WHAT
A classic, 48km trail cut out of rock and twisting over three high passes with wonderful views culminating in the extraordinary Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru - one of the world's most evocative sites - is featured by Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315; www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk). The trip takes four days and you'll need to be able to walk around for seven hours a day at fairly high altitude (4,200 metres). You spend a couple of days in Cuzco (3,300 metres) to acclimatise before tackling the trail, which is largely made up of ancient steps laid by the Incas through subtropical forest and open valleys. There are minor sites to see en route and you arrive at
Machu Picchu in the afternoon, which means you can visit the site that day, plus early
the next morning before the Cuzco train arrives with daytrippers.
WHEN
Temperatures throughout the year can reach extremes, with cold nights and rain. The best time to go is May when the Sacred Valley is green and skies are clear. Avoid July and August when the trail is at its busiest
BONUS POINTS
You can combine this walk with longer trips, including an 18-day tour with rafting and camping on the Apurimac River
PRICE
£369 trek only, including return rail travel from Cuzco.
|
