Deluxe horse back trip to Machu Picchu

The Classic Inca Trail Ride
2008 Price and Dates: $2610 April 18-26, April 25-May 3 (Experienced Riders),
July 25-August 2, Sep 27-Oct 5, Dec 26-Jan 3 (New Year's Trip)

Exploration of the Sacred Valley and Inca trails on Horseback;
An educational journey on quality horses to key Inca ruins finishing with famous Machu Picchu.

A deluxe bus-supported multi-day horseback trip following ancient Inca and colonial pathways through Peru's Sacred Valley including a narrated visit to Machu Picchu… We stay each night in a different comfortable inn or hotel. The focus is learning as much as possible about Andean culture, traditions, history of the Incas and their ancestors while enjoying an unusual, memorable mountain excursion on quality, dependable horses and tack.

Sample Itinerary: We may vary the route from trip to trip but count on seeing and experiencing the best of the Inca heartland.

Day 1) This will be a travel day from home and you may arrive on an overnight flight to Lima, especially if traveling from North America, and connect directly to Cusco early the following morning. Arrangements can be made to assist you onto your connecting Cusco flight or we can advise you of the process should you feel uncomfortable in strange airports or arrange overnight in Lima if required.

Day 2) We meet your arrival at the Cusco airport. The afternoon is scheduled for a walking introduction to the archaeological and colonial highlights of the old capital of the Inca universe. We visit the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco. Our leader describes the colorful rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at the massive walled limestone constructions and sculptured terraces surrounding the immense central plaza. We finish with a summary of the battle here in 1536 which ended the life of Juan Pizarro. In the evening we gather for dinner and discussion in the dining room at the centrally located Hotel Andes de America, our comfortable lodging in Cusco.

Day 3) The following morning, we drive a short distance up out of the Cusco basin to meet the waiting horses. Our journey begins in nearby rolling hills, noticeably etched by ancient fields and agricultural terraces. Passing several blue lakes hosting a noisy assortment of Andean shore birds, we arrive at the famous Indian market town of Chinchero at around 12,000 feet in altitude. An early colonial period church and large plaza frame well-made Inca walls that once were part of the Emperor Huayna Capac's Royal Estate. Our plan is to visit here during one of the market days when the plaza is full of tents with Quechua vendors selling every conceivable native handicraft, pottery, weavings, paintings and artifacts. Each day we plan an option for those who prefer just a half day ride in the morning with more time at the site and a ride in the van to the next inn. After a gala lunch in a side park and a discussion of Inca activities here, we journey on through stone walled Inca terraces and other Inca sites before descending several thousand feet down a broad, well-preserved, Inca road into the green Sacred Valley below. Corralling tired ponies with waiting alfalfa and grain at our selected Yucay lodging, we slip into the hotel bar for a warming spirit, then off to a hot bath before meeting again for dinner. We spend the night between 9-10,000 feet for the duration of the trip. (Saddle time 4-6 hours.)

Day 4) A leisurely breakfast and shots of strong local coffee fuel us for the day's adventure. We start with a walk through the nearby ruins of another bit of tragic Inca history, the Palace of Inca Sayri Tupac. The life of this would be king and his tragic death is reminiscent of a classic Greek tragedy. An interesting story, we save the details for the trail.
Cinches pulled up tight, girths to you Brits, Yankee easterners and other flatlanders, we move smartly out at a trot along gentle, level trails through small farms and country villages, and along side the peacefully flowing Urubamba River. Leaving villages behind, we climb steeply up a winding trail leading up onto a high plateau of rolling hills and immense grasslands. A spectacular panorama of the great Ice peaks of the Vilcanota range crowns the near horizon. Sometime around mid-day we arrive at an isolated cathedral seeming lost and forgotten by time and modern civilization. We are pleasantly surprised to discover our support vehicle and crew awaiting us with the table set for lunch. The destination for the afternoon ride is the Salineras. This is a huge area of terraces which form hundreds of baths all fed by a single saline stream. The salt water is allowed to evaporate leaving the salt to be mined and carried out by burros. The Salineras are worked now much as they were in pre-Hispanic times. For those who prefer, the van will take you to the site for an extended visit before driving you to the inn. Or those in for the full day ride will have the opportunity for some faster riding across the high plateau before descending into the valley of the Salineras on a spectacular trail above the glittering white pools. We ride on into the welcoming courtyard of a very comfortable and friendly old Hacienda Inn. Valet parking with our wranglers seeing to the needs and comfort of our hoofed friends, we amble toward the evening watering hole. (Saddle time 6-7 hours.)

Day 5) Saddled up, ponies energized, rearing to go, we ride out in early morning light, horseshoes clattering along the ancient stone paved trail. The powerful equatorial sun reflects brilliantly off of high ancient ice fields. Steadily, we climb up some 3000 plus feet along an old Inca trial to explore the enigmatic Inca ruins of Pumahuanca. Not much is known about this interesting complex of Inca buildings located in a magical setting below immense, 2000 feet high, glacier shaped granite walls. Gary Ziegler and the Andean Research Project conducted a study here in 2007. It is his opinion that it was the residency of a local governor, administering the rich crops and llama herds that the valley once hosted. Like most Inca sites it had multiple uses. It was likely a tambo or way station on the Inca road leading over the high pass beyond. Several of the buildings are storehouses qolcas, others are unusually large residences. Several viewing platforms, usnus and carved replica rocks suggest a ceremonial function as well. We talk about this in detail as our cameras click and flash inside the tall walls. Time permitting, we ride on up the valley to lunch above a spectacular waterfall. Two hours down trail takes us to our night's lodging, A comfortable small Inn with endless hot water showers and happy hour in a pleasant, lushly vegetated garden. ( Saddle time 5-6 hours. If you choose not to ride today our bus can drop you at the inn for a leisurely day hanging out or light hiking from the Inn.)

Day 6) Flowing westerly, the Vilcanota, or Urubamba River as it is called here, gently winds through small riverside hamlets, planted fields of corn and forgotten Inca ruins, slowly gaining speed for its insane roaring rush into the deep granite gorge at Machu Picchu. Amidst waving children and curious parents peering from doorways at the unusual site of gleaming horses and gringos, we trot along the old Inca route well away from the modern paved highway that speeds daily bus loads of tee shirt buying tourists to and from Cusco. We could be back in the 16th century. Modern Peru is centuries away. Tying up near an old Inca bridge, we hop a short ride in our support vehicle to visit 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 take ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries.

Following a riverside lunch, we mount up again We have two options: We may ride up to the big quarries above the valley for a first hand examination of how and where the blocks were shaped or perhaps we will ride up a side valley to explored the interesting ruins of Pumamarca. (Some may opt to drop out for more time in town or at the lodge..) Late in the afternoon, we arrive at another carefully selected Inn. The food is near gourmet and rooms tastefully furnished in the best of neo-colonial style. Here we sadly say goodbye to our equine companions. We travel on by iron horse the next morning. (saddle time: 6-7 hours)

Day 7) Our magical journey concludes with the narrow gauge train ride to the New World's most spectacular archaeological monument, Machu Picchu. We breakfast then hop aboard the morning 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 the bustling backpacker town of Aguascalientes, the portal for Machu Picchu. Soon we are gathered at the gateway to the famous "Lost City of the Incas"

Our guide walks us through magnificent architectural monuments and temples, pointing out key ceremonial features that represent mountain and sun worship incorporated into the design by Machu Picchu's builders under royal mandate of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. We return for an evening in Cusco with everyone on their own to try out the different cafes and restaurants for dinner. Perhaps we'll convene for an after dinner sortie to the infamous "Cross Key's Pub" for drinks and lively conversation with the resident congregation of guides, expatriates, adventurers, treasure hunters and smugglers from far corners of the universe. Humphrey Bogart and Harrison Ford usual have the back table next to the pool table. The Cross Keys is the official launching pad and watering hole for Barry Walker, Hugh Thomson and Gary Ziegler's expeditions. Lodging at the Andes de America.

Day 8) This is the day to relax, shop and wander around Cusco on your own or with friends. 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. Try out a local restaurant for lunch, take a hike, or just sit in the plaza. We meet for a last farewell dinner at our favorite restaurant. Lodging at the Andes de America.

Want more? Join our jungle journey to the Manu Biosphere Reserve that leaves today (See details below)

Day 9) Breakfast at the hotel then we help you onto the morning flight to Lima. Adios amigos… buen viaje. (See Lima below)

Scheduling Suggestions:
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Cusco a day or two before the program if possible. You will enjoy added time exploring the many interesting aspects of the region and extra time helps acclimation to the high altitude. We arrange hotels, other services and suggest itineraries for a 10% service fee over the actual cost.
Lima: Flights from Cusco arrive between 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Depending on your connecting flight schedule home, you have several options. U.S. bound flights seems to leave either late at night or early in the morning. We recommend taking a room in Miraflores for the day or overnight if leaving the next morning. Miraflores is a bustling upbeat suburb of Lima above the beach where one can enjoy relaxing or endless activities. We can make the hotel arrangements and transfers to and from the airport.

Suitability: We raise and train horses at our ranch in the Sacred Valley. These well cared for horses are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed, mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride on steep pathways. Although you do not need to be an expert rider, we recommend some previous riding experience and confidence around horses. We give instruction and attention to the less experienced as we travel. Our skilled Quechua speaking wranglers give careful attention to each rider as needed and care for our mounts while we lunch or hike through ruins.

Families and Kids: Our route, logistical flexibility and nature of the trip offer an excellent program for teenagers to enjoy. Modified itineraries that permit riding and/or a day or two traveling along with our support vehicle can easily be arranged.

This is our latest itinerary (2008) in which we make every effort to follow. However, Peru is subject to strikes, weather, landslides and many events beyond are control, which may cause changes and delays. We may also change the route from time to time for other good reasons. Please come prepared to cheerfully accept the unexpected with the insurance that you are in the hands of the most experienced and best adventure program operator in Peru.

Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other emergencies. This is available on line or through the agency below.

Air Travel: We recommend Earl Fox for great quotes on air. Earl Fox, 800-732-3023,719-473-9800,fax719-473-9921, earl@totaltraveltours.com

Inclusions: Quality Cusco hotel [three nights]. Walking tour of Cusco. Deluxe Sacred Valley horse trip. Comfortable Hotels in Sacred Valley [4 nights]. All meals accept one dinner and two lunches in Cusco. Near gourmet trail meals. Machu Picchu visit by train with narrated walking tour. Entrance fees. Inca Specialist guide and support staff. Skilled wranglers and horse handlers. New, comfortable South American style saddles. Large capacity saddle bags for day items. Bus support vehicle for transportation of personal overnight items and for those not riding. Ground transportation from/to Cusco. Airport/hotel transfers, Cusco.

Exclusions: Not included are airport taxes, air travel (except on Manu program), bottled drinks and alcohol, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures, some meals in Cusco, costs resulting from illness or injury and emergency evacuation, program changes and delays beyond our control.

Reservations: info@adventurespecialists.org
Call or e-mail us to answer your questions or make a reservation. Carefully read the application/contract form for details about payment, cancellation, refunds and legal responsibilities. You can reach us at the following numbers:
Bear Basin Ranch phone 719-783-2076 fax toll free 866-244-4691.

SUGGESTED READING:
1) Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders. Hiram Bingham.
Orion, London.2001. (edited and revised by Hugh Tompson)
2) Realm of the Incas. Max Milligan 2001
3) The Conquest of Peru, William H. Prescott. New American Library, 1961.
4) The Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming. Hartcourt Brace 1970
5) Pizarro, Conqueror of the Inca. National Geographic. Feb. 1992 Vol. 181, no. 2.
6) The Incas And Their Ancestors, Michael Moseley. Thames and Hudson, 1993.
AVAILABLE IN CUSCO:
7) Exploring Cuzco, Peter Frost. Lima, 1984
8) Machu Picchu - The Sacred Center. Johan Reinhart, Lima 1991
9) Machu Picchu Abandoned, Gary Ziegler, Lima 1996.
10) Beyond Machu Picchu, Gary Ziegler, Crestone 2001
11) Forgotten Vilcabamba, Vincent Lee 2000
12) The White Rock, Hugh Thomson 2001
13) The Machu Picchu Guide Book, Ruth Wright and Alfredo Valencia
14) Machu Picchu; A Civil Engineering Marvel, Kenneth Wright and Alfredo Valencia, 2000
15) The Birds of Machu Picchu. Barry Walker (available in Cusco)
16) Assorted Inca papers and publications, Gary Ziegler: online at http://www.adventurespecialists.org/news.html

EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION LIST:
Passport __Credit cards and cash for tips, Lima meals, shopping etc. _Airline tickets _Travel Insurance to include emergency medical, trip cancellation etc. available any travel agency __Duffle bag or rolling luggage for the majority of your gear__ Day Pack or Fanny Pack for daily items and camera + plastic bag to protect _Leisure clothing for travel and dining out. We have same day laundry service in Cusco. _Long Underwear helps prevent saddle sores __Lightweight waterproof hiking/riding boots well broken-in __Waterproof gaiters or half chaps for riding/hiking. _Leisure Shoes _ Warm outer coat or parka or shell jacket __ Polar fleece type pullover for layering _ Rain gear: we like long outback type slickers and pull over rain pants __Hat with a Brim...essential for sun and rain protection __ Warm cap and gloves __ Assortment of light clothes: pants, shirts, socks, underwear _ Toiletries: sun block (#30 or more), lip balm & personal items __ Insect Repellant __ Personal medications... Ask your Doc about Diomox for altitude comfort _ Quality sun Glasses... UV is intense at altitude near the Equator. _ Flashlight - We like headlamps. __ Pocket knife __Water Bottle __Camera __Binoculars.

HEALTH: We ask that you consult your family doctor concerning what medications, shots or inoculations he or she may recommend. Unless you travel to Manu, you will probably not be exposed to tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. The occasional case of traveler’s diarrhea can be rapidly treated with Cipro or other medication that your doctor may suggest. We have a very low incidence of illness on our trips. We eat in only the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained. We have had good results with Diomox as an aid in acclimatization and alleviation of the effects of altitude. Ask your doc.

WEATHER: This is a trip of great contrasts. In the high altitude, it can get very chilly, even into the 30's at night and then zoom into the 70's during the day. When we descend into the cloud forest, the temperature rises into the 80's. Although the dry season normally persists April through November, it can rain at any time. Please come prepared.

Have A Great Trip!
Adventure Specialists Inc. & Manu Expeditions SA.

Gary Ziegler
Barry Walker
Rosario Velarde
Amy Finger