ANDEAN ADVENTURE
Pisco: 18,400 feet
Machu Picchu: 7,872 feet
Peru's Cordillera Blanca is one of the most spectacular regions in South America. This trip combines several days exploring the archaeological Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, discovering the capital city of Lima and visiting the age-old city of Cusco. We culminate this adventure off with a climb up the snow-capped pyramidal summit of Pisco Mountain.
The Cusco Area
We start our trip in the archaeological capital of the
Americas, Cusco. As the oldest continually inhabited city of
the Americas, Cusco has a plethora of sites to explore. The
former capital of the Incan Empire, the city hosts numerous
archaeological sites and museums. With the Spanish arrival in
the 1500s came an overlay of European and Catholic influences.
The resulting city is a fascinating mixture of old and new,
indigenous and Catholic influences - a uniquely Latin American
city.
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
From Cusco we travel by private bus to explore the ruins of the
Sacred Valley. This spiritual center of the Incas now has
numerous local markets, small Andean villages and several
important ruins. We visit the areas of Pisac and Ollantaytambo
with a local English-speaking guide.
The origins of Machu Picchu are subject to many theories. Referred to the Lost City of the Incas, this is South America's most famous archaeological site. Discovered in 1911, historians are still studying the remains of the city and debating whether or not it was a ceremonial site, a place for chosen women or a defense post. We explore this site high in the Andean cloud forests by day and relax in at the Sanctuary Hotel by night. This is the only hotel situated within the boundaries of Machu Picchu National Park. All transportation to the park (via the Machu Picchu Train) and hotel accommodations are included in the cost of this trip.
Cordillera Blanca - Pisco Oeste
This summit is one of the most accessible peaks in the Cordillera Blanca. After a bus ride from Lima, we begin our 3-day ascent. With the aid of porters and mules, we climb to two high camps at approximately 14,600 and 15,750 feet. Our route to the summit passes along a boulder covered glacier and several pitches of moderately steep snow and rock slabs. The view from the top of this spectacular pyramidal peak is a fantastic spread of the Cordillera Blanca range.
A Celebration with Pisco Sour
In keeping with tradition, we end our trip with Peru's national
drink, a Pisco Sour. According to legend, large amounts of the
drink were consumed after the first summit of Pisco in 1951.
The brandy is made from white-grapes and is consumed either
straight, or as a "Pisco Sour" - a cocktail made from Pisco,
egg white, lemon juice, sugar and bitters. No trip would be
complete without one!
The cost of this trip includes all in-country transportation, including airfare from Lima to Cusco, private buses and train passes.
Questions about our trips? Please call us at (800) 408-8949. We are open 9-5, Pacific Time. Or, email us here.
