Adventure Specialists
Bear Basin Ranch
Westcliffe Colorado 81252
info@adventurespecialists.org
www.adventurespecialists.org
719 783-2076LOST CITIES EXPEDITION
SEARCH FOR THE CITY OF CONDORS - CHOQUEQUIRAO
Exploratory adventures by horseback, mule and foot to Inca lost cities in the remote Vilcabamba cloud forest of the Peruvian Andes led by Inca specialist guides... .
Beyond Machu Picchu lies a remote, wild region of cold high uplands and hot tropical valleys known as the Vilcabamba. The is a steep mountainous region of extreme relief that served as a jungle border province and later, last refuge for the Inca resisting the Spanish colonization of Peru. Altitudes vary from tropical river bottom canyons below 2000 meters to mountain heights on up to almost 6000 meters. Thick cloud forest vegetation covers much of the area up to around 4000 meters.
In the year 1536, three years after the fall of the Inca empire to Spanish adventurers, Manco Inca, grandson of the last great ruler Huayna Capac, led a rebellion against the Conquistadors. Retreating from a failed siege of Cusco, Manco and his followers established court in this remote region maintaining vestiges of Inca tradition, religion and statehood out of reach of Spanish authorities
The Inca built a network of roads and trails connecting outposts, settlements, shrines and ceremonial centers which Gary Ziegler and several Inca specialist colleagues have been locating and researching for many years..
Originating in 1994, we began a series of exploratory expeditions funded by what we call Archaeo-tourism; the concept of bringing along paying participants to fund exploration.
Now we offer this program as a unique adventure trek experience with pack mules, comfortable camps and saddle mounts when you feel like riding. The focus remains on Inca study and archaeological investigations as we travel.
Our ultimate goal is to visit the large Inca ceremonial site of Choquequirao, a distant replication of its more famous sister site Machu Picchu. Now recognized as a center of major importance by the work of Cusco archaeologist Percy Paz, Gary Ziegler, Vince Lee and others`, Choquequirao is being proposed by the Peruvian government as a major tour destination. Currently a stay at Choquequirao is like a visit to Machu Picchu in 1915 and more difficult to get to!
SUITABILITY: The expedition is 19th Century safari style using pack stock to carry supplies, camp and amenities. Our Quechua speaking packers supported by professional cooks insure comfortable, organized camps. Delicious meals and daily happy hour/tea are served in a dining tent. A pan of hot water with mug of coffee or tea served at your tent greets each day. Saddle horses are available for those who may chose to ride however several hours steep hiking is necessary on some days. Previous riding experience is not a prerequisite, but due to the rugged terrain, prior familiarity around horses is recommended. We require that all participants be in good health and physical condition. The hiking is strenuous over steep trails at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 6,000 ft. We may ride or hike up to eight hours on some days.
Who we are: The owners and operators of Adventure Specialists' Peruvian adventure program represent a highly skilled staff of world reconized professionals. U.S. based Adventure Specialists and Peru’s Manu Expeditions offer a tantalizing variety of exciting and unusual, educational, back country programs. Gary Ziegler, founder of Adventure Specialists, has a far flung history which includes a Ph.D. in archaeology, archaeological expeditions into remote Peru and Mexico, work for National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, museums and assorted universities. Gary has been organizing and leading expeditions and groups in Peru since 1964. His accomplishments include the first ascents of seven high ice peaks and the discovery and documentation of new archaeological sites. In June, 2000, he co-directed and led an expedition documentary film production in Peru for the Discovery Channel. In 2001, Gary co-led a National Geographic expedition which located and excavated the much publicized Inca settlement of Corihuayrachina. In 2002 and 2003, he co-directed the Thomson-Ziegler Expeditions that located and investigated the important Inca sites of Cota Coca and Llactapata near Machu Picchu. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London and the Explorers Club of New York.
Managed by internationally recognized British ornithologist/explorer, Barry Walker MBE, author of " Field Guide to the Birds of Machu Picchu" and Cusco born wife, Rosario Velarde, The Manu Expeditions guides and staff have vast experience. They are logistical wizards who insure trips go smoothly and that guests are expertly attended to. Gary leads most of our mountain Inca research expeditions while Barry leads special birding and rain forest study projects. They occasional lead Machu Picchu or Choquequirao trips for special programs. Gary and Barry have a long list of successfully completed film productions in their credits. Talent, experience, energy and unusual knowledge best describe their contribution to our programs.
Manu Expeditions and its sister US based company Adventure Specialists, founded adventure travel in Peru. Gary Ziegler began designing and guiding A.S. educational adventure programs in Peru in 1971. Barry, Gary, Rosario and US manager, Amy Finger, maintain the highest standards with hands on management and continuing development of new and ongoing programs.
Guides: Machu Picchu and Choquequirao Programs:
Edwin Duenas Age 38 leads most of our trips each season. A native of Cusco, he is fluent in Quechua, Spanish and speaks Italian and English well. As close to a living Inca as one can get, his family history goes back before the conquest. One of Peru's most experienced backcountry guides, he is an avid student of Andean history and culture. Edwin holds a doctoral and law degree from Peru's San Antonio Abad University. When not in the field with our programs, he practices civil law in downtown Cusco. Edwin is an extraordinary skilled and knowledgeable trip leader who gives his all to each program. Other equally qualified guides may lead several of our Machu Picchu trips each season
Agenda:
DAY 1 Sat) Flights from the United States depart late in the evening. We meet your flight at the Cusco Airport on Sunday morning. Arrangements can be made to assist you onto your connecting local flight.
Day 2 Sun) Arrive to CUSCO by 8 am, the ancient capital of the Incas. We greet you at the airport. Following a brief orientation and a cup of traditional coca tea, we organize an afternoon introductory trek around town. Most will need the time to rest and recover from yesterday’s travel. Refreshed and eager, we meet for dinner at a favorite restaurant. We talk about ancient legends, Manco Inca, the lost cities of Vilcabamba or perhaps just get to know each other. Some my opt for evening festivities in this bustling international city. We lodge in the very nice Andes de America hotel close to the main plaza.
Day 3 Mon) Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun.
The Sacred Valley is the location of the major Inca temple/fortress of Ollantaytambo. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro’s defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and rhyolite blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighting as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. We will also undertake a hiking tour of the extensive Inca hill top complex of Pisac. We spend the night at the newly opened Inca Land Hotel. Our hosts are British explorer, journalist Nicholas Asheshov and his Salvadorian wife, Maria del Carmen. We meet for happy hour in Nick’s `Explorer Bar’. Dinner and good conversation follows...we slip off to our rooms to ponder the mystery of the last Incas before drifting into undisturbed slumber.
Day 4) An interesting morning of click, clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to our final destination, Machu Picchu and the bustling backpacker town of Aguascaliente located some 2,000 ft, below Hiram Bingham’s great 1910 discovery, MACHU PICCHU- Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2500 feet above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced through by the powerful equatorial sun.
Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the exposed stone of the mountain, it may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. We catch the afternoon train back upriver to our lodging in the Sacred Valley.
Day 5) Loading into our company all terrain bus, we ascend a narrow winding road to it’s end high up in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Following Hiram Bingham’s notes, we hike to Cerro Rosapata and the ruins of Vitcos, the palace refuge of Manco and the last Incas. Captured by the Spanish Captain Garcia de Loyola under orders of Viceroy Toledo in 1572, Vitcos remains fascinating and seldom visited. We may also examine nearby Nusta Espanan (Yuroc Rumi), a sacred Inca shrine ( the white rock of Hugh Thomson's book of the same name). We are guests for the night at a rustic Inn owned by the local Cobos family, famous for having accompanied the Gene Savoy Expeditions of the 1960s and many of explorer Vince Lee’s epic journeys.
Day 6) Now traveling by horseback and foot with accompanying mule pack train, we continue up a long valley to camp in a high pampa below Choquiticarpo Pass.
Day 7) Following a well preserved, stone paved Inca road over the 15,200 ft. high pass, we enter a broad glacier sculptured valley overhung by towering granite pinnacles. We make camp among huge granite boulders at a place called Colamachay (cave of the drawings) below the massive fluted glaciers of Nevado Pumasillo, 19,980 ft. One of the world’s most beautiful mountains, Pumasillo in Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca, means "the puma’s claw".
Day 8) Crossing another high ridge to the Yanama Valley, we travel by several small forgotten farms, Chacras, cultural remnants of the distant past. These people live much as did their Inca ancestors, planting potatoes with a digging stick and keeping a rugged Andean existence tolerable with coca leaves and corn beer. We camp in the Yanama village school yard situated in a dramatic high spot overlooking the village and its picturesque valley.
Day 9) Joining another major Inca road at Yanama , we climb 3000 ft. up a precipitous trail carved carefully through the cliffs of San Juan Pass to pass by an abandoned colonial period silver mine, Mina Victoria (whose victory? we don’t know). We have our first view of the immense
Apurimac drainage far below. This deep canyon and it’s powerful river is one of the great geographic wonders of the Americas. The Apurimac which means " voice of god or mighty speaker" in Quechua, thunders hundreds of miles through the remotest part of the Andes to eventually, along with a multitude of sister rivers, become the Amazon.
We follow a seemingly endless winding trail down 3000 ft. to camp at our wrangler Fuelon Munos’ small farm carved out of the precipitous mountain side.
Today, we explore the interesting Inca period settlement of Corihuyrachina (Victoria’s Secret) located and excavated by our National Graphic sponsored expedition and Gary Ziegler in 2001. Climbing slowly through cloud forest, we have the afternoon to explore, take photos and marvel at the extraordinary views of the great Ice peaks above and plunging canyons below.
Day 10) Following a leisurely breakfast accompanied by farm yard sounds of munching horses, crowing roosters and squeaking Guinea pigs. We launch a expedition to climb up to the great sacred platform on a high ridge top above. We example the crumbed walls of a small Inca administrative compound and a well made store house with spectacular placement.
Day 11) Down to the Rio Blanco.... We bathe, and enjoy tropical warmth. A condor drifts lazily in the afternoon thermals high above. Then we climb up another 1500 feet to camp at the Inca temple site of Pinchu Unuyoc. An unusual shrine to the sacred spring which still flows through carefully constructed stone fountains raises above our camp.
Day 12) Today is the final 3000 ft. climb to our objective. By late afternoon we have reached a spectacular camp site among massive stone constructions and jungle tangle within the imposing walls of an ancient ceremonial city.
Day 13) CHOQUEQUIRAO- Nestled at 10,000 ft., on a prominent ridge overlooking the profound Apurimac chasm with backdrop of ice sculptured mountain cathedrals, this mythical Lost city must have rivaled Machu Picchu in beauty and importance. Little is known of this major, seldom visited, Inca site.
Hiram Bingham led an expedition here in February of 1910 in search of Vilcabamba Vieja, a missing piece in the puzzle that remains of the last Inca realm. We do know that this is a fantastic, finely constructed, complex site demanding of further studies. We have two days here to survey, explore, film and speculate. WHAT WAS THIS ENIGMATIC CITY...
Day 14) Reluctantly departing, we descend a winding steep trail some 6000 feet down to the Apurimac River. Crossing over a swaying Inca style, cable bridge suspended above the raging rapids, we make a bivouac camp above the river.
Day 15) Completing the hike out to the road head village of Cachora, we bus back to Cusco and the comforts of a modern hotel.
Day 16) Unstructured time in Cusco for relaxation, shopping etc - We gather for a final celebratory dinner, then for the really adventurous, it is after dinner drinks at Barry’s famous Cross Keys Bar, the only authentic English pub in Peru, the hangout of notorious expatriates, guides, and adventurers from far corners of the Universe.
Day 17) Depart Cusco for Lima and your flight home. Additional services can be arranged in Lima if your schedule does not connect directly to your international flight.
This is our latest itinerary (2006). We make every effort to follow it however, Peru is subject to strikes, weather, landslides and many events beyond are control which may cause changes and delays. We may also change the route from time to time for other good reasons. Please come prepared to cheerfully accept the unexpected with the insurance that you are in the hands of the most experienced adventure program operator in Peru. (since 1971)
Scheduling Suggestions:
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Cusco a day or two before the program if possible. You will enjoy added time exploring the many interesting aspects of the region and extra time helps acclimation to the high altitude. We arrange hotels, other services and suggest itineraries for a 10% service fee over the actual cost
Lima: Flights from Cusco arrive between 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM. Depending on your connecting flight schedule home, you have several options. U.S. bound flights seems to leave either late at night or early in the morning.
We recommend taking a room in Miraflores for the day or overnight if leaving the next morning. Miraflores is a bustling upbeat suburb of Lima above the beach where one can enjoy relaxing or endless activities. We can make the hotel arrangements and transfers to and from the airport.
THE 4 DAY MANU RAIN FOREST TRIP LEAVES EVERY FRIDAY. THE 6 AND 9 DAY MANU RAIN FOREST TRIPS LEAVE ON SUNDAYS. Ask about joining the rain forest biosphere adventure which leaves and returns to Cusco before or after this program.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other trip emergencies.
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INCLUSIONS: The price includes accommodations in safari style camps, tourist class or better hotels and inns (double occupancy), land travel, meals except in Lima/Cusco, all trip gear, horses. tack, guides, support staff and entrance fees.
EXCLUSIONS: Not included are airport taxes, air travel, alcoholic and bottled drinks, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures, meals in Cusco, costs resulting from illness or injury and emergency evacuation, program changes and delays beyond our control.
RESERVATIONS: Call or e-mail us to answer your questions or make a reservation. Carefully read the application/contract form for details about payment, cancellation, refunds and legal responsibilities. We accept most major credit cards. You can reach us at the following number: Phone 719 719 783 -2076. As we are frequently outdoors and leading trips, we do not maintain a regularly staffed office. We do however, check the answering machine and will promptly return your call. or e-mail
E mail: info@adventurespecialists.org
SUGGESTED READING:
1) Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders Hiram Bingham. Atheneum, 1972.
2) Realm of the Incas. Max Milligan 2001
3) The Conquestof Peru, William H. Prescott. New American Library, 1961.
4) The Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming. Hartcourt Brace 1970
5) Pizarro, Conqueror of the Inca. National Geographic. Feb. 1992 Vol. 181, no. 2.
6) The Incas And Their Ancestors, Michael Moseley. Thames and Hudson, 1993.
AVAILABLE IN CUSCO: 6) Exploring Cuzco, Peter Frost. Lima, 1984
7) Machu Picchu- The Sacred Center. Johan Reinhart, Lima 1991
8) Machu Picchu Abandoned, Gary Ziegler, Lima 1996.
9)Beyond Machu Picchu, Gary Ziegler, Crestone 2001
10) Forgotten Vilcabamba, Vincent Lee 2000
11) The White Rock, Hugh Thomson 2001
12) The Machu Picchu Guide Book, Ruth Wright and Alfredo Valencia
13) Machu Picchu; A Civil Engineering Marvel, Kenneth Wright and Alfredo Valencia, 2000
EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION LIST:
__Passport __Credit cards and cash for tips, Lima meals, shopping etc.__Airline tickets__Travel Insurance to include emergency medical, trip cancellation etc. Available any travel agency_Duffle bag or large frameless pack for the majority of your gear__Plastic garbage bags to line duffle for waterproofing on the trek__Day Pack or Fanny Pack...for daily items and camera-plastic bag to protect_Warm Sleeping Bag (to 20ø) May be rented in Cusco. We furnish a sleeping pad__Extra Bag for Purchases__light work gloves __Leisure clothing for travel and dining out. We have same day laundry service in Cusco._Lightweight waterproof hiking boots-well broken in.__Waterproof gaiters for riding/hiking _Leisure Shoes...for camp and in town.____
Warm outer coat, parka. or shell jacket and two polar fleece type pullovers for layering__Sweater-locally made alpaca sweaters can be purchased in Cuzco for about $15.00 __Rain gear- Good quality two piece suit.. we have had poor luck with Gortex (and it will rain)__Hat with a Brim...essential for sun and rain protection. Warm cap and gloves (it can snow)___Assortment of light expedition clothes. pants, shirts, socks, underwear, trail shorts. __Toiletries...biodegradable soap, sun block (#25 or more) lip balm & personal items __Insect Repellant__Personal medications... Ask your Doc about Diomox for altitude comfort __Water Purification Kit-iodine or filter for hotels etc. We boil camp and trail water__Sun Glasses...Uv is intensive at Altitude near the Equator. We recommend quality glacier glasses__Flashlight...with extra bulb and batteries. We like headlamps._Pocket knife.__Water Bottle__Camera___ Binoculars...optional__
HEALTH :We ask that you consult your family doctor concerning what medications, shots or inoculations he or she may recommend. The occasional case of travelers diarrhea can be rapidly treated with Cipro or other medication that your doctor may suggest. We have a very low incidence of illness on our trips. We eat in the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained.
WEATHER: This is a trip of great contrasts. In the high altitude it can get very chilly, even into the 20’s at night and then zoom into the 70’s during the day. When we descend into the cloud forest, the temperature rises into the 80’s. Although the dry season normally persists April through November, it can rain (or snow at high altitudes) anytime of the year.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
Gary Ziegler
Barry Walker
Rosario Velarde
Amy Finger