 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Let's Get In Shape
For Something!
Here's the info on the next FitnessQuest.
FitnessQuest P E R U Nov. 23rd – Dec. 2nd 2008
The lost sister city of Machu Picchu.
CHOQUEQUIRAU
Adventure of a lifetime…
“Hike It” or “Bike It”
Choquequirau – The Golden Cradle – is the sister city to Machu Picchu – being about the same size, serving the same religious, political and agricultural functions. Discovered in the 1700s and forgotten, the first restoration didn’t even begin until 1993. It is still only 30% uncovered. (This is like seeing Machu Picchu 35 years ago).
Built by the Inca Topa (predecessor to the Inca Pachachuti, who built Machu Picchu), The Golden Cradle sits on a ridge surrounded by a crown of 15,000 ft peaks, and the most holy of Peruvian mountains, Salkantay. Abandoned in the late 16th century - - just shut down, tools left in place for archaeologists to find hundreds of years later, the first non-native to visit was Juan Arias Díaz, a Spanish explorer who arrived in 1710.
This scared site is relatively deserted, compared to the endless bus loads at Machu Picchu, mostly because it’s so hard to get to, but that might all change soon. According to a New York Times article, Peru’s Institute of National Cultural (INC) is already making plans to cut a bus road in through the mountains and open Choquequirau for full-blown tourism.
Only about 6,000 people hike into Choquequirau each year (many of them returnees). The hikers on this trip will join a select group of explorers who have experienced this scared place. For the cyclists who attempt to ride this trail, you will be among the first.
Your Adventure:
Having arrived in Cusco by the 23rd of November, via Lima, we’ll acclimatize with tours of the Incan capital and the sacred valley. On the third day we’ll transport to the trailhead at the village of Cachora, and descend 4,000 ft. (about 10 miles) to our Apurimac River campsite. The next day we climb 5,000 ft. (about 11 miles) to our base camp near the ruins. Then, for two days we’ll explore the sacred site with licensed Peruvian Guide and cultural interpreter, Fernando Silva - fluent in English and Quechua, the ancient language, still spoken by the rural people. We’ll be supported during our adventure by Silva’s professional crew, including indigenous chef - Mario Turpo and local porters.
We’ll retrace our route back to Cusco and have a few days to enjoy the City. (Additional excursions, available including; Machu Picchu.)
Horses for the trail to Choquequirau can be made available for children and adults who think they might need some assistance with the climb. (There will be at least two children on this trip, a 10 yr. old and a 17 year old.)
Basic Trip: 2 days organized in Cusco, 6 days on the trail, 2 more days in Cusco.
Dead-Line to sign up: August 31
Payment schedule:
$250 before August 31.
$250 by September 30.
$250 by October 15th.
Balance due Nevember 1st. (Based on number of people going on trip.)
Price Includes: All meals on the trail, expert and licensed guide services, cook and porters, all the camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags…), all camp fees, trail fees and entrance fees to Choquequirau, entrance fees to select local Cusco cultural sites and basic ground transportation in Cusco and to & from Cachora.
Price Does Not Include: Airfare, meals or accommodations for those 4 days off the trail, airport departures taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to staff, travel insurance, horse or bike rentals and other expenses of a personal nature (liquor, laundry…)
Minimum number of people to make this trip happen: 10 people (we already have 5)
Pricing:
With 10 people, the price would be $1,005.31 per person.
12 people @ $890.83 per person.
14 people @ $817.19 per person
16 people @ $757.90 per person
18 people @ $705.34 per person
20 people @ $702.90 per person
For more information contact Jeff Della Penna (505) 231-5039