Overview

One of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu...via the lesser traveled "Hidden Inca Trail"

This will prove to be the best of Peru! A fascinating trip into the cultural heart of the Incas and a step into the expanse of the Andean Range. Don't share your adventure with the crowds on the standard Inca Trail. Join us on the lesser traveled path...

Our trip starts and ends in Cusco. We take the very infrequently traveled 'Hidden Inca Trail' (Ancascocha Trail) where you are almost guaranteed to not see another tourist. This is a variation of the standard Inca Trail without the crowds. We will spend a solid five days meandering through dramatic alpine valleys with magnificent views in every direction. In the middle of our trek, we will give back to this wonderful land and commit ourselves to a small community service project in the village of Chilipahua. Every trekker will help in the construction of a local village school building. We have been working on this school for 4 years now and have already completed one entire "wing". This is done in conjunction with The Project MountainVision Foundation.

On the fifth and final day, we will approach the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, catching our first view of the ruin site from a higher vantage point than most. After taking in this enormous and powerful view, we will descend into MP and spend the remaining afternoon and the following morning in the ruin site discovering many of its hidden treasures. For the ambitious ones, a side hike up to Mount Machu Picchu is an option where you will gaze down upon the main ruin site and stand on one of the most holy spots in all of the Americas.

The entire trek is mule supported...so you are only required to carry a small day pack with water, snacks and clothing. First class accommodations in Cusco, Aguas Calientes and throughout the trekking journey make this this the perfect adventure for anyone.

Perhaps the most amazing component of our trek through the Andes is having our great friend Sebastian Pauchar accompany us on the journey. Sebastian is one of the most respected and notable Shamans in the entire Andean region. He will walk with us on our pilgrimage to Machu Picchu as well as conduct several profound and meaningful ceremonies along the way. This is a unique experience that is potentially life- changing and only available on our Grand Expedition due to Jeff's close relationship with Sebastian.

We do offer options for friends and family members that would like to accompany the trekkers and experience Peru, but not take part on the hike...a less strenuous version of this fantastic adventure. Ask us for more info on this option.

For our 2012 Grand Expedition we will be collaborating with our colleague Dr Bruce Jackson for our "Inner Personal Journey" curriculum. Together, Jeff and Bruce have assembled a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, designed to offer the best of Peru while simultaneously helping each person tap into, uncover, and live more profoundly...their Philosophy of Engagement™. During our time together, Jeff and Bruce will be sharing their extraordinary symbolic messages and themes they have learned about life and leadership on and off the mountain. Each member of our expedition team will do the same, making our time together an extraordinary collection of leadership lessons and life experiences. This trip consists of both the outer journey and the inner journey.

We will also have the opportunity to add on a bonus trip and visit either the Galapagos Islands or the Amazon jungle near the town of Puerto Maldonado. Either of these side excursions provide quite a contrast to the higher altitude regions of Machu Picchu and Cusco.

Join us for an exceptional adventure into Peru and its ancient culture!

A little about Peru...

National name: República del Perú
President: Alan García (2006)
Land area: 494,208 sq mi (1,279,999 sq km); total area: 496,223 sq mi (1,285,220 sq km)
Population (2007 est.): 28,674,757 (growth rate: 1.3%); birth rate: 20.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 30.0/1000; life expectancy: 70.1; density per sq mi: 58
Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Lima, 8,180,000 (metro. area), 7,029,928 (city proper)
Other large cities: Arequipa, 837,300; Trujillo, 725,200; Chiclayo, 598,400
Monetary unit: Nuevo sol (1991)
Languages: Spanish, Quéchua (both official); Aymara; many minor Amazonian languages
Ethnicity/race: Amerindian 45%, mestizo 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%
Religion: Roman Catholic 81%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Christian 1%, unspecified or none 16% (2003 est.)

The Incas settled down its Empire capital in Cusco City. The Empire was managed by a government system under the Inca's royal tutelage, who was confered with divine powers and enjoyed a great respect. Their religion was monotheist, governed by the Wiracocha god image; this was a laborious and intelligent town which dominated mathematics, astronomy, architecture and ceramics. The stood out in hydraulics and were great farmers and makers of their environment, cultivating their land through the terrace system, called "andenes" (platforms).

In their social structure, there were well defined social categories, the lands were Inca's property and had the "ayllu" as economic unit, organized as per blood links, parent relationship or common forefathers.

The three great and outstanding ones, were Pachacutec, who greatly extended the Empire because of his conquests; Tupac Yupanqui, who established the inspection system in his domains; and Huayna Capac, who conquested the Quito Zone.

It was conquered in 1531–1533 by Francisco Pizarro. On July 28, 1821, Peru proclaimed its independence, but the Spanish were not finally defeated until 1824. For a hundred years thereafter, revolutions were frequent; a new war was fought with Spain in 1864–1866, and an unsuccessful war was fought with Chile from 1879 to 1883 (the War of the Pacific).

Peru emerged from 20 years of dictatorship in 1945 with the inauguration of President José Luis Bustamente y Rivero after the first free election in many decades. But he served for only three years and was succeeded in turn by Gen. Manuel A. Odria, Manuel Prado y Ugarteche, and Fernando Belaúnde Terry. On Oct. 3, 1968, Belaúnde was overthrown by Gen. Juan Velasco Alvarado. In 1975, Velasco was replaced in a bloodless coup by his prime minister, Gen. Francisco Morales Bermudez, who promised to restore civilian government. In elections held on May 18, 1980, Belaúnde Terry, the last civilian president, was elected president again.

The Maoist guerrilla group Shining Path, or Sendero Luminoso, began their brutal campaign to overthrow the government in 1980. The military's subsequent crackdown led to further civilian human rights abuses and disappearances. A smaller rebel group, Tupac Amaru, also fought against the government. About 69,000 people were killed during the 1980–2000 wars between rebel groups and the government. The deaths were carried out by the rebels (54%) as well as the military (30%); other militias were responsible for the remainder.

Join us and share the Vision

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart home for Lima, Peru
Depending on individual flight schedules, you will either arrive in Lima in the evening or very early the next morning. Those arriving in the evening will overnight in a hotel in the suburbs of Lima (Miraflores) and return to the airport early the next morning for the flight to Cusco.

Day 2: Lima to Cusco
Flight from Lima to Cusco.  After checking into the hotel in the afternoon, you will have a guided visit of the nearby ruins of Cusco (Temple of the Sun, San Blas neighborhood, main square and its surroundings). Stay overnight in Cusco.

Day 3: Cusco/Urubamba
You will have a morning visit to the Pisaq village and its famous Indian market for some shopping. After lunch, we will drive along the Sacred Valley and visit the impressive archeological center of Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Cusco again.

Day 4: Pacchar to Chilipahua
Hike time: 6 hours
Elevation change: 2,000 ft
Estimated distance: 5 miles
Camp at 11,400 ft
An early morning bus will take us to the Pacchar trailhead to begin our trek up the Hidden Inca Trail. The trail climbs via a small ‘pampa’ at Amparaki to the Watuq’asa pass (3900m) where we will pass an Incan wall and fortress known as Qosqoq’awarina (the place where one can see the surrounding pass). There are also great views of the Vilcabamba massif, 3 large mountains in a row. Descend from the pass to a small valley with a stream running through it called Anapahua, and then head up the valley to your campsite at the small settlement of Chilipauhua.

Day 5: Chilipahua
Camp at 11,400 ft
This is our day of community service for the Chilipahua village.

Day 6: Chilipahua to Ancascocha
Hike time: 7 hours
Elevation change: 2,200 ft
Estimated distance: 5 miles
Camp at 14,000 ft
A long day of hard trekking to the second highest pass, Pampaq’asa. Once over the pass, a further hour down brings you to the lunch spot by the Silque River. After lunch, walk a further 2-3 hours downhill until you reach your campsite at Ankascocha, near a scenic alpine lake.

Day 7: Ancascocha to Kamicancha
Hike time: 6 hours
Elevation change: -2,500 ft
Estimated distance: 5 miles
Camp at 11,500 ft
The day begins with a steep descent to to Ancascocha Lake. Our journey then continues down through  the Sillke Valley where you will be engulfed by very narrow canyon walls and beautiful vegetation (some of the most unique species of orchids in all of the Andes). After the lengthy descent, we have lunch, then pass through three different ecosystems to reach the Kamicancha camp site.

Day 8: Kamicancha to Piscacucho
Hike time: 5 hours
Elevation change: -2,500 ft
Estimated distance: 4 miles
Camp at 9,000 ft
The trail now follows the Cusichaca Valley through Huayllabamba, a village of corn fields to Piscacucho which overlooks the Urubamba River. This area is dotted with Inca sites. The scenery will change dramatically as you leave the snow-capped peaks behind and enter the tropical surroundings with strong scents of eucalyptus. Overnight in a sweet spot on the edge of the Urubamba River.

Day 9: Piscacucho to Machu Picchu
Hike time: 5 hours
Elevation change: +2,000, -1,000
Estimated distance: 4 miles
This morning we will wake from camp and make our way over to the train station where we will take a 40- minute train ride to Km 104 and begin our final push up to the holy site. A very steep 3-hour trail will bring us to the famous Incan ruin of Winay Wayna. Here we join the standard Inca Trail which cuts across the ridge to the Incan ‘Gate of the Sun’ and the first exhilarating view of Machu Picchu. From the gate, you will travel downhill to Machu Picchu. There will be a few minutes to enjoy the sun setting around this amazing place and then a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where we will overnight.

Day 10: Machu Picchu to Cusco
Morning guided tour of Machu Picchu with lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take the train back to Cusco (3 hours). Overnight in Cusco.

Day 11: Cusco to Lima to Home
Take morning domestic flight back to Lima, afternoon tour of Lima. Evening or late night international flight back to US.

Day 12:
Arrive home early morning or afternoon.

*Subject to Change

Gear List

Our suggestions in parentheses. Use as a guide for alternative brands.

• Day Pack 
  (Mountain Hardwear Sortie)
  1,500-3,000 c.i.  Remember that horses are carrying most of the weight. 
  3-Liter water bladder included (Camelback). Consider an extra bladder in case one breaks.
• Sleeping Bag 
  (Down- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Rest) 
  (Synthetic- Mountain Hardwear Switch) 
  You will have to choose between Down or Synthetic. There are pros and cons with both. Rated at least 20 degrees F. It will get cold overnight, especially at our high camp of 14,000 ft.
• Duffel Bags
  (Mountain Hardwear Large Expedition Duffel) 
  Large expedition-size duffel. Made from either sturdy vinyl or canvas. This is the bag that will be carried on the trek with all of your gear that is not on your back. It must be sturdy. *Also, have an additional less- sturdy duffel to leave street clothes at hotel while on trek.
• Sleeping Pads 
  Inflatable (Inflatable-Therm-a-Rest Prolite)
  Closed cell combo  (Closed Cell- Z-Lite) 
  We recommend both inflatable and foam pad combination (one of each).
• Boots
  Lightweight hikers or cross trainers (La Sportiva Zodiak) 
  Sturdier hiking boots (La Sportiva Thunder GTX)
  *Optional: may wear just cross trainers if your feet typically stay warm. If your feet typically get cold or you have weak ankles, bring boots as well.
• Warm Hat 
  (Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon)
• Sunglasses 
  (Costa Del Mar Frigate)
  A second spare pair strongly recommended.
• Trekking Poles 
  Optional, but recommended.
• Glove and Liner Combo 
  1 pair of liners (Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch) 
  1 pair of windstoppers (Mountain Hardwear Gravity) 
• Weatherproof Pants 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Weatherproof Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Pile Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Jacket)
• Insulated Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Subzero)
• Cotton/Linen long sleeved shirt
• Lightweight Trekking Pant
  2 pairs (Mountain Hardwear Convertable Pack Pant) 
  Convertible pant/short are the best.
• Capaline/Polypro top and bottom
  2 sets each light and medium
• Socks 
  (2)Light, (2)Medium (Smartwool)
• Hygiene/toiletry kit 
  Only the basics
• Pee bottle or female spout
  Optional...especially if you have no experience using one.
• First Aid Items 
  Only the basics. Tylenol, Motrin, Cipro, Moleskin, etc. We provide the main medical kit with critical meds.
• Headlamp
• Nalgene bottle (1 liter)
• Snack foods to supplement standard meals. Make sure to bring items you really enjoy, not just lame energy bars.
• Spare batteries
• Hat/visor
• Ear plugs-optional, but there will most likely be someone snoring in a nearby tent
• Insect repellant with Deet
• Sunscreen at least 30–45 SPF
• Plastic Bags  
  1 or 2 garbage bags...many uses. Big enough to hold critical items in your mountain duffel to add rain protection. Also a few small sandwich bags.
• Hand sanitizer (pocket size is best)
• Baby wipes for "mountain bath"
• Bandana-optional
• Music player-optional
• Knife or multitool-optional
• Duct tape (put a few wraps around trekking pole for access)
• Journal-optional
• Items you might want to give to donate to the Chilipahua school kids…shoes, shirts, socks, sunglasses, school materials.
• Tip money. This is optional of course... but if you feel the service was exceptional from the Peruvian staff, the usual guideline is approximately $80-$100 for the trek.

Don’t forget to:

• Label your gear (including trekking poles)
• Make copies of your passport (2)

Fees

Standard Hidden Inca Trail Trek - $2,400

Grand Trek Guided by Jeff Evans - $3,500

Nonrefundable deposit guarantees spot.Pay $500 with check using instructions on application or pay with credit card below. Please add a 3% processing fee to all credit card purchases.

Cost of Trip Includes:

• All land travel
• Domestic roundtrip flight Lima-Cusco
• Lodging - rates based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is available at an additional charge.
• Team welcome dinner. Team farewell dinner
• National Park gate fees (where applicable)
• Camping fees
• Rescue fees / Park Commission fees (where applicable)
• Guides, porters, and cooks salaries
• All meals while on climb. (Note ‘snack food’ on Gear List)
• All campsite equipment excluding sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Newer 2-man tents
• 1 Western leader (On Grand Expedition), 1 Peruvian guide, Peruvian assistant guides, cook, horsemen and horses
• Grand Expedition includes Leadership Expedition Curriculum

Additional Benefits:

• We offer Colorado 14er pre-trip training weekend (additional charge) 
• We offer on-going training advice
• Participation in our live dispatches, including group photos and trip stories (On Grand Expedition)
• There is a satellite phone available for emergencies during the climb
• The food is outstanding. A hotel-quality chef accompanies the team
• The client/guide ratio is low
• We cover 4 nights in top hotels (2 prior and 2 after the trek)

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

• International airfare
• Additional tips for horsemen and guides
• Single room specific request
• Personal drinks, snacks, food, and gifts
• Subsequent lodging and food beyond the 3 nights stated above. 1 dinner and 2 lunches at own cost.
• Alcohol and desserts
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of MountainVision Expeditions

Travel Details

Trip resources

The MountainVision Trip Resource Page is a list of valuable resources for your upcoming trip...weather forecasts, gear, health links, travel insurance, world clocks, etc...

Flights

You are welcome to work with your own travel specialist.  However, we at MountainVision highly recommend Dana Welch at The Travel Society. Dana has many years of expedition travel experience. She can be reached at 303.563.6225 or dana@travelsociety.com...

Traveler’s Insurance

We highly recommend everyone purchase traveler's insurance before leaving the country. There are many companies that provide the proper insurance.  Approximate cost will be $100-$350. Our team travel agent, Dana Welch, will assist you with this. Several for you to consider are www.travelguard.com, www.sevencorners.com and www.ihi.com. 

Note: If you plan on obtaining trip insurance for your MountainVision Expedition, you will have to obtain your coverage within 2 weeks of making your initial trip deposit if you expect to be covered for any PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS. Otherwise, you are able to obtain the insurance up to one month prior to departure.

Health Issues

Consult your doctor, travel clinic or Jeff @ 303.880.8707 for professional advice concerning inoculations and precautions you should consider.

Immunizations we recommend for Peru:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus (up to date)

Check out the CDC guidlines for Peru.

Great care is taken to insure the food is prepared safely and in a healthy manner. If concerned, avoid salads, ice cubes in drinks, and eat only fruits with skins which have been peeled. Ethnic foods are naturally tempting and should not be completely disregarded. Pay attention to the preparation if possible and enjoy the opportunity to be adventurous in trying the array of unique foods offered in Peru.

It is prudent to rely basically on bottled water or drinks, although the water in many towns and cities is purified and safe to drink. A sealed bottle will ensure the bottle has not been refilled. Don't swallow water while showering and remember to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. You will discover bottled water is readily available.

All water on the climb will be filtered and provided.

Pre-Climb Training

We are happy to give advice on training prior to the climb. In addition, we will be holding one to two optional training days in the Colorado Rockies. Each day, held over different weekends, will allow team members to get to know each other as well as test new equipment and talk through the climb with your trip leader.

We recommend all MVX clients join us for our 14er Fitness program here in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. A great way to prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Also, please print out and follow our Pre Trip Training and Conditioning Guideline.

Passport and Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required and can be obtained from governmental agencies or a consulate in your own country. For U.S. citizens, a passport expiring no less than six months after your return to the U.S. is required.

No travel visa is required for tourists staying in Peru for less than 90 days.

Currency, Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

We recommend that you take U.S. cash in small bills as well as credit cards. You can change U.S. dollars fairly easily in Lima (local currency is the nuevo sol). Many places will also accept U.S. currency. The Peruvian staff will accept U.S. dollars for tips.

There are ATMs in Lima and Cusco. Some larger stores will take credit cards, but not all. Do not assume that you will be able to buy everything with plastic. You can change travelers checks in banks but this is generally very time-consuming.

Payment Schedule

A $500 deposit will secure your place on the team. Deposit due 4 months prior to departure date. Balance due 6 weeks prior to departure. If paying by check, please follow instructions on the MounainVision Expeditions Application Package. For payment with credit card, please follow instructions on Super Inca Trail/Machu Picchu Fee page.

Please email info@mountain-vision.com with any questions regarding payment.

Any Questions?

MountainVision Expeditions 
Office- 303.880.1930

Or email us at info@mountain-vision.com to learn more about our Machu Picchu Trek.