You can visit the architectural complex Choquequirao is situated in Vilcabamba at 3100 meters, considered the last Inka refuge and place of resistance from the invaders, when doing ....
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu....
In the upper area close to the Skies, the Incas built one of their best-preserved cities, now recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Many travelers and adventurers come....
According to the research, the coloration of the rainbow mountain is due to the composition of minerals that it has: the pink color is for the red clay, fangolitas and arilitas. The whitish, for the quartzose ...
The snow of Ausangate is the fifth highest in Peru and the most representative of the Andes. It is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is one of the most difficult areas to access.
The highest peak of this snowfall passes 6,000 meters above sea level, in this place there are large lagoons with blue and green colors, there are also rocks that cause the area to be like a paradise and very modern. This is a very attractive place for people who practice adventure sports, thanks to its geographical accidents it is possible to practice climbing and trekking.
The snowy Ausangate is the representative mountain of Cusco and the Peruvian Andes. It is located in the Vilcanota mountain range and is one of the most difficult areas to visit which makes it a fabulous route to venture. Its main climate is 6,372 meters above sea level, with large green / blue lagoons. In addition there are rocks that make the area like a paradise. Performing the Ausangate trek is an indescribable adventure, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the enormous beauty of eternal snow. Often you will find mountains of a height of more than 5000 meters and also rocks covered with tongues of ice, spreading in magnificent forms forming ice lagoons. The Ausangate walk is one of the tourist destinations in Cusco.
In the Inca mythology of this mountain and the nearby lakes - among which Sibinacocha stands out - the masculine energy that fertilizes Mother Earth Pachamama is born, after a long course, the waters are lost in the unknown lands of the Amazon to return, to fill the lakes and glaciers every night turned into the river of stars or Willkamayu known in the West as the Milky Way The Community of Chillca constituted by shepherds of llamas and alpacas is known as the guardian of these pristine places, from where you can do mountain walks spending the night in comfortable hostels or tambos, among which Machuracay Tambo stand out, in a walk called "Path of the Apu Ausangate".
Every year on the north side of the Ausangate, the festival of Quyllur Rit'i (Quechua: "star snow") is celebrated before the feast of Corpus Christi, during which thousands of inhabitants make pilgrimages to the Lord of Quyllur Rit'i in the church from Sinakara. The Ausangate snowy usually takes 7 days tours, it is an adventure that no one should miss.
AUSANGATE TREK INFORMATION
The first attempt to ascend the snow of Ausangate, was at the beginning of the 50's, being the first 2 attempts frustrated. It had to wait until 1953, for a German expedition to reach the top of the Apu, ascending on the south side. Later, new routes were implemented to climb to the top of the mountain. Only in 1983, Peruvian feet reached the top of the snow.
Location
It is located in the district of Ocongate, in the province of Quispicanchi, belonging to the department of Cusco in the Vilcanota mountain range.
Climate and temperature
The predominant climate of the area is cold, at night it reaches temperatures below 5 ° C, by day it can be up to 20 ° C, it also has cold winds during parts of the day. In the area there are also rains and snowfall.
Altitude
The maximum peak of the Ausangate snowfall is 6,372 meters above sea level.
How to get to Ausangate Snowy
There are 2 routes to get to the mountain, the first is to go by bus from Cusco to the town of Chilca, from here you can take a walk from 4 to 5 hours to the Base Camp.The other route is a bit longer but cheaper, this is to go from Cusco to the town of Tinki by bus and then take a bus to Pacchanta. From this point along the steel gorge, it is 8 to 10 hours to the Ausangate Base.
Between the snow-capped mountains of Ausangate and Sinakara, is the Coyllur Riti Shrine, popularly known by the inhabitants of the area as Taytacha Coyllur rit’i, whose meaning is Lord of the Shining Snow. Every year here in the months of May or June, the Coyllur Riti festival has been celebrated since ancient times. Celebration during which thousands of Quechua pilgrim to the Lord of Coyllur Riti. This ritual is associated with the fertility of the land and with the worship of the Apus (hills, gods, guardians), one of the largest indigenous nations of America is celebrated.
The Salkantay Route, also known as the “New Inca Trail”, is located north of the city of Cusco, following the Cusco - Limatambo - Abancay - Lima road, making a detour between Limatambo and Mollepata.
Salkantay snowy climate:
It is very sunny during the day, but cold at night. The temperature drops below 0 ° C at night during the months of June to September. In the season from December to March it is very rainy so it is not recommended to go on these dates.
The best time to do this trek is during the months of March to September.
This hike reaches a height of 4,600 meters above sea level at its highest point is on the slopes of the same snowy Salkantay. Enter Ausangate 5D Snowy Walk to do this little walk.
How to get to the snowy mountain of Salkantay
The buses from Cusco to Mollepata leave very early from 4 am to 5 am and pass through Limatambo, from Mollepata is where the trek to the snowy Salkantay begins, after climbing a step it is possible to have an impressive pyramidal view of Salkantay, one of the mountains most beautiful snowfall of Cusco.
From Mollepata it takes two days to descend to Huayllabamba and join the second day of the Inca Trail.
What you will see along the way
On the way you can see herds of cattle and sheep, orchids, bear with glasses, medicinal plants of the Inca eponca, small variety of birds, fruit trees such as orange, papaya, bananas, and so on. Note: The eye of the glasses to see it is necessary to have some luck.
recommendations
It is very important for the traveler. Bring your original passport for the respective controls.
RECOMMENDED MONTHS TO TRAVEL
March: (a little rain) From April to October: (an excellent trip) From October to November: (a little rain) December to February: (lots of rain) SALKANTAY TREK INFORMATION
Note: There is, in my opinion, a controversy regarding the paternity of the first ascent of this crest S.E., since it consists in the previous realization of a powerful group of Japanese who achieved the ascent by this route. Unfortunately, the only reference found in this Japanese ascension dates from an Iwa magazine to Yuki, written, of course, in Japanese, so without a translation of the text there is no concrete data.
Humantay Mountain - Salkantay Route To Machu Picchu
The western edge of the Salkantay is a route that remains virgin after years given the complexity of its layout and the distance from the traditional approach points, which requires additional porting based on the dragging of backpacks.
According to the prestigious Pyrenean Louis Audoubert, who ascended to the top by the northern slope in 1977, the west edge is feasible, but it will certainly be a good problem to solve at the Andean level.
This crest was attempted in 1975 by a group of Catalan climbers from Mataró formed by Manuel Punsola and Mitjans, Miquel Sala and Roy, Xavier Varela and Pinart, Ramón Armengol and Carbó, Antoni Sors and Farre, Antoni Rosa and Olivera and Vicente Aris and Julta .
On August 5, 1975, three members of this expedition approached the edge by an additional buttress of the northern slope that had been previously recognized. They go up for a good part of the day until they reach a point with two possibilities that seem unattainable. The logic was to tackle the ice ridge, something impossible given the lack of material means. The other option would be to flank the slopes of the ridge to look for the hill between the two Salkantay peaks.
At a certain point of this great flanking, which they calculate, it will take them a whole day, they decide to leave due to the large number of avalanches that leave the ridge and that are obviously a first order objective danger. Catalan climbers believe that the difficulties so far have not been important or dangerous, but moving away from the obvious route of the ridge, which would require more human and material equipment, greatly increases the risk.
Coming from Mollepata the first vision we will have of Salkantay is in its overwhelming south face a huge wall that closes the bottom of the valley with its vertical seracs hanging from huge rocky spurs, this wall could not fail to attract the attention of those who try to complicate a little their lives for pure personal satisfaction, so in 1970 a powerful group of Germans from the Munich DAV composed of Walter Welsh, J.Vogt, H.Koebrich, H.Haver and M.Olzowy made a meritorious attempt on the left side of the wall, leaving quite high on the crest that descends to the western summit of Salkantay.
In 1986 an English group led by J.Lowe broke through this hillside attacking the rocky base to the right of the German attempt of the 1970s. The snow zone continued a slight diagonal to the right until it reached the eastern peak of the mountain.
On June 15, 1978, a powerful Slovenian expedition of the Planinska Zveza, composed of Libor Anderle, Zoran Breslin, Marjan Brisar, Edi Torkar, Jure Zvan and Jure Ulcar, accompanied by Dr. Borut Pirc and Matjaz Derzaj as coordinator, opened in a week Exploring and climbing an intelligent route along the eastern slope of the mountain, the Slovenian route, which without detracting from the difficulty, is the most feasible option of trying to reach the top.
The second ascent to this route was made by the Mexican Roberto Morales Puebla and companion on June 17, 1978 and the third by Los Vascos de San Sebastián, Iñígo and Jesús Mª Barandiarán, José Luís Conde and Jesús Mª Rodríguez accompanied by Alberto Cabezón and José Antonio Fernández de Aranguiz on July 3 of the same year, which makes it the first ascent of mountaineers in the Spanish State.
The Salkantay has been visited by mountaineers from around the world, French, Swiss, North American, New Zealander, Polish, Austrian, German, Mexican, Slovenian, Slovenian, Spanish (Asturian, Basque, Andalusian, Catalan)…. that have crossed its steep slopes… some lived the light of the reward from the top ... others, a great majority, had to withdraw when the chance of triumph among the cornices escaped. SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION
Also known as Salkantay, Peru's snowy peak located in the department of Cuzco, it is one of the main elevations of the Vilcabamba Range, an extension of the Eastern Cordillera, a mountainous branch of the Peruvian Andes. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It has two snowy peaks, known as China Salkantay and female Salkantay, separated by a port that opens to the Santa Ana Valley in the province of Urubamba. Both the mountain pass and the course of the river that is born there are called Salkantay. This river pours its waters into the Urubamba on its left bank.
Our company has the Salkantay Trek, a walk that will take you to Machu Picchu.
Hence the name of Snowy Salkantay:
The name of this mountain is a contraction that comes from Salga = sullen or wild and Antay produces bees or avalanches. It is usually preceded by the name of Apu, which in Quechua language comes to mean sir, is defined as large mountains that mean something sacred above the valleys. For example, Apu Salkantay in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Snowy Salkantay (6,271) Source: Musical Henares, S.L. (Alcalá de Henares - Madrid)
The great white Apu. A little stories between ropes and crampons:
The Salkantay is one of the highest mountainous regions of the Qosco (Cusco). The highest mountain is the Gran Agusánate with 65 meters more in the Vilcanota mountain range located further south. However, and without a doubt, it is the greatest in its splendid isolation and in the greatness of its double-headed massif, to which is added the fact of being one of the mountains of this magnificent Andean region that presents greater technical problems for all its slopes This is evidenced by the six itineraries opened to date by the different slopes of this white giant.
His conquest dates from 1952 by the Swiss cordate composed of Bronimann and Marx.
This first ascent, like so many others in the history of mountaineering, is involved in several contradictions, since a few days later it is promoted again by a Franco-American expedition that included the well-known and relevant mountaineer of the Claude Kogan era.
Modern statistics merit being the first woman on top of the Italian Consuelo Bonaldi who climbed Cresta Este on August 4, 1978 accompanied by G.Marconi, A.Monononi, F.Nodari, S.Castellani, Augusto Zanotti and M.Quatrinni, obviously this is a mistake, since Claude Kogan did it 26 years before.
The Salkantay summit has two peaks, the East and the West, formerly the West, more slender and attractive than the East, which was slightly taller because it was crowned by a seracoa. After the passing of the years and the collapse of this serac, as the prestigious Pyrenean Louis Audoubert has pointed out, the height is practically identical in both peaks.
What happened in those two consecutive “first ascents” gave rise to the controversy that it had really been the first real one. The Swiss went up in the fog to the top of the East (the lowest in those days), the Americans however went up to the West, which was somewhat higher so the statistics, always relentless, want to deny Bronimman and Marx his first absolute ascension.
In 1953 he was climbed for the third time by the prestigious Alpine guide Lionel Terray, who together with the Dutch T. de Booy and the Swiss Raymond Jenny defeated the summit following a route along the northern ram, now known as the Terray Ram.
Years later, a German expedition tries the top following the dangerous crest of the N.E. which, with its cornices, does not favor traffic ... a relevant rope formed by Tony Mazenauer and Fritz Kasparrek (the latter conqueror of the north face of the Eiger) disappears on this ridge and the expedition has to be withdrawn.
Today there is a plaque commemorating that unfortunate event under the passage of Palcay (the usual base camp of the mountain) and on a block of visible rock.
On August 23, 1975, it was the turn of a long and steep crest of the S.E. of an Australian-New Zealand expedition composed of Peter Jennings, Wayne Barton and Michael Andrews. This ascent was the ninth to the top.
This place was dedicated to the extraction and carving of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding precincts. This place is located about 14 km from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest of the three), shows the evidence of having been fully operational when the Spanish arrived in this area . And finally Cacchicata or Kantirayoq, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced. Visitors can observe the great work done at the time of moving the giant stones to build Ollantaytambo enclosures. We can find the stones called "Tired Stones" that were on their way to Ollantaytambo and in some parts of the city.
Cachicata or Inca quarry is one of the old quarries used by the pre Inca and Inca civilizations to build the vast complexes of Ollantaytambo. It was a source of large amounts of pink granite. Cachicata quarries are 14 km from Ollantaytambo. The view of Ollantaytambo from the quarries is spectacular and during the walk you can see many large stones that remained in the middle of their long trip to the village. It was also a commercial route for the Incas. Cachicata is a small and remote town that can benefit from the occasional visit of tourists.
The Hike to Cachicata is a great alternative to the famous Inca Trail hike. This road was built by the Incas and used for hundreds of years to access local communities and transport goods. This trail is not as well known as the Classic Inca Trail, so much less crowds and a more serene trekking experience in Peru are expected. This hiking adventure not only visits Peru's cultural past, but also explores modern Inca communities and customs. The trail takes us through isolated waterfalls, ancient terraces and exotic wildlife, while offering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley and its snowy mountains. Visit with local families and explore an active quarry. Each step brings a new look to the Inca culture.
How long is Ollantaytambo?
The trip from the city of Cusco to the Inca city of Ollantaytambo is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in private mobility but if you wish to travel in the public transport units the approximate time is 2 hours.
Can you climb to the Inca quarry of Cachicata without a guide?
The Walk to the Inca quarry of Cachicata being part of the Inca road circuit that runs through the country of Peru, and the circuit of Qhapap Ñan, it is recommended that it be carried out with the supervision of an authorized agency that provides the professional guide service so that you can enjoy the best way to hike and take a nice memory to your country.
How high is Inti Punku "Puerta del Sol"?
Inti Punku or «Puerta de Sol» is the highest point on the hike to the Inca quarry being at a height of approximately 3886 meters from that point you can see an impressive view of the Sacred Valley and the Snowfall that are around as are the snow Veronica.
What should I take to make the walk to the Inca quarry of Cachicata?
To make the walk without any inconvenience we recommend the following:
A lightweight backpack to carry your stuff.
Water bottle.
Money for snacks, souvenirs and tips if you want to tip.
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Jumper (sweater)
Protection against rain (or plastic poncho) the Cusco region can experience "all seasons in one day", therefore, it is advisable to wear a hat and gloves, as well as a sun hat, when you go out tomorrow, in order to be prepared for all eventualities.
Is a tourist ticket needed for the Inca Quarry of Cachicata?
At the moment no income is being collected, which will allow you to discover more freely the path of the Incas to the Inca quarries of Cachicata.
The quarry of Cachicata was the place of extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. This place is 9 kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced.
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4500m / 14,764ft - Walking Distance - 25 km / 15.5 miles - Meals - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, 2 tea times, 2 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Community of Cachiccata consists of 80 families and a total of approximately 300 people.
The quarries of Cachiccata is one of the most important attractions, these quarries were widely exploited in the Inca period. From this mine they selected and transported the stones from the archaeological remains of Ollantaytambo. By means of own bearing and thrust techniques, the stones were transferred to this old center. On the way we can see giant semilabrated stones that were being transported. Near the quarries we can also visit some pre-Hispanic chullpas (ancient funerary tower).
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 1: CUSCO – PACHAR - SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA - DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES - DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The archeological center of Huchuy Qosqo, is located in the north of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the vicinity of the province of Calca, district of Cusco. This archaeological complex is one of the most important in the Urubamba Valley because of its architectural level, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of the other two because their constructions are older. The complex includes platforms, courtyards, esplanades, squares, pedestrian path and buildings of different magnitude and quality.
HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION. One of the main attractions of Huchuy Qosqo, is a three-story building or levels; The first two are made with finely carved stone and the third level is made of adobe and although it has been lacking a roof for a long time, it is so resistant that it has been standing for more than 500 years. There are many ways to get there, you can take a taxi from the town of Calca (1 hour from Cusco) to the door of the same complex that is 3550 meters above sea level. The other way is a 5-hour walk from the Laguna de Piray (45 min. From Cusco), where you can enjoy a majestic landscape. This road starts in the town of Cuper, (10min. From the lagoon of Piuray), here the ascent begins until you reach the Abra and from there you follow the Inca trail, which apparently is part of the famous Qapacñay; From here you pass through a beautiful rocky canyon, where you will see the purple, green and red colors of the stones, until you reach the top of the mountain and appreciate the splendor of the Sacred Valley. The road is signposted, but it is always better to ask the muleteers and farmers in the area the exact location of the accesses. In Huchuy Qosqo you can see an esplanade next to an abyss where you can see Inca buildings, terraces, rooms with up to two floors, canals and everything looks spectacular because they are built on platforms.
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the places mentioned above Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
There is a kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) of at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an adobe upper one. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which a very well preserved road leads from Tambomachay.
The Hispanic chronicles indicate that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign strengthened the conquest over the villages of the Urubamba valley and that he chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy with power and vice, He proved to be totally unable to govern. The Inca royalty was very obfuscated with this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make everything worse, the darkest night fell over Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were willing to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha leaves the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in its palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Hispanic conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it burned. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover. HOW TO VISIT: It is possible to visit Huchuy Qosqo in three ways, the first one walking from Cusco and Tambomachay along the Inca trail. The other way is up from the Sacred Valley after crossing the Wilcamayo River (now Vilcanota), from Chinchero. HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION.
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older. But unlike the aforementioned places Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3848 meters / 12624 feet. - Highest Altitude - 4150 meters / 13615 feet. - Walking Distance - 12 km / 7.46 miles - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a place known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the favorite work and place of the Inca Wiracocha. A kallanka of at least 40 to 50 meters long is observed. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and one upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which passes a very well preserved road that leads from Tambomachay.
Brief Itinerary - OPTION 1: CUSCO – TAUCA – HUCHUY QOSQO – CUSCO - OPTION 2: CUSCO - TAMBO MACHAY - PUCAMARCA - HUCHUY QOSQO - CUSCO HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu and one of the additional mountains "Machu Picchu Mountain" or "Huaynapicchu". The Inca Jungle route is the favorite tour for young people from all over the world who come to Cusco in search of deferent adventures and extreme sports. As a Tourism Agency located in Cusco we offer a differentiated service; with an exclusive route, trained guides (real command of English, local history and adventure sports), bicycles equipped for downhill, the safest rafting and zipline services. We recommend our passengers book in advance to have everything insured and avoid unnecessary risks such as loss of equipment, lack of access to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu or even worse, being stranded in Aguas Calientes (no return train). This tour is one of the classic routes full of adrenaline to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Abra Malaga is a mountain pass that lies between the town of Ollantaytambo and Quillabamba, through unique Andean ecosystems. This path contains two types of well-defined areas: The Abra (4,297 m) and the lower part (Carrizales 3,245 m). The birds that you’ll observe are rare and highly sought after.
In Santa Teresa there are thermal baths: Cocalmayo, composed of 3 pools of different sizes, temperatures and depth. You can also do adventure sports like rafting, kayaking and zip line
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA - SANTA MARIA (BIKING) - DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (TREKKING) - DAY 3: SANTA TERESA - AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING) - DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO UNFORMATION OF INCA JUNGLE
The Abra Malaga is a route that starts in the town of Ollantaytambo, Cusco and runs along the 28B Ollantaytambo - Quillabamba road through unique Andean ecosystems. This route contains two types of well-defined areas: El Abra (4,297 meters above sea level) and the lower zone (Carrizales 3,245 meters above sea level). The birds you can see are rare and highly sought after. The predominant ecosystem is the rain forest Montano Tropical or cloud forest in the Carrizales area, with low-rise tree forests covered by epiphytic plants and also some bamboo areas. In the Abra Málaga, at 4,200 meters high, we are in a tropical rainforest-Montano moor, with small Polylepis forests at the basin births.
History
The birdlife in this area of Peru
was studied since 1869 by Sclater and Salvin, Berlepsch and Stolzmann (1906).
In 1915 an expedition of the Geographical Society Machu Picchu is made, directed by Frank M. Chapman and George K. Cherrie (July 1-24, 1916), and by Harry L. Watkins (April 3-25, 1917).
From September 1974, June 1976, 1977 and 1978, October 1978 and August 1979, personnel from the Zoological Museum of Louisiana State University (LSU) visited the valley to conduct an inventory and increase knowledge of birds and small mammals. Three main camps were made along the Ollantaytambo-Quillabamba road through the Abra Málaga (3900 m), and a fourth was in Kiteni (450 m), after Quillabamba.
Starting from Ollantaytambo, the first place to visit is Las Peñas, located 15 Kms from the town. Named for having remains of Inca stone constructions in place. In the surroundings, between the bushes and at the edge of the road you can see: Cuzco Brush-finch, Chestnut-breasted Mountain-finch, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, White-tufted Sunbeam, Puna Tapaculo, White-browed Conebill.
Another place of interest is the descent of the Abra, on the way to Quillabamba, where the good places are the Vegetation patches around the track, there you can see the Puna Thistletail, Unstreaked Tit-tyrant, Creamy-crested Spinetail, Diademed Tapaculo, Thrush- like Wren, Rufous-chested Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-tanager, Chestnut-bellied Mountain-tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, White-bellied Hummingbird.
The Abra Málaga Thastayoc is the highest point of the route and is the safest and most accessible area to see the Royal Cinclodes. To do this you must follow the path that starts at the checkpoint, located at the highest point of the Abra. From there follow the path until you reach a Polylepis forest located at 4,150 meters high. You can also see the Stripe-headed Antpitta, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam, Puna Tapaculo, White-browed Tit-spinetail, Tawny Tit-Spinetail. The route for this forest is very rugged and long. It takes 2-3 hours to travel.
Weather
The weather is rainy between the months of November to April, and temperate with infrequent rains between the months of May to October. The temperature varies from -5 degrees in the Abra Málaga to 20 degrees in the Carrizales area.
Policies
Along the road it is not necessary to make any payment. To enter the Cinclodes route, it is necessary to pay an entrance fee, differentiated for Nationals and Foreigners. This payment is made at the checkpoint. Here you have bathrooms.
INFORMATION OF INCA JUNGLE
The people of Lima who live in Cusco have a typical crisis due to lack of the sea. Luckily we have the hot springs of Lares, which although it is neither beach nor sea, has enough water to kill the withdrawal syndrome or at least, shuffle it a few more weeks.
INFORMATION OF LARES TREK Lares is in the Valley of the same name, and it is reached by means of a road that departs from Calca in the Sacred Valley (located after Pisac). It is literally on the other side of the mountain range. I already went a couple of times: the first by car and the second on foot from Huarán as I told you in the post Stairway to Heaven.
What is special about Lares? WATER as a court, and best of all, warm to fight the cold of Cusco and calate a little like in San Bartolo or La Herradura. In the technical words of our Mincetur friends: “the temperature ranges between 36º and 44ºC, the medicinal mineral water outcrops have Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorides, Sulphates, Bicarbonates, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Copper and dissolved solids. The waters have a yellowish coloration, here we find the presence of stalactites and stalacmites at the entrance of these baths ”.
We may not fully understand what a stalacmite is, but it turns out that these waters are good for treating rheumatic, traumatic (arthritis) fracture treatment, osteo joint pain, muscle aches, stomach diseases and more. For my part I assure you that a bath in Lares encourages your soul and leaves you ready for your return to the sea.
The entrance to Lares is 10 soles, general admission, only the people of Cusco pay 4 soles. If you want you can camp. It costs five soles per tent. I recommend it: so you can enjoy the baths all night and relax until you are tired of being happy. There are also lodgings, both in the town of Lares (2 kilometers) or near the bathrooms. Average, 25 soles per person. The buses from Calca to Lares cost 10 soles and take two hours to arrive.
In general, I suggest having two full days for Lares, staying one night. The first way, you need at least five hours to get to the bathrooms from Cusco (Cusco - Calca is like two hours more the trip to Lares). All that day you can spend floating, with intervals of walk, walk (there are interesting roads) and return to any of the four pools. You sleep well. The next day you finish off with a few more hours to cut it and you return to Cusco. You were not in the sea, but in the water, which is the mother of all things.
The Lares Valley is located between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the northern part of the Urubamba Mountain Range, it is a place with beautiful glacial lagoons and warm subtropical ravines, it also has a great variety of vegetation and wildlife. information of Lares Trek
It is surrounded by a mountain chain of the mountain range, where the snows of Verónica, Sawasiray, Pitusiray and Chicón are located. Small communities of Quechua-speaking farmers live here, who maintain their customs of grazing llamas and alpacas, growing tubers and producing tissues.
For all the above, this valley grants a great variety of tourist attractions. It is common for tourists to come to Lares to interact with local communities and learn more about their traditions, and it also gives the possibility of doing one of the best trekking routes in Cusco.
Location
It is located in the province of Calca, in the department of Cusco.
Climate and temperature
Between the months of May and October the area presents a sunny climate, with a temperature from 15 ° C to 21 ° C. From the months of November to April it is rainy season.
Altitude
It has a height of 3,170 masl.
How to get to Lares Valley
To get to Lares you can access by doing 2 routes. The first Cusco - Pisaq - Calca - Lares and the second Cusco - Chinchero - Urubamba - Calca - Lares. The road is in very good condition but it still takes time to reach the destination, it is advisable to hire the services of an agency to reach the Lares Valley.
Medical tourism is a type of tourism that is gradually acquiring a greater number of followers, and that has in the Peruvian territory an impressive range of resources to choose from, since if there is something that abounds in all regions of the country These are the sources that, in addition to relaxing and relieving the visitor from stress, are capable of relieving any suffering they may have.
The Thermal Baths of Lares, are one of these thermomedical resources that the traveler will be able to enjoy when he goes to a region like Cusco. These thermal baths, as the name suggests, are located in the district of Lares, which is located in the province of Calca.
Lares Thermal Baths are made up of a group of four swimming pools. These are fed by waters that are tempered to different degrees. The temperature of the thermal pools of Lares fluctuate between 36 ° C and 44 ° C and the pools have dimensions between 17 m2 and 120 m2, with depths that do not exceed one and a half meters, making it suitable for a greater number of visitors.
These thermal baths are visited by the properties that present their waters, which in addition to offering comfort and stress relief are able to relieve certain conditions. This is achieved thanks to the fact that the waters of these Thermal Baths of Lares are fed by minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, among many others, which together allow us to fight diseases such as arthritis , osteoporosis, in addition to contributing to the rehabilitation of broken bones, combating muscle, stomach problems, among many others.
To get to the Lares Thermal Baths, the visitor has to travel from the city of Cusco to Calca, this tour can take approximately an hour and a half, and can be done on a public bus, this usually charges approximately S / 4.00 per passenger. Already in Calca a combi is taken that in two hours leaves it in the district of Lares, the cost of this vehicle does not usually exceed S / 10.00. From Lares you should only continue on foot for approximately 1 km to the thermal baths. This last tour can be completed in just fifteen minutes, depending on the physical conditions of the visitor, if you want you can also rent a taxi.
Those who visit the Thermal Baths of Lares should keep in mind that the only tourist infrastructure that exists in the place is the hot springs, and that the closest services can only be found in the city of Calca and Lares, despite these inconveniences, the environment The Lares Thermal Baths are more than suitable for camping, so the traveler will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of these waters for a longer time.
In order to access the Lares Thermal Baths, the visitor has to make a payment whose cost ranges between S / 3.00 and S / 5.00. Visits to these thermal baths can be made at any time of the day. LARES TREK INFORMATION
Long grouping of terraces with walls as retaining walls, which leave terraces suitable for agriculture.
Three-story building, the first two are two almost regular polyhedra and the third is adobe. The enclosure is rectangular and of excellent quality.
Foundations and remains of two identical buildings, inside and arranged next to it, in succession. A long adobe building, rectangular, on a prominent platform, a building that has many doors to the valley.
Many smaller enclosures dispersed and in poor condition.
An Inca road nearby oriented straight towards Cusco.
Some small loose enclosures, such as outposts or guard posts, on the edge of the cliff, with visual control over the wide valley.
Nail stones or false stone beams, belonging to the mojinete of the buildings.
How to get to Huchuy Qosqo?
The routes to get to Huchuy Qosqo Trek are many, among which we have:
Walk through the town of Lamay-Calca.
Walk through the town of Cuper Alto-Chinchero-Urubamba
Walk through the ruins of Tambomachay (the busiest)
Huch’uy Qosqo (Quechua: “Little Cuzco” also called Yuchuy Cuzco) is an archeological site 50 km north of Cusco, in Peru. It is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, above the city of Lamay, in the district of Calca, province of Calca, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The site was named in the twentieth century; He had previously been known as Kakya Qawani. Pedro de Cieza de León, in his Second Chronicle of Peru, said that the palaces were built by Viracocha, the eighth Inca ruler. Among a large number of buildings, some of stone, some of adobe, is a Kallanka (large hall) 40 m long. The water supply is an Inca built irrigation canal, filled with stones of about 800 meters.
Huchuy Qosqo was probably established as a royal estate by the Inca Emperor Viracocha around 1420 CE
The Spanish took control of Kakya Qawani in the year 1500, after the Inca Manco Revolution (approx. 1540) and the site is used as a farm. Villagers built several small reservoirs for irrigation. During their time in Huchuy Quosqo, the Spaniards demolished some other Inca structures to build the largest reservoir seen today.
Below the main site of Huch’uy Qusqu is the recently restored storehouse for meat and crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and dried beans. In this two-story structure, you can see the historic refrigeration storage system known as ‘conjeras’.
The settlement in the archeological ruin in Huchuy Qusqo dates back to between 1000 and 1400 CE. In the early 1400s, according to the Spanish chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, it became a real property of the semi-mythical Viracocha (c. 1410-1438), the eighth Inca ruler.
The Inca Empire did not impose the income or production of its citizens as a common practice, but rather controlled the land and labor. Thus, the Inca leaders acquired great real properties to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the properties. The royal properties also served as elegant rural palaces and sometimes fortresses to defend themselves against their rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, "Little Cusco", for a real property or government center modeled in the Inca capital.
To build, operate and maintain their assets, Viracocha and its descendants required a large number of workers. The citizens of the Inca empire were obliged, under the mit’a system, to contribute labor to the Empire, instead of paying taxes on their wealth or production. Mit'a impressed labor was probably found among nearby ethnic groups, although specialists and artisans could be imported.
Another Inca policy, that of mitma, was probably used to collect labor for the royal heritage. The mitmaqkuna were entire families or ethnic groups that moved to new lands in the empire or settled in enclaves among the first inhabitants of an area. The purpose was to widely distribute the different ethnic groups, thus separating potential troublemakers and reducing the possibility of organized resistance to the Incas. The mitmaqkuna were discouraged from mixing with local ethnic groups. A third source of work for the farm was the Yanakunas, the permanent servants of the Incas. The Yanakuna often reached high positions in the Empire, and as the mitma were ruled directly by the Incas. Still a fourth source of work for the royal states was aqllakuna, abducted women who lived together and produced textiles, an important source of Inca wealth, and chicha, the fermented drink consumed at parties. The Allakuna used to marry men honored for their service to the Empire.
These four sources provided the work and experience for the management of a real estate that could control thousands of acres of agricultural and grazing land, mines, textile factories and other resources and employ thousands of people. The sixteenth-century Spanish sources identify more than 40 ethnic groups found in an area of the Sacred Valley, an indication of the degree of resettlement and disruption of the population undertaken by the Incas during their reign.
Among a large number of buildings, some of stone, some of adobe, are a Kallanka (large hall), 40 m long. The water supply to the site is an irrigation canal built by the Incas, lined with stones for about 800 m.
Inca wall and agricultural terrace (anden). The Spanish took control of Huchuy Qosqo in the 1500s, after the Inca Revolution of Manco (approximately 1540) and used the site as a farm. The Incas had built several small reservoirs for irrigation. During their stay in Huchuy Qosqo, the Spanish demolished some other Inca structures to build the largest reservoir seen today.
Below the main site of Huchuy Qosqo are the recently restored qolqas stores for dried meats and crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and beans. In this two-story structure, you can see the historic refrigeration storage system known as "shells."
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
This site is inaccessible by a public road and can only be accessed by a physically strenuous walk or on horseback. The two main access points on foot are from Lamay: 3 hours to a series of sharp curves, or from Tauca, Peru, about 4 to 6 hours on foot. The first third of the walk steadily increases up to a step at 4400 m, then mostly Descent, and visiting other ruins. The 2-day route from Tauca to Lamay is described in "Exploring Cusco" by Peter Frost. Several tour groups also take two-day walks or horse riding excursions to Huchuy Qosqo.
KNOW MORE -This route starts in Ccorao, where it deviates to Patabamba and then to Quenqo, where the seven-hour hike that ends in Lamay, in the Sacred Valley begins.
-The name of Huchuy Qosqo was put in 1930 by the intellectual from Cusco, José Gabriel Cosio; but the real name is Qacya Qawarina (‘where is the thunder’).
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the places mentioned above Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
There is a kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) of at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an adobe upper one. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which a very well preserved road leads from Tambomachay.
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
The Hispanic chronicles indicate that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign strengthened the conquest over the villages of the Urubamba Valley and that he chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy from power and vice, He proved to be totally unable to govern. The Inca royalty was very obfuscated with this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make everything worse, the darkest night fell over Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were willing to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha leaves the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in its palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Hispanic conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it burned. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
