In his early school days, Inca Runners founder, Roberto Carcelen, learned of the Chasqui runners. The image of these agile and highly trained Incas that delivered messages and run down the Inca Trail network to keep the Empire connected stayed in his mind as a dream.

Later on and after several short visits to Cusco, he decided to stay there for a while and experience the Andes firsthand and at its best: he ran, hiked and cycled on several parts of the Inca Trail for days and days.

The experience of being on top of the Andes, close to the skies, surrounded by this amazing natural beauty and culture gave him the sensation of fulfillment that made him feel compelled to share with others what was shared with him earlier. In 2003, Inca Runners was born. Likewise, Hugo Mendez has always been very involved with endurance sports, from marathons to Ironman® triathlons, not to mention the pride he has for his Inca background.

Both partners met several years ago while training for the 2003 NYC marathon and became good friends.

Their passion for running, hiking and the Inca culture made both Roberto and Hugo to partner in this new age for Inca Runners.

We invite you to come along with us and discover your inner Inca.

OUR STORY

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We believe that the reward at the end of the day comes after earning it.

We know that a view means more when you’ve worked hard to get there.

And what a reward: Incredible gourmet meals, comfortable accommodations, and great company are waiting for you at the end of the day.

We’ll be an active part of the Andes’ untouched landscape, discovering its beauty up-close and personal.

We believe in a truly all- inclusive premium service. We don’t want you to worry about what’s included and what’s not. We want you to focus on what’s important: running, hiking and having fun!

Our services take care of all your needs, and we treat you like the VIP you are.

We are proud of the legacy of the Inca culture.

Our team and staff not only carry the Inca culture in their blood, but they’re proud of it. We want you to experience and discover, on your own, what’s truly Inca.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

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The trip was absolutely amazing. In some ways life-changing.

The culture was incredible, and although we felt special, we were able to be immersed in the culture and becameclose to those on our trip.

Dave Cook, Seattle, WA

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We are runners and hikers, just like you.

We share the same passion for this lifestyle and the outdoors. We know how gratifying is to be out there challenging yourself on the trails and roads.

We also feel grateful and lucky to be able to interact with the beautiful and untouched environment of the Andes.

We have a world-class team and staff.

How often can you say that an Olympian will lead your tours? Our expeditions leader, Roberto Carcelen, not only

knows the Inca Trail and the Andes like nobody else, but he used these places as a key part of his training to become the first Peruvian ever to go to a Winter Olympics Game, representing Peru in the Nordic Ski discipline, considered the pinnacle of endurance sports!

Our staff has not only several years of experience and knowledge of the Inca culture, but they are also so much fun!

You will experience the “other” Inca Trail.

We will take you off the tourist trail to discover the places that don’t show up on postcards!

Our routes are less travelled and more scenic, allowing our clients to have a unique running and hiking experience and a deeper interaction with the environment.

You will immerse in the Inca culture.

This is not just your regular run or hike; during our tours, we will go back in time, using the same trails that the original Inca runners did!

At the end of the trip, you can tell your friends what was it like for the Incas to cross the Andes!

WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT

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2011 Tour Dates* May 4-18June 1-15July 6-20August 3-17September 7-21October 5-19 *These dates are available for both runners and hikers.

Private trips are also available upon request.

Trip Length: 14 days(5 nights in hotels, 8 nights of all-inclusive private camping)

Land Price: $3,995(Minimum of 4 members)

Group Size: 4 – 12 people

Trip Level: Challenging(Full day of running or hiking on changing terrain)

All-Inclusive Premium Amenities

• All Meals & Drinks (Except for the first day)

• Transportation in Peru(Road, air & train)

• Accommodations (3-4 star hotels, tents & air mattresses)

• Tour Fees (Entry & ticket fees to all sites)

• Additional Amenities (See all on page 11)

THE CHASQUI ADVENTUREJOINING THE TWO LOST CITIES OF THE INCAS

Machu Picchu has always been known as the Lost City of the Incas, but in recent years, another lost city was discovered: Choquequirao. In this exciting trip, we will connect both.

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Day 1: Arriving in Lima We will be waiting at the Peru Airport to take you to your hotel.

Day 2: Arriving in CuscoA short flight from Lima puts us in Cusco. Our first dinner will be in a great downtown restaurant. We will start the Peruvian cultural experience with a Pisco Sour, appetizers and Andean live music.

Day 3: Archaeological Park & Sacred ValleyWe will visit the Archaeological Park around the City of Cusco, where we will see incredible sites like the Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the Kenko ruins. Our next stop is the Sacred Valley, which has views of ancient ruins surrounded by fields of gold, dramatic snow-capped peaks, and quaint villages. Here we will visit the small town of Pisaq, where we will eat and visit local craft markets.

Day 4: Pisac & Ollantaytambo We will take a 60-minute hike or run to the Pisac ruins located right above us, where our private guide will explain how ancient Peruvians used to live at this site. After lunch in the Sacred Valley, we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive little town that it lies at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins. After a ten-minute uphill walk, we will reach the ruins, where we can see the Valley and the entire ruin complex.

Day 5: CachoraAfter a scenic four-hour shuttle ride, we will arrive in Cachora, where our adventure begins. We will spend the afternoon getting our equipment ready and reviewing the upcoming days while enjoying a meal & wine.

Day 6: Cachora to Santa RosaAfter an early breakfast, we will begin our hike/run from Cachora. The first five miles are slightly uphill with incredible views of the mountain range. The next four miles are downhill, to the bottom of the Apurimac Canyon. This section of the trail offers incredible chances for condor sightings, mango-picking and 360° views of phenomenal scenery. In the last one-and-a-half miles, we will cross the Apurimac River and begin our climb toward the Santa Rosa Village, where our camp will be set up and waiting for us.

Day 7: Santa Rosa to ChoquequiraoThis is a seven-mile stretch uphill for the first part, and then flat terrain to Choquequirao. We will spend the afternoon visiting the ruins and enjoying a view of the sunset above an overhead glacier.

Day 8: Full Day in ChoquequiraoWe will spend the day discovering and learning about the other lost city of the Incas. Due to its location, Choquequirao is still in the process of excavation (new buildings and constructions are being discovered and restored).

Day 9: Choquequirao to MaizalThe first part of the trail is downhill, followed by a long challenging uphill to our next camp, where our staff will have everything set up for us. We will have lunch by the Rio Blanco. Day 9 has been rated as one of the most challenging days of the trip, but very rewarding.

Day 10: Maizal to YanamaThis day will lead us to Yanama, going uphill the first five miles to Veronica pass. We will have the

chance to see sections of the so-called “Royal Inca Trail” that was exclusively used by the Inca Emperor and family. Lunch will be waiting for us at the pass. The next three miles are downhill, and lead us straight to our next camp.

Day 11: Yanama to TotoraToday’s hike and run will lead us up and over Yanama pass, followed by a great descent to our next camp. This day has been rated as one of the most beautiful sections of the adventure. You will see incredible views of glaciers, winding rivers, and gold wheat fields. As we descend from the pass, you will witness dramatic changes in the environment, from typical highland to jungle-like vegetation.

Day 12: Totora to Santa TeresaToday, we will have an easy descent, continuing into the lower jungle land areas. Vegetation gets more dense, and orchids, coffee trees and bananas become part of the scenery.

Day 13: Santa Teresa to Machu PicchuWe will catch our ride to the train station. The train is our final link to Machu Picchu. The train will drop us off at Aguas Calientes, which is one-and-a-half miles beneath Machu Picchu. From here, you can either hike up to the ruins or take the shuttle. We will then head back to Ollantaytambo on a comfortable ride in the Vista Dome trains. A night of celebration, joy and great food is waiting for us upon return.

Day 14: Return to Lima & Fly HomeWe will leave early in the morning and return to Cusco, where we will take our flight back to Lima.

CHASQUI TRIP ITINERARY

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2011 Tour Dates* May 18-27June 15-22July 20-27August 17-24September 21-28October 19-26 *These dates are available for both runners and hikers.

Private trips are also available upon request.

THE VIRACOCHA ADVENTUREDISCOVER THE BEST OF CUSCO

Cusco (the historic capital of the Inca Empire) and its exciting surroundings will be the focus of this incredible, historic trip. We will visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the Machu Picchu ruins.

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Trip Length: 7 days(5 nights in hotels, 1 nights of all-inclusive private camping)

Land Price: $3,300(Minimum of 4 members)

Group Size: 4 – 10 people

Trip Level: Moderate(Easy to moderate hiking)

All-Inclusive Premium Amenities

• All Meals & Drinks (Except for the first day)

• Transportation in Peru(Road, air & train)

• Accommodations (3-4 star hotels, tents & air mattresses)

• Tour Fees (Entry & ticket fees to all sites)

• Additional Amenities (See all on page 11)

Day 1: Arriving in Lima

We will be waiting at the Peru Airport to take you to your hotel.

Day 2: Arriving in Cusco

After breakfast, Inca Runners will take you back to Lima Airport to catch our flight to Cusco.

After checking into our hotel and having lunch shortly after, we will go on a city tour, where we will visit the main ruin sites that surround the city of Cusco.

Our first dinner will be in a great downtown restaurant. We will start the Peruvian cultural experience with a Pisco Sour, appetizers and soft Andean live music.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Our first stop will be the town of Pisac. Pisac hosts one of the most impressive ruins of the Inca Empire. These ruins are located right above town, on the top of a small mountain. You can either join the group for a one-hour hike (45-minute run), or ride the van to the top. Pisac is famous for its craft market, featuring textiles, ceramics, and wood-carved art.

We will stop for a snack at one of the oldest local bakeries in the area to try its famous calzones along with a fine glass of Peruvian red wine. This will be followed by lunch at an outdoor restaurant located along the sunny Sacred Valley.

After a one-hour drive, we will arrive to our next destination, the town of Ollantaytambo, which hosts an impressive ruin - A military

fort that overlooks the Sacred Valley. Breathtaking views from this place are guaranteed!Ollantaytambo is the entry door to Machu Picchu. We will stay overnight, recharge our batteries, and get ready for a fun and exciting day in Machu Picchu!

Day 4: Hike/Run to Machu Picchu

After breakfast, we will go on a short 30-minute train ride from Ollantaytambo to the starting point of our two-day hike on the Inca trail. The trail is well-marked and wide, and although the first part is a steady uphill, there are no significant altitude changes all the way up to Machu Picchu.

After a 4-5 hour hike, we will set up camp just a couple of miles from Machu Picchu.

Great dinner, wine, conversation and a good night’s sleep prelude the exciting days ahead.

Day 5: Full Day in Machu Picchu

The goal today is to chase the sunrise on Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate. We will experience this sight just as the Incas did everyday.

Once at the ruins, our guide will tour us around the site and tell us of their history. Afterward, there’s an optional climb up to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain.

After leaving, we’ll head down to the small town of Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch. We will then take a comfortable ride back to Ollantaytambo on the Vista Dome trains. Finally, we will take

a bus ride to Cusco, where we will finish the day with a magnificent dinner and live Andean shows.

Day 6 – Full Day in Cusco

After breakfast, you can either enjoy our planned adventures around the city, or just take the day off and discover Cusco by yourself and do some shopping.

The day’s planned adventures include an early morning trail run or hike around the ruins in Cusco, followed by a yoga session and a fully-served breakfast in the ruins.

Also available is a half-day mountain bike ride throughout the Archeological Park above the city of Cusco.

If you join us for one of the day’s planned adventures, you will have lunch with us. If you decide to explore the city of Cusco, you will have lunch on your own (which will be reimbursed later).

Our last dinner in Cusco will be magical and unforgettable in one of the best restaurants that Cusco and Peru have to offer, where you will enjoy our famous cuisine.

Day 7: Tour Lima & Return Home

After an early breakfast, we will catch our flight back to Lima. Once in Lima, we’ll take you to the ancient ruins of Pachacamac, then to lunch to an outdoor restaurant located near the ruins.

Finally, we will check in our hotel in Lima, rest for the day, and head to the airport to catch our flight home.

VIRACOCHA TRIP ITINERARY

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For Endurance AthletesWhether you are a new or experienced runner, cross-country skier or triathlete, or whether you are training for a trail run, a marathon, an ultra, or an Ironman triathlon, our adventures are a great opportunity to take your training, endurance and fitness to the next level. You will have opportunities to push yourself on trails that are challenging and full of rich history.

During the trip, there are vistas that will steal what little breath you have left, there are inclines that will call for grit-teeth determination and there will be times when you will have to dig deep. We know that this is what you are looking for, and this trip will not disappoint.

For HikersIf you love hiking, you will equally love the Inca Runners experience. Windswept ridges, lone peaks, and hair-raising

panoramas await you. The Andes’ most incredible sights are seen on foot, away from the crowds, and most importantly, at your own pace. We’ll carry the heavy stuff for you.

You will hike across landscapes unchanged since the time of the Incas. Your feet will dig into the very same soil, and it will be documented by the hundreds of photos that you can take to capture your unforgettable memories. By the end of the trip, you will know what it is like to cross to Andes!

IS IT FOR ME?

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Transportation in Peru• Road, air, & trains for

traveling between cities• Porters & horses for

carrying equipment and luggage to campsites

Accommodations• 3-4 star hotel lodging• Tents & air mattresses for

overnight camping

Meals• All three main meals

(breakfast, lunch & dinner)• Snacks during hikes

(energy bars, fruit)• Vegan, vegetarian & gluten-

free meal options available

Drinks• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic• Bottled water & coffee

Inca Runners Staff• Tour leaders & guides• Cooks & nurse practitioner

Tours• All entry and ticket fees

Other• Gratuity & tips included• Emergency satellite phone

ALL INCLUSIVE PREMIUM SERVICES

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5715 STONEY CREEK DRIVE • ROGERS, AR 72758 • TOLL FREE: 888.581.1150 • SKYPE: INCARUNNERSEMAIL: INFO@INCARUNNERS.COM • WEBSITE: WWW.INCARUNNERS.COM

Photos courtesy of John Frierson