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108 The Americas I Peru Below the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu WHY THE INCA TRAIL? The Inca Trail is a `must' for any walker and is the most famous trek in South America. It was constructed as an ancient Inca highway connecting Cuzco with the lost city of Machu Picchu. The original trail has been carefully and comprehensively restored, and although it can be quite busy at times, it is unquestionably the most rewarding way to arrive at Machu Picchu, passing through wonderful mountain landscapes of Amazonian cloud forest and snow-capped Andean peaks. Though it is more than just a simple stroll, it should be within the capability of anyone who is in good health and fitness, and the rewards certainly justify the physical effort. WHY EXODUS? Award Winning Standards: The Peruvian Ministry of Tourism has cited our Peruvian partner, for the fifth consecutive year, as the `Best Regional Adventure Travel Agent'. They share our goal to set the standard for sustainable, responsible tourism in the Andes and also provide our clients with the very best in organisation and support. Porter Protection: We are of course fully committed to our staff and porters and ensure that they get a fair wage and are equipped to deal with any inclement mountain conditions. TOM HENDRICKSON Tom Hendrickson manages operations from Cuzco in the heart of the Andes. He has been trekking, mountaineering and guiding in South America since 1970, and has been a permanent resident of Peru for about 20 years. Tom is an active and influential member in the major Peruvian ecotourism and adventure associations. His caring attitude and attention to detail are big reasons for our trips' reliability and excellence. BOOK EARLY Please note that there is very limited space on the Inca Trail and is allocated on a strictly firstcome, first-served basis - please book early. ALTERTNATIVE INCA TRAIL Moonstone to Sun Temple Away from the main Inca Trail, this stunning, seldom-trodden route follows ancient Inca paths through incredible mountain scenery. It's an ideal choice for those who want quiet trekking and real solitude, or simply for times when Inca Trail permits have run out! The 4-day/3-night trek is fully supported with the same excellent porters, cooks and guides that operate our other treks in Southern Peru. Undulating along ancient paths past fortresses, shrines and aqueducts, and finishing in the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo this is a great trek in its own right. Finally, anyone choosing this alternative will be transported up the Sacred Valley by train to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. This trek can be interchanged at no extra cost with the normal Inca Trail route on many of the trips on pages 109-112. Please see Trip Notes for full details. Local payments now included in the price