FEATURE CUSCO & THE SACRED VALLEY
"If customers are keen to do the classic four-day Inca Trail trek then it really is vital to encourage them to book permits early"
two in the Sacred Valley, one at Machu Picchu, two in Cusco, one in Puno and three in Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. The cost is from £3,949pp for departures this November.
permits limited to 500 people per day including porters and guides, they need to be applied for several months in advance, especially during peak periods. "However, it is still possible to trek to Machu Picchu along alternative ancient Incan pathways once these permits run out. Equally beautiful, the advantage is they are far less trekked and take travellers through remote rural villages. This summer our late bookers will be travelling along the Lares Trek to reach Machu Picchu, the main difference being that this route does not take you via the Sun Gate. "With no limit on the number of visitors allowed into Machu Picchu itself, the less actively-minded can visit by catching the train. Our trips cater for both types of traveller.”
DIANA HENDERSON Head of product, Journey Latin America “To cope with the huge
demand for the classic Inca Trail trek, there are now strict regulations limiting numbers. For busy times of the year it must be booked well in advance. The views, flora and fauna and, above all, the Inca sites along the way, still make this trek unique, however, and continue to justify its popularity.”
Where To Book It THE ADVENTURE COMPANY
0845 287 1198
www.adventurecompany.co.uk The Footsteps of the Incas trip is new for 2011 and includes the classic three- day Inca Trail trek, as well as visits to
Cusco, Arequipa and Lima. The 15-day trip starts from £3,119pp including an experienced local group leader.
METROPOLITAN TOURING 020 7960 6255
www.metropolitan-touring.com Offers an eight-day specialised trekking programme in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, plus a visit to Machu Picchu; a six-day essential Peru itinerary visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno and Lake Titicaca; plus tailor-made options.
KUONI 0844 488 0513
www.kuoni.co.uk Kuoni’s 14-night Peruvian Highlights escorted tour spends three nights in Lima, two in the Amazon rainforest,
TUCANO PERU
welcome@tucanoperu.com www.tucanoperu.travel The Peru-based tour operator works with agents and operators in the UK to put together personalised tailor-made itineraries. It can also assist with educational trips for agents that register with the operator.
How To Get There Air France launched a five-times weekly service from Paris to Lima in June, complementing partner airline KLM’s daily service from Amsterdam. Iberia operates ten flights a week from Madrid to Lima; Air Europa has a four-times-weekly service also from Madrid; and LAN flies daily from Madrid to Lima. •
Clockwise from top left: Quechua girl; Orient Express Hotels' Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; Cusco's La Compania de Jesus church. Opposite: Libertador's Tambo del Inka hotel
info@metropolitan-touring.com.pe |
www.metropolitan-touring.com Metropolitan Touring UK Office 212, 10 Greycoat Place, London SWIP ISB, United Kingdom. Tel. +44 (0) 20 7960 6255
www.sellinglonghaul.com • July/August 2011 31
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