Machu Picchu Trek

Arrive Lima and check-in at hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel

We fly up to Juliaca on the high Altiplano, then make a short drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3810m, and also the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. The local Aymara, Quechua and Uros people have larger lungs, hearts and spleens, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles. This has enabled them to adapt to high altitude living. En route to Puno we visit the 'chullpas' (funeral towers) of Sillustani, which probably date from the 14th century.

Overnight Standard Hotel

From Puno we may take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We then continue to the less visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage and the islanders still speak the language of the Inca – Runa Simi or Quechua. Alternatively, there is the opportunity to visit the British built Yavari Steamer now under restoration (optional).

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way to find Cusco. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano we cross Las Raya pass (4335m) and descend to Cusco visiting the Inca temple ruins at Raqchi en route. Depending on time, those who wish may visit the colonial church at Andahuaylillas. The scenery is desolate but magnificent and we may spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures. There is also the opportunity to take the classic train journey from Puno to Cusco (optional) - one of the great railway journeys of the world, the full day journey covers some spectacular scenery over the high altiplano. We arrive at this fascinating mountain city and check into our hotel. Please note: the train must be prebooked at time of booing and costs 115GBP per person.

Overnight Standard Hotel

The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. The interlocking stones, assembled so carefully that a knife blade cannot be forced between the multi-sided joints, were highly functional as well as beautiful – they are earthquake-proof! During our stay, we plan to visit the remarkable market at Pisac, perhaps the most famous indigenous market in Peru. We will also visit Cusco’s temple-citadel Saqsaywaman which broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire. 20,000 conscripted workers toiled for 90 years to finish it. We also plan a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca monuments, such as the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls.

Overnight Standard Hotel

We drive to 82km, stopping at the Inca site of Ollantaytambo. The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored. Our trek starts by crossing the Urubamba river, then follow its rapids down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2700m). Here we camp below the ruins of Llaqtapata. (Approx 5 hrs walking)

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Lunch, Dinner

Following the course of the Kusichaca river the trail leads to Huayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night.Approx 5 hrs walk

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3950m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. Sayacmarca ruins are on a rocky promontory. They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Our trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Phuyupatamarka ruins (3579m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. Approx 8hrs walking

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2591m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site, then travel down to our simple accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu. Approx 4 1/2 hrs walking

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Train permitting, there may be time to climb the steep peak of Wayna Picchu to look down on the Temple of the Sun. Later we return to Cusco by train and then by bus.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We have time for personal exploration, perhaps visiting some of the sites within a bus ride of the city. For those interested in archaeology, the Inca sites of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay are readily accessible. A longstanding favourite is to do some exciting white water rafting (grade 2–3) on the Urubamba river (optional). No previous experience is necessary as instruction is given and all safety equipment is provided.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Founded in 1535 and called the City of Kings, Lima today is both ancient and modern. We can take an optional city tour, stroll through Plaza San Martín and Bolívar and enter the fascinating Catacombs of the convent of San Francisco. Passing through the colonial squares and under the intricate modern balconies of old Lima, we see some of the city’s best surviving examples of colonial architecture.(Optional)

Overnight Standard Hotel

The tour ends in Lima this morning after breakfast.