PERUVIAN ANDES- IN SEARCH OF UNCLIMBED SUMMITS

Exploring the Andes with rope and ice ax - a magical journey back through time.

ABOUT THE TRIP:

This unique adventure follows a series of forgotten Inca roadways through some of the wildest country in the world. WE CAREFULLY AVOID 'THE INCA TRAIL' that every tour group and backpacker travels. During event filled days, we travel back in time, traveling through medieval villages, past cascading waterfalls, over high passes and explore remote Inca ruins. Our route traverses the Andes at altitudes between 7,000 and 15,000 feet, taking us well above timberline before finally descending into the high cloud forest.We will attempt the climb of an 18,000 ft. peak along the way, which may be unclimbed. We observe varieties of delicate orchids, rare birds, plants and seldom visited Inca ruins. Ample time is programmed to experience Cusco, key Inca sites and modern Andean culture.

As backpacking hoards crowd the guidebook trails, we plan our route along little known, routes that once were the main arteries of the highland Inca homeland. By utilizing sturdy mountain horses and mules, we are able to climb over high passes on steep trails that take us beyond the capabilities of most backpackers and trekking groups. Although some may hike the entire trip, the availability of saddle mounts insures arrival for those who may not be quite up to the altitude or distance or who just enjoy riding. We complete our journey at MACHU PICCHU.

SUITABILITY:

This adventure is safari style using packstock to carry all our gear and expedition amenities. A staff of bilingual naturalist guides and local packers accompany a small group of guests. Comfortable camps offer delicious meals in a cozy dining tent and a pan of hot water with a mug of coffee or tea served at your tent to greet each day. We require that all participants be in good health and top physical condition. The hiking is strenuous over steep trails at high altitude. We hike up to eight hours on the longest day. The climbing is optional. Participants must have some prior experience, understanding the basics of rope handling and belaying. We give instruction in use of the ice ax, crampons and travel on glaciers. We avoid difficult technical climbing but some steep slopes and crevasses will be encountered that require belaying. We attempt to summit in a long day from a high base camp avoiding camping on ice.

LEADERS:

The operators of Sangre de Cristo Mountaineering School Peruvian adventure program represent a highly skilled staff of professionals. U.S. based Sangre de Cristo Mountaineering School, Adventure Specialists and Peru's Manu Expeditions have teamed up to offer a tantalizing variety of exciting and unusual backcountry excursions. Gary Ziegler, has a far-flung history which includes a Ph.D in archaeology, archaeological expeditions into the Amazon jungle, the discovery of a lost city, work for National Geographic. museums and universities. Gary has been organizing and leading expeditions in Peru since 1964. His accomplishments include the first ascent of 7 ice peaks over 18,000 ft.,a new route on Yarupaja, 21,648 ft., Peru's second highest peak and climbs of more than a dozen other major summits. He brought the first mt. bikes to Peru and was the first to bicycle to Machu Picchu in 1982. Led by internationally recognized ornithologist, Barry Walker, The Manu Expeditions guides and staff have vast experience. They are logistical wizards who insure trips go smoothly and that guests are expertly attended to.

THE AGENDA:

DAY 1 Sat) OCT 4 -Depart Miami at 11:50 pm on American flight 2111 for Lima. Our representative will meet your flight as you leave Customs, then see you aboard the Cusco flight.

Day 2 Sun) Morning flight to CUSCO, the ancient capital of the Incas. We greet you at the airport. Following brief orientation and a cup of traditional coca tea, we organize an afternoon introductory trek around town. Most will need the time to rest and recover from all night travel. Refreshed and eager, we meet for dinner at a favorite restaurant, our guide tells the story of legendary Manco Inca and the lost cities of Vilcabamba. Some my opt for evening festivities in this bustling international city. We lodge in a small quiet, family owned bed and breakfast well away from tour groups and big hotels.

Day3 MON> Drive by van to the nearby Sacred Valley, location of the major Inca temple/fortress 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 ryolite 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. Time and interest permitting, we will also visit the site at Pisac. We overnight at a comfortable small inn in the valley at an altitude of 9000 ft. Clean sheets, traditional Peruvian dinner and chilled, Cusquena beer complete the day.

Day 4 TUES> A short bus ride delivers us to the remains of an old Inca bridge crossing the Urubamba river where we meet our horses and expedition support crew. Our guide gives a riding lesson and trail instructions for the day as duffles and gear are expertly sorted and matched to mule loads by a colorful group of quechua speaking wranglers. Leaving tents and baggage to follow on the mule train, we set off up a winding trail into the remote Cordillera Vilcabamba range accompanied by a wrangler who brings the saddle mounts behind as we climb. We allow the group to split into fast and slow hikers so that each may travel at their own pace. Riders may form a third group. If weather permits, spectacular views of geometric Inca fields dominate the valley below. This is a difficult day. Starting at 9000 ft., we climb more than 4000 ft. over a pass to camp near an abandoned Inca road overlooking a vast gorge or quebrada. Travel time is 6 to 8 hours with an estimated distance of 12 miles. All but the strongest hikers will ride some of this steep route.

Day 5 WEDS> Crossing a high grassy ridge, we follow parts of a Inca trail into a broad glaciated valley below the massive ice walls of Nevado Huayanay where we make an early camp. The staff sets up a large dining tent with table and stools. One or two persons are assigned a four person sleeping tent. Meals are prepared from fresh meats, grains and vegetables. The day begins with coffee or tea served at your tent. Before the evening meal, we enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages and for those who imbibe, Gary and Barry's famous expedition Absolut vodka martini (shaken, not stirred). This is a short day. A leisurely, late departure following breakfast places us in camp by mid afternoon. Travel time is four hours. Camp is at an altitude of 13,000 ft.

Day 6-9) We will attempt to reach one or more of several nearby 18,000 ft. summits of the mountain massive collectively known as Nevado Huayanay. Several may be unclimbed. In October of 1996, Gary led a group from the Colorado Mountain Club to make a 13 hour long ascent of one of these Ice summits which they believe to be a first ascent. NON-CLIMBERS: For those who choose not to climb, we organize a hike up a nearby non-technical 16,000 ft peak and explorations to the glaciers in surrounding valleys. Day 10 Mon> Climbing a switchbacking trail over a 15000 ft. pass, we follow an old stone paved Inca road to the ruins of Incarakay, a tambo or way station on the royal highway. Our guide explains that this is classic tambo design with several houses, wasi and storehouses, qollqa inclosed by an outside wall or kancha. Gary believes that this route was the original `Inca Trail' that connected Machu Picchu with Cusco. A traditional lunch of coca tea, boiled potatoes, roasted corn and avocado salad served inside the ancient walls fuels us for the afternoon journey. We continue winding down a steep head wall to camp below three waterfalls at the end of a great glacier carved valley. We have now completed a circle around the Huayanay massive. Ice covered towers crown the valley. We set our tents beside the ruin of several Inca houses. Remains of ancient stone corrals surround the camp. This high pampa was probably a place for breeding and raising of llamas used for carrying supplies along the royal road and meat ( the English jerky comes from the Quechua word charki meaning dried llama meat).

Day 11 TUES> The day breaks bright and sunny (we hope). After several cups of coffee and breakfast of fruit, yogurt and hot cakes, we pack our duffle for the waiting mules and set off down valley. As we descend in altitude, herder's huts and small farms chakras become numerous. We pass grazing cows, barking dogs and children coming and going along the trail. Lunch is set along side of the interesting Inca site of Paucarkanca .Reflecting the Inca genius for enhancing natural topography and blending design with in site stone, Paucarkanca is a classic example of early `Frank Lloyd Wright' architecture. The site dominates a ridge dividing two major valley at the junction of two Inca roads. Large U shaped terraces andenes surround two kancas inclosing a number of well made field and worked stone houses. The construction appears to reflect the shape of the ridge and mountain rising above. The site probably served as a control point and tambo but also may have served as residence for someone important. We have ample time to explore, speculate and share observations. Entering the major Pampakahuana Valley, we continue down a well traveled trail to the start of the infamous backpacker muchilero `Inca Trail' near kilometro 88 and the Urubamba river. Camp is set in a eucalyptus grove near another extensive Inca site, llactapata. Today, we have travelled about 12 miles, mostly downhill.

Day 12 WED> Bidding horses, mules, cooks and wranglers goodby, we cross the roaring Urubamba River on the new government suspension bridge in time to catch 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 our final destination, Machu Picchu. and the bustling backpacker town of Aguascaliente located some 2,000 ft, below Hiram Bingham's great 1910 discovery. The day is unstructured as arrival by the notoriously late train is never certain. We plan to visit Machu Picchu early the next morning before the Cusco tourist trains disgorge their camera carrying hoards. Assuming early arrival, options are rest and recharge, organize a cloud forest hike to a waterfall and hidden swimming pool, or enjoy the town and nearby hot springs. Again, avoiding the tour groups and the overpriced, noisy Hotel Machu Picchu, we locate at a small comfortable inn (yes there is plenty of hot water). Dinner is pizza and beer at a local night spot. Some of us may opt for after dinner pisco sours and dancing at the place on the hill.

Day 13 THUR> MACHU PICCHU! The famous lost city of the Inca is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth. Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced through by the powerful equatorial sun. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. The morning is yours to explore and photograph. We meet on the highest point, Huayna Picchu, our guide concludes the story of the raise and fall of the ancient civilizations of the Andes with the tragic end of the Inca and the unresolved mystery that this "lost city" remains. We return to Cusco on the P.M. train.

Day 14 FRI> This is the day to shop and wander around Cusco. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weavings and handmade alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. We meet for a final dinner then migrate to Barry's Cross Keys, Cusco's only authentic English Pub, for drinks and lively conversation with the resident congregation of expatriots and adventurers from far corners of the universe.

Day 15 SAT> The morning flight deposits us at the Lima airport at mid day. Avoiding Lima, we van to the seaside suburb of Miraflores visiting the Larco Herrera Museum. This museum offers a small, complete collection of the finest examples of Peru's archaeological past. It is particularly noted for gold and unusual pornographic ceramics. Based at a small hotel, we are free to explore the stores, parks and sidewalk cafes of this upbeat, affluent neighborhood. We return to the airport for a midnight departure for Miami, American flight 918. THE 4 DAY MANU TRIP LEAVES EVERY FRIDAY. Ask about joining this rain forest biosphere adventure which leaves and returns to Cusco.

Day 16 SUN> Oct 19 Arrive Miami - The 7:30 am arrival allows ample time to connect with flights home or some may chose to enjoy a visit to the beaches or nearby Keys. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PERU IS SUBJECT TO STRIKES, LANDSLIDES, ETC, BE PREPARED FOR EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE DELAYS AND UNAVOIDABLE CHANGES IN OUR PROGRAM. DATES: Oct. 4 to Oct. 19 Leaves Miami on Saturday and returns on Sunday AIR: We hold space on each flight and arrange ticketing. Call for current fares. Our travel agency number is 800 345-4453. Ask for Patrick. We reserve the Cusco flight at the best fare of the moment ($ 150-210 RT ) Total of all flights from your home US city , approximatly $1000 COST: $ 2,585 GUIDES: Dr. Gary Ziegler, David Espejo INCLUSIONS: The price includes accomadations in safari style camps, tourist class or better hotels and inns (double occupancy), land travel, meals except in Lima/Cusco, all trip gear, horses. tack, guide and support staff.

EXCLUSIONS: Not included ; airport taxes, air travel, alcoholic and bottled drinks, gratuties, optional activities, personal expenditures, meals Lima/Cusco, costs resulting from illness , injury ,emergency evacuation. SUGGESTED READING: Some of these are difficult to find - try your local library. 1) Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Pichu and its Builders Hiram Bingham. Atheneum, 1972. 2) Realm of the Incas Victor Von Hagen. Prentice-Hall, 1967 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 Available in CUSCO 6) Exploring Cuzco, Peter Frost. Lima, 1984. 7) Machu Picchu-The Sacred Center. Johan Reinhart, Lima 1991 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 large frameless pack for the majority of your gear.__Plastic garbage bags to line duffle for waterproofing on the trek.__Large day Pack for climb and daily items__Ice Ax__Crampons__helmet __Warm Sleeping Bag (to 10¯) May be rented in Cusco.__ sleeping pad-compact to carry climbing __Gortex or nylon wind pants__Ski or mountaineering gloves or mittens__Belay/rappel device __Leisure clothing for travel and town. We have same Day laundry service in Cusco.__Long underway, polypro etc.__Climbing pants__ 3 locking carabiners__ climbing harness__waterproof climbing boots-well broken in.__Waterproof gaiters__hike/approach shoes __Warm outer coat or parka. Two polar fleece type pullovers for layering__Sweater-locally made alpaca sweaters can be purchased in Cuzco for about $15.00__Rain gear- Good quality two piece suit.. we have had poor luck with Gortex (and it will rain)__Hat with a Brim...essential for sun and rain protection.__Warm cap and gloves__mittens __Assortment of light expedition clothes. pants,shirts,socks underware, trail shorts.__Toiletries...biodegradable soap, sun block (#25 or more) lip balm & personal items__Insect Repellant__Personal medications... Ask your Doc about Diomox for altitude comfort__Water Purification Kit-iodine or filter for hotels etc. We boil camp and trail water__Sun Glasses...Uv is intensive at Altitude near the Equator. We recommend quality glacier glasses.__Headlamp- extra bulb and batteries__knife.__Water Bottle__Camera and film. film can be bought in Peru__Binoculars...optional 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 travelers 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 the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained. 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. Pre dawn temperatures can go below 0 F on the glaciers. When we descend into the cloud forest,the temperature rises into the 80's. Although the dry season normally presists April through November, it can rain (or snow at high altitudes) anytime of the year.