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SOUTH AMERICA / Perú Machu Picchu

Inca Pathways *14 Day* - Inca Trail Tour
US$1950 Tour code: IP14

Trekking on the Inca Trail, staying with families on Lake Titicaca, and exploring Andean markets make for an unforgettable journey. Combine this tour with an Amazon Extension to discover the great variety Peru has to offer. On this tour we hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; share dinner, smiles and laughs with our hosts on Amantaní Island; bargain at Cusco's colorful markets; and with a few extra days, explore the Amazon jungle. This is our most popular journey and for good reason--join us to discover the magic of Peru!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Lima
Overnight.

Day 2-4 Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands (1B,1D)
An early morning flight takes us to the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca.
Legend has it that the first Inca rose out of its azure waters. On Day 3 we visit the floating islands of the Uros people and stop for the night on Amantaní Island. Here we split into small groups and overnight with local families. A night on Amantaní is a journey 500 years into the past. Residents till the dry soil by hand and weave all their clothing on small wooden looms. Share in the hospitality of the Aymara Indians and experience a short day in their lives. After breakfast with our families, we make our way back to Puno for night 4.

Day 5 Journey to Cusco
A spectacular bus ride to Cusco crosses the 14,403 feet La Raya pass. Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru’s altiplano. On the way we stop to explore a small Inca site and walk among a herd of llamas and alpacas. Our final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!

Day 6 Explore Cusco
Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas
fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. The morning is yours to wander Cusco’s narrow streets. In the afternoon our tour leader takes us through Cusco's local market and explains a bit about what we find in the adjacent Witches Market. This evening enjoy a folkloric show at one of Cusco's typical restaurants.

Day 7 Journey to Ollantaytambo
The small village of Ollantaytambo sits at the base of the last Inca stronghold. Before arriving here for the evening, we visit the ancient citadel of Sacsayhuamán above Cusco, try our wits with the savvy market venders in the village of Pisac, and explore the terracing high above this market town. On our way to Ollantaytambo, we head into the campo (countryside) on a two-hour walk past the tiny village of Moras and nearby Inca salt mines.

Day 8-11 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)
Imagine the great Inca civilization as we walk in their footsteps to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Those not wishing to hike will return to Cusco for two free days in and around Cusco. Later, they'll take the train, stay in Aguas Calientes directly below the ruins, and spend an exciting day exploring Machu Picchu. Those of us hiking will be well cared for by our friendly crew of guides and porters. Each day we’ll pass by larger and larger ruins. Scenery changes from snow-capped mountains to lush green cloudforest. On Day 11 we
wake early for a short walk to the Sun Gate to watch the sunrise over magnificent Machu Picchu. Like the Incas that once journeyed to the sacred city, we too are pilgrims on this inspiring exploration. After a morning tour of the ruins, bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes to rest sore muscles in the local hot springs.

Day 12 Machu Picchu
Explore the great city at your own pace today. Climb the pinnacle mountain of Huayna Picchu for one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu or wander through the cloudforest on a recently discovered Inca pathway to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco by train.

Day 13 Cusco
Spend the day rafting, biking, horseback riding or wandering local markets. The travel Mecca of South America bursts with all sorts of activity. At night, travelers from all over the world fill Cusco's restaurants, pubs and dance clubs, providing the most vibrant and unique nightlife on the continent. Dance with Chileans, Germans, Finns, Americans, Colombians, French, English...the list goes on! Then toast to our Cusqueño hosts!

Day 14 Fly Lima and Return Home
Extend your trip »

Accommodations 9 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay, 3 nights camping.
Food Included All meals while on the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca as indicated
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental
breakfast.
Transportation 2 local flights, tour buses, train…and your own feet on the Inca
Trail!

Note Flights Lima-Juliaca and Cusco-Lima are not included. Please add US$210
(flight cost subject to change).

Departure Dates
2004 : Jan 16, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 14, Jun 11, Jul 9, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Oct
29, Nov 26
2005 : Jan 21, Mar 18, Apr 15, May 13, Jun 10, Jul 8, Aug 5, Sep 2, Sep 30, Oc
28, Nov 25, Dec 23
Group + Staff Min 2, Max 12; Andean Life Tour Leader; local guides; porters for camping gear and packs.

Single supplement US$240
Personal Budgeting Allow US$180 for meals not included and drinks, US$28
international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$60 optional
excursions (US$29 return visit to Machu Picchu, whitewater rafting, etc.).
Pre + post tour accommodations Share US$35, Single US$55
Is it for me? An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient cities, rural towns and a vibrant Colonial city. Added to this, experiencing the lives of the local people of Lake Titicaca. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult
four-day hike so travelers should be fit. There's a train option for those not
wanting to hike.

Arrival/Departure transfers 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 per person

Price is based on a 3% cash discount
Duration : 14 days starting and ending in Lima, Peru. Fri-Thu

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