Inca trail trekking holiday

country:	Peru
location:	Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
trip type:	Moderate / strenuous walking holidays
departures:	2009: 3 May, 24 May, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 16 Aug, 6 Sep, 20 Sep, 4 Oct, 25 Oct 2010: 4 Apr, 2 May, 23 May, 4 Jul
price:	From £1790 - £2320 (9 days) including flights from the UK. From £660 - £780 (7 days) excluding flights. Price includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners

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Walking holidays here

Inca trail holidays here

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the amazing things you'll be doing

Follow the classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu
Fully supported trek with our porters from Misminay village
Soak up the atmosphere of Cusco, the old Inca capital

What better way to approach the matchless splendour of the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu than along the trails once used by the Incas themselves? This spectacular trek follows the meandering course of the Urubamba River valley under the often snow-capped mountains of the Andes, on a 4-day trek to the site of one of the most spectacular archaeological finds of any age.

With a chance to enjoy the colonial delights of Cusco and the Indian culture of the Sacred Valley, this is a journey into the heart of one of the most mystical landscapes on earth. Those who wish to can also extend their journey with a stay in an Amazon lodge in the heart of the remote Peruvian jungle.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley
The ancient Inca capital of Cusco is the starting point for our Andean Adventure. A fascinating fusion of Inca and Spanish building styles, combined with the colourful local sights and sounds, means there's plenty to be explored. From here we head to the Sacred Valley via Pisac, famous for its bustling market, to Ollantaytambo where there's time to try white water rafting on the Urubamba River.

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.

Explore the Amazon with a 3-night extension
It is possible to extend your stay in Peru with a 3-night sojourn in a jungle lodge deep in Amazonia. Flying to Puerto Maldonado, you can explore the Amazon jungle by dugout canoe and also on foot for close-up views of exotic tropical flora. There's plenty of time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Depart from London. Airport, to arrive in Lima the same day. Overnight in Lima, then fly to Cusco to join tour.
Day 2:	Join tour Cusco. PM free. Our journey begins in Cusco, the old heart of the Inca Empire and the archaeological capital of the Americas. Overnight Hotel H+.
Day 3:	Transfer to the Sacred Valley and visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).
Day 4:	Trek to Huayllabamba via Llactapata. Approx walking: 5 hrs. Overnight wild camp C (included meals: B, L, D).
Day 5:	Trek to Pacaymayo via Llulluchapampa and the Warmihuanusqa Pass (4215m). Approx walking: 7 hrs. Overnight wild camp C (included meals: B, L, D).
Day 6:	Trek to Winaywayna via the Runkuracay Pass and Sayacmarca. Approx walking: 7 hrs. Overnight bush camp C (Included meals: B, L, D).
Day 7:	Trek to Machu Picchu. Full day at site, then bus and train to Cusco. Approx walking: 3 hrs Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B, L).
Day 8:	Tour ends in Cusco. (Included meals: B).
Day 9:	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.

award winner

This tourism business won an Award in our 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Daily Telegraph, World Travel Market, Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society and BBC World News.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

This trip offers travelers with a small group philosophy (maximum group size is 14) 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. This tour is led by a local tour leader who is also the trek guide on the trail. The trek guide is supported by the assistant trek guide and our great team of porters. We use locally owned hotels in Cusco, ensuring that more of your money goes to the local community.

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