**Peru Trekking**

*Colonization in the Americas*

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Peru Trekking: Colonialization in the Americas
9 Days/8 Nights

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Dates: TBA
Destination: Peru
Tour Leader: Jaylyn Gough + Raquel Sciana
Focus: Trekking + decolonizing travel
Giveback: Native Women’s Wilderness,
Difficulty: Difficult, prior trekking experience required
Group Makeup: All genders

The Purpose

This exclusive trek is a first step in addressing the privilege in travel. We are working with the founder of the Native Women’s Wilderness, Jaylyn Gough, in our first ever attempt to decolonize travel. Guided conversations will explore the impact of colonization in the Americas and the parallels of the North and South American indigenous experience. All guides, porters, and leaders of the trek will be of indigenous descent. We will also offer 4 scholarships to indigenous people who may not otherwise have the chance to explore travel. This remote trek was designed to help us connect with local indigenous communities and to learn how their many practices can help us tackle climate change.

Map of Trek and Surrounding Area (Click for larger image)

The Trip

This specialty trek captures the beauty, remoteness, and solitude of the Andes. It is a different, unique, and pristine version of the Classic Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Discover the southern face of this spectacular Apu Salkantay, “Wild Mountain Spirit”, which is the highest peak in the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Andean mountain dwellers hold a strong belief that mountains are powerful deities, which guard and protect the communities that live on and near them. The magic and awe-instilling power of the Andes mountains will soak into your spirit as you traverse these little-known paths.

This trip is truly the “road less traveled”. You will absorb the remoteness and solitude of the area, striding across Andean valleys and encountering Inca stone ruins that are a part of the natural landscape and history of the people. We’ll hike near remote communities and come across the women and children who live their lives in this isolated region, carefully watching over their herds. We’ll challenge our endurance by hiking over a spectacular pass to face snow-capped Mt. Salkantay, finally descending along the edge of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Marvel at the remains of ancient homes, walls, and Inca stairs at the little-known ruins of Huayna Q ́ente and Machu Q ́ente, seemingly one with their natural surroundings. Both sites have been recently restored and receive few visitors. On Day 4, we’ll meet up with our private transportation and head for Ollantaytambo where we’ll board the train to visit the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu on the last day.

SUMMARY

DAY 1: CUSCO ARRIVAL

DAY 2: CUSCO EXPLORATION

DAY 3: Chincheros, Moras, & Moray

DAY 4-6: Trekking

DAY 7: Finish trek, Train to Aguas Calientes

DAY 8: DEPART Machu Picchu FOR CUSCO

DAY 9: DEPART CUSCO

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1

Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
**Overnight:** Casa San Blas Boutique

Cusco Arrival

Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and most of us will be feeling the effects of the altitude. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco and dinner on your own.

Day 2

Over look Cusco from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Casa San Blas Boutique

City and Ruins Tour in Cusco

After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We will then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.

A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.

DAY 3

The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.

**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Casa San Blas Boutique

Chincheros Weavers, Maras, and Moray

After breakfast, we will drive the Urubamba, or Sacred Valley, to visit the Chincheros Weavers where we will learn traditional practices of all stages of weaving, from the yarn making and dying process to the actual weaving of the yarn. Next we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

We’ll then make our way to Moray, where you will have the privilege of exploring one of the earliest agricultural experimental “labs” in existence on the planet. It is believed that the beautiful and elegantly constructed descending circular terraces were used to support a variety of microclimates, encouraging the growth of specific crops attuned to each climate. The temperature difference between the uppermost and lowest levels can vary by as much as 15°C (59 °F). Plants that thrive at the deepest level of over 30 meters (98 ft) are different species from those that thrive at the uppermost levels. To think that indigenous Peruvians used experimental techniques to nurture diverse food crops centuries before modern greenhouse techniques were invented, is truly impressive!

Shortly there after we’ll arrive in Maras, famously known for its spectacular mountainside salt ponds. Here residents “mine” with 3000 bright white and multicolored salt pans, which are divided among local families. You will be able to observe the salt pans from a viewpoint and taste the famous Maras salt, known for its beneficial health properties. You’ll get a glimpse into a lifestyle very different from your own, as you learn about the techniques used to extract this mineral-rich condiment. Purchasing a bag of precious salt will help support this community in maintaining their centuries-old traditional way of life.

In the afternoon, we´ll return to Cusco for dinner and stay overnight.

Day 4

The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Camping

Cusco | Sacred Valley | Limatambo | Tinco

From Cusco, we drive toward Limatambo, past the Tika Tika Pass where we will get our very first views of majestic Mount Salkantay and Humantay on the horizon before crossing the Anta plateau. Driving past breathtaking panoramas of this vibrant agricultural region with views of rugged snowcapped peaks in the background, we will arrive at the ruins of Tarawasi. After a visit to this important Inca ceremonial center, with its long asymmetrical stone walls, we will continue our drive toward the trailhead at the village of Tomacaya, where we’ll begin our trek.

This day’s hiking is all uphill. As we are approaching the heights, we’ll observe how the ecosystem changes with the altitude, starting in a relatively warm, sheltered valley where crops of fruits and vegetables thrive, then onto higher plateaus where native potatoes are grown. Finally, as we reach our campsite, we’ll observe herds of sheep and camelids grazing the high meadows.

Sleep surrounded by a stream and side valleys in our campsite at Tinco (13,628 ft).

Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance:6.9 miles

DAY 5

History appears around every corner on this magical trail.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Camping

Tinko | Tocto Pass | Pampacahuana | Mirador de Pampacahuana

Leaving Tinco, we will head up the valley and take the leftward trail to begin a long uphill climb toward the pass. As the day warms during our climb, we may see some Andean bird species, including endangered Andean Condors, as they soar majestically above the mountains. After 3-4 hours of steady climbing, we’ll arrive at the Tocto Pass (4900 masl / 16,072 fasl) where we’ll marvel at the incredible and dramatic views of the south face of Mt. Salkantay, while enjoying the special feeling of solitude that comes with knowing there are few other humans in the vicinity. We begin our descent along the Pampacahuana Valley toward our campsite at Mirador Pampacahuana at 3902 masl (12,801 fasl) all the while accompanied by amazing mountain views. On a clear day, we will be able to see both the eastern face of Mt. Salkantay up the valley to our left, and Mt. Veronica down the valley to our right.

Sleep surrounded by mountains and stars in our Pampacahuana campsite (12,801 ft).

Trekking time: ~8 hours
Trekking distance: 9.3 miles

DAY 6

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic view that those from the Salkantay Trek. This fully catered trek ensures you sleep well to better enjoy the view.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Camping

Mirador de Pampacahuana | Paucarcancha | Llactapata | Chamana

We’ll take our leave of Mt. Salkantay and continue our hike downhill along an ancient Inca canal flowing down the center of the Pampacahuana Valley, passing through a landscape dotted with small farm settlements. At the end of the valley, we’ll once more begin to observe a greater variety of vegetation as we descend past the tree line before arriving in Paucarcancha, a remote Inca site at the confluence of the Pampacahuana and Q’esca valleys, where we’ll optionally stop for lunch. (We may, instead, have lunch on reaching Chamana, which is a couple of hours down the road.) The choice depends on the pace of the group and whether everyone is hungry – today ́s itinerary is flexible!

After a short visit to explore the Inca stone walls and remnants of ancient houses at the site, we’ll continue our journey downhill and join the first stretch of the famed Inca Trail, descending toward Chamana.

Chamana is located just outside the Llactapata ruins, and we will have a chance to explore these ruins after enjoying a hearty lunch (if we opted not to eat in Paucarcancha). These ruins were once an important rest stop for the Inca on the way to Machu Picchu, and this site will also be our private “rest stop” for the evening. We are the only company that uses this campsite, and we have equipped it with a hot shower for you to cleanse and refresh after the strenuous activity of the previous few days.

Campsite at Chamana (8480 ft)

Trekking time: ~6 hours
Trekking distance: 10.4 miles

Day 7

Connection is the root of all travel.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** El Mapi

Chamana | Huayna Q’ente | Piscacucho | Machu Picchu Village

At this point, we will be on the edge of the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. After visiting the ruins of Huayna Q’ente, with its amazing Inca terraces and impressive landscaping, we will leave the National Sanctuary through the town of Qoriwairachina and head towards Piscacucho, where the main entrance to the Inca Trail is located. The trail will take us alongside the Vilcanota River and through several more ancient archaeological sites. In fact, this is the same path that Hiram Bingham used when he was first led to Machu Picchu by local people living here in 1911. From here, we’ll travel by car to Ollantaytambo, and then take the afternoon train to Machu Picchu Village, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the magical citadel of Machu Picchu. Dinner will be on your own.

Trekking time: ~7 hours
Trekking distance: 10.4 miles

DAY 8

Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
**Meals:** B | L | D
**Overnight:** Casa San Blas Boutique

Machu Picchu – Cusco

We ascend up to Machu Picchu citadel by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full experience of this glorious monument of Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.

Option to hike Huayna Picchu if permits are available, additional charge.

Day 9

After a week of immersing in the culture, we have to say a bittersweet farewell.
**Meals:** B

Depart Cusco

Today you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

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PRICE STARTING AT: $3250 PER PERSON
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure

Payment plan available, please inquire

COVID-19: We are following and recommend our travelers follow the directions of their local health authorities, the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, which is publishing regular updates on international travel and health.

We always recommend travel insurance protection for our travelers, but this protection is especially prudent during these times as travel insurance may cover your travel expenses. Contact us to learn more. The cancel for any reason policy will cover up to 50% of your out-of-pocket expenses should you want to cancel for personal reasons. Cancel for any Reason is only applicable if purchased with 15 days of your first trip payment.

In the event Root Adventures cancels the retreat, we will issue refunds in full.

Sample AcCommodations

Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel
Cusco

Camping

Casa San Blas Botique is the premier accommodation in Cusco, situated two blocks from the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the ancient city.

This fully restored, sixteenth century colonial gem blends style, luxury, comfort and an unforgettable experience, with five-star amenities and unrivaled personalized service.

The seventeen rooms and suites are uniquely styled with local antiques and original art works (all available for purchase) offering modern comforts like decadent Jacuzzi bathtubs.

The hotel’s mission is to ensure both guests and employees feel at home, making every moment you spend with us, unforgettable.

El Mapi
Aguas Calientes

Our superior guides and support staff will show you a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.

Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall dried eucalyptus branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.

Relax and rest in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your unforgettable and enlightening trek along the incredible Inca Trail.

Included: