Trek del Condor

In the south, Vilcanota erects it's beautiful glacial summits above the alpine pastures frequented by the llama and alpaca herders.
The sacred valley, with Machu Picchu, whistles with the Inca spirit and this completes the discovery of the south.
More in the north, the Cordillera Blanca closes in the hardiest peaks, the highest and most celebrated of Peru, separated by the profound wild valleys.
The two most celebrated treks in Peru in one single trip.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
• Day 2/  Flight to Cuzco, city sightseeing
• Day 3/  Sacred Valley, salinas de Maras
• Day 4/  Train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Cuzco
• Day 5/  Inca ruins (quatro ruinas), transfer Tinki (12,795 feet)
• Day 6/  Tinki - Upis (14,764 feet)
• Day 7/  Upis - Paso Arapa (15,748 feet) - Jatunpucacocha, the "Big Red Lake" (15,092 feet)
• Day 8/  Jatunpucacocha - Paso Apacheta (15,748 feet) - Paso Palomita (16,732 feet) - Finaya (15,092 feet) 
• Day 9/  Finaya - Jampa - Ticclacocha (15,748 feet) 
• Day 10/  Ticclacocha Pass (16,732 feet)- Comercocha - Pacchanta  (14,108 feet)
• Day 11/  Pacchanta -  2 passes (15,092 feet and 15,420 feet) - Laguna Singrenacocha (14,108 feet)
• Day 12/  Singrenacocha - Mallma (13,123 feet) - Cuzco
• Day 13/  Flight Cuzco - Lima, road to Huaraz
• Day 14/  Trek Cordillera Blanca - Laguna Llanganuco, Portachhuelo
• Day 15/  Laguna Peron - Huaraz
• Day 16/  Road to Lima
• Day 17/  Depart from Lima.

In the north, the Cordillera Blanca beholds the more daring peaks, the highest and the most famous of Peru, separated by deep valleys, the quebradas (gully) virtually devoid of life, but rich of many lakes with beautiful colors. Their summits are the dream of many mountaineers. Among them, HuascarÃn, the culminating summit of Peru, and Alpamayo, regarded by many as the most beautiful mountain on Earth. Further south, Vilcanota rises its beautiful glacial peaks above mountain pastures frequented by herds of llamas and alpacas. The Lord of the area, known as Ausangate, culmination culminating summit of the mountain range and southern Peru, can be seen from the heights of Cuzco. Many lakes here, as well, including the Great Laguna Singrenacocha, one of the jewels of the Vilcanota. The combination of these two mountain ranges in a single journey is the dream of every lover of beautiful mountains. Your dream will come true during this trip when, after acclimating to altitude in your discovery or the Inca sites of Cuzco and then Machu Picchu, we successively trek the tour of Ausangate and then proceed on to trek the soaring peaks of Pisco, Chacaraju, Huandoy and Artesonjaru.
9 days of hiking plus 3 days at the discovery of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. What a spectacle!!!

Day 1/ Arrival in Lima
Meeting/assisting at Lima airport.
Transfer to a 4 star hotel located in Miraflores ("chic" suburb of Lima)

Day 2/ Lima - Cuzco (11,155 feet)
Transfer to the airport. Flight Lima-Cuzco (1 hour). Settle in at a 4 star hotel. Beware of the altitude sickness: no haste! First, visit and discover this city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Main visited sites at the heart of Cuzco: the Beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the magnificent facades of the cathedral and the church of the Compañía), the streets with foundations of Inca walls (Calle Loreto, Calle Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas neighborhood, the Santo Domingo convent, which houses the famous Temple of the Sun, museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, the regional museum ...) and other colonial buildings ... (depending on the remaining time and the mood of the group!) Dinner in a typical restaurant near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 3/ Sacred valley - salinas de Maras
Excursion in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, discovered at the foot of the Pisac, the largest ensemble of cultivated terraces in the entire region. Direct descent from the ruins to the Plaza de Armas. Lunch at restaurant in Urubamba, and then the bus leads us to the famous Maras salt fields, whose white evaporation basins arrange themselves in the form of terraces along several hundred feet on the sides of the steep valley. On the road to Ollantaytambo, visit of a village built on Incan ruins. We also visit the gigantic stone monumental ruins which dominate the site. Short hike to visit a quarry from which extracted stones were used to build the fortress. How these stones were dragged for a certain number of miles and mounted to the site of the fortress remains an enigma. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 4/ Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Early rise to take the train to Aguas Calientes and the shuttle bus that brings us to the Machu Picchu site. Complete inspection of the site discovered in 1911 by archaeologist Bingham. Around 11 am, until the arrival of the first "tourists" who left Cusco that morning, we climb up to Wayna Picchu, a famous mountain peak dominating the site (impressive trail seen from the bottom, count 2 hours round trip with our detour to the Temple of the Moon). Back by bus to Aguas Calientes and then by train to Ollantaytambo where another bus is waiting to take us back to Cusco.

Day 5/ Cuzco - quatro ruinas - Tinki (12,795 feet)
Early rise, short bus transfer to Tambomachay. Small trek back to Cuzco. Along the way, we visit the Tambomachay fountains, the fortress of Pucapucara, Qenqo and the colossal Sacsayhuamán fortress. Around noon, return to the Plaza de Armas.
After lunch, road for Tinki. Grandiose landscapes, crossing two passes (13,123 and 13,780 feet above sea level). Snack stop at Ocongate, capital of the northern slopes of the Cordillera Vilcanota. A few kilometers more to Tinki, where we settle in at a small lodge.

Day 6/ Tinki - Upis (14,764 feet)
First stage of our circuit around Ausangate. "Altiplano" landscape, a series of plateaus which butt up against the ice wall. Here, we meet for the first time, our "porters", their animals (horses, in fact) and a few pastors.
At the camp, upstream from the village of Upis, restorative hot springs. Campsite in a grandiose area (great campsite is indeed a constant during the trek).
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,969 feet.

Day 7/ Upis - Paso Arapa (15,748 feet) - Jatunpucacocha, the "Big Red Lake" (15,092 feet)
Itinerary in Russian mountain.
First climb up to Arapa pass, situated at the foot of Ausangate's north spurs, and characterized by wind sand deposits that are reminiscent of the desert!
Crossing horizontally for an hour before a steep descent. The trail then follows the banks of a small lake before arriving at the spillway of Lake Jatunpucacocha. Another pass and arrival at the camp situated on the lakeside to which plunges the immense Southern glacier.
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,969 feet - Descent = 1,640 feet.

Day 8/ Jatunpucacocha - Paso Apacheta (15,748 feet) - Paso Palomita (16,732 feet) - Finaya (15,092 feet)
Along the southern side of Ausangate (gigantic glacier), we walk over a first pass at 15,748 feet, then descend onto the Ausangatecocha lake (15,190 feet) of turquoise color under the seracs (glacier ice fall). Long climb to the Palomita Pass (16,732 feet).
For those who have the "legs", an easy climb up a small hill that dominates this pass (altitude around 17,224 feet). The view is splendid.
Steep downhill to the next camp, situated near the location that we use as a base camp during our expedition to Ausangate. Camp located around 15,092 feet with many llamas, sheep and alpacas.
6 H walk - Ascent = 2,297 feet - Descent = 2,297 feet.

Day 9/ Finaya - Jampa - Ticclacocha (15,748 feet)
In this lost valley, we will have the opportunity to observe lots of animal life, domestic ones with llamas, and wild ones with a lot of waterfowl and colonies of viscaches (rodents similar to the chinchilla). The trail climbs quietly until up to the Jampa hamlet. We then continue on to Ticclacocha laguna. Camp site.
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,312 feet - Descent = 656 feet.

Day 10/ Ticclacocha Pass (16,732 feet)- Comercocha - Pacchanta (14,108 feet)
Easy ascent to the pass just above the laguna Ticclacocha, in a very high mountain atmosphere with... ambiance with nevados Puca Punta mountains just above our heads, sharp needles onto which cling a few glaciers. A horizontal path and then an easy descent to a set of beautiful lakes at the foot of the Northeastern face of Ausangate: lagunas Comercocha and Murococha (15,092 feet).
Can we continue on to Pacchanta for some rest by the hot springs pool (Yes!) Hot water. Tonight, it is "pachamanca", a culinary speciality prepared by our Peruvian friends. Camping.
4 H walk - Ascent = 820 feet - Descent = 2,461 feet

Day 11/ Pacchanta - 2 passes (15,092 and 15,420 feet) - Laguna Singrenacocha (14,108 feet)
Well rested? The program for the day, a long step towards the North East, through two mountain passes that allow us to walk along the sparkling Ccallangate chain of ice (20.013 feet).
Idyllic camp on one of the largest lakes in the sector, Singrenacocha....the colors....let them astonish you!
6 to 7 H walk - Ascent = 1,968 feet - Descent = 1,968 feet.

Day 12/ Singrenacocha - Mallma (13,123 feet) - Cuzco
The last 2 hours of the circuit between Singrenacocha and the village of Mallma. Just the time needed to join the track "Cuzco - Puerto Maldonado" where we await our bus..... loading, bid farewell to our mule takers and en route to Cuzco where we arrive in the late afternoon, after 5 to 6 hours of bus travel. Hotel. 2 H walk - Descent = 984 feet.

Day 13/ Cuzco - Lima - Huaraz
Flight Cuzco - Lima. Bus transfer-destination Huaraz, capital of the northern mountains. A long road along the Pacific coast, large desert zones and frequent fog. And then on to the ascent towards Conococha pass (at more than 4000 meters or 13, 123 feet) where we discover the Huayhuash Cordillera. Arrival in Huaraz, the Peruvian "Chamonix".
Hotel.

Day 14 / Cordillera Blanca : portachuelo de Llanganuco (15,627 feet)
By vehicle, we travel to the "callejon" of Huaylas (name given to the valley of Huaraz) : we successively pass by Carhuaz and then by the city of Yungay, buried in 1970 by an avalanche that began at the summital plateau of Huascaran. After, our vehicle heads towards the Llanganuco valley, situated between the summits of Huandoy and Huascaran. Switchback ascent to the portachuelo de Llanganuco. Here, we await one of the most beautiful views of the Cordillera: to the left, Huascaran ; to the right, separated from Huascaran by the profound slit of Llanganuco and it's emerald green lakes, the snowy summits of Huandoy, Pisco and the serrated ridge of the magnificent emerald lake surrounded by gigantic, impressive rock faces, « yosemitiques » ! Diverse hiking possibilities towards the base camp of snowy Pisco or at the foot of Chacraraju. We then join up with the « callejon » of Huaylas and Caraz. Night in a little hotel in Caraz.
3-5 H walk

Day 15/ Cordillera Blanca: laguna Parón (13,583 feet)
Climb by vehicle up to Paron village, on the side of the mountain. Walk to Paron Laguna, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Cordillera (of which there are many) ! The lake is situated in a jewel box of high summits covered by glaciers, ice flutes (hanging snow attached to the steepest slopes) and to incredible corniched ridges: "nevados" Huandoy, the Gracilazo Pyramid, Artesonraju (most approaching or extending beyond 19,685 feet). Redescent and road to Huaraz. Hotel.
3-5 H walk.

Day 16/ Huaraz - Lima
Retun to Lima via bus (a high end bus line), Laguna Conococha at 13,451 feet and descent towards the Pacific coast, often foggy at this time of the year. 4 star Hotel in Lima.

Day 17 / Depart from Lima
Depending on the time of your return flight home, possible free time for you to spend in Lima. An opportunity to discover some of the many museums, as well as the animated and colorful streets of Lima's center. Transfer to the airport for return flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice. 

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the mules and the logistic team during the hikes.

The team
an English-speaking professional Peruvian Mountain World Travel guide, mountain hiking specialist.
It is possible not to get the same guide for the South part (Ausangate, Sacred Valley) and the North side (Cordillera Blanca).
Local Team
a driver, mules care takers, cooks and helpers (their numbers dependent on our group's size).

- Domestic flights with a local airline company (Lan Peru, Taca....)
- For Lima and Huaraz, in the south, ground transportation, private air conditioned bus, with professional driver
- Transfer Lima-Huaraz and return, very comfortable regular line bus, air conditioning, video, meals, etc.

4 star hotel in Cuzco (3 nights) and Lima (2 nights).
Local lodge in Ollantayatambo (1 night).
Local lodge in Tinki (1 night), Caraz (1 night)
Hotel 4/3 stars in Huaraz (2 nights), the best available category in this small town.
Camping (6 nights).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.
During treks in the mountains: nights under tents (mountain dome tent, 2 persons per tent), a toilet tent and a "mess tent" for meals and spending the evenings (tables and folding chairs).

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

When in town:
breakfast and evening meal taken at the restaurant.
During the treks:
lunches are usually in the form of a hearty picnic and or cold cooked meals. The dinners are prepared by the cook. Hearty and varied, they are made from foods purchased on the spot, including the meat in the villages.
Copious snacks for trekking, cereal bars, dried fruits, biscuits, cheese are also purchased locally. In Peru, you can now find a wide assortment of products, some very similar to those found in North America (chocolate bars, cereals, etc....) We will also enjoy other products with more "local color" (eg excellent quinoa bars).
Beverages:
- Mineral water provided for travel and in the restaurants, along with mate (tea or infusion at the end of the meal).
- During the trekking, hot drinks provided with the opportunity to fill up your water bottles in the morning. You should also take tablets to treat the water and you can replenish your water at the sources or mountain brooks. Some evenings, you will also have a chance to taste other typical Peruvian drinks (the famous Pisco sour drink, Peruvian red wine ...)!

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Lima
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Airport taxes (to date $ 45 per person) for domestic and international flights
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

Our preferred airlines to fly to Lima:
-      Taca: flights from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco...
-      American Airlines: flights from anywhere in the States through Los Angeles, Miami, New York
-      Delta: flights from anywhere in the States through Atlanta
-      United: in cooperation with Lan, flights from anywhere in the States
Caution: on Day 11 of the trip, your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you will have to spend one more night in Lima.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to Peru for up to 90 days.
For US Citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Peruvian embassy of your country.

Vaccines
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you however, to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B recommended.
A treatment against Malaria is necessary as this trip is visiting Amazonia.
For more information visit the website of the US Department of Health

Dentist and doctor
Physical Examination prior to your departure is recommended.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 4
3 months prior: Hike 10 to 12 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).