Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu - the city in the clouds. Hidden by mists and mountains, this is the place that even the Spanish conquistadors couldn't reach - and they would go anywhere for the gold of El Dorado. Now you can go there, with Maximum Adventure. What you will see is a whole city left behind by the legendary Inca civilisation, which built up a whole empire in and around the mountains of Peru. It's all in a truly spectacular setting.

The city is in a remarkable state of preservation. Step back in time. Learn how this ancient civilisation lived: how they lived and worked, how they ruled, and how they did astronomy. Visit their temples, living quarters, marvel at their sculptures - the place gives a most vivid and accessible picture of how a complex civilization could have developed without the discoveries of western science. The walk will also offer a fascinating insight in to the more recent cultural traditions, as you visit the people who now inhabit these high and remote places.

Machu Picchu itself went undiscovered till the early 20th century, when Hiram Bingham of Yale University uncovered it. What he found was an almost perfectly preserved city from pre-Columbian times, left untouched by invaders from the West. It was built as a royal city for the emperor You may have seen it on numerous TV documentaries, or in movies such as Secret of the Incas, Aguirre Wrath of God, or The Motorcycle Diaries. Images of Machu Picchu are well known. To actually go there and experience the unique magic of the place is just a dream for many - would you like live your dreams?

Please note: this is a complex itinerary, and certain elements of it may need to be varied in accordance with conditions on the ground, as the guides see fit.

You fly from London to Lima, Peru. From there, you take a plane to Cusco. You'll start your adventure at Cusco, a city of half a million people at great altitude. Cusco itself is a historic place: the ancient capital of the historic Inca empire. You'll have the better part of two days in Cusco to get used to the place. A look at the altitudes in this itinerary may give the impression that it's downhill from Cusco. That's far from the case! You will pass along well established but fairly narrow paths along very steep mountainsides, and will have to go up over several passes on the way to the city. You'll pass deep cloud forest , typical of the andes, and From there, you'll be transported to the start of the trail. You walk the trail to Machu Picchu, arriving at dawn on the fourth day of the trek, and visit the city. In the afternoon, you'll be transported down the mountain and will be transferred back to Cusco.

You may well ask, Why the firm deposit months ahead? Machu Picchu is a truly special place. Unique, in fact. People have visited in increasing numbers in recent years. Over the last quarter century, it has been recognized that visitor numbers have a significant stress on ancient sites such as Machu Picchu. As a result, a permit system has been introduced. Only 500 people per day, including all guides and support staff, are allowed on the trails. Only licenced operators are allowed to go there, and every visitor has to buy a permit well in advance. Your name has to appear on the permit list when the permits are released. Once you've given your deposit, we will take care of this process for you. What this means for you is that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. You cannot change your mind and get your money back.

Remember, your tour is a Limited Edition. This way, it makes for a better experience for you, and it preserves the site for people to come, according to sound and culturally-sensitive principles.

This is a tough hike, with days of up to 7-8 hours trekking. Most important is the altitude.

We recommend that you follow a fitness plan in preparation for your challenge, an example of one will be sent to you when you have confirmed your booking.

Although the fitness plan we will send to you has been devised by a fitness professional, this is only provided as a guide and you should seek professional advice before starting your own fitness regime.

Please call us on 017683 71289 to register your interest and discuss dates with us directly.

Between January ad February 2012, permits will be released for trips through January 2013.

Season

The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance. The trail can be done in any other month. The usual season is between April and October to avoid the wet months.

2013 Price: £1995pp

Inclusions