Peru Trek Inca Trail

The challenge of a lifetime...... for the charity of your choice Peru Trek Inca Trail

Follow the ancient route of the Incas, explore the Andes and uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu... 01244 676 454 [email protected] www.globaladventurechallenges.com A spectacular trek through the Andes Mountains to discover the lost city of the Incas...…

Your trekking challenge... …begins in the Inca capital of Cusco – a fascinating city full of colonial charm, hidden deep in the Andes Mountains. There are many trails throughout Peru, but only the original Inca Trail leads us along gushing rivers, through ancient tunnels and over high mountain passes to the Sun Gate. The sight of the magnificent lost city of Machu Picchu appearing through the morning mist is one that will live with you forever!

Your itinerary...

Day 1 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 UK to Peru Acclimatisation Trek to Inca Cusco - km82 (2,650m) to Wayllabamba (3,000m) to We depart the UK for our flight sites Wayllabamba (3,000m) Pacaymayo (3,600m) to Cusco. Today it is essential that we take Following breakfast, we transfer Our most challenging day as we some exercise to adjust to the to km82 where we register at climb steadily from 3,000m to Day 2 high altitude. We have a fairly the checkpoint for our Inca Trail 4,200m, to Warmihuañusca or Cusco (3,300m) early breakfast before permits. En route, we’ll make a ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’. On the We arrive in Cusco where we transferring to Tambo Machay, short stop at Ollantaytambo way we will see impressive are met by our local guides and the Inca ruins high above Cusco. where there will be time to do cloud forest, beautiful lichens, then we transfer to our hotel. We trek down to some last minute shopping for bromeliads, orchids, birds, also Sacsayhuaman, having our trekking provisions - crackers, the Huayanay glacier and part The rest of the day is free to lunch en route, then return to cookies, walking sticks etc. of the Vilcabamba mountain acclimatise to the high altitude Cusco. range. and explore this fascinating city, Once we arrive at km82, we hidden deep in the Andes A full trek briefing will be held begin our trekking adventure! The ascent will take Mountains. before our challenge tomorrow We follow the Urubamba River approximately 5-6 hours but – The Inca Trail! before the trail becomes more the feeling of elation on undulating and reaches the conquering the pass will stay Trekking distance - Patallacta lookout, from where with you forever. approx. 8km we will have the impressive view down to the Inca town of From this point we trek for Patallacta (2,700m). We then another hour and descend into continue to the Kusichaca Pacaymayo Valley, our campsite Valley, through Tarayoq and for the night. Hatunchaca to Wayllabamba, which is our first campsite. Trekking distance - approx. 11km Trekking distance - approx. 11km Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Pacaymayo (3,600m) to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m) to the Cusco Return flight to UK Wiñayhuayna (2,700m) Sun Gate (2,850) and Machu There is so much to see in Following our early breakfast, This is another tough day when Picchu (2,400m) Cusco that we spend the day we transfer to Cusco Airport for we conquer the two remaining We wake early in order to reach doing just that (and giving our our flights back to the UK. mountain passes. the Sun Gate for the optimum legs a rest!). The day is free to view of Machu Picchu in the spend at your leisure. Day 10 Once we reach the second pass morning. There is one last steep Arrive in UK. at Runkurakay (3,950m), the trail push on Inca steps until we In the evening, we all get heads downhill for catch our first glimpse of the together for our celebratory (Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change) approximately one hour until famous lost city of the Incas and meal and to reflect on our we reach Sayacmarka, another rest awhile to take in one of the achievements. archeological site. world’s most breathtaking sights. We then descend to On the way to the third pass, explore the fascinating Phuyupatamarka (3,600m), we’ll buildings and ruins that make pass through our first Inca this city in the clouds so special. tunnel. The views today are Our guide will explain the truly unforgettable with lush history and there will be some green mountains and snowy free time for exploration! peaks as far as the eye can see! Glowing with success, we catch Continuing down the original the bus down to Aguas Inca stairway and passing Calientes - a bustling market through another Inca tunnel, town hidden below Machu we descend to Wiñayhuayna, Picchu - then board our train our last campsite on the way to back to Cusco. Machu Picchu. Trekking distance - Trekking distance - approx. 6km approx. 16km Your questions answered...

Is this trip for me? Can I stay in Peru after the challenge? ABSOLUTELY! This trek is suitable for people of all ages (minimum All extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability and are 18 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a given on a first come, first served basis. Those wanting to request great sense of adventure and the desire to help their favourite an extension should contact Global Adventure Challenges at charity. Most people will sign up as individuals meaning you will [email protected] as soon as all be in the same situation! possible. There is a minimum charge of £60 + VAT for having your return airline ticket extended. Please note, the final decision always How fit do I need to be? rests with the airline. This trek has been designed to be challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you train beforehand. Remember, you are What sort of back-up is there? trekking for 5 consecutive days, in high altitude and in varied There will be a strong support team with a professional challenge temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this leader, as well as a local doctor, local guides and porters. Full, challenge. Trekking training tips can be found on the Global comprehensive medical kits will be taken and satellite telephones Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction. will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times.

Where will we stay? What happens if I get tired? In Cusco we will stay in a hotel with twin rooms and en-suite There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no washing facilities. Whilst on the Inca Trail, we will be camping - 2 problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be trekkers per tent. Our porters and support team will have camp set bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left behind – up ready for our arrival after each day’s trekking. Tents and remember though, this is not a race! The main physical problem inflatable camping mattresses are provided. you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – the highest point of this trek is approximately 4,200m. Do I need specialist kit? We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register Will the altitude affect me? for this challenge. Apart from some broken-in trekking boots, a Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the warm sleeping bag and maybe some trekking poles, you do not altitude. However, the fitter you are the better you will cope whilst need any specialist kit. To save incurring extra expense, sleeping in the mountains. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen bags can be hired from the local area at additional cost. concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms Do I have to carry my own luggage? can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera etc.) and your kit bag will be for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the carried from camp to camp by our porters. The small kit bag will be two days taken to acclimatise in Cusco, and the number of highly supplied on arrival in Cusco - this is for you to fill with items trained experts in the support team. needed for the trek. You will be able to leave your main piece of luggage at the hotel in Cusco whilst we are on the trail. How do I go about raising the sponsorship? Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from Food matters… your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. All meals will be provided except dinner on day 7 and lunch on day You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure 8. Your celebratory meal is included. We cater for all dietary Challenges to help you on your way. requirements so long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form enclosed. Peruvian I’m interested... what do I do now? food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables and Places are limited and go on a first come, first served basis, so try to potatoes. register as soon as you can! You can register online at www.globaladventurechallenges.com or fill in the enclosed What’s included? registration form and medical questionnaire and post it back to Return flights from London to Cusco, all transfers, all Global Adventure Challenges along with the registration fee – all accommodation, all meals except dinner on day 7 and lunch on payment options and costs are explained on the enclosed day 8, porters and professional English speaking local guides for information sheet. Once your registration is received, Global trek, cooks, tents, trekking permits and National Park fees and a Adventure Challenges will write to you sending you further comprehensive first aid kit. information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in touch with you to discuss your fundraising. What’s not included? Airport taxes and fuel surcharge – these are approximately £250 and payable 6 weeks prior to departure, personal travel insurance – it is strongly advised that this is taken out through Global Adventure Challenges, dinner on day 7 and lunch on day 8, Have you got what it takes to gratuities, alcoholic drinks and your own kit (warm sleeping bag, warm clothes, trekking boots etc). Please note that the Inca Trail trek the Inca Trail? permit is not included in the registration fee, the permit will cost approximately £200 and will be invoiced approximately 8 months prior to departure.