LADATCO TOURS: INCA TRAIL EXPLORER

SPECIAL NOTE: Without a doubt the Inca Trail is one of the most spectacular treks in the world. As you follow the original Inca Royal Trail, you will have magnificent vistas of valleys and snow capped mountains, foaming waterfalls, lush green forests and scattered ruins.

But even if you have trekked often and in other challenging situations, bear in mind the sustained altitude of this trek - an average of 8,000 feet with two high passes averaging 15,000 feet. Trails can be rugged, landslides are not unusual and all supplies must be brought with you.

While you can revel in experiencing crisp misty dawns and bright sunny afternoons, these too mean that you must be amply prepared. For crisp misty dawns mean a cold humid night and bright sunny afternoons mean sun. Be prepared to layer your clothes.

All necessary camp and cook gear is included - you need only to bring your own personal gear, your sleeping bag and a day pack. The porters carry your regular back pack and take care of setting up and tearing down the camp as well as preparing all meals. In addition, make sure you bring your rain poncho, sun glasses, good trekking boots, long pants, shorts, insect repellent, flashlight with extra batteries, personal medications, plenty of film and your own supply of toilet paper (which will probably prove to be a luxury).

Thursday - Miami - Lima: Afternoon departure on flight south to Lima, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival meeting and transfer to Swissotel Lima for overnight stay.

Friday - Lima - Cuzco: Early morning transfer to the airport for flight over the snow-capped Andes to Cuzco, ancient capital of the Inca empire and considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere. Transfer to Hotel Monasterio in the heart of the city. Morning to adjust to the altitude. Afternoon visit to the main points of interest in Cuzco, including the Korikancha, once the center of the royal Incas, and visit the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenkko, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara.

Saturday - Cuzco: Day at leisure to explore at your own pace and acclimate to the altitude. (B)

Sunday - Begin Trekking the Inka Trail: Early morning transfer to Chilca, to start your trek along the turbulent Rio Vilcanota, with stunning views of 19,000 ft. Nevada Veronica, to the ancient Inca city of Llactapata with time to explore the ruins. Continue hiking along the Inca terraces up to the Cusicha River to the village of Wayllabamba at 10,750 feet with late afternoon arrival for overnight camping near the village. (B/L/D)

Monday - Trekking the Inca Trail: Begin trekking uphill slowly and steeply through an enchanted epiphyte-laden misty-cloud forest to Warmihuanusca Pass, the highest pass at around 15,000 feet, with magnificent views east to the Huayanay peaks and to the west, the rugged Vilcabamba range. Then begin a downward descent to the Inca outpost of Runkurukay at 12,460 feet for overnight camp. (B/L/D)

Tuesday - Trekking the Inca Trail: After breakfast begin trekking a second pass at 14,300 feet and follow the ancient Inca highway (the original Inca Royal Highway) on the finest stretch of the trail to the restored townsite of Sayamarca for overnight camping. (B/L/D)

Wednesday - Arriving at Machu Picchu: Continue trekking the trail along the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, along an ancient stone road only recently discovered and resplendent with orchids and hummingbirds, high above the Vilcanota River. Emerge at the "Gate of the Sun" for your first view of the extraordinary ruins of Machu Picchu from high above the city, then begin the stroll down the "Royal Highway" into the Lost City of the Incas. There will be time to thoroughly explore the ruins, climb imposing Huayna Picchu or simply quietly contemplate the awesome beauty. Overnight at the charming Machu Picchu El Pueblo Hotel in the village of Aguas Calientes. (B/L)

Thursday - Machu Picchu - Cuzco: Day at leisure to re-enter Machu Picchu or explore the area at your own pace. Late afternoon return train to Cuzco with transfer to the Monasterio for overnight. (B)

Friday - Cuzco - Lima: Transfer for morning return flight to Lima. Meeting and transfer to Swissotel Lima for overnight stay. Afternoon visit to Lima, once the seat of the Spanish Vice royalty and often called "The City of Kings", including a stop at the Plaza de Armas to visit the impressive Cathedral, a visit to Santo Domingo Convent and a drive through the modern parts of the city. (C)

Saturday - Lima - Miami: Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Miami where you clear immigrations and customs and make connections to your home city.

LADATCO TOURS
HOME	South America	Central America	Falkland Islands	Explorer Tours	RIO Carnival	RIO New Year	Newsstand	Air Only	e-mail

SAMPLE RATE PER PERSON: (All rates subject to change without notice)
YEAR	Single Occupancy	Twin Occupancy - P/P	Triple Occupancy - P/P
2008	$6,400 to $7,300	$5,200 to $5,900	$4,600 to $5,400
2009	estimate + 10%
Plus USA Departure Taxes

PAYMENTS: By credit card; special form required & must carry Card Holder's signature
Deposit - Per Person	2nd deposit - Per Person	Full Payment Due
$500 in order to confirm	To complete 30% deposit upon confirmation of all space	65 days prior departure

CHANGES:
After reservations confirmed	If new documents are required
$100 per change	$100 per change + $100 re-issue documents

CANCELLATIONS:
Cancelled Between	Up to 91 days	89 to 61 days	60 to 31 days	30 to 00 days
Fees Per Person	$500	30%	50%	100%