THE GUESTLIST NETWORK | MAY 2011
TRAVEL 23
SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU, PERU
The train pulls to a halt in the middle of nowhere. There is no platform and the only indicator that I’m somewhere significant is a small blue and yellow sign that says “KM104. Welcome to Inka Trail”
Many travellers who have explored South America will be familiar with this experience, as it is one of the main starting points of the Inca Trail, the majestic trek to Macchu Picchu – the lost city of the Incas, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new 7 wonders of the world. From here we were literally walking in the footsteps of the Incas with an easy two day trek to the ruins through cloud forests, accompanied with a backdrop of stunning waterfalls and the Andes mountains ensuring that the journey was just as good as the destination.
Machu Picchu was only recently discovered by the West in 1911 when an American historian
stumbled across it whilst exploring the highlands of Peru. It has since gone on to become Peru’s most famous site with thousands of travellers wanting to experience the magic of this ancient place each year.
This lost city of the Incas is one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Inca settlement. Due to it’s remoteness it escaped the vandalism and defacement that other Inca monuments suffered when the Spanish conquistadors sailed into town. Perched atop a mountain and surrounded by towering rocky outcrops it is also one of the most scenic places on earth, it’s little wonder that this is one of the most photographed places in all of South America. The first day’s trek was very painless and was made even more comfortable by spending the night in a hotel along the route (no tents for this princess!).
We awoke early to be amongst the
Peru, is one of the most fascinating destinations in South America.
first to enter Machu Picchu to see the sun rising above the mountains tops. From Sun Gate, located above the ruins, is an utterly breathtaking view, well worth the trek. As the day continued, our local guide took us around the site revealing the fascinating intimacies of life back in the ancient city.
If you are planning to go to Machu Picchu be sure to book early. The Peruvian Government controls the number of travellers allowed on the trail to preserve the site for future generations therefore a permit is required. The best way to take all the hassle out of this is to book with a tour operator such as Contiki (
contiki.com) who will take care of organising all the permits plus the trains and hotel accommodation when booking one of their larger South American Tours.
www.contki.co.uk
usa, canada, alaska & latin america
Check out New Orleans with TrekAmerica for the Greatest Free Show on Earth!
If you’re looking for a change of scenery from the UK scene then New Orleans is ready and waiting to blow your mind. With street dancers and performers, world renowned blues bars and funky Jazz clubs, this incredible city isn’t regarded as the greatest free show on earth for nothing. Cajun and Creole inspired street food will have your mouth watering
and almost constant festivities ensure the party atmosphere is alive and well every night of the week, with legendary Bourbon Street at the centre of it all. TrekAmerica Travel, voted ‘Best Tour Operator to the USA’ at the 2010 British Travel Award, say that New Orleans is one of the most popular destinations on any of its tours that visit the Southern
States. Their 14 day Atlantic Dream tour, which travels down the East Coast of the USA from New York to Miami, spends two nights enjoying the sights and sound of New Orleans, before continuing on to the beautiful palm fringed, white sandy beach of Miami and the Florida Keys. Check out
www.trekamerica.
co.uk
original adventures since 1972
TrekAmerica are leaders in small group adventure travel throughout North America for 18-38s and guarantee the adventure of a lifetime, with over 50 exciting itineraries from 3 day mini-adventures to epic 64 day road trips.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK VISIT:
www.trekamerica.co.uk/gu OR CALL:
0844 576 1430
* Discount terms: Valid on bookings made before September 30th 2011 and not combinable with any other offer. Quote code 201122 at time of booking.
SAVE 5%*
DISCOUNT CODE: 201122
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48