trek Inca Trail, Peru Follow the Inca s stone path as it leads over Andean mountain passes, along high valley floors and past Inca ruins, climbing up through the cloud forest to the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu, an iconic wonder of the world. actionchallenge on the Inca Trail Our beautiful, remote six day challenge begins in the city of Cusco and leads to the mystifying ruins of Machu Picchu. Just one week away from home is all you need to experience one of the world s most iconic treks. Cusco with its impressive colonial architecture, pretty cobbled streets and lively atmosphere is the ideal spot for the start of this challenge. As we take time to acclimatise, we explore the city and the nearby ruins of Saksayhuaman, our first taste of Inca culture. As a team, we start our journey on the Inca Trail at Ollantaytambo where we trek along the banks of the mighty Urubamba River into the Sacred Valley. Our trail soon begins to rise as we climb the Inca s ancient stone steps leading high up into the Andes. The path winds it s way along the contours of the mountains, over passes and along high valley floors. Spectacular views accompany us along the trail as we look across the Vilcabamba mountain range and down to Pacasmayo Valley from the notorious Dead Woman s Pass at 4,270 m. We explore the impressive Inca ruins dotted along our route as we climb steadily into the tropical cloud forest with its wild orchids and jungle atmosphere. Our first sight of Machu Picchu is one we ll never forget as the sun breaks over the ruins from the Inti Punku or Door of the Sun. We spend time exploring the incredible lost city, marvelling at the Inca s incredible design and architectural skills and the spectacular Andean setting. We return to Cusco by train to enjoy a final day of exploring, before partying together to celebrate our journey to the world-famous site of Machu Picchu. at a glance Activity: Trekking Location: Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru Duration: 10 days / 5 days trekking Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 68 km When: April, September Group size: 15+ participants trip highlights Camp under starry Peruvian skies Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco Trek along the banks of the Urubamba River Climb over Dead Woman s Pass at 4,270m Revel in views over the Vilcabamba Mountains Visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu Opportunity to visit Pisac ruins Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.
trek Inca Trail, Peru Follow the Inca s stone path as it leads over Andean mountain passes, along high valley floors and past Inca ruins, climbing up through the cloud forest to the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu, an iconic wonder of the world. introduction This adventure to Machu Picchu will begin as soon as you register! You will receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our trek leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world. On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the airport in London. Whether you re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you will instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to Lima & Cusco, ready to take on the Inca Trail and the hike of a lifetime! Please visit our website for more details Although the distance walked may not seem that great, we will be walking at altitude so the pace will be slower. The terrain is undulating and there will be some long up and down hill stretches. We will trek in and out of gorges and at times some scrambling will be involved. brief itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Depart London Lima Cusco Inca Trail Huayllabamba to Pacasmayo Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Pacasmayo to Winay Wayna Machu Picchu Free day in Cusco Depart Cusco Arrive in London You can expect dry weather during the months of April to October. It is recommended that the winter and peak summer months are avoided because temperatures during the summer can reach over 40 degrees and, during the winter, winds can become extremely strong in the mountains. what s included? International and domestic flights from London (fuel surcharge not included) Action Challenge Trek Leader UK Doctor Full support team, including local guides All accommodation All meals, except in free time Treated drinking water All transfers in local vehicles Inca Trail permits Celebration dinner Discounted training days and weekends Fitness and training guide Discounts from UK retailers Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health Travel insurance - roughly 60 Vaccinations Tips for local staff - 50 Drinks and food outside of meals Personal kit & equipment Single supplement - 275
itinerary DAY 1 - Depart London We depart on our flight to Cusco, Peru. DAY 2 - Lima This morning we connect with a short domestic flight to the breathtaking Andean city of Cusco (3,300m). We transfer to our central hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy one of the most celebrated cities in South America. We then re-group in the evening for a welcome meal and briefing on the days ahead. Breakfasts each morning will be in camp. Lunches will be en route and evening meals will be freshly prepared in camp or our hotel in time for your arrival. All meals are full of carbohydrates, protein and nutrients to keep us well fuelled throughout the trip. We can cater for all dietary requirements if informed in advance. DAY 3 - Cusco Distance: 8 km / 4 hours trekking Today, we have an acclimatisation walk above Cusco to the ruins of Saksayhuaman to help us adapt to the altitude in preparation for the Inca Trail. The rest of the day will be free to explore a little more of this exciting city before spending a second night in our hotel in the centre of Cusco. DAY 4 - Inca Trail Distance: 13 km / 6 hours trekking We start early, transferring after breakfast at the hotel, to the start of the challenge passed Ollantaytambo at Kilometre 82. We trek along the banks of the Urubamba River until we reach the magnificent ruins of Llactapata where our tents and hot drinks will be waiting for us. After enjoying an evening meal together we will retire early in preparation for tomorrow s trek. DAY 5 Huayllabamba to Pacasmayo Distance: 16 km / 7 hours trekking Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail, the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman s Pass at 4,270m), with striking views into the valley. We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and settle in our camp for the night. Four nights in comfortable 2/3* hotels Three nights camping on the trek All accommodation is on a twin / tripleshare, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age. If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form. DAY 6 - Pacasmayo to Winay Wayna Distance: 21 km / 9 hours trekking Today we climb again, passing the Inca ruins of Runcu Raccay and on to the next pass with spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on a well-preserved Inca pathway, we reach the Sayacmarca ruins, allowing plenty of time for a tour of the site. We continue along the ridge, up to the Phuyupatamarca ruins before a steep, downhill Inca staircase brings us into the cloud forest and the outstanding site of Winay-Wayna, which we explore before heading into our camp. If you decide that you would like to have your own room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places. Please email us for more information DAY 7 - Machu Picchu Distance: 9.5 km / 3 hours trekking We rise early today as the early morning sun lights up the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins from the Inti Punku or Door of the Sun. From here, we descend to the world s most famous ruins built in the 15th century, where we will have a guided tour. In the afternoon we continue to the town of Aguas Calientes and return by train to Cusco, ready for an early night.
DAY 8 - Cusco Today, we have a free day to look around Cusco. Optional extras include visiting the Pisac ruins, going white water rafting or relaxing in the city before meeting up in the evening to celebrate our challenge achievement together, well into the night! DAY 9 - Depart Cusco We take a domestic flight to Lima and connect with our international flight back to the UK. DAY 10 - Return to London We arrive back at London Heathrow. If you would like to spend a few extra days in Cusco or Lima, please get in touch with our team who can request a flight change with the airline. next steps Once signed up, we will provide you with a Challenge Manual, Kit List, Training Guide and Itinerary to ensure you feel fully prepared right up to the departure date. With regular communication, opportunities for training walks, kit discounts and our dedicated team to answer any questions, you will feel fully supported in your journey towards the trip of a lifetime! If you are planning on travelling to Peru before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land only option at a discounted price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the itinerary. We run training weekends each year in the Peak District, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. You will get the chance to meet our mountain leaders and test out your kit and fitness!
payment options A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of 399 is required to secure your place, paid in full by card at the time of registration Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost: 1) SELF FUNDED For anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It s then completely up to you whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice. The total all inclusive cost of this trip is 2,349 for 2018 and 2019, which, after you pay the 399 Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of 1,950. This final balance is due for payment 10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by the airline. 2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDED This is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraising a significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise at least 3,900 for 2018 and 2019 via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and colleagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total. ATOL is a scheme that protects you from losing money or being stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Action Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded, which provides you with full financial protection. On receipt of your registration fee, you will receive an ATOL certificate explaining your protection. To book on to this challenge, please visit our website; www.actionchallenge.com for a full list of prices and available dates. If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please call +44(0)207 609 6695 or send an email to events@actionchallenge.com. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 3,900, your charity will pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 1,950 (the same as if you were you were Self Funded ) - the charity will retain at least 1,950 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. 3) MIXED FUNDED A mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and also fundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal for anyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT is happy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with your registration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights & accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship in respect to the challenge component of their trip. Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraising goes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least 2,340 for 2018 and 2019, your charity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid by your charity, is 1,170. At the same time, you will be required to pay the remaining balance yourself, which will be a figure of 780 (These two amounts add up to the same as the Self Funded final balance) - the charity will retain at least 1,170 to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure. @actionchallenge www.facebook.com/actionchallenge Action Challenge UK Ltd Unit 1, Gunnery Terrace, Woolwich London SE18 6SW United Kingdom