Heights of Machu Picchu holiday
| country: | Peru |
| location: | Inca Trail, Machu Picchu |
| trip type: | Strenuous trekking holidays |
| departures: | Weekly or fortnightly departures between March - October, trips leave on Sundays |
| price: | From £1699 - £1872 (15 days) including flights from the UK. Local payment US $320. Single room option £75. This trip can also be booked without flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Our 2-week adventure in Peru explores the very heart of the pre-Columbian Empire of the Sun. It includes Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Inca civilisation, and the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu.
Lake Titicaca & Cusco Flying up to Juliaca, we skirt the shores of Lake Titicaca (3856m), the highest navigable body of water on earth. From Puno you can choose to visit the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands or the more remote community on Taquile island.
Then we travel across the altiplano by train to the Inca capital, Cusco, where we explore the huge city-fortress of Sacsayhuaman and visit the bustling market of Pisac.
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Threading our way through the Cordillera de los Andes, we should enjoy marvellous views of the ancient cloud forest and glaciated peak of Salkantay (6271m) - the 'Maker of Awesome Skies'. We'll camp near crumbling Inca sites where the only access is on foot. Finally, we descend the winding stone steps to Machu Picchu itself: straddling two peaks of the Andes, the terraces, residences and temples perfectly preserve the ancient world of the Incas. After exploring this unique site, we board the train back to Cusco.
Lake Titicaca & Cusco Flying up to Juliaca, we skirt the shores of Lake Titicaca (3856m), the highest navigable body of water on earth. From Puno you can choose to visit the Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands or the more remote community on Taquile island.
Then we travel across the altiplano by train to the Inca capital, Cusco, where we explore the huge city-fortress of Sacsayhuaman and visit the bustling market of Pisac.
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Threading our way through the Cordillera de los Andes, we should enjoy marvellous views of the ancient cloud forest and glaciated peak of Salkantay (6271m) - the 'Maker of Awesome Skies'. We'll camp near crumbling Inca sites where the only access is on foot. Finally, we descend the winding stone steps to Machu Picchu itself: straddling two peaks of the Andes, the terraces, residences and temples perfectly preserve the ancient world of the Incas. After exploring this unique site, we board the train back to Cusco.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly London/Lima |
| Day 2: | Fly Juliaca; drive via Sillustani ruins to Puno |
| Day 3: | Fly Juliaca; drive via Sillustani ruins to Puno |
| Day 4: | Train to Cusco |
| Day 5: | In Cusco; walking tour; visit Sacsayhuaman fortress and Pisac market |
| Day 6-10: | 6 to 10 5-day 'Inca Trail' trek to Machu Picchu; final day visit site and return by train and bus to Cusco |
| Day 11-12: | In Cusco; optional half-day Urubamba rafting |
| Day 13: | Fly Lima |
| Day 14: | Fly London. |
| Day 15: | Arrive London. |
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
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This trip offers travelers with a small group philosophy the chance to trek the fabulous Inca Trail! In recent years there have been increasing regulations on the Trail aimed at preserving this fragile, world renowned heritage site, and we are pleased to state that we comfortably fit into these regulations and are actively involved in several initiatives which support the communities with which we work in Peru.
On the trek we use look at our impacts at every level - from using eco-friendly toilets, biodegradable soap and eating locally grown produce (such as quinoa soap and lupin stew!), to establishing a relationship with the community of our porters. Aside from ensuring a fair deal for our local team of porters, we work closely with Inca Porter Project in Cusco - involved in educational projects for people of this remote community - and have helped to fund a community hall in the village of Mismanay where they are based (we can sometimes arrange a visit during our spare time in Cusco). Local operators run our optional excursions, ensuring that the money goes directly to the supplier and the community. As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |