DESTINATIONS — LATIN AMERICA
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant
Cusco cathedral
to carry camping equipment and food. The main hiking season runs from May to September, and the classic trek is offered as an option by many UK tour operators, including regional specialists such as Journey Latin America and adventure operators such as Intrepid Travel.
l ALTERNATIVE TRAILS For visitors keen to experience the region’s momentous scenery, hike on centuries-old trails and still see Machu Picchu, there are some superb alternatives to the classic route. The Choquequirao Trail – which I organised through KE Adventure Travel, which offers agents commission on bookings – is a prime example. Its lack of crowds is just one advantage. The trail snakes through diverse landscapes, with glacier-topped mountains an almost permanent backdrop, and makes its way to Machu Picchu via the ruins of Choquequirao, another remote Inca-era city. Another notable, and uncongested, option is the cleverly conceived Community Inca Trail, offered by Dragoman. It takes between three and four days and includes some classic Andean
vistas, as well as granting walkers the chance to spend time in villages each day. KE Adventure Travel and Exodus both offer extended versions of the classic route, with several days of quieter mountain hiking before joining the Inca Trail proper. Perhaps the best established of the alternative Inca Trails, however, is the five-day Salkantay Trek. It follows another ancient footpath and rises to a height of 4,600 metres, travelling through some epic scenery. Walkers not keen on camping will find it of particular interest, thanks to the presence of the Mountain Lodges of Peru, four high-comfort, heated lodges situated en route. Rainbow Tours offers this option. The treks all finish with the chance to visit Machu Picchu, although be aware that – other than the classic trail – they don’t arrive via the Sun Gate (which can still be walked up to, if desired). It’s also sensible to note that all treks are at least partly at high altitude. None of which changes the fact that any walking trail through the region is likely to be a vastly memorable experience. Clients with kids shouldn’t feel left out either – Explore has a family
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travelweekly.co.uk — 4 December 2014
Dragoman’s Community Inca Trail
SAMPLE PRODUCT
KE Adventure Travel’s 13-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek leads in at £1,295 land-only. It starts in Cusco and includes land transport, guides, site entrance fee, many meals and accommodation in hotels and on campsites (equipment provided).
keadventure.com
Rainbow Tours offers a five-day Lares Adventure trek staying in Mountain Lodges of Peru properties as part of a 12-day itinerary in the country starting from £2,725. In addition to the trek and stays in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo the trip also visits Lake Titicaca, and includes flights and transfers.
rainbowtours.co.uk
Intrepid Travel’s seven-day Inca Trail Express starts from £635 land-only starting in Cusco and includes accommodation in hotels and on campsites, and visits the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins as well as the Inca Trail trek.
intrepidtravel.com
Cox & Kings offers the 15-day Train to Machu Picchu group tour from £2,695 including flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. As well as taking the train to Machu Picchu, the itinerary also visits Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
coxandkings.co.uk
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