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THE BIRDS OF THE MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE - THE GREATEST CONCENTRATION OF SPECIES ON EARTH

Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve has the highest concentration of bird life on Earth. At the time of writing approximately, 925 species have been recorded. Ornitholigists expect this figure to break the 1000 mark in the near future as remoter areas of the reserve are explored. There are a little under 9000 species of birds in the world, meaning Manu holds one in every nine species found on the planet. No other protected area on Earth contains so many birds.
The Biosphere Reserve encompasses a great variety of altitudinal zones and habitat types. Altitudes vary from over 4000 meters above sea level in the high Andes down to 350 meters in the lowland Amazonian rain forest. For every 1000 meters gained or lost, the structure of the bird communities differs. This altitudinal variation, coupled with the variety of forest types, grasslands, lakes, and micro-habitats such as bamboo stands, reed-beds, and treefalls, has produced the highest bird count for any area in the world.
Manu is a birdwatchers paradise and many eco-tourists visit the reserve specifically to watch birds. On a two to three week birding trip to Manu, from the highlands to the lowlands, birdwatchers regularly record 450- 500 species, a staggering number.
The high grasslands at Ajcanacu pass hold high altitude Tinamous, Canasteros and Sierra-finches. This life zone is one of the least ornithologically explored areas of Manu. We expect several new species for the Manu Reserve to be added in this zone in the near future. At this altitude of nearly 4000 meters, a stunted forest, known as elfin forest, hosts several Tanagers, Flowerpiercers and a Thistletail found nowhere else in the reserve. Below the elfin forest and high grasslands, at approximately 3400 - 2500 meters is the humid temperate forest, characterised by tree-ferns and chusquea bamboo stands. Birds such as the Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Mountain Cacique, Barred Fruiteater and Collared Jay are typical.
Below 2500 meters, down to 1500 meters is the humid subtropical forest. This is the home of one of Manu's most well known and spectacular birds, the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. A visit to a lek (traditional display site) is a must as up to 20 brightly colored males sing and display in an attempt to attract the seemingly indifferent females. Here are Quetzals, Toucanets, and a wide variety of Tanagers, Flycatchers and Wrens. A morning's birdwatching here can be a fantastic experience as large flocks containing several dozen species of birds move through the cloud forest, some sally-gleaning, some probing crevices, others climbing tree trunks or limbs. Below here and between 1500 and 900 meters is the humid upper tropical forest where some of the difficult-to-see birds of Manu exist.
The forest at this altitude is under much pressure in the rest of South America due to cutting for the growing of tea, coffee and coca. In Manu, it remains intact. Here mixed-species flocks may contain Orange-fronted Plushcrown, Versicolored Barbet, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Cerulean-capped Manakin, Peruvian Piedtail and scores of Flycatchers, Woodcreepers, Tanagers and Flowerpiecers.
Leaving the Andes behind with it's rushing streams and montane forest, the visitor to Manu suddenly finds flat humid tropical forest, the Amazon Basin proper. Here, the Manu River is characterised by a meandering, slow flowing watercourse with white sand beaches exposed during the dry season from June to October. These beaches provide valuable nesting habitat and are loaded with nesting and visiting birds. Unlike many other river systems in the Amazon, birds breed here unmolested. Hundreds of Black Skimmers, Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns, Orinoco Geese, Pied Lapwings, Collared Plovers and Sand-colored Nightjars nest along the Manu.These beaches are also used by Jabiru and American Wood-storks, Roseate Spoonbills, a variety of Egrets and Herons and in late July and August, many migrating shorebirds from North America on their way to points further south.
The slow flowing river forms high banks on outside river bends where, hundreds of Macaws, Parrots and their smaller relatives, congregate to eat clay essential to digestion. The spectacle of hundreds of Macaws, the worlds largest members of the Parrot family, screaming , wheeling overhead and settling on the clay lick is surely one of the worlds great wildlife shows, worth a trip to Manu on it's own!
Macaws are still common and seven species occur in the forests of Manu, unlike many other areas where Macaw populations have been severly depleated due to deforestation, hunting and collection for the pet trade. The meandering Manu has created many ox-bow lakes in various stages of development, from recently formed to very old, overgrown lakes with almost no water. This is a microhabitat characterised by birds such as Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Wattled Jacana, Muscovy Duck, Rufous-sided Crake, Pale-eyed Blackbird, Anhinga, Agami and Boat-billed Herons, Silvered Antbirds, Streaked Antwrens, Red-capped Cardinals and the strange prehistoric looking Hoatzin.
The forests of the Manu drainage vary from varzea forest and transitional floodplain forest to tierra firme forest. These pristine lowland forests hold over 500 species alone and present some of the most tricky but exciting birdwatching in the world. A good ear is essential as many species are only located when the song or call note is recognised.
Many birds live only in the canopy of the forest and are difficult to see, others only in the middle and understory and others yet are terrestrial. Some specialise in creeping up trees and probing for insects, others sally out to catch flying insects or turn over leaf litter in search of anthropods or fallen seeds and fruits. Forest-falcons and other winged predators lurk in vine tangles ready to snatch a small bird out of a mixed species flock! Large bamboo stands occur as microhabitats within these forest types and hold some of the rarest and most sought after birds such as the Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird, White-cheeked Tody-flycatcher, Peruvian Recurvebill, and Long-crested pygmy-tyrant.
Recently formed islands hold willow loving species such as the Orange-headed Tanager and River Tyrannulet. Here in the forests of Manu, many species of birds flock together as a defence against predators - more eyes to keep watch. These mixed-feeding flocks are divided into two main types, canopy flocks and mid-story flocks. When the two types of flock join together as they often do for short periods, up to 70 species of bird may be present at one time!
In short, the Manu Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the most important and varied birdlife found anywhere and indeed certain species, such as Black-faced Cotinga and Rufous-fronted Antthrush can be seen with certainty only here. Truly a paradise for the birdwatcher and for the birds a very important protected area indeed!

You can go to the Manu Reserve with us, just find out at http://www.amarakaeriecolodge.com/

NAZCA LINES : A MISTERY

The Nazca Lines are a series of geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that stretches 53 miles or more than 80 kilometers between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana in Peru. They were created by the Nazca culture between 200 BCE and CE 700. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fishes, sharks, llamas and lizards.
The Nazca lines cannot be recognized as coherent figures except from the air. Since it is presumed the Nazca people could never have seen their work from this vantage point, there has been much speculation on the builders' abilities and motivations.

Construction
Since their discovery, various theories have been proposed regarding the methods and motivations underlying the lines' construction. The archaeological explanation as to who made them and how is widely disputed but many believe the Nazca people made the lines using simple tools and surveying equipment. Wooden stakes in the ground at the end of some lines (which were used to carbon-date the figures) and ceramics found on the surface support this theory. Furthermore, researchers such as Joe Nickell of the University of Kentucky, have reproduced, without aerial supervision, the figures using the technology available to the Nazca Indians of the time. With careful planning and simple technologies, a small team of individuals could recreate even the largest figures within a couple of days.
The lines were made by removing the iron oxide coated pebbles which cover the surface of the Nazca desert. When the gravel is removed, the lines contrast sharply with the surroundings because of the light-colored earth underneath. There are several hundred simple lines and geometric patterns on the Nazca plateau, as well as over seventy curvilinear animal, insect, and human figures. The area encompassing the lines is nearly 500 square kilometers (200 square miles), and the largest figures can be nearly 900 feet (270 meters) long. The lines persist due to the extremely dry, windless, and constant climate of the Nazca region. The Nazca desert is one of the driest on Earth and maintains a temperature around 25°C (77°F) year round, and the lack of wind has helped keep the lines uncovered to the present day.

Purpose

This section is missing citations or needs footnotes.Using inline citations helps guard against copyright violations and factual inaccuracies. (November 2007)

Coordinates: 14°43′S, 75°08′W)
There is scant evidence concerning why the figures were built, so the Nazca people's motivation remains the lines' most persistent mystery. Many scholars believe that their motivation was religious, making images that only gods in the sky could see clearly. Kosok and Reiche advanced one of the earliest reasons given for the Nazca Lines: that they were intended to point to the places on the distant horizon where the Sun and other celestial bodies rose or set. This hypothesis was evaluated by two different experts in archaeoastronomy, Gerald Hawkins and Anthony Aveni, and they both concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support an astronomical explanation.
In 1985, the archaeologist Johan Reinhard published archaeological, ethnographic, and historical data demonstrating that worship of mountains and other water sources played a dominant role in Nazca religion and economy from ancient to recent times. He presented the theory that the lines and figures can be explained as part of religious practices involving the worship of deities associated with the availability of water and thus the fertility of crops. The lines were interpreted as being primarily used as sacred paths leading to places where these deities could be worshiped and the figures as symbolically representing animals and objects meant to invoke their aid. However, the precise meanings of many of the individual geoglyphs remain unsolved.

This glyph is one of the more complex Nazca figures.
Notwithstanding Gerald Hawkins' and Anthony Aveni's dismissal of an astronomical explanation of the Nazca Lines and geoglyphs, astronomer Robin Edgar has theorized that the Nazca Lines, particularly the biomorph geoglyphs that depict animals, human figures, birds and "flowers" are almost certainly an ancient response to the so-called "Eye of God" that is manifested in the sky during a total solar eclipse. An unusual series of total solar eclipses over southern Peru coincided with the time period during which the Nazca Lines and geoglyphs were created. The totally eclipsed sun distinctly resembles the pupil and iris of a gigantic eye looking down from the sky thus providing an explanation as to why the Nazca Indians created gigantic geoglyph artworks that are best viewed by an "Eye in the Sky".
Some (for example Jim Woodmann) have proposed that the Nazca lines presuppose some form of manned flight (in order to see them) and that a hot air balloon was the only possible available technology. Woodmann actually made a hot air balloon from materials and using techniques that would have been available to people at the time in order to test this hypothesis. The balloon flew (after a fashion) demonstrating that this hypothesis was possible, but there is no hard evidence either way.
Another theory contends that the lines are the remains of "walking temples," where a large group of worshipers walked along a preset pattern dedicated to a particular holy entity, similar to the practice of labyrinth walking. Residents of the local villages say the ancient Indians conducted rituals on these giant drawings to thank the gods and to ensure that water would continue to flow from the Andes. This view correlates with the purposes of other North American geoglyphs.
Perhaps the most controversial theory was put forward by Erich von Däniken in his book Chariots of the Gods, who proposed that the lines were in fact landing strips for alien spacecraft. His argument is similar to Woodmann's, claiming that the designs are so large and complex that they could only have been constructed using flying machines.
Record setting hot air balloon aviator Julian Nott has also proposed that Nazca tribal leaders could have been aloft in primitive hot air balloons, as long as two millennia ago, guiding the creation of the Nazca ground figures from above.

Environmental concerns
According to Viktoria Nikitzki of the Maria Reiche Centre, an organization dedicated to protecting the Nazca Lines, pollution and erosion caused by deforestation threaten the continued existence of the Nazca lines. She is quoted as saying "The Lines themselves are superficial, they are only 10 to 30cm deep and could be washed away... Nazca has only ever received a small amount of rain. But now there are great changes to the weather all over the world. The Lines cannot resist heavy rain without being damaged." However, Mario Olaechea Aquije, the archaeological resident from Peru's National Institute of Culture in Nazca, Peru, and a team of specialists surveyed the area after the flooding and mudslides occurring in the area in mid-February of 2007. He announces that "the mudslides and heavy rains did not appear to have caused any significant damage to the Nazca Lines," but that the nearby Southern Pan-American Highway did suffer damage, and "the damage done to the roads should serve as a reminder to just how fragile these figures are."

In fiction
Accurate descriptions and purpose of the lines are described in the novel Domain by Steve Alten.
The Nazca Lines featured in the Anthony Horowitz novel Evil Star where they were an ancient gate which kept back a group of evil demons called the Old Ones. When the stars in the sky line up with the lines, the gate would open. The figures were to serve as a warning. At the end of the novel the Lines came to life and became real creatures.
The Nazca Lines were also featured in a Nancy Drew novel, with the spiral tailed monkey being the focal point of the mystery The Clue in the Crossword Cypher.
The Nazca Lines featured prominently in an episode of The Mysterious Cities of Gold entitled "The Nazca Plateau", where the supposition that the lines were designed to be viewed from above is underlined, with the main characters viewing the ground markings from the sky in their Golden Condor. There is also the implied suggestion the lines were part of an intentionally designed aerial runway as the flying bird lands at sunset along two parallel lines from the surface drawing.
The Nazca Lines were used as a major plot point in the video game Shining Force II and were even referred to by name. In the game, a Nazca bird is actually a flying ship created by an ancient advanced civilization. One of the game's boss fights was fought on top of the Nazca bird.
The Nazca Lines are featured prominently in an episode of the anime Master Mosquiton '99. In the episode, the main characters Inaho and Mosquiton must rescue a plane full of students. They can't land the plane as the airport runway has been flooded with sand that is covered with Nazca Lines (due to a curse from a Nazca mask). Upon inspecting the area, a Nazca spider comes to life and attacks them.
Figures resembling Nazca Lines appear in the arcade game Xevious.
The plot of the ninth episode of the anime series Cowboy Bebop is set in motion by the uncommanded recreation of the Nazca lines by a satellite-based defensive laser grid on the asteroid-pounded Earth.
The Nazca Lines also feature at the end of the game Assassin's Creed where 'eagle vision' is used to reveal markings in blood, including the Nazca monkey, hummingbird and spider.
The video game Illusion of Gaia contains an area named 'Nazca Plains', which contains references to the Nazca Lines.
In the role-playing game Rifts, the Nazca lines were used to create giant energy constructs, ranging from the actual walls of structures to defensive measures against an ancient alien invasion. After a cataclysm destroys human civilization and returns magic to the earth, the descendants of the Nazca civilization ally with the returning gods of the Inca to form a new nation, just as the aliens who attempted to invade before attack again.

TITICACA LAKE : HISTORY AND ENVIRONMENT

Lake Titicaca is a lake located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It sits 3,812 m (12,507 ft) above sea level making it the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. By volume of water it is also the largest lake in South America.
The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, and the eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department.
The lake is composed of two nearly separate sub-basins that are connected by the Strait of Tiquina which is 800 m (2,620 ft) across at the narrowest point. The larger sub-basin, Lago Grande (also called Lago Chucuito) has a mean depth of 135 m (443 ft) and a maximum depth of 284 m (932 ft). The smaller sub-basin, Lago Huiñaimarca (also called Lago Pequeño) has a mean depth of 9 m (30 ft) and a maximum depth of 40 m (131 ft). The overall average depth of the lake is 107 m (351 ft).
Lake Titicaca is fed by rainfall and meltwater from glaciers on the sierras that abut the Altiplano. Five major river systems feed into Lake Titicaca—in order of their relative flow volumes these are: Ramis, Coata, Ilave, Huancané, and Suchez. More than 20 other smaller rivers empty into Titicaca, and the lake has 41 islands, some of which are densely populated.
Having only a single season of free circulation, the lake is monomictic and water passes through Lago Huiñaimarca and flows out the single outlet at the Rio Desaguadero, which then flows south through Bolivia to Lake Poopó. This only accounts for about 10% of the lake's water balance. Evapotranspiration, caused by strong winds and intense sunlight at altitude, balances the remaining 90% of the water input. It is nearly a closed lake.

Uros people harvesting some totora, an aquatic plant used to make their famous floating islands

Uros artificial islands, in Bolivia
Titicaca is notable for a population of people who live on the Uros, a group of about 41 artificial islands made of floating reeds. These islands have become a major tourist attraction for Peru, drawing excursions from the lakeside city of Puno. Their original purpose was defensive, and they could be moved if a threat arose. Many of the islands contain watchtowers largely constructed of reeds.

One of the islands from Lake Titicaca: Amantaní in the distance as seen from Taquile
Amantaní is another small island on Lake Titicaca populated by Quechua speakers. About 800 families live in six villages on the basically circular 15 square kilometres (6 sq mi) island. There are two mountain peaks, called Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), and ancient ruins on the top of both peaks. The hillsides that rise up from the lake are terraced and planted with wheat, potatoes, and vegetables. Most of the small fields are worked by hand. Long stone fences divide the fields, and cattle, sheep, and alpacas graze on the hillsides.
There are no cars on the island, and no hotels. A few small stores sell basic goods, and there is a health clinic and school. Electricity was produced by a generator and provided limited to a couple of hours each day, but with the rising price of the petrolium, they no longer use the generator. Most families use candles or flash lights powered by batteries or hand-cranks.
Some of the families on Amantaní open their homes to tourists for overnight stays and provide cooked meals, arranged through tour guides. The families who do so are required to have a special room set aside for the tourists and must fit a code by the tour companies that help them. Guests typically take food staples (cooking oil, rice, sugar) as a gift or school supplies for the children on the island. They hold nightly traditional dance shows for the tourists where they offer to dress them up in their traditional clothes and participate.

Situated on the Bolivian side of the lake with regular boat links to the Bolivian town of Copacabana, Isla del Sol ("Island of the sun")is one of the lake's largest islands.

Map of Lake Titicaca
The chronicler Bernabé Cobo documented two versions of an Inca origin myth that took place on the northern part of this island. The first Inca Manco Capac is said to have emerged from a prominent crag in a large sandstone outcrop known as Titikala (the Sacred Rock). Manco Capac is the son of Inti the Andean deity identified as the sun. In one version of the myth, the ancient people of the province were without light in the sky for many days and grew frightened of the darkness. Finally, the people saw the Sun emerge from the crag and believed it was the Sun's dwelling place. In another version related by Cobo, others believed the crag was dedicated to the Sun because it hid under the crag during a great Flood. Isla del Sol was the first land that appeared after the flood waters began to recede and the Sun emerged from Titikala to illuminate the sky once again. A temple was built at this rock and later expanded by the 10th Inca Tupac Inca Yupanqui. He built a covenant for mamaconas (chosen women) and a tambo (inn) for visiting pilgrims.

A view of Lake Titicaca taken from the town of Puno
Excavations at the archaeological site of Ch'uxuqullu, located on a small peak above the Bay of Challa, led to the recovery of Archaic Preceramic remains that radiocarbon dated to about 2200 cal BC. Eight obsidian flakes were recovered from this context, and Neutron Activation Analysis of three of the flakes revealed that all of them were from the Chivay obsidian source which is located in the Colca Canyon, Department of Arequipa. The presence of Chivay obsidian is clear evidence that inhabitants of the island were participating in a a wider network of exchange.
According to one bathymetric model, there is no path between the shore edge and the Island of the Sun that does not pass over areas where the lake bottom reaches a depth of 200 m (660 ft) or greater. Paleoclimate studies indicate that around 3100 BC the level of Lake Titicaca would have been as much as 85 m (279 ft) lower than modern conditions, but that it had reached near modern levels by about 2000 BC. Thus, at 2200 BC lake levels were probably lower than at present. Data from Ch'uxuqullu could suggest that lake shore cultures were using well-developed watercraft technology during the Archaic period.
Underwater archaeological investigations conducted off the Island of the Sun from 1989-92 led to the discovery of both Inca and Tiahuanaco artifacts. These are now on display at a site museum in Challapampa. Today the economy of the island is mainly driven by tourism revenues, but subsistence agriculture and fishing are widely practiced.

Suriqui lies in the Bolivian part of lake Titicaca (in the south-eastern part also known as lake Huiñamarca).
Suriqui is thought to be the last place where the art of reed boat construction survives, at least as late as in 1998. Craftsmen from Suriqui helped Thor Heyerdahl in the construction of several of his projects, such as the reed boats Ra II and Tigris, and a balloon gondola.

The origin of the name Titicaca is unknown. It has been translated as "Rock Puma", allegedly because of its resemblance to the shape of a puma hunting a rabbit, combining words from the local languages Quechua and Aymara, and as well as translated as "Crag of Lead." Locally, the lake goes by several names. Because the southeast quarter of the lake is separate from the main body (connected only by the Strait of Tiquina), the Bolivians call it Lago Huiñaymarca (Quechua: Wiñay Marka) and the larger part Lago Chucuito. In Peru, these smaller and larger parts are referred to as Lago Pequeño and Lago Grande, respectively.

The Bolivian Naval Force uses the lake to carry out naval exercises, maintaining an active navy despite being landlocked.
The partly-salt Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the only body of water in South America bigger than Titicaca, at about 13,000 square kilometres (5,000 sq mi), but some say it should be classified as a sea because it is connected to the ocean.
In August 2007 a small meteor impacted in mud at rather low speed. The impact crater is about 12 metres (39 ft) in diameter. Scientists have recovered several small pieces of the impact object, which is stony rather than metallic.

TREKKING AT THE HUASCARAN, 6,768 m.a.s.l. - 5 D / 4 N

THE HUASCARÁN (6768 masl) PERU HIGHEST MOUNTAIN.
“Climb the highest tropical mountain of the world!”
Route: Normal or Garganta
Technical difficulty: A.D Climbing passages are up to III, with sections of IV. Slings, wedges etc. may be needed for securing in rocks. Snow and ice slopes are 40°-45°, short passages also 50°. Tours at this level of difficulty are accessible to accompanied people in good physical shape with alpine experience.
Season:
June - September
Maximal temperature:
20°C
Minimal temperature:
- 20°C
Previous acclimation required
DAY 1: HUARAZ - MUSHO - BASE CAMP (3,100 MASL - 4,500 MASL)
Departing Huaraz early, your private transportation will take you north through The Callejón de Huaylas (Huaylas Valley) to Mancos Town. From here a further 11/2 hours on rough tracks takes you to your start point at Musho Village. Your mules will be waiting at Musho to transport the kit to Base Camp (4-5 hours) allowing you to enjoy the superb views of the Cordillera Negra (Black Range). Overnight and dinner at campsite.

LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 2: BASE CAMP - CAMP I (4,500 - 5,500 MASL)
After breakfast start of the ascent towards the camp I. It is beautiful walk on the big rock platforms of the Huascarán. Arrival to Camp I after 5 to 6 hours. Overnight and dinner at the first snow camp.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 3: CAMP I - CAMP II (5,500 - 6,100 MASL)
An early start leads up snow slopes to your first obstacle, an ice crack. There follows a glacial walk to Camp II (Garganta or Throat Camp).

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 4: CAMP II - SUMMIT - CAMP I OR BASE CAMP
The final push to the summit begins at 01:00 or 02:00 hours. It can be cold start down -20°C, if there is a strong wind. Once at the summit (after 6 - 7 hours) you are rewarded with unparalleled views of the White Range, knowing that you have the descent to either Camp I or Base Camp will cap off the adventure of a life time. Overnight and dinner at campsite. BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 5: CAMP II OR BASE CAMP - MUSHO - HUARAZ
After breakfast, start the descent towards Musho Village where the transportation waits to take you back to Huaraz city. In arrival (4 - 6 PM), transfer to your lodging.
One more day might be needed in case of bad weather or to rest. In that case there is an additional price for extra day.
Tour includes:
Private transfer and transportation Huaraz - Musho - Huaraz
UIAGM mountaineering certified guide every 2 people
1 cook - porter (extra cook - porter for more than 6 people)
Mules and Muleteers for and from Base Camp
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Group gear: 4 season tent, stove and tableware.
Security gear: rope, harness, binners, ice scrolls, stakes and helmet.
Entrance to the Huascarán National Park
First Aid Kit
Peruvian Tax
Do not include:
Personal clothes: Warm clothe, waterproof jacket and pants, down jacket, waterproof gloves, hat.
Personal gear: Backpack, headlamp, sunglasses, axe, crampons, harness, snow boots, leggings, sleeping bag, mattress. (Personal clothes and gear are obligatory).
Tables and chairs
Dinning and toilet tent
Transportation Lima - Huaraz - Lima
Lodging in Huaraz
Meals in Huaraz
Tips and extras
Oxygen tanks
Porter for personal gear
Hyperbaric chamber (ask for availability): US$ 20,00 per day (authorized only to UIAGM certified mountain guide)
It’s also possible to rent backpack, waterproof jacket and pants, headlamp, sunglasses, axe, harness, snow boots, leggings, sleeping bag, mattress, down jacket for an additional price.
Note: For Huascarán is not possible to take dinning and toilet tent, chairs and table for snow camps. It is just possible for the base camp. The most important thing is to reduce weight for the porters. After the base camp, it is impossible the used of mules, only porters available. It is recommended to take extra porters to carry the personal gear to the snow camps.

For more info about our tours and prices, please write us.

TREKKING AT PISCO PEAK, 5,752 m.a.s.l. - 4 D / 3 N

It is a good mountain for acclimation. From its summit there is one of the best views of the White Range: The Chacraraju (6112 m.), The Artensonraju (6025 m.), The Huandoy (6356 m.), The Chopicalqui (6354 m.) and The Huascarán (6768 m.). Optional ascent to Lake 69.
Route: Southwest ridge
Technical difficulty: P.D. = Climbing passages are typically rated II, and there may also be sections of III. Securing techniques required. Glaciers are cracked and snow slopes are typically up to 35°-40°, rarely steeper. Crampons and ice axe needed. Tours at this level of difficulty are usually still accessible to accompanied people in good physical shape without much alpine experience
Season:
June - September
Maximal temperature:
20°C
Minimal temperature:
- 10°C
Tour description:
DAY 1: HUARAZ - CEBOLLAPAMPA (3100 - 4000 masl)
Departing Huaraz early, your private transportation will take you north through The Callejón de Huaylas (Huaylas Valley) to Yungay Town. From here a further 1 1/2 hours on rough tracks takes you to your start point at Cebollapampa, where the camp will be based. This day for acclimation, it is possible to walk to the beautiful Lake 69. Overnight and dinner at campsite. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 2: CEBOLLAPAMPA - BASE CAMP (4000 - 4665 masl)
Early the load is carried on mules and after breakfast it starts the ascent to the base camp (4 - 5 hours) allowing you to enjoy the landscape. Overnight and dinner at campsite.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 3: BASE CAMP - SUMMIT BASE - CAMP (4665 - 5752 masl)
At 1:00 am, after a fast breakfast, it starts the ascent to the glacier passing first trough the moraine camp. Walking in the glacier there are beautiful views of the perfect pyramid Artesonraju (6025 masl). After 6 to 8 hours you arrive to the summit where you have the unparalleled views of very steep peaks of the White Range such us Chacraraju (6112 masl) and Huandoys (6356 masl). Some minutes in the summit to rest and take pictures, and then return to the base Camp (4 - 6 hours), where a big dinner is waiting for you. The route is very simple; there is only one wall of 45°.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 4: BASE CAMP - CEBOLLAPAMPA - HUARAZ
After a succulent breakfast, start the descent towards Cebollapampa, where the transportation waits to take you back to Huaraz city. Arrival approximately at 4 or 5 PM to Huaraz and transfer to your hotel.
For more info about our tours and prices, please write us.

TREKKING AT ISHINCA PEAK - 5,530 m.a.s.l. - 3 D / 2 N

Route: Normal
This a mountain without great difficulty (PD) ideal for people who would like to start with High Mountaineering or for climber that want to acclimate and afterwards try a higher peak. The Ishinca Peak is located in the valley of the same name and from its summit there is a magnificent view from Tocallaraju (6034 masl) and Ranrapalca (6162 masl).
Technical difficulty: P.D. = Climbing passages are typically rated II, and there may also be sections of III. Securing techniques required. Glaciers are cracked and snow slopes are typically up to 35°-40°, rarely steeper. Crampons and ice axe needed. Tours at this level of difficulty are usually still accessible to accompanied people in good physical shape without much alpine experience.
Season:
June - September
Maximal temperature:
20°C
Minimal temperature:
- 10°C
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
DAY 1: HUARAZ - PASHPA - BASE CAMP (3100 -
Early departure from Huaraz city towards Pashpa Village (1 hour), where the load is carried on mules and start of the ascent to Base Camp (4 to 6 hours). Overnight and dinner at campsite. LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 2: BASE CAMP - SUMMIT - BASE CAMP (5530 masl )
A light breakfast, then you put your gear on and start of the ascent at 2 or 3 AM. The time of arrival to the summit depends on the acclimation and physical conditions of the participants (5 to 8 hours). In arrival to the summit, time to rest and take pictures of the Tocllaraju, Palcaraju and Ranrapalca. The descent to the base camp can be done in 3 or 4 hours. Overnight and dinner in the same campsite.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 3: BASE CAMP - PASHPA - HUARAZ
In the morning it starts the descent trough the Ishinca Valley until Pashpa Village ( 3 to 4 hours), where the transportation waits to take you back to Huaraz city.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INCLUDED.

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INFO ABOUT PERU : HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMY, TOURISM, FOOD, PACHAMANCA

THE FIRST INHABITANTS
It is believed that the peruvian territory was populated since 8,000 B.C. by Asian migrating populations, however, we can not talk about a cultural unit because of the registered culture succession since 2,500 B.C., which it first passed through a primitive agriculture and cattle period; it was affirmed the ceramics period in the X Century B.C. The well developed Chavin culture from Huantar, characterized by its great ceremonial buildings and the practice of an evolved culture is one of the first testimonies. At the IV century already was recorded a higher development degree of cultures settled in its territories (Chimu and Nazca), which stand out because of their textile, metallurgy and higher technology irrigation system.
In the VI century A.D. we had the Tiahuanaco Culture. In the XII century A.D. a "quechua" language town was born which was managed by soveraigns called Incas, with poulations which migrated from the Titicaca Lake's banks to Cusco, organization which attained in short time a great territorial expansion.

GEOGRAPHY AND ECONOMY
The Republic of Peru is an Andean State located in the central and western part of South America between the 81°19'34.5" and 68°39'27.0" of west longitude and from 0°01'48.0" to 18°21'0.30" of south latitude. Peru is bounded at north by Equator having a 1,529 KM long border and by Colombia with a 1,506 KM long border at south by Chile, with a 169 KM long border; at the east by Brasil, having a 2,822 KM long border, and Bolivia, with a 1,047 KM long border, and at the west side its coasts are wetted by the Pacific Ocean 3,080 KM long.
According to the census performed in 1993, its population reachedup to 22,639,210 inhabitants. Currently, its population is known to be 23,465,000 inhabitants, and a population of 27,952,100 inhabitants is expected for the year 2000. The population density now is 16.5 inhabitants per Km2 with a 2.0% growing rate per year. So at this rate, the peruvian population increases at 500,000 inhabitants per year with a life expectancy of 60 years for 1993; the urban population is equivalent to 71% and the rural population is equivalent to 29%, the main capital cities are those located in the shore (coast) from which the cities of Arequipa, Callao, Trujillo, Chimbote, Chiclayo and Piura (in the coast), Cusco and Iquitos in the highlands and jungle respectively are among the most remarkable ones.
The peruvian territory has 1,285,216 Km2 surface; 52.0% of the peruvian population live in the Coast, that is, more than a half of the whole population; 36.0% is found in the andean region whereas the amazonian plain holds only 12.0% of the whole population.The Republic of Peru has a presidential, unitary and decentralized governmental system; it also has its respective
Congress of the Republic.Regarding the political division, Peru is made up by 24 departments and one Constitutional Province called El Callao; likewise departments are made up by provinces which are 192 (including El Callao) up to 1995; these are in turn made up by 1,808 districts.The most recent Political Constitution was issued on October 31, 1993 being Alberto Fujimori Fujimori as Constitutional President of the Republic of Peru.The capital of the Republic is the city of Lima located in the department of Lima with an altitude of 153 m.a.s.l.
The State Government is divided into three branches: The Executive managed by the President of the Republic who is electedfor a five year-period and is in charge of assigning his ministers; The Legislative which resides in the Congress and has a unique chamber made up by 120 members of the Congress who are elected for a five year-period; The Judiciary, made up by the Supreme Court, whose headquarters are located in Lima; the Superior Courts which work at departmental level and the Judges of the Primary Courts of Claims who perform jurisprudence at provinces' capital cities level. The authorities of departments, provinces and districts (prefects, subprefects and governors) are assigned by the Executive; and local governments (province and district majors) are elected by universal suffrage for a three year period. Currently, the regionalization process is being implemented which looks for the end of Lima's centralism considered as a negative phenomenon for the development of the country, this process also looks for the transference of the decision power to the new autonomous entities (regional entities) over the territory that makes up the region.

HISTORY

The fame achieved by archeological Cuzco can be found beyond the Inca Age since the Cuzco Culture began about 1000 years before Christ when the Marcavalle Culture was in force. From there, Chamepata was originated, the history of this contemporary culture of Pucara in Puno is lost at the beginning of our Age until Wari conquered the zone including it in the Wari's Empire. After Wari, the region re-established its potential and started growing, first together with the Killke Culture and then with the Inca Culture. The city of Pikillacta comes from Wari Culture and from times of Killke, Sacsayhuaman itself and the foundations of Cuzco city.
In the past, Cuzco represented the center of the Inca Civilization. It was the capital of the andean state of Tahuantinsuyo; and which, according to the Legend, was founded by Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo between XI and XII Centuries. Then, due to an order of Francisco Pizarro, this city was founded again in March 23, 1534 in a Spanish fashion

GEOGRAPHY

It is one of the most extensive departments in Peru. Cuzco has a very differentiated landscape where elevated alignments of mountains with vast altiplanos and plateaus with slight surfaces and deep valleys and canyons are mixed.
The Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, which is the spinal column of this department, has been strongly eroded by the complex system of courses of waters draining toward the Jungle as well as glaciars that had had unexpected activity during last thousands of years. Nowadays only three chains of mountains are left from the old Eastern Cordillera which are oriented from the southeast to northeast part like the Vilcabamba that defines the hydrographic systems of Urubamba and Apurimac with elevated tops like Salkantay and Pumasillo; the Vilcanota with its most important peak, the Ausangate, which is at the same time the highest peak of the department also; the Paucartambo with smaller dimensions than the previous channels. Also, Cuzco has alignments of mountains with smaller elevations and local characteristics like the residual Highlands which origin is originated from the wear of the old andean altiplano caused by strong erosion of rivers due to the high andean lifting. The two most important Highlands zones are: Vilcabamba enclosing the valley of Cuzco and which most important top is Huanacaure and the Mountains of Cuzco, located at the north of the city, which highest peak is Pachatusan.
Like in all andean region, the main rivers and its affluents have formed deep valleys and canyons, among the most important ones are those formed by the Urubamba, Apurimac and Paucartambo rivers.
The valley of Urubamba shows alluvial terraces in its thick soils where a strong population dedicated to the agriculture is established. The Urubamba, under 2000 m, has formed a deep and narrow canyon which reaches all its majesty and beauty close to Machu Picchu, showing a rare landscape of bends. Due to the diversity of soil altitudes, the department has a great variety of climates and landscapes, which have strongly influence on agriculture and distribution of population.

TOURISM

Cuzco, the archaeological capital of America was the main city of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, and was considered as the "World's Navel" by the Incas. It is now the first cultural center of Peru and has been proclaimed as "Humankind's Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO.
In Cuzco, all landscapes are full of beauty because it encloses all the Peru's legendary history from its foundation to the Spanish conquerors' retirement. Around the city, there are important archaeological monuments like the Sacsayhuaman's Fortress, Kenko, Tambomachay's Baths and Pisac's terraces, Ollantaytambo's Fortress and incomparable constructions of Machu Picchu in the margin of the Urubamba river which was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 known now as "the Capital of America" or "Eternal City".
The large amount of museums and churches have become Cuzco in the most important tourist center of Peru. The "Inca's Roads", used by old peruvians to get to Machu Picchu, offers the possibility of finding numerous Inca edifications which, when mixed with nature, provide an integral view of the magnificence and importance achieved by Machu Picchu.

ABOUT THE FOOD

http://www.cocinadelosandes.com/cronicas/pachamanca.htm .

To have an idea about the tours you can choose in Peru, go to www.amarakaeriecolodge.com

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TOUR CHOQUEQUIRAW - MACHU PICCHU 9 D / 8 N

This expeditions will take you to two of the major archaeological sites in the Cusco-area and Peru: CHOQUEKIRAW and MACHU PICCHU. The legends and knowledge of the Machu Picchu ruin are already all over the world. Since its re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in July 1911, the ruin has been a topic of discussions and research about the Incas, and finally in 1981 the Peruvian government established The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, same that in 1983 where honored by UNESCO as World Heritage. As much one can find of writings and histories about Machu Picchu, the little one can find about the latter, but not less interesting ruin complex of Choquekiraw.
The archaeological site of CHOQUEKIRAW is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails. Choquekiraw is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l., surrounded by the snow capped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, the Convention province of the department of Cusco. Choquekiraw is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name – Choquekiraw.
Expedition Program
1st Day
Arriving at Cachora town at 7.00 in the morning where we will have our breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 10 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarftree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short brake at the river we start the steep climb towards Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).
2nd Day
Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEKIRAW after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquekiraw, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) we can be lucky to appreciate “the flight of the Condors”. The guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.).
3th Day
After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored – that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After the lunch we walk through Choquekiraw, with all equipment going to our next camp. We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc - these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces.
4th Day
This morning we walk down through an interesting vegetation know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river Victoria after a few hours and use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way up we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon – with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location of them all. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right across from us. A good place to lean back and think.
5th Day
We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area – first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the pass in 4000 m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.
6th Day
We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes – especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night.
7th Day
We now walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.
8th Day
From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on Machu Picchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing Machu Picchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hostel.
9th Day
From Aguas Calientes we walk to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to Cusco.

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TOUR SALKANTAY - MACHU PICCHU - 5 D / 4 N

One alternative to the classical Inca Trail is this tour Salkantay – Machu Picchu. The two highlights on this tour, besides the Machu Picchu complex, are Salkantay Mountain with its 6272 masl. And the other snowcapped mountain up close and the fact that this hike offers the special experience to see Machu Picchu on a distance already one day before arrival on its mountain saddle across the Urubamba valley.
DAY 1:
We start from Cusco around 5 o’clock in the morning a go to Mollepata, a small village located in 2850 masl. on the edge of the cloud forest zone. Already from here we will be able to appreciate some of the snowcapped picks that belong to the chain of Salkantay, and of course we will enjoy the beautiful sight of Salkantay who is at an altitude of 6270 masl.
Enjoying this landscape we will begin our long walk for approx. 7 hours. On the way we observe the vegetation pertaining to the zone. In a nice spot we will have our lunch, and then we will continue until we get to Soraypampa, our first camp site.
DAY 2
After an early breakfast we start the hike. This day offers the best views of Salkantay itself, the second highest mountain in the Cusco department, with the great snowcapped peak not too far away.
The first 4 hours are almost pure ascent until the pass in 4500 masl, where other majestic snowcapped peaks reveal itself for our vision. From this point the trail descent to our camp. On the way down we pass small lagoons and wetlands. Our camp is Chaullay in 2950 masl.
DAY 3:
This day is something special because of the great variety of fauna and flora.. Also we pass the small settlement of Arranniyuc. Later we arrive to a nice hot spring, where we can enjoy the warm water before we continue along the Santa Teresa River. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids.
The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.
DAY 4:
From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on Machu Picchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing Machu Picchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hotel.
DAY 5:
From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes to take the train to Cusco.

For more info about our tours, please contact us.

TREKKING TOUR AT CHOQUEQUIRAW - 4 D / 3 N

The archaeological site of CHOQUEQUIRAW is part of the complex system of Andean towns in Vilcabamba Valley. In the time of the Incas, it was united and in communication with Machu Picchu by a complex network of trails.
CHOQUEQUIRAW is situated in the spurs of the mountain range of Salcantay, at 3035 m.a.s.l, surrounded by the snowcapped Apus of Yanama, Ampay, Choquecarpu, Pumasillo and Panta on the right side of Apurimac river in the Santa Teresa district, The Convention province of the departament of Cusco.
Choquequiraw is an Inca town formed by small sites spread out in rubblework that in its adjoining constructs a complex metropolis similar to those of the other regions placed on the crest of the hill by the same name Choquequiraw.
Expedition Program
1st Day
We leave from Cusco at 4:00am in the morning. Arriving at Cachora town at 6:30 in the morning where we will have our breakfast. Hereafter we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. From that place we can observe the majestic PADRAYOC snow-covered peaks, it is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km of distance. On the way we will observe PADRAYOC Y WAYNA CACHORA snow-covered peaks, we can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains.
We have our lunch in a place called Playa Rosalina at 1:00 pm. On the way we will observe APURIMAC canyon with its impressive depth and in SANTA ROSA we will set up our campsite.
The approximate time of the hike is about 10 h. On this day we will pass the samall settlements: La Colmena (2870masl), La Aguada (2915masl), Capuliyoc (2915masl) impressive look out point where we can see all Apurimac Valley, Huayhuacalle (2970masl), Tinajayoc (2630masl), Mirador (2370masl), Cocamasana (2330masl), Torowisqana (2285masl), Chiquisqa (1950masl) grove place where we can find water, Playa Rosalina (camp in 1550 masl), La Huerta (2705masl) and finally we arrive in Santa Rosa (2115masl).
2nd Day
Early morning (5:00 am) after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquequiraw. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEQUIRAW after 5 hours. Good time to enjoy that majestic place. We will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin, where we can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town, like the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed inca empire. Approximately at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) we can appreciate "the flight of the Condors".
CHOQUEQUIRAW is considered as "The Last Refuge of the Inca Empire". The oldest reports assign to JUAN ARIAS DIAZ as one of the first persons that explored the zone in 1710. Our bilingual guide will explain the history and importance of the site after the Spanish arrived to Peru. We will have our lunch and dinner in RAQAYPATA (2910masl).
3th Day
After an early breakfast we pack and start walking back to CHIQUISQA. On the way we can observe again Apurimac canyon . Here we may be lucky to appreciate the flight of the Condors, the exuberant vegetation and its variety of flowers and orchids.
The time of the hike is about 10h. Altitude: 3033-1950 m.a.s.l. Passing the same small settlements as on the way up. We will stop in PLAYA ROSALINA where we will have our lunch and after that we'll continue to CHIQUISQA. Here we will spend the night on our campsite.
4th Day
CHIQUISQA CACHORA CUSCO Early morning after breakfast (5:00 am), we continue to arrive to Cachora town. On the hike we can appreciate again the majestic PADRAYOC snow-covered peak that decorate to APURIMAC canyon.
The time of hike to arrive to CACHORA is about 7 hours. In the way back to CUSCO we make a stop in CCONOC and enjoy of the HOT NATURAL SPRINGS!! Showers are available the same time we can see native product of the area. We will arrive to CUSCO approximately at 10pm.

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ECOLOGICAL TOUR AT MANU NATIONAL PARK- 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS-WITH A FLIGHT

Day 1:
This morning we transfer you from the hotel to the airport to take the flight to Manu. The direct flight takes approximately 35 minutes and goes from the Andes to the great Amazon plains. When arriving at Manu, our motorized boat will be waiting to take us up the Madre de Dios River to the Amarakaeri Eco Lodge. On the way, we will visit the native community of Shipiteari. This community is inhabited by Machiguengas. Here, we will get to know a little about their customs and traditions. We will be arriving at the Amarakaeri shelter in the afternoon. At night we will leave on a walk in the pristine forest.
Night at the Amarakaeri Lodge.
Day 2:
This morning after an early breakfast we will leave towards our first campsite called Aguas Negras gully. The walk is 4 hours long as an average and is 7 kilometers long, approximately. During this walk we will go through primary and secondary forests, having the opportunity to learn about medicinal and industrial trees. At the same time we will have the opportunity to observe wild life. Arriving at the camp we will settle in comfortable tents equipped with camping mattresses under our shelter roof. At night we will take a walk through our system of trails, including a search for caymans, tarantula nests and other overwhelming nocturnal species.
Night at the camp.
Day 3:
With the first songs of the birds, we will leave on a walk in search of activity in the trees. Here, the primates are the ones that begin to move in search of food. We return to the camp for a nutritious breakfast and to begin our return to the Amarakaeri Eco Lodge. We return by a different way, always getting to know a little more about the dense Amazon vegetation and looking for animal life within it. When arriving at the Amarakaeri Lodge, we get ready to take the motorized boat that will take us upstream to the port of Shintuya or Atalaya where our minibus will be waiting to take to us to the cloudy forest where we will spend the night at a lodge (1900 m.a.s.l.). On the way to the cloudy forest we will pass through the villages of Pilcopata and Patria. We will also visit local families and see their food orchards and coca plantations among others.
Night at the Platform camp in the cloudy forest.
Day 4:
With first rays of the sun we go towards the camouflaged observation point that is equipped to observe the song, the seduction and beauty of the Andean Cock of the Rock (rupicola peruviana) symbolic bird of Peru. When leaving the camouflaged observation point we will continue on the walk in the cloudy forest in search of more birds with singular beauty such as the motmots, Quetzal and others. We return to the camp for breakfast, and to get ready to take the mini bus that will take us back to the city of Cusco. The trip back to Cusco is approximately 7 hours long. On the way we will stop at the entrance to the Manu National Park that is the natural division between the Amazon and the Andean Pastures, and at the picturesque and folkloric village of Paucartambo. We will also visit the ruins – Ninamarca’s chullpas [Ninamarca burial towers]. We will be arriving at Cusco in the afternoon, dropping the passengers off at their respective hotels.

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ECOLOGICAL TOUR AT MANU NATIONAL PARK- 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

1st day:
Leave Cusco early in the morning approximately at 6:30 A.M. on our mini private bus and we go through the Andean mountains, making many stops at different places. Ninamarka is one of these places. We take a break here to appreciate pre-Inca chullpas [burial towers] and then we will arrive at the village of Paucartambo, which we will also visit.
At noon, we will have our lunch in Acjanaco, that is the entrance to Manu National Park and resting place before leaving towards the cloudy or rainy forest. From here we will be able to appreciate the dwarf forest rich in orchids, next to the mystical cloudy forest, where the vegetation rich in ferns, cecropias etc., can be appreciated. At the same time we will observe here an ample variety of birds.
That afternoon we arrive at our comfortable lodge located in the cloudy forest (1900 m.a.s.l) where we will spend the night. A nocturnal walk is optional.

2nd day:
Before dawn we leave the lodge in direction to the hiding platform where we will be able to observe the ritual of the Andean Cock of the Rock, emblematic bird of Peru and of special beauty. Returning to the lodge we will get ready to continue on our trip to the port of Atalaya. On the way, we will be able to visit coca plantations that are grown by local families. When we arrive at the port of destination our motorboat will be waiting so that after loading our things on, we will navigate down the Alto Madre de Dios River. From the boat it is possible to appreciate different types of birds such as herons, vultures, parrots, etc. We will have lunch in the hot waters of Shintuya where at the same time we can enjoy the natural cold or hot thermal waters. Later, we will continue navigating down the river towards the Amarakaeri Lodge. After settling in we will take a walk in the afternoon and part of the night through our trails near the shelter in search of interesting insects, arachnids and others. After having dinner at the lodge, we will spend the night at the lodge in comfortable beds with mosquito nettings.

3rd day:
This morning after an early breakfast we will leave towards our first campsite called Aguas Negras gully. The walk takes approximately 4 hours long and is 7 kilometers long. During this long walk we will go through primary and secondary forests, having the opportunity to learn about medicinal and industrial trees. At the same time, we will have the opportunity to observe wild life. Arriving at the campsite we will settle in comfortable tents equipped with camping mattresses under our shelter roof. Our system of trails offers different alternatives for walks from the campsite, including a search for caymans, tarantula nests and other overwhelming nocturnal species.
Night at the open platform of the Aguas Negras campsite

4th day:
After a nutritious breakfast we prepare to continue on our long walk towards our second campsite called Rio Blanco Campsite. This second campsite is reached after a 3-hour walk (6 kilometers). From the lodge, it’s approximately 13 kilometers away. This campsite is on the left bank of the Rio Blanco River that is in the Amarakaeri Reserve. This afternoon, after preparing ourselves in the campsite, we will leave to visit a nearby lagoon where, with traditional hooks, we will fish for piranhas and other fish of the area, returning to the campsite before dusk.
Night at the open platform of the Rio Blanco campsite.

5th day:
This morning we will walk towards the collpa [observation post] of mammals. In the morning, we will observe monkeys, guans and even parrots that come to eat the clay rich in salts and minerals that they use in their diets. When we visit the collpas, our stay depends on the amount of activity that we find there.
We return to the campsite for lunch. You can also bathe in the fresh waters of the Rio Blanco river. In your free hours the guides can show you how some of the crafts are made with materials from the area. In the afternoon, we go back to visit the collpa of mammals, the visits at this time of the day until the night give us the opportunity to observe bigger mammals such as tapirs, deer, and herds of wild jungle pigs among others including the biggest Amazon feline, the jaguar.
The return to the campsite depends on the mammal activity at the collpa. On returning to the campsite we will have dinner. Night at the open platform of the Rio Blanco campsite.

6th day:
This morning we prepare to return to the Amarakaeri Lodge. The walk is direct with brief stops on the way. Normally, the return lasts from 5 to 6 hours. We have lunch at the lodge after having enjoyed a rest or having swum in the cold waters of the Madre de Dios River. The first hours of the afternoon are for resting and enjoyment. At mid-afternoon we leave to observe the nesting and resting place of macaws. This walk is near the lodge. Here, with a little luck we will be able to observe, among others, more than 3 types of macaws and a variety of parrots.
That night dinner customarily takes place outside the kitchen where all can participate.
Night at the Amarakaeri Lodge

7th day:
This day we will visit different communities. In the morning, we will visit the village Nuevo Eden. This village is the nearest to the shelter and is inhabited by settlers that migrated from the Andes to live in the Amazon. Then, we will continue the walk that will take us to the other side of the river where we will visit the native community of Shipiteari. This native community is inhabited by the Machigengas that is the most populated native ethnic group in the area of the Manu. Also, visiting the community of Shipiteari brings us to the closest possible experience of observing how the Amazon communities were in the past, since Shipiteari still have a lot of authenticity and original life style. When visiting the community we will get to know a little about their customs, traditions and way of living. We will take the motorized boat back to the shelter arriving in the afternoon.
Night at the Amarakaeri Eco Lodge.

8th day:
At early hours in the morning, after breakfast, we will take our motorboat and we will begin to navigate upriver to the native community of Shintuya or Puerto de Atalaya (depending on the water level of the river) where our land transportation will be waiting for us to take us back to Cusco. This trip is direct and we will be arriving at Cusco in the evening.

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