the Apu Umantay mountain glaciers. In the evening we will enjoy the sunset views of the Salkantay valley, and at night when the weather is good, due to the crystal clear mountain air and the distance from the lights of big cities we can see the brightest starry sky and maybe even comets cutting through the night sky with their glow.
Distanse: 7 km. Difference of heights: climb - 450 m, drop - 350 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 3900 m.
The most intense and challenging day of the trek in Peru, but the views of the surrounding mountains are definitely worth the trek, just as the ancient Incas and discoverers of the area once did. We have to climb a total of 22 kilometers up a winding trail to the highest pass of the trail, Salkantay Saddle. That's why we wake up early, at first light of sun around 5 am and after breakfast we go in the direction of the pass, where we will try to reach it by noon. From here we can see the impressive snowy peaks of Salkantay, Umantay and Pumasillo. The sacred mountain of Salkantay is the second highest in the region of Cusco and one of the highest in all of Peru, where the ancient Incas believed the god Apu lived. After the pass and 5 km downhill we stop for lunch after which we continue our way to the climatic zone called the cloud forest, the upper Amazon rainforest. Here we will do a 10-kilometer hike along a wide trail in the dense rainforest. In this part of the hike, you can feel the dramatic change in the landscape and energy of the Earth as we move from the climate zone of the Andes to the Amazon. Our base camp in the jungle will be located in the settlement of Chaulay at 2,900 meters above sea level.
Distanse: 22 km. Altitude difference: climb- 750 m, descent - 1750 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 2900 m.
Along the river there is a dirt road that leads to the village of Santa Teresa, near which there is an impressive Zip-Line amusement complex: 2.5 kilometers of iron cables that can be used to ride over the gorge with special equipment. You will have two hours to complete this spectacular ride, and then we will proceed to the village of Hydroelectrica, where we will follow the railroad to the village of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the mountain where the main destination of our trip is the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. There is still no road to this place, so the only way to reach Machu Picchu is by train or on foot. On our way we will be surrounded by lush tropical greenery and with our imagination we can see how the American professor Hiram Bingham, who re-discovered Machu Picchu after it had been lost for centuries in the Peruvian jungle, wandered through the wild jungle.
Distanse: 12 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 300 m.
Overnight in a hostel in Aguas Calientes. Altitude: 2100 m.
On this long-awaited day your dream will come true, we will visit one of the Seven New Wonders of the World - the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. To make our visit perfect, we wake up early as usual and go to the entrance of the archaeological complex at dawn. The entrance gates open to visitors as early as 6 a.m. and this is the perfect time to start exploring the city while there are still no crowds of tourists. You'll hear from a guide about the history and mysteries of this sacred place, and then you'll still have time to explore the streets of the city on your own and walk along the terraces, houses, and temples within it. Optionally, you can climb one of the two mountains: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu (tickets to both are purchased separately and must be booked in advance) or walk to the main entrance on the side of the Inca Trail, the Gate of the Sun. Our time to see the city will last until noon, because the new rules of the complex now limit the time tourists can stay inside. So we descend to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco. Altitude: 3,400 m.
Early in the morning the pre-booked transport will pick us up from the hotel and will take us to the beginning of a new trek in the mountains, the purpose of which this time is an extraordinary natural wonder, discovered to tourists only a few years ago - the Rainbow Mountains, which in Spanish sounds like Montaña Arco Iris or Cerro de Siete Colores - "Mountains of Seven Flowers". And we will get there by a route that passes through the most picturesque, but, because of its remoteness, the most sparsely populated mountainous area in the vicinity of Cuzco - Nevado Ausangate in the Cordillera de Vilcanota range. On the first day we will make a short hike to the first campsite, and tomorrow we will hit the road with renewed vigor.
Distanse: 7 km. Difference in elevation: ascent - 400 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 4300 m.
According to Quechua beliefs, Ausangate is also a sacred mountain and the highest in the Cusco region, reaching 6,372 meters above sea level. In Inca mythology, Mount Ausangate was the source of the male energy that impregnates mother earth and progenitor of mankind, Pachamama. You and I will take a hike that almost completely closes the ring around this sacred mountain, a kind of track-like crust around Kailas. Today will be rich in views of the lakes and the snowy peaks towering above them. We will gain altitude and camp overnight before tomorrow's assault on the first 5,000-mile pass on our route.
Distanse: 9 km. Difference in elevation: climb - 550 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 4850 m.
The trekking in Peru continues. We will come almost close to the glaciers descending from the slopes of the mountain and pass a pass that reaches a new elevation of 5100 m, from where we will have spectacular views of the Ausangate mountain range and neighboring peaks. We will spend the night in a campsite in a green valley at the foot of the mountain.
Distanse: 12 km. Difference of heights: climb - 250 m, descent - 650 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 4450 m.
Another pass above 5,000 meters will lie on our way. From here we have the best views of the main summit and the neighboring mountain Mariposa, which means "Butterfly" in Spanish. On the descent we will see fantastic views of ice drops and high waterfalls flowing down from under the ice, and also learn about the existence of a mountainous form of relief called "ram's foreheads". We will go down to the picturesque lake in the gorge for the night.
Distance: 8 km. Difference of heights: climb - 650 m, descent - 550 m.
Overnight in tents. Height: 4650 m.
This day we will have a bunch of two passes: first the lower Apaneta Pass which we will have to climb only 200 m from our overnight stop, and after a short descent we will have one more pass of 5,000 m. high as we are used to. From here we take a farewell look at another picturesque view of the Ausangate massif and the lakes at its foot and go down to the other side, closer to the final destination of our journey - the Rainbow Mountains.
Distanse: 10 km. Difference of heights: climb - 250 m., descent - 600 meters.
Overnight in tents. Height: 4700 m.
As we ascend from our overnight stop to another 5,000-meter Varamisaya Pass, we will see an unusually beautiful mountain range composed of bright red and sometimes orange rocks: this is Cerro Vinicucca, the same range where the unique Rainbow Mountains of Peru are located. This place was opened to tourists only a few years ago, in 2016, because they are quite far from civilization at an altitude of over 5,000 meters and until very recently were hidden by snow, which melted due to global warming. Now the unusual structure of the local rocks can be seen at any time of the year. After the photo session with these stunningly colorful rocks we will go down the valley to the road accessible to vehicles at an altitude of 4,700 m and drive back to Cusco.
Distanse: 12 km. Difference in altitude: climb - 700 m, descent - 600 m.
Overnight in Cusco. Height: 3400 m.
This day we fly from Cusco back to Lima, where we will continue to explore the sights of the capital. In the evening you can optionally go to the fantastic light and music performance Circuito Magico del Agua in the world's largest open-air fountain complex in a park in Lima.
Those who wish to continue their acquaintance with Peru and see Lake Titicaca, the mysterious Nazca lines, and climb El Misti volcano, move to the town of Puno today. The optional program will take eight days. For a detailed description of the trek by day, see a separate article.
The final day of the mountain trip. Our trip has come to an end and we are saying goodbye to the magical and unforgettable Peru. To think that during these days we managed so much: trekked to the legendary Machu Picchu, saw the colors of the Rainbow Mountains, the sparkling ice and crystal clear lakes of the sacred mountains Salkantay and Ausangate, looked into the crater of the volcano El Misty, and learned the history of the country from the Inca era to the Spanish colonization. And now happy and full of impressions we went back home to share with your family and friends entertaining stories, show you photos, and give you souvenirs from the distant and mysterious country of Peru.
*When planning your arrival/departure days from Lima, keep in mind that the fountains are closed on Mondays and that the Huaca Pucliana ruins complex will be closed on Tuesday.
Depending on the weather conditions and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
You do not need a visa to Peru. Of the documents you need to have with you only a valid passport.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
It can be quite hot during the day, even at altitude. Peru is characterized by frequent but brief rains. Therefore, be sure to take a good membrane jacket and pants, and do not forget the sunscreen. In the evening at altitude it gets cold, night frosts can reach temperatures down to -15C, so do not forget a warm fleece and thermal underwear.
Our trek in Peru is a real trekking in the Andes, one of the most beautiful mountains on the planet! The trek is at a high altitude, so the first few days will be hard, but then the body will acclimatize and you will feel much better! Because this trek is held at high altitudes, accompanied by steep descents and ascents, for the whole trekking part of the program we rent mules. They will carry the bulk of our gear, groceries, and public equipment. We, on the other hand, carry small backpacks with everything we need for the day's hike - a bottle of water, a snack, rain gear, a camera, documents, and money.
Despite the availability of mules, which will make our trek through Peru much easier, we recommend that you prepare physically for the trek - run for at least a month before you start. Then the trek itself will be much more enjoyable for you.
Flight to Lima from Europe, usually from Paris or Amsterdam. The cost of such international flight is about $1,200-1,300, but may vary slightly depending on the time of purchase and departure dates. When choosing a flight, keep in mind that with short connections of less than 2 hours there is a high probability of delay of your luggage, which can be delivered only in a couple of days. So try to choose longer connections or prepare in advance all the things you need for the first days in your hand luggage that you'll take with you on the plane.
You need good insurance to participate in the program. Please do not neglect this item. For some participants, it saved thousands of dollars. You can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
The whole group gathers at our pre-booked hotel in Lima. Individual participants can cooperate at the stage of buying tickets - it's easier and more fun to get there together. We will send you detailed information about the group meeting 7-10 days before the start of the hike by e-mail
Meals in the cities, during excursions, are not included in the price of the program. Breakfast will usually be included in the price of the hotel, and for dinner we will go to one of the local restaurants, where everyone can choose a dish to their liking. At lunch time we will act according to circumstances - either go to the restaurant or take a pre-prepared snack. Hiking meals during the trek are included in the price of the program.
Peru is a very far away place, and who knows when you will get here next time - try to visit all possible excursions and outings. Don't stay in tents while others are accumulating impressions!
For the whole group we book rooms in hotels on the basis of two- or three-bed accommodation, having previously agreed with participants accommodation options and costs. If possible, these will be rooms with private showers and breakfast included. On the trek, we'll rent spacious 4-person tents, where we'll sleep 2 or 3 persons each. There are mats, too, and you can use the ones that come with the tents instead of bringing them with you from home. Here we'll use 3-cm-thick foam mats. We recommend that you have your own sleeping bags, although there are also rentals available if you need them.
It can be quite hot during the day, even at altitude. Peru is characterized by frequent but brief rains. Therefore, be sure to take a good membrane jacket and pants, and do not forget the sunscreen. In the evening at altitude it gets cold, night frosts can reach temperatures down to -15C, so do not forget a warm fleece and thermal underwear.
The cost depends on the number of participants in the group:
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | $2950 |
| 4 | $3250 |
| 3 | $3700 |
Also according to the program there may be additional optional expenses (optional, 0-200$):
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
To reserve a place in the group, you need to make an advance payment of $500 in a way that is convenient for you. It is after you have made the prepayment and purchased the tickets that you will be booked in the group. The remainder of the amount should be handed over to the guide on the first day of the program in cash dollars. In case of get out the itinerary you will not receive a refund.
You can also extend your trip to Peru and join an optional program with a visit to Lake Titicaca, the volcano El Misti (or Colca) and the Nazca Lines. The cost of participation is $980.
About $500 before the trek should be exchanged for the local currency (Peruvian sol, PEN). This money will be used for meals in the cafes in the cities, tips for the accompanying crew, and other small expenses in the area. Note that in Peru, because of frequent counterfeiting, dollar bills of the CB series are not accepted. Card payment is possible in cities, but not everywhere. VISA cards are most commonly accepted. ATM cash withdrawals are limited to the equivalent of $200 per transaction and are subject to a fee.
