Exploration Hikes

All the hikes that are presented in our other pages are tried and tested – we have done the exploration, picked the best places to camp and ascertained what the route is really like. However, there are a still a million places out there that we haven't visited – and would like to. These places are generally way off the tourist routes and little visited.

We would like to offer the opportunity to those adventurous souls out there to accompany us on our “Exploration Hikes.” We are being upfront with you – we haven't been to these places before – as such there might be VERY long waits for buses, some early EARLY morning starts and quite often hikes of ten to twelve hours a day as we look for a good campsite or get over a pass. However, to make up for these small inconveniences you will be truly heading off into the wilderness and will feel like the first person that has passed that way.

We always take local arrieros with us who know the route, and so there is little chance of getting lost. Sometimes we end up in staying in their families' houses high in the mountains and it is a special experience to be surrounded by Quechua speaking people in a smoky hut.

The prices for these trips are obviously lower because they are “exploration hikes” – and you won't be paying a guide. We will pay a cook to come along, and we need to pay the arriero and for food. We will also provide you a tent and mattress. You will need to pay your transport costs, for any hostels we might stay in or food at restaurants or while travelling. We are sorry, we cannot guarantee the total number of days for the trip.

WE ARE NO LONGER OFFERING THESE HIKES IN THIS FORMAT. SORRY FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

Tinqui to Paucartambo (approx. 8 days)

Ratchi to Pitumarca and Tinqui, via Laguna Sibinacocha (approximately 11 days)

Manu Jungle Expedition (approximately 9 days)

Nevado Ampay

Tinqui to Paucartambo (approximately 8 days)

Last time we were in Ausangate, our arriero (muleteer) got to telling us about the Q'ero people that live in the mountains. They are supposed to be the last of the Incas, who sought refuge from the Spanish conquistadors high in the mountains. For 500 years the Q'ero elders have preserved a sacred prophecy of a great change, or "pachacuti," in which the world would be turned right-side-up, harmony and order would be restored, and chaos and disorder ended. We will cross the mountains to the high mountain village of Paucartambo where there are some interesting Inca ruins. We anticipate this hike will take about eight days – the first day taking the bus to Tinqui and the last day returning for 5 hours by bus from Paucartambo. Our trip will start near the spectacular snow capped massif of Ausangate and pass down to near the high jungle before ending in the high mountains once again.

Ratchi to Pitumarca and Tinqui, via Laguna Sibinacocha (approximately 11 days)

The Temple of Viracocha in Ratchi is the biggest known Inca building still standing and its worth a look! From here we will head into the Cordillera Vilcanota and towards the Ausangate mountain. This is supposed to be one of the most scenically varied hikes in ALL of Peru – but also one of the most strenuous!!!!

PRICE: $245 per person (min. 2 people)

If you have a group of five or more people, please contact us for a special rate.

For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking

Manu Jungle Expedition (approximately 9 days)

Day 1 – 3: as per Mountains to Manu trip – have a look at this trip here.

Day 4: As per Manu to Mountains trip day four, to Atalaya. In this expedition we will continue by bicyle for another four hours. Camp in bush camp, possibly by a jungle river, half way between Salvacion and Shintuya. Accommodation: Bush camp

Day 5: Its about five more hours cycling to Itahuania, from where we will take a private boat to Boca Manu (unless of course there is a boat passing by!) Accommodation: Basic Hostel Boca Manu

Days 6 – 8: Travelling downriver to a clay lick, visiting Boca Colorado on the way and also seeing the rich diversity that Manu has to offer.

Day 9: Arrival in gold mining centre of Laberinto. Cycling to Puerto Maldonado (approx. 4 hours) Your tour ends in Puerto Maldonado this evening.

You have a number of options from Puerto Maldonado:

• Border crossing to Brazil via Iñapari. Many nationalities need a visa to enter Brazil. Some people have immediately entered Bolivia from Brazil (at Riberalta). You can contact us for more information on this trip.
• Border crossing to Bolivia via the Rio Heath. There is some information in most guidebooks about this, or contact us.
• Do a jungle tour – check out the story about our Tambopata Volunteer experience here http://members.westnet.com.au/tinglefarms/playing_jungle_jane.html
• Bus or truck back to Cusco – about 24 hours and around 100 soles.
• Flight back to Cusco – 45 minutes.

PRICE ON APPLICATION

Nevado Ampay (approx. 6 days)

Near the city of Abancay (approx. 6 hours from Cusco) is the National Park of Ampay with the Nevado Ampay( 5270 m) at its centre. In this hike with its lakes and endemic Intimpa forest we will circle the mountain. On return we will also visit the colonial bridge over the Pachachaca river and relax in the thermal baths.

For further information about the mountain, have a look at the Peruvian Guide to Parks

PRICE ON APPLICATION

APUS PERU Adventure Trekking Specialists 

Copyright A.Svenson 2005. All material used within this web site is original work and is subject to international copyright law.Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.