September 6 (Sat): If you are flying in, you will need to leave the day before in order to arrive in Cuzco this morning, the ancient capital of the Incas. Most will need the morning to rest and recover from yesterday's travel. We will then spend the rest of the day visiting the Sacsaywoman ruins above Cusco. We'll have dinner at a local resturant that night and lodge in a comfortable quiet hotel near the main plaza. Overnight Cuzco. D

September 7 (Sun) You have the morning free to explore Cusco. In the afternoon we'll have a guided walk around town with a visit to the archeology museum and the Coricancha, temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites. At dinner that night our guide may tell the story of legendary Manco Inca and the lost cities of Vilcabamba or we may just chat about the day. There are many days ahead to hear the story of the Incas. Overnight Cusco. B, L, D

September 8 (Mon) Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. The Sacred Valley is the location of the major Inca temple/fortress of Ollantaytambo. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro's defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and rhyolite blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighting as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. We will also undertake a hiking tour of the extensive Inca hill top complex of Pisac. We overnight at a comfortable inn in the valley at an altitude of 2600 meters. Clean sheets, traditional Peruvian dinner and chilled, Cusqueña beer complete the day. B, L, D

September 9 (Tues): After a bus ride on back roads, we arrive at the starting place for our trek. Our guide gives a short riding lesson concerning our sturdy Andean ponies and day trail hiking instructions, as our Quechua speaking wranglers expertly sort our duffels and gear are into mule loads.

Leaving tents and baggage to follow, we set off up a winding trail into the remote Cordillera Vilcabamba range. This is not just any old trail. Gaining altitude we soon realize that we are on a well constructed Inca highway, carefully planned to make the climb as easy as possible. If weather permits, spectacular views of geometric Inca fields dominate the valley below. Crossing Edychayoq pass at 12,500 feet, we descend for a picnic lunch at Wilkaracay. After lunch a steady climb takes us over Vicuñitas Pass, 12,800 ft where there is a breeding station for Vicunas, a rare Andean camelid closely related to the Llama and world renowned for the quality of its wool. Later, descending to a place called Chaqui, we reach our first campsite at 12,100 ft. Travel time is 6 to 8 hours.

Before the evening meal today and every day on the trek, we enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages and for those who imbibe, our famous expedition vodka martini or a glass of select Chilean wine. B, L, D

September 10 (Wed): After tea and coffee served in bed along with a tub of warm washing water, we breakfast in the large tent then head out (usually around 8:30 or so). This may be our longest and most physically exerting day. Travel time will be 7-8 hours. Following an ancient Inca custom still practiced to-day, we join our wranglers in offering coca leaves to the Apu's or mountain gods who allow us a safe passage. Our journey takes us over Milpucasa pass at 15,250 ft. We pass through several Quechua villages where home-woven ponchos and clothing present opportunity for photos and a view of mountain life. A lunch of Hot soup and broiled chicken follows the hump over the pass. Finally, we climb down again to camp beside the well preserved ruins of an Inca Tambo, or road house, on this major Inca road we are now following. It is called Incacaracay place of the Inca. B, L, D

September 11 (Thurs): After a hearty breakfast, a steady climb from camp brings us to Puerto Huayanay pass at 14,950 ft. Descending from the pass, we enter a broad glaciated valley below the massive ice walls of Nevado Huayanay. Lunch is set beside deep green Ancascocha lake. Continuing down the Silque valley, our route follows a small, active glacier fed river to a campsite at Saylla. Tonight we enjoy a true Andean traditional feast, Pachamanca. (potatoes, lamb and spices cooked in a pit covered hot stones). 3500 meters. B, L, D

September 12 (Fri): Climbing again, we follow local herder trails up into high, rolling hill grass lands with small lakes. Alpine shore birds, black Chested Buzzard Eagles,the ever present mountain Caracara and perhaps even a circling Condor loop slowly overhead, ignoring our passage. The sense of remoteness and serenity seep into our bones before we climb into our warm sleeping bags to enjoy another quiet night. B, L, D

September 13 (Sat): Last day of the trek/ride…following a short uphill trek on good trail, we are greeted with a breathtaking view of the Sacred Valley 4000 feet below. It is all down now, passing near the famous Inca Quarries where rose ryolite was cut for the massive temple of the sun that we visited on Day 3. Soon we are standing beside the old Inca bridge at Ollantaytombo where we overnight in a very comfortable lodge. Sadly bidding horses, mules, cooks and wranglers goodbye. We toast our staff and the successful completion of a magical journey back through time B, L, D

September 14 (Sun) This morning we hop aboard the narrow gauge train heading down valley. An interesting hour of click, clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to our overnight stop at the bustling backpacker town of Aguascaliente. Some may opt to stay here relaxing at our comfortable hotel while we hike up to the journeys final famous destination (not to worry…if you stay behind, you will have ample time to see all tomorrow…it's your call)

For those who can't wait to see MACHU PICCHU, we jump off the train and climb steeply 1,500 ft. up a winding zig-zag trail. The pace is slow and the distance short. Views of towering WAKAYWILCA and the ice crested Urubamba range leave us more breathless than the steady climb. A moderate hike along a finely constructed Inca trail takes us to INTIPUNKU at 9000 ft., the impressive Gate of the Sun overlooking Machu Picchu, otherwise romantically known to the tourist world as "The lost city of the Incas".

We bus back down with the setting sun to Aguascalientes, joining those who have stayed behind at the hotel. Dinner follows at the local gourmet French bistro or perhaps simpler beer and pizza at one of the track side cafes. Some undoubtedly opt for after dinner Pisco Sours and dancing on the hill. B, L, D

September 15 (Mon) Early visit to MACHU PICCHU long before the tourist hoards arrive… The morning is yours to explore and photograph. We meet at the Intihuatana high point, Our guide concludes the story of the rise and fall of the ancient civilizations of the Andes with the tragic end of the Inca and the enigma that this remarkable site remains.

Boarding the Cusco bound afternoon train, we arrive back in the Capital of the Inca and comfortable rooms at our selected hotel, Andes de America, near the central plaza. We gather later for a final celebration dinner at the Hotel's fine restaurant. Overnight in Cusco. B, L, D

September 16 (Tues) This is the day to rest, shop and wander around Cusco. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weavings and hand made alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. Overnight in Cusco. B

September 17 (Wed) After breakfast at the hotel we'll help you onto the morning flight to Lima. If you're not ready to leave yet, ask us about the 4 day MANU RAIN FOREST TRIP, a rain forest biosphere adventure that leaves every Friday and returns to Cusco.

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