Peru - Beyond the Inca Trail

Days 1 and 2. Outbound

Fly to Lima, and after a brief overnight stop, fly on up to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas.

Days 3 and 4. Cusco

An incredible blend of Inca and Spanish colonial buildings, colourful markets, cathedrals and a clear atmosphere gives Cusco a unique feeling. You will be given a guided tour of the city and the nearby Inca sites, allowing you time to acclimatise to the altitude of 3300 metres and to learn about some of the extraordinary Inca culture. _{You will be able to visit the famous Inti Raymi festival on our June departure}.

Days 5 to 8. Trekking

You travel by road to Mollepata, where you begin your trek. The route takes you close to the sacred mountain of Salkantay, through some beautiful and seldom visited high altitude terrain. Here you will be able to enjoy the mountain scenery, without having to concentrate on the Inca culture! With two high camps at nearly 4000 metres, you will be well acclimatised by the time you join up with the Inca trail.

Days 9 to 11. Inca Trail

Now following the classic Inca trail, an amazing walkway through the mountains constructed by the Incas, you cross three high passes before reaching the sacred city of Machu Picchu. You will have the opportunity to see the sunrise from the sun-gate, and to arrive early at the 'lost city' before the crowds arrive on the morning train from Cusco. You will be given a guided tour of the ruins, as well as being allowed free time for reflection in this extraordinary place. In the afternoon you descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo.

Day 12. The Sacred Valley

After visiting the Inca sites at Ollantaytambo you travel by road to Pisac, the last important Inca site of the holiday, before returning to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Day 13. Cusco

A free day in Cusco with the option of doing some white- water rafting, pony trekking, mountain biking, or simply browsing the colourful and extraordinarily cheap local markets.

Days 14 and 15. Homeward

Fly to Lima to connect with the international flight to the UK, arriving home the following evening.

Please see Inca Trail Regulations and alternativesfor more information.