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Machu Picchu / Photography Expedition 2007

DAY 5. HIKE #3
PACAMAYO TO WINAY WAYNA 15 KMS (7 ½ MILES).

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkaracay. These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below . Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part being original. This section of the trail, up until the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and skirts deep precipices. After about an hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.

You have to backtrack a little to re join the trail as it passes Conshmarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a a rest stop for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way.

The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m). The view from the pass offers excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,180m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds' . Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths" probably used for the ritual worship of water. Leaving the site via an impressive Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end of the baths) you descend a thousand or so steps.

After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostel at Winay Wayna although it probably won't be for another 2 hours before you arrive.

Wiñay Wayna ( 8, 695 ft) is the last official campsite before Machu Picchu. There is a restaurant where you can purchase drinks and even a well deserved beer, as well as hot showers ($1.5) and toilets. A short trail leaves the southern end of the hostel to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu.

DAY 6. # HIKE 4
WINAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU 5 KMS (2 ½ MILES).

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007
Lodging in El Presidente
Meals: Breakfast.

The trail from the hostel to Machu Piccchu is clearly marked and takes about 1-1/2 hours. We'll wake up early at 4:30 am, have breakfast and set off on the trail again by 5:30 am to get to Machu Picchu before sunrise. The sky starts getting light by 5:30am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu at about 7:00am. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into the cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu (7,875ft) is spread out before you in all its glory - a fantastic sight to see.
When you arrive at the ruins you'll have plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu from the classic view point. Most groups wait at this point for a while so most of your photos should be 'tourist free'. When the group is back together again we descend to the main entrance where you can safely leave your large backpacks. You can also go to the toilet and have a quick coffee in the restaurant just outside the entrance. With just your daypack the group will re-enter the ruins with the same guide for a complete tour of the major sectors. The tour takes about 2 hours so by about 10:30 you'll have free time to explore the ruins alone.

There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets. You may also wish to pay a visit to the towns famous thermal springs, which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs cost $2.00 U.S. Allow two hours to really enjoy them.

DAY 7. HIKE #5

Friday, August 24th, 2007
Lodging in El Presidente
Meals: Breakfast.

Departure to Machu Picchu at 6:10 AM.
We return early to Machu Picchu for a morning guided exploration. There will be plenty of t time for personal exploration and photographing along with climbing Wayna Picchu. These are additional choices for people to explore:

1. Climb Huayna Picchu. Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes roundtrip. Spectacular view of Machu Pichuu known as the Condor view.

2. Explore Machu Picchu on your own with plenty of time for photography.

3. Vist Templo de la Luna (The Moon Temple) which is located beside the holy mountain of Huayn Picchu. Roundtrip hike is appoximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

4. Visit an Inca Bridge. This is a unique experience to see how the Incas constructed their bridges.

DAY 8. RETUR BY TRAIN

Return by train to Cuzco by train and bus back to your hotel in Cuzco. Departure time is 5:45 AM with arrival in Cuzco at 9:30 AM. This will give you plenty of time in Cuzco to rest, explore, shop, have a local beer, eat, and photograph the local culture.

Lodging: Sonesta Posada del Inca Cuzco.
Meals: Breakfast.
In: Saturday, August 25th, 2007
Out: Sunday, August 26th, 2007

DAY 9. CUSCO-LIMA

Transfer to the Airport to your flight to Lima.
Lodging: Sonesta Posada del Inca Miraflores, Lima.
In: Sunday, August 26th, 2007
Out: Monday, August 27th, 2007

DAY 10. FLY HOME. PERU-USA

Monday, August 27th, 2007
Transfer to Lima Airport for the flight to the U.S., and connect to your return flight home.

BRENDAN REGAN-PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION

Professional photographer and diver, Brendan Regan set out four years ago with a Photography Expedition Program. While focusing on Central America, Brendan's work focuses on the unexpected moment of everyday life. His passion for recording the people in his travels reveal the soul and the culture of places he visits. Brendan is also an educator teaching photography at a College in Seattle, Washington. His trips bring the classroom into the field. His main goal is to assist you in capturing the memorable photographs of the faces, architecture, landscape and ultimately the spirit of these special places. For additional information about this trip visit his Web Site:

WWW.REGANIMAGES.COM

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