Peruvian Inca Trail Challenge

5 - 14 September 2008
7 - 16 November 2008
18 - 27 April 2009
5 - 14 June 2009
4 - 13 September 2009
6 - 15 November 2009

Trek Machu Piccu

• What is the itinerary?
• Fitness Levels
• Costs
• I want to take part, What do I do next?

The Peruvian Inca trail challenge is a nine day challenge to one of the most popular trekking trails in the world.

Exceptionally challenging, the trail reaches an altitude of over 4,200 m, eventually reaching Machu Picchu the lost city of the Incas.

The journey to Machu Picchu along the classic four day Inca Trail consists of three nights camping and trekking through sub-tropical vegetation, following one of the best trekking trails in the world!

Before setting off to conquer this awesome challenge, we take a day to acclimatise by trekking to the famous Inca sites that surround Cusco and also enjoy this majestic Inca Citadel.

This is a truly spectacular challenge - join us on this mystical Inca adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1 – UK to Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, transfer by bus (approximately 45 minutes) to our hotel.

During the evening, a short talk regarding the challenge will be held.

Day 2 – Cusco (11,00ft/3380m)

After breakfast, we take an early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco – the Inca capital. We then transfer to our hotel and start acclimatising to the 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 Cusco

Day 3 – Acclimatisation trek around Inca sites

Following our breakfast, we embark on a trek which is a superb introduction to the Inca heritage of Peru. At 3,650m, this is also a perfect acclimatisation 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 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.

Day 4 – Inca Trail – 88 Km to Huallyabamba

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 (88 Km) 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.

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 outstanding 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. 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).

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 some of the best terracing anywhere in Peru.

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. Treasuring the moment, 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.

Day 8 – Cusco

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 to spend at your leisure.

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 while we make every effort to stick to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.

Fitness levels

This wonderful challenge aims to attract people with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in an exciting and memorable event. This experience will physically and mentally test you. It will give you a tremendous sense of achievement and at the same time benefit those people whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

Costs 

The challenge requires a minimum sponsorship of £2,995, £1,646 of which goes directly to Epilepsy Action. There is also a registration fee of £399 (which can be paid in instalments) and an insurance fee of £45. If you would rather pay the registration fee in installments please call the fundraising department.

Three-quarters of the minimum sponsorship money is to be paid to Epilepsy Action 12 weeks before departure. The remaining quarter is due on return.

What do I do now? 

If you would like more information about this event please contact Melanie Taylor in our fundraising department:

• by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international), or

• by email to mtaylor@epilepsy.org.uk

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges (ATOL 6506)

What to do next

If you would like more information about this event please contact Melanie Taylor in our fundraising department

• by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international), or

• by email to funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges (ATOL 6506)

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• Download or print our fundraising guide
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