Searching for Machu Picchu: Discovery and Adventure in the Andes of Peru May 26-June 3, 2017 $3,950/person Lodge-to-lodge exploration of Inca trails and selected sites on horseback and foot from Cusco to Machu Picchu An educational journey to key Inca ruins finishing with an interpretive visit to Machu Picchu led by Colorado Collage alumnus- archaeologist, Gary Ziegler, and Cusco-based expeditions expert, Edwin Duenas We offer alternatives for those wishing to experience this itinerary without riding horses. We have combined these options within this one itinerary to allow couples and friends with diverse abilities and interests to travel together. Itinerary: Day 1) Friday, May 26: This is a travel day from home. You may choose to arrive on a night flight to Lima connecting with an early flight to Cusco, or if arriving earlier, plan a layover in Lima. We can help with arrangements and a suggested itinerary. Day 2) Saturday, May 27: We meet your arrival at the Cusco airport. The afternoon is scheduled for a walking introduction to the archaeological and colonial highlights of the old capital of the Inca universe. We visit the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco. Our leader describes the colorful rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at the massive walled limestone constructions and sculptured terraces surrounding the immense central plaza. We finish with a summary of the battle here in 1536 which ended the life of Juan Pizarro. In the evening, we gather for drinks, dinner and discussion. We lodge at a favorite downtown hotel. Day 3) Sunday, May 28: We drive to the rim of the Cusco basin to meet the waiting horses. Our journey begins in rolling hills, noticeably etched by ancient fields and agricultural terraces. We climb over a pass and down to several blue lakes hosting a noisy assortment of Andean shore birds. We take a long lunch along the shore, then ride on to Chinchero , an early colonial period town with a classic church and well-made Inca walls that once were part of the Emperor Topa Inca’s Royal Estate. (Saddle time 4-6 hours.) Our support van transports us on to the night’s lodging. Non-riders: We drive a short distance up river to visit the seldom seen pre-Inca, Huari culture ruins of Piqtillacta. Here we tell the story of what happened prior to rise of the Inca. This Huari administrative center had 200,000 buildings associated with its compound as well as a recently found burial site. Afterwards, we’ll stop to see Tipon, an Inca experimental crop, water works site. Reuniting at a comfortable, small boutique lodge lower down in the Sacred Valley, we slip into the hotel bar for a warming spirit, then off to a hot bath before dinner. Day 4) Monday, May 29: A leisurely breakfast and strong local coffee fuel us for the day's adventure. We travel a short distance in our support vehicle back to the horses in Chinchero. Cinches pulled up tight, we move smartly out at a trot along gentle, level trails through small farms and country villages on a high plateau of rolling hills and immense grasslands. A spectacular panorama of the great ice peaks of the Vilcanota range crowns the near horizon. Sometime around mid-day we arrive at an isolated cathedral seeming lost and forgotten by time and modern civilization. We are pleasantly surprised to discover our support vehicle and crew awaiting us with the table set for lunch. The destination for the afternoon ride is the Salineras. This is a huge area of terraces which form hundreds of pools all fed by a single saline stream. The salt water is allowed to evaporate leaving the salt to be mined and carried out by burros. The Salineras are worked now much as they were in pre-Hispanic times. For those who prefer, the support vehicle will take you to the site for an extended visit before driving you to the inn. Those in for the full-day ride will have the opportunity for some faster riding across the high plateau before descending into the valley of the Salineras on a spectacular trail above the glittering white pools. We return to the same comfortable and friendly Inn in Urubamba. Valet parking with our wranglers seeing to the needs and comfort of our hoofed friends, we amble toward the evening watering hole. (Saddle time 6-7 hours.) Day 5) Tuesday, May 30: Saddled up, ponies energized, rearing to go, we ride out in early morning light, horseshoes clattering along the ancient stone paved trail. The powerful equatorial sun reflects brilliantly off of high ancient ice fields. Riding past the picturesque village of Pichingoto, we’ll ascend almost 1000 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our trail takes us to the little known magical Inca site of Moray. Located in a complex geological region, we pass ancient salt mines, sink holes and other natural phenomena to arrive at a complicated, unusual archaeological complex of circular walls, structures and terraces that remain a mystery to modern science. Colorado archeo-hydrologists Ken and Ruth Wright have conducted an investigation at Moray. After a lunch outside overlooking the Sacred Valley, we ride to the colonial town of Maras. (Saddle time: 6-7 hours) We sadly say goodbye to our equine companions and the wrangler crew then hop a short ride in our support vehicle to deluxe accommodations at Ollantaytambo’s best, the Hotel Pakaritampu. Rooms are furnished in the best of neo-colonial style around stone-lined gardens full of blooms. We dine together over an assortment of tasty Andean dishes. Day 6) Wednesday, May 31: We do a walking tour through the temples, massive walls and fountains of Ollantaytambo. Believed to have been constructed by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizarro’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 weighing as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than 1,000 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 take ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. In the afternoon, we visit a seldom seen ruin above town. Hiking through ancient walls dating to pre-Inca times, our guide translates a picture of the life experienced here before the Inca. A relaxed evening with happy hour in the garden and casual dinner offers time to reflect on what we have seen and visited. Day 7) Thursday, June 1: Our magical journey climaxes with a narrow gauge train ride to the New World's most spectacular archaeological monument, Machu Picchu. We breakfast at the hotel then hop aboard the morning train heading down valley. An interesting hour of click-clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to the bustling backpacker town of Aguascalientes, the portal for Machu Picchu. Soon we gather at the gateway to the famous "Lost City of the Incas." Our Inca specialist/archaeologist leaders walk us through the complex architectural monuments and temples, pointing out key ceremonial features that represent mountain and sun worship incorporated into the design by Machu Picchu's builders under royal mandate of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Lunch is on your own today. Boarding the afternoon train, we return to the bright lights of Cusco arriving early evening. All are free to explored the nightlife, an eatery of choice, or just relax. Day 8) Friday, June 2: A day to relax, shop, wander around Cusco on your own or with friends. The city abounds with small shops and street-side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weavings and handmade alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. Try out a local restaurant for lunch, take a hike, or just sit in the plaza. We regroup that evening for a farewell dinner at a favorite place. Day 9) Saturday, June 3: Pack up, enjoy the hotel breakfast then we get you to the airport for the short flight to Lima. Adiós, amigos - buen viaje. (See Lima below) 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 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Depending on your connecting flight schedule, you have several options. U.S.-bound flights seem 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 hotel arrangements and transfers to and from the airport. If you would like additional time to see the city and its interesting museums, that can easily be arranged with our Lima-based contacts. Suitability: We raise and train horses at our ranch above Cusco. These well-cared-for horses (a Peruvian Paso/Spanish Barb mix) are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed, mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride on steep pathways.