The Inca Trail is a spectacular four-day hike
starting in the Sacred Valley, rising through
the Andes, before descending again to the cloud
forest of Machu Picchu. The scenery constantly
changes as you climb and descend, and you are
rewarded with some of the finest mountain views
on earth. There is no better way to arrive at
Machu Picchu than on foot at the Sun Gate at
dawn, visiting the ruins in the early morning
light before most of the tourists arrive.

Departures: Thursdays from 18 Mar to 11 Nov 2010

Itinerary
Day 1 (Thursday) Lima
Fly from the UK to Lima. You are met at the
airport and escorted to your hotel (2 nights).

Day 2 (Friday) Lima
Take the optional Colonial Lima excursion to
discover the city’s fascinating past.

Day 3 (Saturday) Cusco
Morning flight to Cusco. Afternoon free to help
you acclimatise to the altitude (4 nights).

Day 4 (Sunday) Cusco
Join the optional Inca Cusco excursion to explore
the Inca sites in and around this historic city.

Day 5 (Monday) Cusco
Free day in Cusco. Walk the cobbled streets, go
shopping for traditional crafts or simply relax in
one of the city’s many cafes.

Day 6 (Tuesday) Cusco
Take the optional Sacred Valley excursion,
visiting the famous market in Pisac and the
incredible Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Day 7 (Wednesday) Inca Trail
An early morning drive to the start of the trail,
which follows the Urubamba River before starting
to climb. You pass several Inca sites, including
Llactapata, before arriving at Huayllabamba at
3,000m, where you have dinner and camp for the
night.

Day 8 (Thursday) Inca Trail
A tough, but rewarding, day begins with a steep
climb through woodland before arriving at Dead
Woman’s Pass at 4,200m, from where the views are
spectacular. You descend to your camp in the
Pacamayo Valley.

Day 9 (Friday) Inca Trail
Today, you pass the fascinating ruins of
Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca and
cross the second pass at 4,000m. The trail clings
to the side of the mountain, passing through a
500-year old Inca tunnel, before emerging to views
of the cloud forest below. The path drops steeply,
arriving at the fabulous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna,
where you spend the night. The hot showers here
are particularly welcome!

Day 10 (Saturday) Cusco
You set off before dawn, arriving at the Sun Gate
at first light for your first view of Machu
Picchu. Carrying on to the ruins, you have a
guided tour before descending to the valley of
Aguas Calientes, where you can then rest your
weary body in the hot springs. Catch the afternoon
train back to Cusco (2 nights).

Day 11 (Sunday) Cusco
A free day in Cusco to unwind after the trek or
further explore the area. Get to know Cusco
better; visit some of the 500 Inca sites around
the city, the beautiful Moray crop circles or the
incredible salt pans of Maras; revisit the Sacred
Valley; or perhaps try one of the many adventure
sports on offer.

Day 12 (Monday) Lima
Morning flight to Lima. Afternoon free. Go
shopping in fashionable Mirafores, visit the
famous Gold Museum or try one of the city’s many
excellent seafood restaurants (1 night).

Day 13 (Tuesday)
Fly overnight to the UK.

Day 14 (Wednesday)
Arrival in the UK.

Hotels
Standard Hotels:
Lima - Hotel San Agustin Exclusive
Cusco - Hotel San Agustin International

Superior Hotels: (supplement of £269)
Lima - Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection
Cusco - Hotel Libertador

Camping on the Inca Trail:
Good double tents are pitched for you at each
overnight stop. Communal tents for eating.
All meals are included.