Join our singles travel group on this exciting adventure vacation to Peru!
On the Inca trail, situated high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is a fascinating and magical place which was built by the great Inca Empire more than 100 years before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. Now, it has been voted one of the new seven wonders of the world! It was never discovered by the Spanish or mentioned in their chronicles, but a professor from Yale - Hiram Bingham, discovered the ruins buried beneath dense undergrowth in 1911.

Day 01 Fri Oct 24th Arrive Lima Upon arrival in Lima you will be met by a staff member and transferred to your hotel in the lively district of Miraflores. Rest of Day or evening at Leisure to explore Lima. Hotel Manhattan Inn or similar. We will have an orientation for our singles vacation group and get to know one another. Our location near to the international airport "Jorge Chávez", allows you to visit the center of Lima, which is only 15 minutes away You can go to interesting places like La Plaza Mayor, the Palace of Government and more. Dinner on own arrangements

Day 02 Lima / Cuzco (B) Early morning flight to the capital of the Incas, met by a company representative and transferred to your hotel. Taste a Coca tea (Andean leaf) while you are informed and given some tips about Cusco of what to do or where to go on your free time. Free day to relax in Cusco- pursue an outdoor activity, sightseeing, and adjust to the altitude. Lunch and Dinner on own arrangements Cusco is the land of the Sun and Gateway to the Magic World of the Inca Culture where the past comes alive; you will admire the Majestic architectural expressions (museums, churches, streets) of the inheritance of the Inca Culture. Guesthouse in Cusco- Cusco Plaza 1 or similar.

Day 03 Cuzco (B) Morning at leisure in Cusco. In the afternoon from 2pm until 6 pm your tour guide meets you at your hotel and takes you on a sightseeing tour of the town taking in the colonial churches and visiting Inca ruins outside the city; Sacsayhuaman (temple of the lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place), Puca- pucara (Inca Fortress) and Tambomachay (Temple of the water). (Entrance fees are extra charge). Dinner on own arrangements. Guesthouse in Cusco- Cusco Plaza 1 or similar.

INCA TRAIL OVERVIEW: The Inca Trail is the classic trek originating from Cusco, taking in Andean culture, and archaeology. Set in dramatic mountain scenery, it is a mix of mysterious ancient ruins and the excitement of high Andean landscapes. The trail was a royal Inca highway linking Cusco with the religious citadel of Machu Picchu. The city became lost to the jungle to be rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Some of the trail has only been rediscovered in the last two decades. Now you can retrace the steps of the ancient Inca to encounter the splendor of Machu Picchu. We ensure its uniqueness amongst a multitude of tour companies, by our attention to detail, and striving to provide the highest standards of cuisine, equipment, and personnel.

Day 4 CUSCO - HUAYLLAMBAMBA (B/L/D) An early start takes us with tourist bus to Km 82 (2,650 meters) where we collect the porters to commence walking, via Urubamba Valley. From km 82 we cross the raging Vilcanota River. Walking in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,680 meters) we continue the hike, stopping for lunch near the Cusichaca River, and admiring the Inca ruins at Llactapata. We complete 5 to 6 hours of gentle hiking by reaching the first campsite by the river at Huayllabamba (3,000 meters).

Day 5 Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo (B/L/D) This second day is the most arduous of our journey. After a hearty breakfast we commence by ascending to Warmihuausca (Dead Women's) pass (4,200 meters). This change of altitude means that we will pass through three separate ecological zones during the day: Quechua, Yunga and Puna (from valleys with trees, through high pasture, to arid grassless areas short of the snow line). The ascent of over 1,200 meters to the first pass earns magnificent views. Descending from this superb vantage point we pass waterfalls before making camp at Pacaymayu. (3,550 meters).

Day 6 Pacaymayu - Wiinaywayna (B/L/D) The day starts with the pass of Runkuracay (3,900 meters) where we see an Inca watchtower. Then we continue to the Inca ruins at Sayacmarca (a small maze like ruin built above a sheer cliff) and, passing through a rock tunnel, we reach Phuyupatamarca (City above the clouds) (3,600 meters), a beautiful set of linked stone baths still supplied by mountain streams. From this area, we should achieve views of Mt. Salkantay (6271 meters), one of two most sacred peaks to the Incas. The descent down from the third pass (3,700 meters) is by a continuous set of steps (over 2,300 of them), into cloud forest, to our last campsite. From here a short walk takes us to the impressive ruins of Wiñaywayna (2,600 meters), curving around a steep valley with walled terraces hanging the contours. The extra relaxation time provided here allows us to recoup our strength to make an early start the next day and maximize the experience of Machu Picchu.

Day 7 Winaywayna - Machu Picchu (B) A pre-dawn breakfast allows us to ascend to Intipuncu (the sun-gate) 2,750 meters where we may observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu (2,450 meters) After taking in this memorable view we descend to the ruins for a guided tour, starting well before the crowds arrive by train from Cusco. There should be 6 to 7 hours available to spend in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huaynapicchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas. Afternoon train returns to Cusco. Optional visit to Aguas Calientes Hot springs (extra charge 2$ per person) before the train ride back to Cusco. Lunch and Dinner on own arrangements. Guesthouse in Cusco- Cusco Plaza 1 or similar.

Day 8 Cusco (B) Free day in Cusco, Peru's fourth largest city, and time for you to explore the attractions of this lively city on your own. This is a chance to try local cuisine and shop around, or do some optional tours such as Mountain Biking, River Rafting, or visiting Pisac Indian Market. Lunch and Dinner on own arrangements Guesthouse in Cusco- Cusco Plaza 1 or similar.

Day 9 Sat Nov 1st Cusco/Lima (B) Morning flight to Lima, We pick you up from your hotel for the transfer to the airport and assist you on your flight checking. End of trip.

LAND PACKAGE COST $1,425 * **

LAND & AIR PACKAGE COST * (Not available on this tour)

* double occupancy accommodations

** additional 4% Service Charge

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: add $399

(Balance due 60 days ahead of travel)

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

WHAT'S INCLUDED

-Domestic flights within Peru (Lima /Cusco and Cusco / Lima) -Airport transfers on arrival and departure in every destination.
-01 nights hotel in Lima and 04 nights hotel in Cusco (On a twin sharing basis- Two people per room).
-Professional local tour guides while on the tours and trek.
-Hotels include: Buffet breakfast and taxes.
-Excursion in Cusco and nearby sites.
-U.S. Based Travel Director to accompany the group for the duration of the Trip

INCLUDED ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACCHU PICCHU TREK: - Private Bus from Cusco to Km 82 (starting point for the trek) we pick you up from your hotel. - Professional/Licensed English Speaking guide (head guide) - Second assistant guide. - Entrance to the park and to Machu Picchu ($ 74.00) - Cook + assistant - Meals while in the tour (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinners, tea time every afternoon and wake up tea every morning at your tents). - Equipment: Two-person tent (4 season tent), brands we use REI and the Mountain HARDWEAR. - Tent for kitchen, tent for dinning, thick mattresses, ride rest, camping stools, camping table, cooking gear. - Porter for carrying the equipment and food. (Clients carry their personal baggage) - Economic Tourist Train return from Aguas Calientes / Cusco with seats reserved. - Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes (25') - Transfer from the train station in Cusco to hotel. - Treated water while on the hike. - First- Aid Kit, Oxygen.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

- International Flight from The U.S.A. to Lima (RT).
- Visitors pass for all Cusco sites $ 28.00 (if student the price is 50% less.
- Extra porter to carry their personal baggage ONLY IF NEEDED (add $ 75.00 for the whole trip, they can share between 2 persons)
- Airport domestic departure tax ($ 5.00 each way)
- International departure tax ($ 28.00)
- Sleeping bag (for rental $15.00 for duration of hike) OR BRING YOUR OWN
- Tips and Gratuities
- Extra personal expenses (i.e. Laundry, Telephone calls, Alcoholic Beverages etc)
- Meals not mentioned on the program.
- Applicable Visa fees if any.

What We Recommend That You Bring: - Insect repellent - Rain jacket - Small flashlight - small sewing kit - Toiletries - Hat - Sleeping bag (or you may rent on from us in Cusco) - Sunscreen - Backpack or Hiking Pack for the Trek to carry all your items - Toilet Paper - Water bottle or non-disposable canteen such as a Nalgene type - Extra cash in soles and/or U.S. dollars, NO ATM's on the trail or in Aguas Calientes town.

Clothing Items: - Light pullover or sweatshirt - Warm clothes- sweater or polar jacket and/or polar fleece - 4 shirts, 4 t-shirts - 2 pairs of shorts / skirts - 3 pairs of long pants - Underwear and sleepwear - Thongs or flip-flops - Good walking shoes or hiking shoes - Towel and swim wear - Thermal underwear. - Rain gear (poncho, jacket, and pants)

MEETING BEFORE THE TREK: There is a meeting prior to the departure day to the Inca Trail Trek (IN CUSCO) with Your local guide and with all the members of the group where you will be informed with all the necessary information and recommendations regarding this trek.

MEALS: We provide all meals during the Trek. Meals consist of a buffet selection of soup or appetizers, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly cleaned with disinfected water prior to serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled and afterwards cooled drinking water. A sample of the MENU while on the trail. Breakfast: oats, milk, coffee, bread, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, fruits, tea, chocolate, coffee, coca tea, orange juice. Lunch: fresh vegetables soups, mais cream, escabeche (Peruvian styled marinated vegetables with chicken), fruit salads, hot drinks Dinner: Chicken soup, vegetables soups, saltado de lomo (chopped meat with french fried and tomato sauce, estofado de pollo (chicken stew), pasta with tomato sauce.

TIPPING: Guiding and staff (porters, cooks) is acceptable at your discretion when you feel they have gone beyond their normal job requirements and should be compensated by you for it.

TRAVEL BAGGAGE: The Hotel in Cusco has a storage room where you can leave the travel luggage (extras things you wont need on the trail, in order to lighten your bag up some) when going on the Inca Trail and there is no fee for it, Otherwise you can also leave your things at our office in Cusco.

Climate: Cuzco's climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January - March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, and the temperatures can drop to 32ºF at night along the Inca Trail. Temperatures range from 59-68ºF during the day (if it's sunny), to 41-50ºF during the day (if not sunny) and 32-41ºF at night at the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machu Picchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.

*Please book early to insure a spot, there are a limited amount of people per day allowed on the Inca Trail- government regulated. Departure Dates for Inca Trail Trek are regulated by the Government of Peru and subject to change Departure and arrival times are approximated. Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide's criteria. Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate to challenging.

IMPORTANT International Flight info:
International flight is not included. Please book to arrive in Lima from your home city on Saturday Oct 7th (anytime that day or evening is fine; although the earlier you arrive that day, the more free time you will have in Lima to explore). Please book your departure flight from Lima to your home city later in the day on the 15th ,as you will be coming on a short flight from Cusco to Lima first early in the morning that day.

A good example of a flight that works well is as follows. This flight is from NY-LIMA on Copa Airlines and costs 749$ (as of 6/6/06):

Departure Flight (sample)
Copa Airlines 803
Depart: 6:00am New York, NY (JFK)
Arrive: 10:10am Panama City, Panama (PTY)
Change planes. Time between flights: 0hr 41min
Copa Airlines 489
Depart: 10:51am 12pm Panama City, Panama (PTY)
Arrive: 2:12 pm Lima, Peru (LIM)

Return flight (sample)
Copa Airlines 488
Depart: 3:05pm Lima, Peru (LIM)
Arrive: 6:30pm Panama City, Panama (PTY)
Change planes. Time between flights: 1hr 0min
Copa Airlines 804
Depart: 7:30pm Panama City, Panama (PTY)
Arrive: 1:43am New York, NY (JFK)