South America Gap Year Tours

Inca Trail – 8 days

If you have a deep desire to take part in one of the most coveted journeys in the world – the 45km Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this eight-day tour is for you. Providing all of the essentials for a successful adventure from Lima to Cusco and through elevation changes of more than 7,500 feet to Machu Picchu, under the watchful eye of the towering mountains of the ancient Inca.

Age Range
This tour is designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are aged from 25 to 55, every year we get people both above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 55 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness.

Peru
Peru boasts a diverse mixture of sandy beaches, beautiful rainforest and towering peaks, all hiding some of Peru’s most spectacular mysteries. Machu Picchu is the most famous enigma of all; a city lost within the mountains but finally rediscovered early in the 20th Century. With this incredible destination, there can surely be no trek in the world more rewarding than the Inca Trail.

Climate
The summer or wet season is from November to April with an average daytime temperature 25°C, with mild nights and rainfall a common occurrence in the afternoons. The rest of the year is known as the dry season. It is a little cooler but rarely rains. In the mountains, the daytime is around 20-25°C all year round. In the dry season nights are cold, sometimes below freezing, especially from July to September. The Amazon basin is generally hot and humid, but in the dry season the temperature can fall to around 10-12°C.

Tour Information
After spending your first afternoon exploring the heart of Lima, our journey begins early in the morning of day two. You will be collected from your hotel in Lima and transferred to the airport for the flight to Cusco, the legendary former capital city of the Incas.  To acclimatise to the high 3,360 metre altitude you have two days to roam the narrow cobblestone streets and sample every aspect of the city’s astonishing history.

As we begin the hike on day four you will travel through the Sacred Valley, arriving at our trailhead at Piscacucho.  The mythical trail commences as we hike along the Vilcanota River to the backdrop of the snowcapped mountain Nevado Veronica, meeting the Inca ruins of Llactapata before our first night is spent camping in the hamlet of Huayllabamba.

After a steep climb through forest and fields, we reach Warmiwanusqa Pass, a 13’776’ pass, where you will enjoy the glorious view of the Huaynay Range of peaks and distant ruins. Later we descend to our camp at Pacaymayo. We cross our second pass on the third day of trekking at a height of 12,661’ towards Sayaqmarka’s beautiful ruins. After passing through a tunnel we camp at Phuyopatamarka ruins.

Day 7 arrives and your Inca Trail experience is nearly complete! Today you will scale Machu Picchu mountain, climbing the steps to ‘Intipunku’ (the Sun Gate). That night you will no doubt find yourself dreaming of the anticipation of the following morning’s magical sunrise. Early in the morning you will view the light breaking through the sun gate as you marvel at the citadel’s celebrated features. You may roam alone amongst the ruins or enjoy a guided tour to make the most of your experience before taking a leisurely train back to Cusco, taking the time to relax and savour the sights and sounds you have experienced.

Note: Inca Trail permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. We strongly recommend booking at least six months in advance to ensure availability.

Accommodation & Meals
All nights marked (HP) below indicate hotel night included in the price. All other nights camping included in the price. Accommodation may vary, depending on location and availability. En-suite twin-share will be offered at hotels, but due to unforeseen variables triple-share may be required on occasion. Tents are made for three to four persons, but will only sleep two.

Stops
Day 1: Lima (HP)    
Day 2: Cusco (HP, B)    
Day 3: Cusco (HP, B)    
Day 4: Huayllabamba, Inca Trail (B, L, D)  
Day 5: Pacaymayo, Inca Trail (B, L, D)
Day 6: Phuyopatamarka, Inca Trail (B, L, D)
Day 7: Machu Picchu (B, L, D)
Day 8: Machu Picchu, Cusco (B, L)

Meals included are noted in brackets (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

Optional Activities
Here are some examples of additional excursions that may be available to you after the tour:

• Lima city Tour
• Cusco city tour
• San Francisco Church and Catacombs
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
• Sacred Valley tour

Included in price

• Three hotel nights’ accommodation
• Services of English/Spanish-speaking tour leader
• Four day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook & porters and all meals. Camping equipment provided except sleeping bag
• Train ride from Machu Picchu to Cusco
• One-way airplane ticket from Lima to Cusco with transfers (return flight also available)

Not Included

• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Spending Money
• All other meals not described above
• Local payment of $65 to be made at the start of the tour

Dates and Prices

3 July 10 July 24 July 31 July 7 August 14 August 21 August 28 August 4 September 11 September 18 September 25 September 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 October 6 November 20 November 27 November

This tour has a set price of £569