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Peru holiday, Empire of the Inca

country:Peru
location:Inca Trail
trip type:High altitude, strenuous trekking holidays
departures:Up to four departures a month on Saturdays from April to December
price:From £1499 - £1799 (14 days) including flights from the UK, from £939 excluding flights. Local payment US $350
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
Traversing the heart of the Inca empire.

Inca Sites & Condors
From the colonial city of Arequipa, you embark on an amazing drive across a high barren Andean plateau en route to the incredible Colca Canyon. Here you’ll watch condors soaring majestically on thermals rising from the depths below. Your journey continues to vibrant Cusco - where you’ll discover Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and other amazing Inca ruins.

Trek to Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley is the starting point for an unforgettable trek along the Inca Trail. With the assistance of porters, you set off through fantastic mountain scenery, stopping at the various Inca ruins along the way. Finally arriving at the sun gate you’ll be rewarded with your first view of Machu Picchu itself – the ‘crows nest’ site of an amazing lost Inca citadel.

Amazon Jungle Extension
You can round off your trip to Peru with a visit to the amazing Amazon rainforest. You’ll stay in a comfortable lodge on the Tambopata River and have two days to explore the rainforest.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Fly to Lima
Day 2:Lima; fly to Arequipa
Day 3-4:Colca Canyon; Watch for condors; return to Arequipa
Day 5:Fly to Cusco
Day 6:Drive to Sacred Valley via Sacsayhuaman & ruins
Day 7:Sacred Valley; free day – optional rafting or Pisac market
Day 8-11:4-day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 12:At Machu Picchu; train to Cusco
Day 13:Cusco; walking tour
Day 14:Fly to London via Lima
avoid disappointment - book your Inca Trail holiday in time
Inca trailIn the last few years, the Peruvian government has imposed increasing restrictions on tourism on the Inca Trail in order to protect it from overuse. The aim is to minimise ecological impact and erosion, mainly by having limited access and improving the quality of the operators. There are now only a very limited number of trekking permits available - 500 per day (around 200 for travellers and the rest for staff) - and they are being issued on a first-come-first-served basis. In order to avoid disappointment we recommend booking well in advance (up to a minimum of 3 months in peak season), unless you are extremely flexible over your travel dates.
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.
how this holiday makes a difference
On this trip: Our policy of staying in locally owned accommodation, having local group leaders and using transport owned and operated by local people wherever possible is continued in Peru. Our small groups (maximum of 16 people) have a minimal impact on the fragile environment. All tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimise the impact that they may have. We collect and dispose of all litter, boil all drinking water instead of using bottled water, and use responsible cooking fuels (kerosene) instead of wood. There is a 20kg weight limit for porters, who are now supplied with tents, food and rainwear.

Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.

Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.

Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.

Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.

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