Tour operator Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) has introduced another first in adventure travel – glamorous camping (a.k.a. glamping) along Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
New for 2013 is a Peru - Inca Trail Glamping trek from September 7 to 16, 10 days/nine nights inclusive of four on-trail days of exploring archaeological sites in ecological zones from high desert to alpine to Andean tropical rain forest, culminating with an arrival at the ruins of Machu Picchu. On staff as special co-host will be Austin-Lehman Adventures’ Latin America director, Troy Glennon, named one of the world’s leading experts on Peru travel in Condé Nast Traveler’s 13th Annual Top Travel Specialists list for 2012.
It all starts with glamping on the Inca Trail. An enhanced level of service and amenities along a trail brings an Andean-trained camp chef into focus as he prepares gourmet meals along with his own recipe for pain killing Pisco Sours, the national cocktail of Peru. Meals are served on white linen tablecloths. Amenities include safari-style stand-up tents with inflatable beds, liners and duvets, and hot shower facilities. A massage therapist accompanies each group. Native Quechua porters transport all the duffel and camping gear.
The trip begins in Lima where guests are met at the airport for transfers to a four-star hotel. Day two brings a flight to Cusco and tours of, among others, this Colonial city and Koricancha and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Day four goes to the Sacred Valley and Awanacancha, the llama project where guests learn about the South American camelids. Later in Pisac, a connecting point between the highlands and the jungle, guests transfer to Ollantaytambo, one of the last Inca cities still accessed on foot.
The glamping-while-trekking adventure begins on day five through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River and views of snow-capped mountains. The first campsite is on the Kusichaca River in Huayllabamba. The next morning guests walk to the Warmihuañusca Pass. Day seven includes and exploration of the Runkurakay ruins before trekking to the Sayacmarca ruins. The next day guests trek down trail through the Andean cloud forest rife with orchids and epiphytes to Wiñay Wayna ruins. The day ends at EL Pueblo de Machu Picchu for an overnight stay. The transfer back to Cusco is on day 10.
ALA provides adventure vacations on six continents. The company specializes in adult and family multi-sport, hiking, and biking vacations that emphasize history, culture and nature’s gifts. Small group trips feature regional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. In addition to scheduled group departures, ALA offers customized trip planning and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.