Travel through Peru, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, dune board, white water rafting and the Nazca lines.
The exact itinerary and route that we follow on the adventure can vary slightly, depending on the season and changes on the ground, but the following should give you a good overview of the trip.
Starting in Cusco where the project has just taken place, you will be able to do some last minute exploring of the colorful markets in the surrounding Sacred Valley, always a great place to buy local crafts ranging from Alpaca woolen jumpers to musical instruments.
In the Urubamba Valley we begin our 4 day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This moderate to strenuous hike is a once in a lifetime experience and anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can master it. Many believe that Machu Picchu itself cannot be understood without following the steps of the Incas on the Inca Trail.
The following day we take our first long-haul bus journey to the attractive lake-side town of Puno, from where we shall base ourselves before taking a boat trip onto the world famous Lake Titicaca the next day. It is famous for being both the highest navigable lake in the world (at an almost staggering 4000ms!) and a focal point of the Inca culture.
By boat we visit the floating reed islands, where the Uros Indians have made their homes, during the day, before going beyond the average and spending the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known island of Isla Amantani.
The following day we head to Taquile to enjoy the local culture and learn about the island’s hats and their various significances, as well as more about the Inca influences on this incredible lake.
On leaving this picturesque town we continue across the Andes towards Arequipa. You will have three days to explore this beautiful colonial city and the spectacular surrounding area. There are options to go horse riding, cycling, or trekking, climb the towering El Misti volcano or visit the Colca Canyon, which at 900 m is not only one of the deepest in the world but also the home of the majestic Condors. Here, if you are early enough, you can view the condors circling lazily in the thermals rising from the canyon floor.
From here we continue up the coast to one of th e world's greatest archaeological mysteries, The Nazca Lines. These huge figures carved into the desert floor are best viewed by air. Thought to have been made by three different civilizations going back more than 2000 years, there are many contrasting theories about what they signify and why they are there.
Having seen the lines we move up to the beautiful oasis of Huacachina near Ica. With enormous sand dunes on all sides this is a lovely retreat to enjoy a quiet drink before taking on the challenge of sand boarding in these vast expanses of sand. However, the boarding is just one aspect of it - the dune buggies add a whole new dimension to the Huacachina experience!
Our final stop before Lima is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. Here we take a boat trip to view one of the most important marine reserves in the world with the highest concentration of rare and exotic sea birds and sea mammals.
aving seen the wildlife, we make our way back to Lima to rest before taking the stunning bus ride up to Huaraz. Nestled in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, and looked over by the mighty Huascaran (Peru's highest mountain at a staggering 6768 m above sea-level) Huaraz is famous the world over for its stunning trekking and mountaineering opportunities in particular. Here you can take on the challenge of the stunning Santa Cruz Trek should you wish to.This four day trek starts in the scenic town of Cashapampa before passing under a dozen peaks over 5,800 metres, and climbing on the third day up to 4800m to take in the indescribable views that can be seen both ways down the valley.
After 4 amazing days of walking the trip finishes going though the beautiful turquoise lakes of Llanganuco. Alternatively you might choose to spend your time in Huaraz exploring all that this small city and its environs have to offer - from thermal baths and ghost towns to glaciers, stunning lakes and ice-climbing.
After a final celebratory night in Huaraz we will then make our way back to Lima where the Adventure will finish and you will be free to explore all that this fascinating and constantly evolving city has to offer.
Kitty $390