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Peru - Inca Trail - 8 days, Lima to Cuzco
- Challenge:
- Adventure
- Destination:
- *Peru
- Departure Dates From:
- 13/05/2008
- Duration:
- 2 weeks
- Kitty:
- £ 0
Inca Trail - 8 days, Lima to Cuzco
Start off in Lima and get a feel of the colonial past. Fly to Cuzco, an intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish architecture. Visit the sacred valley. Spend four days walking the Inca trail, enjoy the ancient paths, wind past mountains, cross high plateaus and trek through dense cloud forests ending at the famous Machu Picchu.
These trips depart every Tuesday and selected Saturdays. The trip costs £370, with a local payment of $300, this should be paid on the first day of your trip locally. Full passport details will be needed to secure the Inca trail pass.
Day 1 Lima
The Plaza Mayor, in the heart of Lima's historic centre, is an excellent place to get a feel for Peru's colonial past. Surrounded by churches, the centre has a distinctly Spanish flavour. Nearby, the Museo de la Inquisicion offers an insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the beautiful Monasterio de San Francisco houses some fascinating catacombs.
Day 2 Cuzco
An intriguing blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, there is plenty to see and do in Cuzco. Take a walking tour to get acquainted with some of the lesser known sights of this wonderful town and admire the Inca-built walls that line the central streets. For a change of pace, head to the central market to browse the stalls alongside Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas and maybe pick up some alpaca goods or magic charms.
Day 3 Sacred Valley
Visit Pisac with its famous artisan market and travel through the fertile Sacred Valley, where most of the region's fresh produce is grown. Look out for the maize crops surrounding the river and covering the terraces, carved high into the valley walls. These crops have long been the main source of food for the high Andes. In Ollantaytambo the geometrically perfect streets are a magnifcent example of Incan urban planning and a testament to the greatness of the former empire - this is one of the few places the Incas defeated the Spanish.
Days 4-7 Inca Trail
Trek along one of the trails that once linked the Inca Empire. The ancient paths wind past mountains, across high plateaus and through dense cloud forest and temple ruins. Cross challenging mountain passes, including Dead Woman's Pass at 4,200 m, and camp out in the evenings. Be sure to stop and take in the stunning panoramic views along the way.
On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, and watch magnificent Machu Picchu rising from the mist. Rest for a moment before striking out to uncover the mystery of these amazing Inca ruins - were they a noble retreat, astonomical observatory or something else? You decide. Wandering through the temples and palaces, there are plenty of photo opportunities so don't forget your camera. Back in Cuzco why not find a cafe to down a celebratory glass of Pisco Sour, the national drink?
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