Your passport to adventure
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
Dominated by the magnificent Andean mountain range, and wedged between the South Pacific and lush, humid Amazon rainforest, Peru is a country that has so much to offer travellers and trekkers. One of Peru’s most famous travel experiences is the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, a 43 km trek into the Andes. You will journey to a city that has evolved 3,400 metres up in the mountains – perfect for acclimatising to high altitudes. Your host city of Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is designated as the Historical Capital of Peru.
The Killke occupied this region from 900 to 1200 AD. But in the 12th century, the Incas – a local tribe in this area – killed off the Killke. Growing from tribe to imperial power, the Incas, under their Sapa (Emperor), transformed the Kingdom of Cuzco from a sleepy little city-state into a vast Empire.
More properly known as Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire was the largest force in the pre-Columbian Americas. Its centre was here in Cuzco, Tawantinsuyu (today’s Peru is part of old Tawantinsuyu). Passionate about Empire-building, the Inca civilization was on a roll in the 15th century. So it’s fairly understandable that from 1438 to 1533, the Incas used both violent and non-violent means to cram more and more of the Andean mountain range into Tawantinsuyu.
High up in the Incas’ prized mountains, you will trek through cloud forest, into subtropical jungle and up tiers of granite steps. Next you’ll negotiate some rocky tunnels and pass some Inca remains. At an altitude of 2,430 metres, here is your first astonishing view of the 15th-century ruins of the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Discovered in 1911 by American historian, Hiram Bingham, this expansive UNESCO World Heritage site is among the most spectacular architectural relics in the world.
It is widely believed that the Incas designed and built this ‘City’ to be an Imperial estate with-a-view; a mountain ‘resort’ for the Sapa (Emperor) of Tawantinsuyu, Sapa Pachacuti, his family and other Inca high-flyers. Their prized Machu Picchu Mountain ‘resort’ could accommodate up to 750 fortunate members of their Inca class.
Construction began around 1430, and the ‘resort’ gave pleasure for 100 years. But in 1533 Spanish conquistadors invaded this massive continent and, together with conscripted local mercenaries, they began to quash and conquer the Incas and their empire of Tawantinsuyu. Remarkably, and to our huge advantage, the Spanish invaders failed to stumble upon the great Machu Picchu Mountain estate. So the ‘Lost City’-on-high continues to astound all who walk this beautiful land and trek its fabulous Inca trails.
Find out more about our tours to Peru, or call us on 0800 088 6002.
Experience Bhutan's majestic landscapes, ancient fortresses, vibrant festivals, and unique culture on this unforgettable 8-day adventure. Hike to Tiger's Nest, explore dzongs, and connect with local life at a traditional homestay.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
8
From
$2250
$2645
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
$1885
$2215
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
Marrakesh is a city in the foothills of Morocco's snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Landlocked 2,000-year-old Nepal is surrounded by China and India.
He stood on the fortress of Nyenskans in Nven-town. Below him was the neck of the Neva River in the Gulf of Finland.
Istanbul began as the city of Byzantium in 667 BC under the ancient Greeks. Later called Constantinople, it became the imperial seat of the Roman Empire.
Cairo is an African city of 15 million people. It is hot, hot-headed and frenetic with bustle, bazaars and traffic chaos.
Built in the 6th century BC as a capitol for the Nabataeans, Petra is your reward for a horse or camel-ride through the Siq, a narrow corridor of cliffs.
Known in the 4,000 year-old city of Jerusalem as 'Haram Esh-Sharif'and 'Western Wall' your guide will explain all this stonework - the remains of the original Fort Antonia.
It helps to remember that Tanzania's name is two old African states spliced together.