Peru - Land of the Incas - named after the Peruvian civilisation whose legacy is a wealth of mysterious cities and magnificent ruins. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (meaning Mother

Earth) is rated amongst the ten best trekking trails in the world. Classic Tours is proud to be one of the only charity operators offering this strikingly

beautiful trail through ancient Inca ruins and diverse ecological zones to the Lost City of the Incas – a fascinating archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 1 - 10 SeptemberLondon - LimaMorning flight from London to Lima. On arrival we transfer (30 – 40 minutes) to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 - 11 SeptemberLima - CuscoThe day begins with a domestic flight over the Andes to the historical city of Cusco (3400m above sea level) where we spend the next two nights. This afternoon is free to explore independently or take part in an optional walking tour of Cusco. Tonight after dinner we hear more about the challenge ahead.

Day 3 - 12 SeptemberCuscoA fascinating day spent exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the area around Cusco in order to help acclimatise to the altitude. The full day optional tour includes a warm up hike over part of the Inca trail and a visit to the Inca site and market town

of Pisac. After lunch we visit the remote community of Yucapata where

farmers cultivate herds of Alpacas. It is a great opportunity

to experience the historical culture of

Peru.

Day 4 - 13 SeptemberCuscoMore acclimatisation today as well as some preparations for the trek, including weighing our kit bags ready for the porters to carry along the Inca Trail. It’s an early night – our last for a while in a proper bed – ready for the start of the challenge tomorrow.

Day 5 - 14 SeptemberCusco - Ollantaytambo - HuayllabambaWe take an early morning coach transfer to the market town of Ollantaytambo. This is the last town before the trail and there’s a chance to stock up on last minute supplies. Our coach continues to ‘Kilometre 82’, from where we set off at an altitude of 2500m. After a couple of hours trekking beside the River Urubamba, we reach the first of the Inca ruins - Llaqtapata. From there it’s another 2- 3 hours to the overnight camp at Huayllabamba (3000m). 4 - 5 hours trekking approx.

Day 6 - 15 SeptemberHuayllabamba - Warmiwanuska (Dead Woman’s Pass) - River PaqaymayoThe trail from Huayllabamba climbs steeply along the banks of the River Llullucha and up into beautiful cloud forest at Lulluchapampa (3850m). The toughest part of today’s trek is reaching the highest point of the challenge at Warmiwanuska (Dead Woman’s Pass), 4200m above sea level – an incredible achievement. This is followed by a steep descent through picturesque surroundings to the River Paqaymayo (3600m) and our camp site. 7- 8 hours trekking approx.

Day 7 - 16 SeptemberRiver Paqaymayo - Runkuracay - Phuyupatamarca - Winay WaynaAnother spectacular day lies ahead which starts with a steep ascent to Runkuracay (3800m), a small archaeological site. After a cultural talk by the local guides we continue to the Runkuracay Pass at 4000m. Sayaqmarca (3600m) is an hour’s descent down steps from Runkuracay Pass and home to the second site of Inca ruins we see on this trek. Beyond Sayaqmarca the landscape gives way to a lush forest valley and leads to our lunch spot at Chaquiqocha (dry lake). Afterwards it’s a steep ascent to the beautifully named Phuyu Pata Marca (Town Above the Clouds). The stunning views at this altitude and the beautiful cloud forest to follow are the highlights of the day. The trail then descends towards our campsite. Today is a long and difficult day, with the combination of steep ascents and altitude but the incredible views will make our exertions worthwhile. 8-10 hours trekking approx.

Day 8 - 17 SeptemberWinay Wayna - Intipunku - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - CuscoIt’s a very early start (we wake at 4.00am) in order to reach Intipunku (Gates of the Sun) for sunrise. The trail is undulating with a series of very steep steps up to Intipunku. From there we catch our first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu and pose for a group photo. We enjoy a 2-3 hour guided visit around the ancient ruins to learn more about this mysterious and magical place. This is followed by lunch at the nearby town of Aguas Calientes before we board a train through

dramatic mountain scenery to Ollantaytambo. Our day finishes in the familiar surroundings of Cusco where we enjoy a celebratory meal and reflect on an incredible achievement. 3 hours trekking approx.

Day 9 - 18 SeptemberCusco - Lima - LondonWe bid farewell to the remote city of Cusco and take a morning flight to Lima. In Lima we make the most of our last few hours in Peru before transferring to the airport for our return flight to London.

Day 10 - 19 SeptemberLondonArrive in the UK.

This is a complex itinerary and is subject to change© Copyright of Classic Tours

Raising Sponsorship MoneyRegister and receive a fundraising pack full of information and ideas. Once you set your mind to it, it’s amazing what you can achieve! Classic Tours and your charity can help you out with lots of tips.

Who can take part?Anyone over 18 years old is welcome as long as you are fit and healthy enough to do the challenge.

FitnessThe event is aimed at people of average fitness who are prepared to put in plenty of training to enable them to meet the challenge. Classic Tours will provide a set of training guidelines to help you on your way. This is a challenging trek at altitude and you will be required to have your medical form signed by your doctor to take part.

KitYou will need comfortable walking boots with ankle support and a sleeping bag. A full packing list will be sent to you.

Support on the eventExperienced staff (tour manager, guides, porters and doctor) will be there to provide help and encouragement whenever you need it.

AccommodationCamping for 3 nights along the Inca Trail and basic but comfortable hotels for the rest of the event.

Food & DrinkThe food will be wholesome, tasty and plentiful. There will be water available for trekking but you will need to pack your own snacks and containers for carrying water.

WeatherDays are likely to be clear and sunny, around 20ºC. It will be colder at night, often below freezing. Showers are possible.

HealthTetanus and Hepatitis A inoculations are suggested. Please consult your GP for professional medical advice.

Visa & Travel InsuranceA visa is not required for British citizens. If you are a non-British citizen please contact Classic Tours for advice. You must be insured to take part - either through a company of your choice or the Classic Tours recommended policy. You will need to provide proof of your insurance 8 weeks prior to the challenge.

Staying OnIt is possible to stay on in Peru after the challenge, subject to availability. Full details will be sent out nearer the time.

What’s ProvidedFlights to and from Peru, internal flights, accommodation, transfers, full medical support, experienced guides, support staff, water and all meals except lunch on days 3, 4, 9 and dinner on day 9.

Other costs to budget forWe do not include airport taxes and any fuel surcharges set by the airline in the tour cost because these fluctuate and are beyond our control. We will invoice you for this cost at the point when your tour cost is due. Currently these are about £475 (as as at December 2013) but are subject to change. In addition you will need to budget for personal travel insurance, any optional tours, gratuities and spending money.

Responsible TourismClassic Tours operates a responsible tourism policy and you can off set your carbon emissions on our website www.classictours.co.uk

If you have any other questions not answered here please contact us.

Tel 020 7619 0066 ext 208 or email openchallenges@classictours.co.uk

THE COSTSOption 1 - you raise £3100 approx sponsorship (to be set by your chosen charity)

Option 2 - you pay £1515 and raise as much sponsorship as possible

Registration fee:£350Plus...

Creativity, planning and having fun are the secrets to fundraising success. Start by thinking who you know, what you enjoy doing and who can help you. Break down the amount into smaller chunks and start to make a plan. Below is an example to give you some ideas and once you’re signed up we’ll send you lots more tips and advice.

TARGET ACHIEVED!

£3100 Local school holds a non-uniform day and charges £1 each to support you.

Six friends, family or colleagues raise £100 each on your behalf.

Raffle of prizes from local businesses.

Quiz night at your local pub.

Sponsored training bike ride/walk.

Organise an event of your choice, with a group of friends.

Christmas party - £10 a ticket.

Use collecting tins and ask your local busy pubs if you and friends can collect on Saturday nights.

Sponsorship from friends and family.

£500

£600

£300£300

£250

£400

£300

£200

£250

We at Classic Tours are here to help and support you all the way through the event so please do get in touch if you have any questions not answered here.

Email: openchallenges@classictours.co.ukTel: 020 7619 0066 ext 208Web: www.classictours.co.uk

Classic Tours are the originators of worldwide charity challenges and fully bonded under ATOL number 3379. Since 1992 we have helped hundreds of UK charities raise over £85 million.

The next steps1. Speak to the charity you would like to raise

funds for.

2. Sign up online at www.classictours.co.uk - complete the online registration form and pay the registration fee.

3. Classic Tours will then contact your chosen charity, confirm your place, send details of the event and set you on your way to fundraising success!

This was one of the most challenging, yet amazing trekking experiences that I have had, coupled with a wealth of cultural magic along the way Meg Martin, 56

Printed on recycled paper

Classic Tours has a full programme of Open Challenge Events in 2015 including:

Trek Mount Toubkal ● Cycle Costa Rica ● Arctic Dog SleddingSummit Kilimanjaro ● Nightrider™ ● Cycle Ireland

Trek The Great Wall of China ● Cycle London to Paris

For more information on any of these challenges contact us on openchallenges@classictours.co.uk or call 020 7619 0066 ext 208