Cuzco Cuzco, situated 1,165km/ 724 miles to the southeast of Lima, is one of the most lively and attractive of South American cities and was once the capital of the Inca Empire. For people coming direct from sea level to Cuzco, 3,353m/ 11,000ft, the altitude gain can be a problem, so on our Mountain Kingdoms trips we will descend to the Sacred Valley at 2,792m/ 9,160ft for our first night. We may then return to Cuzco later when we are properly acclimatised to relax and enjoy some sightseeing. Inca Trail permits warning ? Now strictly controlled by the Peruvian Institute of Culture ? Total of 500 permits per day ? Usually sold out months in advance ? To secure your permit, we therefore have to pay for it in advance, and supply your full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation Therefore, if your trek in Peru involves one of the trails ( not just the Inca Trail) that leads to Machu Picchu, please book early! Peru & Machu Picchu This wonderful country combines stunning scenery with incredible biodiversity and a vibrant culture and history. Today Peru's dramatic mountains are home to indigenous highlanders, who still live a largely traditional way of life, tending their llamas and cultivating crops that were first developed here thousands of years ago. Everywhere you will see reminders of the country's rich past. Spanish Colonial churches rub shoulders with Inca ruins - Machu Picchu, the most iconic image of Peru, was built by the Incas who were in fact just the last representatives of a series of sophisticated cultures stretching back thousands of years. There are two main centres for trekking in Peru. In the south, Cuzco is the jumping off point for treks to Machu Picchu and the Cordillera Vilcabamba, while further north the town of Huaraz is the base for treks in the Cordilleras Blanca and Huayhuash. 54 Download holiday itineraries from www. mountainkingdoms. com e: info@ mountainkingdoms. com Machu Picchu

55 telephone: 0845 330 8579 ( local call rate, UK only) international telephone: + 44 1453 844 400 www. mountainkingdoms. com Grade: Moderate/ Vigorous South America Peru & Machu Picchu T his alternative Machu Picchu trek, which crosses a high mountain pass between the snow covered Andean peaks of Salkantay and Tucarhuay, shares all of the beauty and drama of the classic Inca Trail but has the added comfort of superb lodge accommodation. The four delightful lodges we stay at are all scenically situated with great views, and have wood burning stoves, Jacuzzis and stylish guest rooms with attached bathrooms and constant hot water. The food is great too! Before the trek we spend time acclimatising in the Sacred Valley, visiting a local market and various Inca sites. After enjoying a really unique view of Machu Picchu on trek we'll explore the amazing ruins before rounding off our trip with the sensational luxury train journey from Cuzco to Puno on Lake Titicaca. W e begin with a visit to the beautiful old colonial city of Arequipa, the ' White City', situated at 2,600m/ 8,530ft and a good place to start acclimatising to the altitude of the Andes. We then travel on to the stunning Colca Canyon, one of the deepest and most spectacular in the world and a top spot for seeing Andean condors. Then it's off to Puno, for a boat ride out to the islands on Lake Titicaca, before taking one of the world's classic rail journeys to reach Cuzco. From here we explore the fabulous Inca sites of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley before visiting the most iconic Inca site of all, Machu Picchu. A visit to the Amazon rainforest with opportunities to see monkeys, macaws, caiman and giant otters rounds off this delightful trip. Luxury Lodges to Machu Picchu A fabulous lodge- to- lodge trek along a pre- Inca trade route through the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Peruvian Explorer This varied tour is a wonderful introduction to the best of Peru's three southern geographical regions. Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients £ 1,995 £ 1,995 £ 3,195 £ 2,995 Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Fri 06 Aug - Sat 21 Aug Fri 10 Sep - Sat 25 Sep Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 8 Lodges/ Hacienda: 5 Optional: Single Room £ 550 Insurance: £ 124 1- 2 Fly Arequipa via Lima 3- 4 Sightseeing Colca Canyon & Cruz del Condor 5- 8 Lake Titicaca, train to Cuzco, sightseeing 9- 11 Visit Sacred Valley 12- 14 Visit Machu Picchu, fly Amazon rainforest 15- 16 Fly London via Lima Cultural Tour | Duration: 16 Days Other Cultural Tours - pages 12, 13, 20, 24, 42, 48, 49 & 50 Trek | Duration: 16 Days £ 2,245 £ 2,245 £ 2,295 £ 3,325 £ 3,525 £ tbc Land Only Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Flight Included Fri 02 Apr - Sat 17 Apr Fri 23 Apr - Sat 08 May Fri 03 Sep - Sat 18 Sep Fri 17 Sep - Sat 02 Oct Fri 30 Jul - Sat 14 Aug Fri 08 Apr 11 - Sat 23 Apr 11 Fri 22 Apr 11 - Sat 07 May 11 Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 6 clients On Trek: 6 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 8 Luxury Lodges: 5 Optional: Single Room £ 260 Single Lodge: £ 495 Insurance: £ 145 1- 2 Fly Cuzco via Lima, transfer to Sacred Valley 3- 5 Acclimatisation, sightseeing, return to Cuzco 6- 7 Drive Soray Pampa, day walks 8- 12 Trek through the Andes, view Machu Picchu 13- 16 Visit Lake Titicaca, fly London, via Lima NB. A shorter, 14 Day, version of this holiday, omitting the visit to Lake Titicaca, is also available. Full details can be found in the holiday itinerary, available on our website or upon request. Cusco Market Square, Steve Berry