Incas, Trails & Condors

16 Nights - from $971

If you love walking there can be few better places than the area around Cusco in Peru. We spend 7 days exploring the Urubamba Valley around Machu Picchu, along a network of paths making up the Inca Trail. We stay with our Quechua hosts as part of our community project in the area, and get a remarkable insight into the lives of the locals. Heading for the coast we take a boat trip out to the wildlife sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands, and visit the Colca Canyon, famed for its condors, as well as the extraordinary Nazca Lines - just some of the highlights on this incredible Peruvian odyssey.

WHICH INCA TRAIL
The Peru Inca Trail is one of the most walked walks on the planet. Certainly over the last five years it has become the most tickable adventure in Peru.

COMMUNITY INCA TRAIL
For Dragoman Overland Adventure Travel, this is the perfect reason to choose another Inca Trail, Our Community Inca Trail, through 'virgin' Andean mountains a short way away from the classic Inca Trail route. Never fear, you will still have your Machu Picchu experience, but you will be trekking the in mountains on the other side of the Urubamba Valley. The Dragoman Overland Inca Trail is a community based tourism initiative that involves several local Quechua communities that live along the ancient Inca trail that we have chosen. These local communities will directly benefit from your trek and you will be staying in and visiting their communities. This is responsible travel as it should be, a working partnership between local community and a tour operator. If you choose to do the community trek then you will receive a small refund from kitty.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
If you would prefer to book the Classic Inca Trail, then that is also available. This original Kings route still remains popular and it is a 4 day trek, which passes through cloud forest and dramatic mountain scenery. It ends at sunrise on the last day as you trek to the Sun Gate for your first views of magnificent Machu Picchu. If you would prefer to trek the Classic Inca Trail then you must advise Dragoman at the time of booking. Due to it's popularity permits are very hard to obtain and we recommend that you check availability on our website before booking. Dragoman will apply for your permit but please note that they can never be guaranteed and if unavailable we will automatically book you onto the Community Inca Trail.

Itinerary:

Nights 1-4: Southern Desert & Coast Overnight stay in colonial Lima Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Isles Visit to the Nazca Lines and Chauchilla Cemetery Visit to Paracas National Park, coastal wildlife reserve Nights 5-9: Andes & Altiplano 2 night stay in the beautiful white city of Arequipa 2 night stay and guided trip to see Colca Canyon and condors Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project Overland through the high andes of Peru Nights 10-16: Inca Heartland EITHER hike unspoilt Inca Trails and visit Quechua communities in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Inca Trails Community Trek. Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas OR Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road Sacred Valley tour and entrances to all major sites 7 nights in and around Cusco and the Urubamba Valley

Optional Extras

• If time allows dune buggying or boarding in the spectacular sand dunes of Peru Desert
• Fly over the Nazca lines
• Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
• White-water rafting and mountain biking in the Cusco region

Accommodation: Mainly hostel/hotel and wildcamps(35% camping, 65% hotels)
Meals: All food is covered by the kitty while camping.
Vehicles: Overland expedition vehicle and local minibus
Crew and Guides: 2 crew, local guides as necessary
Notes: WHICH INCA TRAIL? When you book this trip, you will have a choice of either the Community Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. The costs for each are included, but you must tell us when you book, if you want to book the Classic Inca Trail. If you do not tell us this you will automatically be booked onto the Community Inca Trail. For full details click hereIf you choose to do the community trek then you will receive a small refund from kitty.Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.