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Day 1 - UK to Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, transfer by bus (approx. 45 minutes) to our hotel.
During the evening, a short talk regarding the challenge will be held.
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Day 2 – Cuzco (11,00ft/3380m)
After breakfast, we take an early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco – the Inca Captial. We then transfer to our hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3,326m). In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city and enjoy a light lunch. We will have a full briefing on the forthcoming day’s adventure and the effects of altitude.
**Please note this will be the last chance of visiting a Bank before returning to Cuzco**
Day 3 - Acclimatisation Trek around Inca Sites
Following our breakfast, we embark on a trek which is a superb introduction into the Inca heritage of Peru. At 3,650m, this is also a perfect acclimatization hike for the Inca trail to come. We start about 10km out of Cusco at the Inca ruin of Tambo Machay. A few hundred metres back towards Cusco, we visit the site of Puca Pucara.
We then cut across country following the old Inca road from Cusco to Pisac. Our next stop is at a large ‘waca’ or outcrop of rock known as Salumpuncu, or the Temple of the Moon, where we will have a picnic lunch.
Our final and most stunning ruin is the extensive Sacsayhuaman. A downhill on old Inca road brings us to San Cristobal church built on top of Inca Manco Capac’s Palace and a fantastic view point of Cusco. The final steps down the streets bring us to the end of the trek. You have the rest of the afternoon free to pack for the Inca trail.
Inca trail. Day 4 - Inca Trail – KM88 to Huallyabamba
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From Cusco we drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping to visit the beautiful Inca village at Ollantaytambo, for any last minute buys! At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin our Challenge - The Inca Trail! The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river. We pass the spectacular ruins at Llactapata (2,288m) and then trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last village on the trail and we camp nearby.
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Day 5 - Inca Trail - Huallyabamba to Dead Womens Pass, to Pacasmayo
The path continues on up past humming birds and through stunted cloud forest. Our lunch spot is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3,680m). This has out-standing views down the valley. We then head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass 4,200m). This section of the Trail is steep and the hardest part of the Trail. Celebrating the first high point of our trip, we then descend into the Pacasmayo valley where we set up camp for the night.
Day 6 - Pacasmayo to Winay-Winay
Climbing again, we pass the Inca ruins of Rucuracay and ascend to the second pass (3,998m) hopefully giving us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba Range. Trekking on well-preserved Inca pathway, we pass Sayacmarca ruins with time for a tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and enjoy fantastic views over the cloud forest before a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650m) where we then hike down into the Cloud forest on an impressive Inca stairway to Winay-winay (2,600m) where we camp for the night. If time permits we can also visit this interesting ruin that comprises of some of the best terracing anywhere in Peru.
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Day 7 - Winay-Winay to Inti Punku (Sungate), to Machu Picchu
First thing in the morning we follow a well preserved Inca trail to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring our accomplishment, we enter the ruins for a full guided tour soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We then catch a bus down to the colourful town of Aguas Calientes for a late lunch before boarding the late afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel.
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Day 8 - Cuzco
There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we spend the day doing just that (and giving our legs a rest!). The day is free at leisure to do as you wish.
In the evening, we all get together for our Celebratory Meal and to reflect on our achievements.
Day 9 - Return flight to UK
Today we catch our internal flight from Cusco to Lima for our onward flight back to the UK.
Day 10 – Arrive into UK
*Please note that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.
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