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The Adventure, Inca Trek
Machu Picchu escapes the mists and rainforest to take your breath away… The Andes are an incredible and awesome sight, snow peaked topped mountains, stepped farms, rushing rivers and locals dressed in colourful traditional dress means the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu brings the culture alive whilst you challenge yourself with a high altitude trek with Condors overhead. (If you’re lucky!) All this before you reach and discover the Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. There really is no way to describe the scene of the shrouded mists peeling back to reveal this awesome sight. Your first glance of these ancient ruins will cause your heart to beat faster as you gasp at seeing such an iconic sight with your own eyes. If this incredible experience and trek were not enough for you after the adventure you could be soaking up the experience and vastness of the Amazon Rainforest, fly like a condor over the Nazca lines and sand-board down the dunes of the desert oasis of Huacachina before partying the night away. Peru has so much to offer that this is simply an adventure you need to have and one you won’t forget! 3
Inca Trek In a Nutshell...
To get your place on the Inca adventure you need to register online to confirm your place before committing to fundraising for one of our incredible charity partners. In a nutshell what you need to know: Registration Fee: £330 Fundraising Target: £2950 (less if you choose Flexi-Fundraising, see page 10 for more details) Net amount to charity: At least £1525 goes to charity, 100% of anything raised above the minimum goes to charity (our record from a student is £19k!) Charity, choose between:
Breast Cancer Campaign and Epilepsy Society
Duration of Adventure:
16 days, 6 days trekking in the Andes, 8 days to explore Peru
Adventure Dates:
Range of dates over the summer months
Get your place on the adventure today by booking online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/inca 4
Or call us on 0845 643 9801 to register over the phone with one of the team.
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Your Itinerary 17 Day - Adventure Guide DAY 1:
Departure
Catch a plane to Peru from London and land at Cusco. >> Meals provided on the plane.
DAY 2: Arrival, Team Brief and Orientation Arriving in Cusco, the high altitude gateway to the Andes and the old historical capital of the Incas, you’ll settle in to your hostel before meeting your guides and getting your team brief. In the late afternoon and early evening it’s an opportunity to explore this incredible city and its heritage. >> No meals provided.
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DAY 3: Cusco Acclimatisation Hike (3 – 4 hours trekking) Cusco sits at 3,400m and it is important to begin your acclimatisation. Today after breakfast we’ll begin a hike to Cristo Blanco (white Christ) statue that overlooks the city at 3,650m. The first hike will give you the reward of overlooking this incredible Andean city with the iconic Plaza de Armas dominating the view. Whilst at Cristo Blanco you will be able to see the incredible ruins of Saksaywaman. >> Breakfast and Lunch.
DAY 4:
Cusco to Quisuarani
(3 – 4 hours trekking)
After breakfast we drive and descend into the Sacred Valley before heading high into the Andes from Calca. We begin our trek and hike up an ancient Inca trail, through a narrow canyon where Incan burial tombs can still be seen giving us further opportunities to acclimatise. After completing the hike we transfer over a mountain pass of 4,200m to the small community of Quisuarani where we set up camp. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5:
Quisarani to Huacahuasi
(5 – 6 hours trekking)
This is a tough, but beautiful day’s hike as we climb out of the Quisarani valley where we will meet some colourfully dressed locals along the way. This area is famous for weavings and hand-made textiles that you will be able to barter for en-route. After a sharp pull up you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes before we descend to see some spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, Llama herds and Viscachas (long-tailed rabbits) before our picnic lunch. In the late afternoon we will visit Lares Hot Springs, ‘Banos del Inca’ for a relaxing and warm dip!
DAY 7:
Pumamarca, Ollantaytambo on to Aguilas Calientes
(8 - 9 hours trekking)
After a great night’s camping we have a short steep climb up to the impressive but rarely visited ruins of Pumamarca. Our trek moves swiftly on to Ollantaytambo before commencing our trek along the Sacred Valley towards Aguilas Calientes which resides at the foot of path to Machu Picchu. Roughly following the train line into AC you are in for a tough and long, but thoroughly spectacular scenic hike. The evening once you reach Aguilas Calientes is yours to explore. >> Breakfast and Lunch.
>> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 8: DAY 6:
Huacahuasi to Huilloc
(7 – 8 hours trekking)
Heading out from Huacahuasi we have a long day’s trekking and the challenge of crossing a mountain pass standing at 4,200m before descending into the Sacred Valleys of the Incas. Incredible views, beautiful lakes and the incredible snowy Mount Veronica are real highlights that will take your breath away! Using an old mule trail after lunch we descend to Huilloc where many of the porters supporting Inca trail come from. We then transfer to a campsite with brilliant views overlooking the valley and under the watchful eye of the ruins at Pumamarca. >> Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Machu Picchu
(4 – 5 hours trekking)
Getting up before the sun even thinks about rising we will set off early from our hostel to head up the trail to reach the long awaited goal of seeing the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. As the early morning mists roll back and the sun crests the surrounding mountain range be prepared to be stunned by what you see! You’ll have the morning to explore with your guides this incredible ancient site before descending back to AC before catching the incredible Peru train back along the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Ollantaytambo before travelling back to Cusco to celebrate your achievements. >> Breakfast and Lunch.
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DAY 9 – 15: White water rafting, Amazon Jungle and Nazca Lines Rafting on Urubamba River The extension adventures are simply unbelievable. Take the chance to shoot the rapids on the Urubamba River, enjoy the incredible scenery get the adrenaline going and then enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverside. >> Breakfast and Lunch.
The Amazon Experience The Amazon Rainforest is unbelievably vast teeming with endless plant and an animal life and you have the chance to explore a little corner of this incredible natural wonder of the world. Whether you are pushing back the ferns as you hike by day or by night, whether its on a dugout canoe or watching the world from a hammock the jungle lodge in Tambopata national park in the Amazon is an experience not to be missed! >> Breakfast (x2), Lunch (x2), Dinner (x2)
Nazca Lines, Huacachina and the Ballestas islands Away from the altitude of the Andes you have the chance to fly high above the world renowned Nazca lines laid out for hundreds of years. Huacachina the desert oasis plays host to your chance to chill out with some Pisco sours before hitting the dunes in beach buggies to get the adrenaline pumping before sand-boarding to the bottom! After the beach party in the desert you’ll get the chance to visit the Ballestas Islands, Lima’s answer to the Galapagos Islands before ending your adventure one high after another! >> Breakfasts only.
DAY 16 – 17:
Catch international flight home to the UK
All good things must come to an end when we fly home from Lima back to the UK with incredible memories of your adventure.
Please note the itinerary is only an indication and is subject to changed based on group strength, weather, wildlife and other external factors. Your Adventure Manager’s decisions are final and we would ask you to be flexible in a result of a change to your itinerary.
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Flexi-Fundraising Flexible fundraising puts you in charge of how much your fundraising target is. Find out below how you could reduce your fundraising target by a lot if you pay a little extra.
So how does Flexible Fundraising work?
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You pay your registration fee when you confirm your place
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Choose to pay some of the trip costs yourself from £10 to £350 – this can be paid in instalments throughout the year to help you budget.
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For every £10 Flexi-Pay your target is reduced by £17. See your fundraising target get reduced by up to £600!
Example:
No Flexi Pay Fundraising Target: £2950
Registration Fee £330
+ Flexi Pay £200 (paid in two instalments over the course of the year) Registration Fee £330
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+ Flexi-Fee £200
Fundraising Target: £2610
Example:
Registration fee of £330 Flexi-fee of £200 paid in two instalments over the course of the year Fundraising Target reduced from £2950 to £2610
The maximum flex-fundraising fee is £350 to reduce your target by £600!
“Reduce your fundraising target by up to £600 by paying a little bit extra in instalments to meet the cost of your trip. The percentage of money going to charity increases whilst your fundraising target decreases!”
Your Adventure What’s included International flights to and from the UK to Peru. Internal transfers scheduled on the itinerary. Hostel accommodation on a B&B basis on the night prior to and after your trek.
What’s not included Personal kit. Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary. Tips and gratuities to your Mountain Gorilla Trek support team.
Inca trek through Lares Valley with full support crew, guides, chef and porters.
Optional extension adventures – white water rafting, Amazon Jungle and Nazca Lines.
National Park fees, permits and vehicle fees as needed for the itinerary
Visas for countries visited
Meals (where indicated) and safe drinking water on the trek. Support prior to and during the adventure.
Personal Travel Insurance – we can recommend an appropriate provider for adventure travel.
24 hour emergency response line.
Evacuation – in event of a serious medical emergency we will co-ordinate your evacuation with your travel insurance.
Adventure T-shirt.
Vaccinations. Spending money for drinks, souvenirs and additional activities.
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More Adventure Than You Can Handle...
The Inca Trek is an awesome challenge, but it’s not the end of the adventure! After your trek to Machu Picchu you have 8 days to either undertake your own independent travel or come with us for some unforgettable extension adventures that are amazing and great value for money as well. Not to mention that you’ll be hanging out with your new found friends from the trek.
White Water Rafting on the Urubamba A chance to experience class III and IV rapids on the Chuquicahuana section of the Urubamba and hour and half from Cusco will give you the chance to shoot the river through beautiful canyons, torrent ducks and incredible rapids before hitting the take out point to enjoy a picnic lunch in beautiful surroundings before transferring back to Cusco in the early afternoon.
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Amazon Experience The Amazon Rainforest is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world which accounts for 50% of the world’s rainforest and you have the opportunity to experience it up close and personal. Travel up river from Puerto Maldonado before signing into Tambopata National Reserve, followed by hike and dugout canoe to your jungle lodge – what an introduction! You’ll then have a few days in the rainforest to explore and discover the animals, flora and fauna that live in this part of the world. Highlights include, but not exclusively beavers, sloths, caymans and an incredible array of spiders, insects, snakes and so much more. Watch the sunset over the jungle from the elevated position of the lodge and you’ll feel lucky to have delved into the Amazon Rainforest!
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Nazca Lines, Huacachina and Ballestas Islands Along the coast away from the Andes holds the prospect of discovering a different side to Peru. On the first day you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Nazca lines and the option to fly over in a small prop plane – an incredible experience! After an early morning flight over Nazca Lines you’ll explore and discover a Necropolis from ancient times near Nazca and then a wine tour before arriving at the desert Oasis of Huacachina! Huacachina is an oasis near Ica where you will have a couple of days to relax, kick back and enjoy a few cocktails! Huacachina on all sides is surrounded by some incredible sand dunes so it would be rude not to take a wild ride in a dune buggy to the top with some sand-boarding for a wicked adrenaline rush and incredible sunset views above the oasis! The islands of Ballestas present you an incredible opportunity to see some incredible wildlife akin to the Galapagos Islands but at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a boat tour around the islands over the course of a few hours that will yield the incredible sights of birds, seals and dolphins are you lucky. Returning back to Paracas you’ll be able to undertake a wander in this coastal town or take on some watersports if you’re feeling active! All in all this is an incredible extension trip that packs a whole lot in.feeling active! All in all this is an incredible extension trip that packs a whole lot in.
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What You Really Need To Know Frequently Asked Questions Is the Inca Trek Adventure for me? Absolutely! Trekking along Lares Valley to reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu is simply once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should experience. Standing above Machu Picchu as the mist rolls back to reveal these incredible ruins is unforgettable. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Amazon jungle, fly above the Nazca lines and sand board on the dunes of Huacachina. The Inca trek is for you… if you have a sense of adventure!
I am worried about fundraising, how would I raise the money? It’s natural to be worried about fundraising; it’s a challenge to raise the money for charity. You will have a great support network to help you through the process. There will be an Adventure Leader (a fellow student) at your University as your first point of contact who will help you every step of the way having been through the process before. Our great charity partners have dedicated staff to run fundraising workshops to help you develop a plan with loads of brilliant ideas and they’re at the end of the phone and email to help.
What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target?
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If it looks like you’re not going to make your target you can postpone your adventure to a later date to give you longer to reach your fundraising target and take the pressure off.
Can I reduce my fundraising target in I have friends at another University, anyway? can they take part with me? Yes! Using our flexi-funder you can reduce your target by up to ÂŁ600 if you meet some of the costs of the adventure yourself. This can be paid over manageable payments over the course of the year to fit in with your student budget. For more details check the website on how to do this.
Is the adventure safe and how fit do I need to be? All adventure travel has an element of risk, but our adventures are risk-assessed and you are with experienced local guides who know the mountain well and how to look after you. Our adventures comply with the safety recommendations of BS8848 and is ATOL protected (no 10415) In terms of fitness, this is a tough challenge where you will have to trek at altitude and keep going when the going gets tough. You’ll need to train to prepare to get to the top.
Absolutely! All you have to do is send them the registration link on our website and get them to join the adventure with you!
Do I have to be a student to take part? No – all you need is a sense of adventure and you can take part in an adventure with some of the lowest fundraising targets in the UK!
What do you do to protect the environment? We support the national parks to help them maintain and restore paths to minimise erosion and we work in partnership with local communities to make an impact.
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What Do Students Say? A few thoughts from students who saw the trekked in the Andes and saw the mist roll back on Machu Picchu… “After a long year of fundraising I couldn’t wait to finally get out to Peru and I was blown away by the country, the people and the trek. The trekking was out of this world with incredible views and standing looking down on Machu Picchu – unforgettable!” Tom Pettinger, Portsmouth University “The Inca trek was a once in a lifetime experience for me. It’s one of those trips that you learn about yourself as much as you learn about the country that you’re in. It was absolutely incredible and seeing Machu Picchu was even better than I imagined!” Jenna Holmes, Loughborough University
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Get Involved and Get Your Place! The Inca Trek is an awesome adventure to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu that you should definitely do! Get involved and get your place today!
Book online at www.studentadventures.co.uk/inca Call to book with one of the team on 0845 643 9801 or ask any questions.