Machu Picchu Adventure, October 2007 Planning Party #1: Saturday, January 27, 6:30pm

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1 Machu Picchu Adventure, October 2007 Planning Party #1: Saturday, January 27, 6:30pm Dear Friends, Every year I design a new adventure that meets my life goal of traveling everywhere and seeing everything this wonderful planet has to offer. Previous trips have included walking safaris in Africa, kayaking and camping in Antarctica, river rafting in Chile, sailing the Galapagos Islands, horseback riding through the Andes Mountains and many others, as well as many others to come. I plan these trips around what my research indicates to be the best ways to get the very most out of each experience. High on my list has been the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. This year my good friend Leo Le Bon, the founder of Mountain Travel Sobek, told me about a brand new way to experience the Inca Trail with all the comforts of a European style mountain lodge each night as opposed to camping. AND, if I committed to reserving an entire trip departure for twelve of us I could realize a substantial saving for those that joined me this first time. When I saw the pictures of the beautiful mountain trails and the comfort of the lodges I knew that this was my year for Machu Picchu. I d like to invite you to join me. If you have ever thought of trekking to Machu Picchu I strongly encourage you to consider taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Our trip will be one of the inaugural treks to open up a new route with Mountain Lodges of Peru. I have been able to secure a departure for twelve clients to join me along this alternate Inca trail route to Machu Picchu. Because of our connections with the owners of the lodges, this one time only we can offer a savings of up to $1,500 off the regular pricing of similar trips. Traditionally one has to camp in tents to experience the Inca Trail. This new approach incorporates staying in elegant mountain lodges with full service between each day of hiking. This is my year for Machu Picchu. I hope it s yours as well. Anthony Sandberg President/Founder OCSC Sailing

2 Machu Picchu Adventure This 15 day adventure to Peru offers broad exposure to Peruvian history and culture, and features a 6 day, 5 night lodge to lodge trek along an authentic Incan route to Machu Picchu. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Incas on a trek through Andean foothills to the beautiful and haunting lost city of Machu Picchu. This Peruvian journey will take us along an original and secluded Incan route through alpine hills, green valleys and high jungle, past rivers, glacial lakes, and stunning historical marvels. Each leg of the trek will conclude at a traditional mountain lodge designed in the same spirit as the Incan lodges of the past to welcome and restore travelers after their day s voyage. Unlike the original Incan lodges, however, these are endowed with modern luxuries such as Jacuzzis, eiderdown bedding, and cozy fireplaces. The warmth and comfort of these lodges will reinvigorate us for the next day s hike, and give a real sense of Peruvian hospitality. Before embarking on the four day trek to Machu Picchu, we will be introduced to Peruvian culture, both modern and ancient. After a brief stay in Lima, the city of Cusco awaits and will be our base as we explore Incan ruins and contemporary Andean life in the Urubamba, or Sacred, Valley the cradle of Incan civilization. Here we will experience bustling artisan markets, secluded hilltop villages, and thousands of years of human history. After this introduction to Peru s past and present, we will be ready to venture even further back in time on our trek to Machu Picchu. A variety of additional activities will be available horseback riding, fishing, hot springs, and plenty of free time to do your own exploration. The finest guides in Peru will lead us and enrich the trip with their unmatched knowledge of local history, natural surroundings, and the best way to reach Machu Picchu by foot. In addition, the trekking party will be accompanied by a local chef, who will prepare delicious hot meals, both Peruvian and international, to be enjoyed along the trail. After six days, our gourmet adventure will bring us to the impressive and mysterious treasure of Incan civilization. Nestled in the green of the surrounding hills, the hundredacre city of Machu Picchu remained untouched and undiscovered by Spanish conquistadores. Home to temples, houses, stairs and terraces, the ruins represent some of the most inspired structures to be built by human hands. The city is now believed to have been a retreat for Incan nobility, and the pervading sense of peace throughout the city will make it clear why. The pinnacle of our trip will conclude with a scenic train ride back to Cusco, as we begin our trip from the ancient land of the Incas back to modern civilization.

3 Itinerary Day 1, October 1 Fly to Lima Day 2, October 2 Arrive in Lima Meet at airport and transfer to Hotel Casa Andina Miraflores in the heart of Lima. Relax and enjoy the night in Lima. Dinner on your own. Day 3, October 3 Early transfer to the Lima airport to travel to Cusco. Meet at Cusco airport and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush agricultural region that was once a major Incan settlement. There you will visit the Pisac ruins, home to beautiful stone terraces and the impressive Sun Temple. You will also visit the classic Andean village of Pisac and its weekly market, where villagers from miles around come to sell and barter their wares. The night is spent at Hotel Luna Rumi in the Urubamba Valley. Breakfast included. Day 4, October 4 Full day visit to the Chincheros Village, Moray and Maras salt works. Chincheros is rich in cultural heritage. It is one of the few places in Cusco that maintains the Incan urban design. The remains of the Incan palace, the colonial church erected on stone foundations, its impeccable cultivation terraces and a colorful Sunday fair constitute its main attractions. From Chincheros, we head to Moray, home to vast terraces and a huge sunken amphitheater, all built of stone. They are believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural research and irrigation. Today they are visually stunning and testaments to Incan construction and ingenuity. Making our way north, we reach the town of Maras, known for its beautiful salt mines consisting of 3000 small pools. The salt works are still in operation and the spot is especially favored by photographers. Breakfast & Lunch included. Overnight at Hotel Luna Rumi. Day 5, October 5 Visit to the Ollantaytambo ruins & village. The well preserved and remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress is a superb example of Incan military strength, and is located in what was a strategic defense location, as well as a sacred religious site. The village of Ollantaytambo has retained its original Incan houses, layout, irrigation system and street names, allowing visitors to glimpse how original Incan villages functioned, and how Incan design is used in modern times. Breakfast & Lunch included. Return to Cusco and spend the night at Hotel San Agustin Plaza. Day 6, October 6 Morning free. Afternoon in the city of Cusco which includes a visit to the city Cathedral, a place rich with Spanish art and history, and Koricancha temple, an original Incan temple that is now a fusion of Incan culture and European influences.

4 Today also includes visits to four ancient Incan sites: Sacsayhuaman, an Incan fortress and perhaps the Incan site second only to Machu Picchu in its beauty, wonder, and preservation; Puca Pucara, an Incan military complex which offers expansive views of the Cusco Valley; Kenko a site of worship whose centerpiece is an enormous 20 foot high rock carved into the shape of a puma which dominates a series of canals and passageways painted with animals; and Tambomachay, famous Incan baths which are still used by locals. Breakfast included. Overnight at hotel San Agustin Plaza. Day 7, October 7 Travel to Soraypampa Valley, visiting the impressive ruins of Tarawasi. After leaving the ruins, you will have lunch in the mountain village of Mollepata before ascending a winding mountain track to the valley of Soraypampa. Spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort, where a leisurely afternoon will acclimate you to the altitude and precede an evening briefing and dinner. All meals included. Day 8, October 8 Soraypampa. This day is reserved for leisure or lodge activities glacial lake fishing, hiking local trails, taking in panoramic views. A guide will brief you in the evening on the gear and itinerary for the next four days. All meals included. Day 9, October 9 The start of your trek to Machu Picchu. After an early start, you will hike up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay. The highest point on the trek is a pass at 15,000 ft. At the pass you will stop to take in views of the snow capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, keeping your eyes open for Andean condors. Stopping for a hot lunch along the way, the day concludes at the Wayra Lodge. All meals included. Day 10, October 10 Huayraccmachay to Collpapampa: early morning free for exploration before hiking downhill above the Salkantay River, through increasingly verdant scenery. The Colpa Lodge is located in an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. After arrival, there will be enough time before dinner for an optional excursion to a nearby hot spring. All meals included. Day 11, October 11 Collpapampa to Lucmabamba: Today you will head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through more populated rural areas with coffee plantations and orchards, and stop for lunch along the river. From the river, it is a short climb to Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard, where you will spend the night. Before dinner, you will have the chance to explore the village and meet with members of the local community.

5 Day 12, October 12 Lucmabamba to Aguas Calientes: A hearty breakfast will start you off for the last day of your trek. You will head uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (8,500 ft), where you will stop for lunch. Shortly beyond the pass, you will be greeted by a distant but quite special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a view few tourists ever glimpse. The recently restored Llactapata Ruins are an added bonus to the day. Your final descent to the Vilcanota River will take you through lush bamboo forests and more orchards and coffee plantations. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are a short, scenic train ride away. Upon arriving from your train trip, you will be met by guides who will bring you to Hotel Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will have dinner and spend the night. All meals included. Day 13, October 13 Machu Picchu: Today is your day to explore the ancient site of Machu Picchu. A full day guided visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary allows you to fully explore and appreciate this marvel of human civilization. An afternoon train back to Cusco brings you back to modern times and the Hotel San Augustin Plaza. Breakfast and Lunch included. Day 14, October 14 Cusco to Lima to USA: After a flight from the Cusco airport back to Lima, you will be met and brought to the Hotel Casa Andina Miraflores until transferring to the Lima airport and returning home. Day 15, October 15 Return to United States

6 OCSC s Machu Picchu Trekking Adventure Trip Pricing: Dates, including travel time: October 1, 2007 October 15, 2007 Total land cost: $2,596 per person Maximum group size: 12 Travel to and from Peru, as well as internal flights, are travelers responsibility Air travel to and from Peru: Approximately $800 Internal Peruvian Airlines flights: Approximately $240 What s included? Licensed professional guides fluent in English Hotel and lodge accommodations as noted in the itinerary Meals as noted Group Airport transfers as noted Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary Vista dome train and bus tickets Entrance fees and permits What s not included? International airfare app. $800 Flights within Peru app. $240 Meals not noted in itinerary Insurance of any kind Excess baggage charges Airport taxes No immunization is needed for traveling in Peru. Visas Items of a personal nature alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc. For further information, please visit: