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The Andes of Peru
 
Flying Kondor
 
Machu Picchu
 
Choquequirao
 
The Andes of Peru
 
Choquequirao
 
Ruins of Llactpata
 
Sea near Ausangate
 
Llama
Trekking in the Andes of Peru

Special offer in ACUPARI trekking the Andes of Peru

Please note: our tours are for ACUPARI students only

The Andes

The Andes
The longest north–south mountain range in the world; the Andes run the entire length of South America, stretching for 7300km. Sixty percent of the Peruvian landscape is made up of the Andes mountain range.

The Cordillera Occidental - the "Western Range"
The Cordillera Central - the "Central Range" and
The Cordillera Oriental - the "Eastern Range"

In Cusco, home of ACUPARI, there are three main mountain ranges – the Vilcabamba, Vilcanota and Urubamba. All around are stunning vistas of snowy peaks offering many possibilities of hikes of all levels for one, two, or more days.

The Vilcabamba Range
Located in the north of Cusco, is part of the Central Cordillera range, and home to some of the most widely "beaten" paths of the Inca Trail. The highest mountain in this region is Nevado Salcantay, measuring at 6271m. The Vilcabamba region, the site of Machu Picchu and various other archaeological sites, was possibly the last refuge for Incas escaping from the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

The Vilcanota Range
A secluded highland, the Vilcanota Range offers glimpses of remote communities. There are exquisite views of farmers farming and sprinklings of llama and alpaca herds throughout. The most outstanding peak that can even be seen from the city of Cusco, is the peak Ausangate (6,336 meters above sea level - 20,787 feet).

The Urubamba range
cradles the Urubamba valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. Urubamba is home to such places as Chinchero known for its weavings and famous Sunday market; Pisac known for its Sunday market and impressive ruins perched on the mountainside overlooking the valley; and Ollantaytambo continuously inhabited since pre-Inca times with ruins above the village that were one of the last holdings of Inka Manco Capac.
 

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
4 days/3 Nights

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular and frequented Trail. The Inca trail refers to the network of roads that the Incas built and that ran the 4 directions –North, South, East, and West -- within the Inca Empire. The best known segment is the hike to Machu Picchu, which starts from kilometer 88 and comprises about 45 kilometers (27 miles). The highest point reaches 4198 meters above sea level (13700 feet) at the Dead Woman Pass or in Quechua Warmiwañusca. For 4 days you will witness breathtaking views and pass through incredible archaeological sites and history.*


Inca Trail to Choquequirao
4 days/3 nights

This trek takes you to one of the last retreats of the Incas. Choquequirao (3.033 m) is an archeological complex where investigation and clearing is still in progress. Choquequirao is situated close to the holy Salcantay (6.271 m) peak and above the impressive Apurimac River Canyon. You will see spectacular scenery as well as Andean flora and fauna. Highest point: 3033m.*
Departures every wednesday


Choquekirao - Machu Picchu
8 days/7 nights

This trek first takes you to Choquequirao (3033m), thought to be one of the last retreats of the Incas. Choquequirao has breathtaking views of Salkantay peak and the Apurimac River Canyon. The trek continues, with amazing vistas of flora and fauna to the Machu Picchu sanctuary. One of the 7 new wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of South America. The final day of your trek begins with a two hour tour of Machu Picchu. You will then have some time to explore the sanctuary on your own.*
Departures every wednesday


Pitusiray - Lares Valley
3 days/2 nights (Min. 2 people.) (Flight)

This alternative trek, passing by a river and through beautiful valleys -- offering views of glaciers -- is quite remarkable. Throughout the trek, hikers are witness to a wealth of wildlife from winged to 4 footed creatures. There are Humming birds, Flycatchers, Andean Geese, and the impressive Andean Condor. Desending into the valleys one can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep; and possible Gray Brocket Deer, and Viscachas, a medium-sized rodent related to the Chinchilla, can be seen bounding in and out of the rocky mountain crags. The highest point of the trek is the Pachacutec Pass (4700m) on the second day. This trek finishes with a well deserved soak in the Lares hot springs – bring your bathing suit!
Departures every saturday


Mollepata-Salcantay-Machu Picchu
4 days/3 nights

This is an amazing trek, via an old Inca route, where you will pass through isolated and remote villages, but you will not run into crowds of tourists. In this journey you will trek from 3900m to 2100m, crossing magnificent mountain passes, with amazing views of snow-capped peaks like the mystic Salkantay, glaciers, waterfalls, and every so often a villager. As hikers descend lower and lower in altitude, they will be impressed by the diverse vegetation, which includes orchids and begonias. There is a wide variety of birds along the trail as well. Trekkers will pass through approximately 9 or more different ecosystems during the hike. The final day of your trek begins with a two hour tour of Machu Picchu. You will then have some time to explore the sanctuary on your own.*
Departure every thursday or according to demand

Sourrounding Ausangate
5 days/4 nights

This impressive and challenging trek, which can be done by foot or by horseback, around the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain (6,372m) will treat travelers to beautiful views of red and green lakes with a variety of native birds. Hikers will see vicuñas (the llama’s and alpaca’s undomesticated relative) and alpaca herds. There are hot springs along the way, where travelers can enjoy a good soak. The ‘Apu Ausangate’ is considered a holy mountain to the local Andean people, where they have constructed a temple the Señor de Qóylloriti. Each June there is a pilgrimage through cold and snow to the temple, so that people can leave offerings and ask for things such as health, success in love, work, agricultural. For the requests to work, the difficult pilgrimage must be repeated three years in a row! This festival is a blend of the Inca culture with the Christian cultures.


* Please note that permit fees for the Inca trail and entrance fees to Machu Picchu are not refundable.

 


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