On July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham and two Peruvian companions crawled on hands and knees up a towering ridge. Rising out of a thick tangle of undergrowth and hidden from the outside world for nearly 400 years, they had discovered the "lost city" of Machu Picchu. The site left them speechless. Although we won't have to scramble on hands and knees and the scenic Vistadome train will take us part of the way, arriving at the Sun Gate by way of the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time will leave you feeling exactly the same way. We spend a good part of our holiday hiking through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a spiritual and peaceful place that lies between the Inca capital of Cusco and the estate of Machu Picchu. The Inca worshipped the sun god (Inti) and the earth goddess (Pachamama). They were skilled agriculturalists and extraordinary architects, and even without the benefit of a system of writing, they managed a complex accounting system. This rich history comes to life throughout our holiday. From our home base at the PAKARITAMPU LODGE in the town of Ollantaytambo (2,800m), we'll hike to the famous salt pans of Maras, explore the ancient ruins of Pisac, enjoy amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urumbamba mountain range and even participate in a very special ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth. From the Sacred Valley, we journey south to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water at 3,830m. Travelling by private boat, we visit the floating islands of Uros, watch the stunning sunset from Amantani Island, and hike on the picturesque island of Taquile. Life on these islands remains starkly traditional and remarkably fascinating. Peru is one of the most captivating countries in the world to explore.

DATES:	October 27 to November 9, 2012
GRADE:	Challenging
WHAT'S INCLUDED:	- 14 nights' hotel accommodations - 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners - 7 guided hikes - Guided tours of Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima - Ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth - Entry fees for attractions per itinerary - 2 domestic flights - Gratuities for local guides - Ground transportation and transfers
COST:	$4475 CAD land Send $300 deposit to reserve - balance is payable July 18, 2012. Due to special circumstances, balance of payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
GROUP AIRFARE:	$895 + air taxes* of $385 Direct flight departing October 26 from Toronto (Canada) and returning November 10. Departures from other cities are possible; please call to enquire. * Air taxes subject to change by the airlines