The Challenge

On this journey into ancient history and culture you will have the opportunity be be involved in assisting at a community project just outside of Cusco to improve conditions at a medical centre, school or community centre. After completing your project tasks you will commence your challenging 4-day trek along the Salkantay Trail, an ancient trail of the Incas. This route takes you through the quieter and more remote regions of other trails and you will see mighty snowcapped mountains, lush jungles and ancient sites along the way. You trek culminates with a visit to the mystical city of Machu Picchu after a night relaxing in the spa town of Aguas Calientes.

The Project

You will spend two days helping alongside the local community just outside of Cusco to improve conditions at a medical centre, school or community centre. The activities you will be involved in will vary depending upon the greatest need at the time but may include building walls, creating a garden, painting and decorating or erecting a boundary fence.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima
Fly to Lima via Europe or North America. On arrival transfer to a hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Cusco
A short flight to Cusco. Take it easy for the rest of the day as you acclimatise to the altitude and take in some of the local sights at a gentle pace. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 3 to 4: Cusco area
Meet and work alongside the locals, as you spend 2 days assisting on a local community development project in the Sacred Valley area. You'll be surprised by many improvements can be made in a short period of time. There is also time to further explore the surrounding area. (BLD)

Day 5 to 8: Salkantay Trail
Set off on a 4-day trek along the 'Salkantay Route', named by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine as one of the 25 best treks in the world. Connecting the city of Mollepata with Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek follows an ancient and remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail, where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests.
Off the beaten path, this trek is a delightful way to experience the land of the ancient Incas, surrounded by spectacular snowy peaks, crossing high passes (up to 4600m), and with an amazing view over Machu Picchu to be enjoyed on the last day. Spend the last night of the trek in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. (BLD)

Day 9: Machu Picchu
Travel by bus to the actual site of Machu Picchu to spend the day exploring this glorious ancient city. Return to Cusco this evening by train. (BLD)

Day 10: Lima
Fly back to Lima and enjoy a final afternoon exploring, or a chance for some last-minute shopping, before an overnight flight to the UK via Europe or North America, arriving the following morning. (BL)

Day 11: London
Arrival in London.

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.

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