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Itineraries

Trekking - Inca Trail to Machupicchu 10D/9N
Trekking - Cordillera Blanca: Santa Cruz - Llanganuco 15D/14N
Trekking - Choquequirao 12D/11N
Jungle Adventure - Manu National Park 13d/12n
Cuzco Multiactivity - Bike - Hike - Raft 12D/11N
Peru Multiactivity – Bike – Kayak – Ride – Raft – Hike 17d/16n
Whitewater Rafting On The Headwaters Of The Amazon 12D/11N

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Extensions

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Program alternatives
(no extra days needed)

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Customize Your Itinerary
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Lima Cathedral - Promperu / Mylene D´Auriol

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Alpamayo

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Huandoy

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Colcabamba

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Llanganuco Lake

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Cusco - colourful colonial portales - Enigma / Silvia Rico

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Cusco Cathedral and main square - Enigma / Silvia Rico

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Machupicchu - Enigma / Silvia Rico

Trekking in Cordillera Blanca 15 days / 14 nights (ACMIT15)
Lima - Huaraz - Llanganuco Trek - Cusco - Machupicchu - Lima

The Cordillera Blanca is the highest mountain chain outside the Himalaya, having 22 peaks over 6000m (19685ft) and 35 over 5500m (18045ft). This itinerary includes the Cashapampa to Llanganuco trek, one of the most popular treks in South America: it passes beneath a number of peaks over 5800m (19029ft) including Huascaran Sur and Norte, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju, Pisco, Alpamayo and the imposing Taulliraju, reaching the beautiful lakes of Llanganuco before returning to Huaraz. Lima and Cusco’s magnificent remains are also visited, as are the amazing ruins of Chavin de Huantar in the Huaraz area.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
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Day 2 Lima

Today we embark upon a full day guided tour of Lima, visiting the historical center, the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Monastery. Lunch at one of the most renowned restaurants in Lima to taste the gourmet seafood specialties offered by the rich Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country, including fine examples of textiles, pottery and gold and silver pieces set with semiprecious stones.
B, L

Day 3 Lima - Huaraz

Transfer from the hotel to the bus station where we board the bus that will take us to Huaraz, arriving after approximately 8 hours. Upon arrival, we are met, transferred and accommodated a tour chosen hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free.
B

Day 4 Huaraz

After breakfast we depart by private transport to visit the Callejon de Conchucos, the rear side of the Cordillera Blanca, home to the amazing ruins of Chavin de Huantar. The Chavin culture is thought to date from 1300-400BC, with the remaining ruins built around 500BC. The sculptures and carvings often display feline forms, along with condors, snakes and enormous stone heads with fuerce-looking engravings. There are seven undergroud chambers with incredible stonework and a huge sacrificial stone in the center of the complex. After the visit, we return to Huaraz.
B, L (box-lunch)

Day 5 Huaraz - Cashapampa - Llamacorral (Llanganuco Trek - day 1)

We depart from Huaraz by private transport and head towards the north of the Callejon de Huaylas until we reach the small town of Caraz (2,300m/7544ft) after approximately 1 hour. From this place we begin to ascend towards the Cordillera Blanca, reaching the small community of Cashapampa (2,900m/9512ft) after an approximated 2 hours, where we meet up with our mountain personnel: guides, cooks, muleteers, etc. We begin the walk having loaded up our donkeys and heading up the Santa Cruz valley to set up our first camp in Llamacorral (3,650m/11972ft).
B, L, D

Day 6 Llamacorral - Taullipampa (Llanganuco Trek - day 2)

Today we continue the trek up Santa Cruz's wide Valley, passing Ichiccocha and Jatuncocha lakes; we arrive at Quisuar where we can make a diversion towards the Alpamayo base camp via the Arhuaycocha Valley, with splendid views of the peaks Quitaraju (6,040m/19811ft), Alpamayo (5,947m/19506ft), Artesonraju (6,025m/19762ft) and others. This night we camp in Taullipampa (4,000m/13120ft) at the foot of the impressive Taulliraju peak (5,830m/19122ft) and surrounded by snow peaks.
B, L, D

Day 7 Taullipampa - Huaripampa (Llanganuco Trek - day 3)

This will be a long and tiring day ascending by a steep zig-zag path at the foot of the impressive Taulliraju and overlooking the Taullicocha turquoise lake. We arrive at Punta Union (4,750m/15580ft) after an approximated 3 hours and enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of Chacraraju (6,112m/20047ft), Artesonraju (6,025m/19762ft), Pyramid (5,885m/19303ft), Huandoy (6,395m/20976ft), Alpamayo (5,947m/19506ft), Santa Cruz (6,259m/20530ft), Rinrihirca (5,810m/19057ft) and Taulliraju (5,830m/19122ft), among others. Now on the east side of the Cordillera Blanca we begin to descend passing the Morococha lake and then into the long, broad Huaripampa Valley, passing through red-barked quenual forests and pleasant Andean grasslands; we approach our camp in Huaripampa (3,600m) after approximately 4 hours of hike.
B, L, D

Day 8 Huaripampa - Pacchapampa (Llanganuco Trek - day 4)

We continue descending to the small Andean town of Colcabamba (3,350m/10988ft) where we get after an hour of hiking, rest and then begin a two-hour ascent toward Vaqueria (3,700m/12136ft), to reach our camp in Pacchapampa (4,300m/14104ft) at the foot of the Yanapaccha (5,460m/17909ft).
B, L, D

Day 9 Pacchapampa - Portachuelo de Llanganuco - Huaraz (Llanganuco Trek - day 5)

This last day of the trek we will reach the highest point of our journey, with the 3-hour ascent toward Portachuelo de LLanganuco (4,765m/15629ft), with splendid views of Huascaran Norte (6,768 m/22199ft) Huascarán Sur (6,650 m/21812ft), Chopicalqui (6,354m/20841ft), Huandoy (6,395m/20976ft), and Pisco (5,752m/18867ft). We then descend the Llanganuco valley visiting the beautiful Llanganuco Lakes: Orkon-cocha and Chinan-cocha. We return to Huaraz by private transport arriving in the evening.
B, L

Day 10 Huaraz - Lima

Early morning transfer to the bus station to take our bus back to Lima. Upon arrival, we are met, transferred and accommodated to the chosen hotel.
B

Day 11 Lima - Cusco

Morning flight to Cusco. In the afternoon, we visit the legendary Koricancha, the most important temple devoted to worshiping the Sun deity and whose walls were once plated with sheets of gold. We continue to the Plaza de Armas or main square to visit the Cathedral, and end our tour in San Blas, the bohemian quarter of the city, home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned artisans in Cuzco, including Mendivil and Merida.
B

Day 12 Cusco - Sacred Valley

Today we leave Cuzco and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping to visit the remains of the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán on the way. We continue on to Pisaq, where we visit its archaeological site and its colorful market. Lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts, where the Lambarri-Orihuela family will be our hosts. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, a still-thriving Inca village set below an ancient Inca fortress and temple with stunning views over the valley that makes us feel as if we have stepped back into the 15th century. Overnight in a charming hotel in the Sacred Valley.
B, L

Day 13 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Early this morning we board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas”. We visit the Sacred Inca citadel enjoying its main temples and hidden corners. Lunch at the Machupicchu Sanctuary Lodge, next to Machu Picchu ruins, the only hotel which enjoys this unique location. In the afternoon we can choose to visit the fabulous Inca Bridge or climb Huayna Picchu and enjoy the stunning views from this privileged spot until sunset. Accommodation at our chosen hotel in Machupicchu or Aguas Calientes.
B, L

Day 14 Machupicchu - Cusco

Free morning to relax in Aguas Calientes or return to Machupicchu for an optional second visit. In the afternoon, we depart by Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes arriving in Cusco in the evening.

B

Day 15 Cusco - Lima

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lima. Continuation of your journey home or connection with another extension.
B

Highlights

  
  • Trekking the Santa Cruz - Llanganuco trail, with spectacular mountain scenery in one of the world’s new meccas for hard-core trekkers and mountain-climbers
  • Monumental remains of the Inca empire and the Spanish colony in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
  • Lunch at a private Hacienda in the Sacred Valley, housing an impressive collection of arts and artifacts
  • Gourmet food in Lima
 

Recommended for

  
  • Active travellers: this program contains some days with relatively strong physical activity and a minimum level of fitness is required
  • ENIGMA does not recommend this program for children under the age of 10 or elderly people with physical limitations. Any other person with physical or health problems, especially those related to exercising or altitude sickness is also disacouraged to book this program. Please inform ENIGMA of any restrictions or health risks that you may have (ie. allergies), as well as of any specific medication that you are taking.
 

Difficulty degree of this program

  

Moderate to challenging
 

Rates 2010

  

This customized tour is available from (*):

  • US$ 2325.00 per person - Private Service
  • US$ 2065.00 per person - Mixed Service (**)
     
  • Single Supplement: US$ 355.00
     
  • Estimated cost of air fare: US$ 280.00 per person (***)

(*) Price based on a party of four, double accommodation, 3* hotels

(**) Mixed services combine tour group services where available and private services where not available. Changes in the itinerary and services included apply. Please contact us for further information.

(***) This price is subject to change without prior notice by airline companies. We strongly suggest that you make your booking in advance so that the quoted price can be guaranteed

 

Please check Our Hotel Selection in the Travel Services section of this website for a detailed description of our recommended hotels.

However, since the price per person depends on various factors (date of your visit to Peru, number of people in your party, hotel category requested, type of service preferred, among others), please contact us or go to the Booking Online section of this website for a detailed program design and pricing of your tour. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days.

 

Departure Dates

  

All our programs are customized; departure dates are fully adapted to your request.
 

What Is Included

  
  • All transfers
  • Public transport Lima – Huaraz – Lima
  • Entrance fees to all sites visited
  • Vistadome train tickets Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes – Cusco / Sacred Valley (*)
  • English / Spanish speaking guide. All our guides are officially licensed tourist guides trained in first aid
  • All guided excursions described in the itinerary
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath in the selected hotel category. Please contact us for further details or check our Hotel Selection in our Travel Services section of this website.
  • All specified meals. Vegetarian option is available with no extra charge.
  • Flight reconfirmation

(*) Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley with an additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco will be provided

Santa Cruz - Llanganuco Trek

  • Private transportation from Huaraz to Cashapampa (starting point of the trek) and from Llanganuco back to Huaraz
  • Full board trekking (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners)
  • Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks.
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Kitchen tent
  • Toilet tent
  • English speaking professional guide
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
  • Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 10kg
  • Wranglers
  • Accommodation for all our staff
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
 

What Is Not Included

  
  • Airport taxes or visa fees. The tax for domestic flights within Peru is approximately US$6.00 per person.
  • Domestic and international air tickets
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
  • Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Laundry
  • Phone calls, radio calls or messages
  • Other items of personal nature
  • Extra expenses originated in itinerary changes or others due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond ENIGMA’s control
 

What we recommend that you bring

  
  • Clothing: long trousers, shorts (Machupicchu visit), long and short-sleeved T-shirts or shirts, cotton socks, warm clothes for Cusco, especially at night.
  • Rain gear or poncho (you can buy a basic one in Cusco), especially if visiting in the months November to April
  • Comfortable footwear, trekking boots recommended
  • Camera, films (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, cold and rain
  • Sun block (high factor)
  • Sunglasses
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - no malaria risk has been reported
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) or water bottle to carry water on outings
  • Cash in soles and/or US$ for extras (souvenirs, beverages, etc)
  • Original passport and passport photocopies

Santa Cruz – Llanganuco Trek

  • A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Huaraz)
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
  • Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
  • Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
  • Camera, films (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended) and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • Sunglasses
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - no malaria risk has been reported
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Toilet paper
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen or water bottle to carry water on outings
  • Small towel
  • Cash in soles and/or US$
  • Original passport and passport photocopies
  • Optional: walking sticks or poles
 

Optional Services

  
  • International flights from/to your country and domestic flights. Please contact us to check our fares.
  • Tour escort: a highly qualified official tourist guide can accompany you from your arrival in Lima until your departure at the end of the program. Please contact us for further details and prices.
  • Travel insurance covering your stay in Peru from US$15.00 per person. Please contact us for further information.
 

Tips

  
  • There are multiple trekking options of spectacular beauty in the Cordillera Blanca area. Please contact us for alternative trekking options of various durations or mountain-climbing programs.
  • The route Lima - Huaraz - Lima can be done by plane instead of by bus, for a higher comfort and allowing shortening the duration of this program by one day. Please contact us to check our prices.
  • This program can be shortened in one day by cutting the day 2 of the program (full day visit of Lima). If your outbound flight leaves late at night on the last day, you may have the time to make a quick visit to Lima at the end of your trip.
 

Program Alternative

  
  1. To introduce a day of strong physical activity and challenge in your itinerary, we may suggest you substitute the day in which you travel by train to Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu, for a 13-km (8 mile) walk along the stunning Inca Trail, visiting the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, arriving in Machupicchu through the impressive Sun Gate and then visiting the Inca citadel on the next day of your trip. Please click here for further information.
  2. A luxury train service to Machupicchu is available, operated by Peru Rail, a company member of Orient Express. Please click here for further information.
 

Booking Online

  

If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website.
 

Other Useful Information

  

Appropriate clothing along the Santa Cruz - Llanganuco Trek

Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required and down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket.

Climate

Peru’s mountain climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January - March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.

Along the Santa Cruz - Llanganuco Trek, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night at campsite altitudes over 4000m (13120ft).

The Essence Collection

Customize Your Itinerary Customize Your Itinerary

ENIGMA can create a unique, custom-designed independent itinerary that is fully adapted to your needs, whether you travel solo, with family and friends, or as a group. Please click here to let us know what you are interested in adding or excluding to customize a selected itinerary or to design a completely new program just for you. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days.