We are very excited to announce that we will be running a Machu Picchu Trek in 2019!
Translated from Quechuan, the original language of the Incas, 'Machu Picchu' means 'Old Mountain, and old it is! This ancient city was built around the mid 1400s by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the 9th Inca Ruler. With its spectacular location and remarkable architecture it's easy to see why it is considered one of the wonders of the world.
Following the Spanish invasion during the 16th Century the settlement became a closely guarded secret for hundreds of years. In 1911 an American Archaeologist called Hiram Bingham, in search of the 'Lost Cities of the Incas' rediscovered the ancient site that we know as Machu Picchu today. After this word soon spread and the site has attracted thousands upon thousands of people ever since.
In July 2019 we will be heading to Peru to lead the trek to Macchu Picchu. Though we will be doing it a bit different from the norm! Rather than the busy, classic Inca Trail we will be taking the Lares Valley Trail (the original Inca Trail) which is much quieter. The landscape here is stunning as you pass beautiful lakes, waterfalls and trek over big passes with views of snow-capped peaks.
We will meet up with the Inca Trail as we head passed the Vilcanota River, up through the Cloud Forest and on to Machu Picchu through the Sun gate. Here you will have a whole afternoon to marvel at the views and explore this one of the 7 Wonders of the World. We will also return early the next morning to watch the sunrise over this amazing place. You will have a guided tour of the magnificent archaeological site to see the extraordinary Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Intihuatana the solar clock and more.
Prior to trekking we will arrive in Cusco where we will acclimatise and see the local sites. There will also be a trip to the Qoricancha Sun Temple, which was the most important temple to the Incas, and time to explore the San Pedro market. The next day includes a full day excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", visiting the Sun Temple, colourful artisan markets and the town of Ollantaytambo to see ruins of what was once a massive Inca Fortress.
This really is an incredible trip that allows you to fully experience what the area has to offer and immerse yourself in history and culture whilst trekking through a stunning location. It's no wonder that it features on many people's Bucket List!
More information, including the full itinerary, what's included and cost can be found on the website. For ease, the full itinerary can also be viewed here.
Stunning waterfalls, travertine formed streams and huge red sandstone canyon walls are just some of the incredible things you will see on this fantastic 5 day trek through the Grand Canyon.
Having flown from London to Phoenix, Arizona you will be transferred to your hotel where you will have chance to freshen up and get to know the group as you all relax over dinner, prior to a good night’s sleep as you prepare to start trekking the following day.
The next day you will depart Phoenix and head north through the Sonoran Desert and into the high elevation plateaus and red rock canyons of Sedona where you are introduced to your first hike in Red Rock State Park. This is an easy going acclimatisation 5-10km walk of about 300m height gain to help you acclimatise to the heat and get comfortable with walking with your kit. Just don’t forget to look up and admire the beautiful surroundings along the way! On finishing the trek the vehicles will be waiting for you to transport you across the Colorado Plateau to the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn where you will relax, enjoy dinner and prepare your kit for the next few days trekking.
Today is the day! After an early breakfast you will be driven to the trailhead, which is perched at the edge of the canyon. This place is called Hualapai Hilltop (pronounced “Walapai”) and is the only land travel access to Havasupai. Starting at 5,200 feet (1,584 m) in elevation, the trail winds through a mile of switchbacks before levelling out in a dry streambed. After a trailside lunch, the red sandstone canyon walls seem to grow around you as you pass mile 8 and enter Supai, the most remote village in the U.S. where even the mail is still delivered by packhorse! Here at 3,200 feet (975 m) you can take a welcome rest stop before continuing to basecamp.
The surroundings are stunning and you will experience multiple waterfalls along the way, culminating in your first glimpse of the famous and awe-inspiring 100-foot Havasu Falls. Just minutes from the falls is your basecamp at 2,800 feet (853 m). Tonight, you will enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and sleep under the stars deep in the Grand Canyon, an experience like no other!
Day 3 of the trek will see you head for adventure in the gem of the Grand Canyon – Beaver Falls. Here you will trek 14km from camp to Beaver Falls, exploring more hidden waterfalls and gorgeous lagoons in this idyllic setting. Today’s trek involves both a dry route and a wet route with options for swimming – an ideal way to cool off, water jumps for those feeling adventurous and a descent of the red rock via a short section of ladders and chains. You will then head back to base camp to rest your legs and chat with the group as you enjoy another delicious dinner before heading to your tents for a well-deserved sleep.
The penultimate day in the Grand Canyon will be another action packed day as you trek 14km from your camp to Carbonate Canyon explore caves, beautiful rock structures and have time to paddle, swim and relax in another beautiful waterfall. For those who are feeling brave there is an option for a low-grade scramble up to the Esplanade for an incredible bird’s eye view of the Canyon with all its different levels. Here you will be able to see your campsite, the waterfall at Beaver Falls, and across to Walapai where you started your journey from days prior. After another great day exploring more hidden gems of the canyon you will return to camp for your last night under the stars.
The last day in the canyon will see you rise very early to avoid the heat of the day as you trek 16-18km to the top of the Grand Canyon rim, a 700m rise in height gain. This is your last chance to take in the wonderful surroundings and views of this magical place as you ascend from paradise! The trek will be long and hot but what a beautiful location to spend your last day trekking as a group.
On arrival at your pick up point you will be met by the vehicles who will transfer you to Las Vegas via the historic Route 66, stopping in the kitschy town of Seligman, Arizona to enjoy lunch. After a few hours on the road you will arrive at your hotel in Las Vegas where you will have time to freshen up before enjoying a celebratory meal together. Be prepared for the bright lights and noises of Las Vegas, which are a bit of a sensory overload and contrast to the surroundings you have experienced over the last few days! It’s certainly not an experience to be missed though!
The following day you will have a full day to explore after breakfast so be sure to see what Las Vegas has to offer including the neon lights of the strip, the fountains of the Bellagio and maybe catch a show after dinner in one of the many fantastic restaurants.
As all things eventually come to an end it, the next day it will be time to leave the bright lights of Las Vegas following an incredible experience of trekking through the Grand Canyon. After a late breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where you will fly home having met some fantastic people, made great friendships and created wonderful memories. This certainly isn’t an experience to be missed!
More information can be found here or register your interest & receive updates straight to your inbox.
Additional Information – What’s included in the trip cost:
· Experienced UK Mountain Leader/Medic leading the challenge
· Expedition Wise Buff & Expedition Bag
· International Flights inc. fuel levy & taxes
· All Vehicle transfers
· All accommodation in twin en-suite hotel/lodges out of the canyon
· Accommodation in twin share tents whilst in the canyon
· All food on the trek and in hotel/lodges
· Water on the trek
· All local guides, support etc. whilst on the trek
Are you looking for a once in a lifetime experience or a challenge that will take you overseas to amazing places? We have some incredible overseas treks in 2016 that you can choose to do to raise money for your chosen charity or simply for the chance to tick some items off your Bucket List!
Take a look at Expedition Wise's 2016 Overseas Treks & Expeditions:
Kilimanjaro Trek - Sept 17th - 27th 2016 - Mt Kilimanjaro is a truly incredible mountain and is perfect for someone who is looking for a challenging trek overseas. The altitude can make the trek very tough going but we use the Rongai route which allows a better chance of acclimatising.
Find out more about our Kilimanjaro Trek here.
October 6th - 10th 2016 - Spend 3 days trekking over the stunning sand dunes of the Sahara and the nights sleeping under millions of stars in a traditional Berber Bedouin camp.
Find out more about our Sahara Trek here.
November 5th - 20th 2016 - Imagine standing on the summit of a mountain in the Himalayas that has never been climbed before! Have the chance to go down in the mountaineering history books with a first ascent of a mountain in Nepal. An incredible, once in a lifetime experience!
Find out what's involved here.
Be Inspired! Watch the short film of our 2015 Unclimbed Peak Expedition.
Whatever you do, make 2016 a year of achieving the incredible!
