Published May 5, 2004 12:00AM
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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Question: I would like the names of some local reputable companies that lead hiking trips on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and in Bolivia. Lyn Rawlinson Seattle, WA TCFMDR@aol.com Adventure Adviser: Wildland Adventures (800-345-4453) offers three trips to give you the experience of Machu Picchu, but lead you away from the maddening crowds. Here are its three offerings: Machu Picchu Vilcabamba Trek — a horseback supported hike through ancient Indian villages to Machu Picchu; The Inca Trail Trek — a hike along the 45-kilometer trail known as the Camino Inca to Machu Picchu; Andes and Amazon Odyssey — a nine-day trip to the high Andes into a remote Amazon rainforest. All three have regular departures. With the five different itineraries offered by Wilderness Travel (800-368-2794), you’re likely to find one that fits your idea of the ultimate Andean experience. The offerings include Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — a classic 12-day trip following the Inca Trail; Ultimate Andes — an Inca Trail trek plus a challenging hike around the 20,640-foot Auzangate; Andean Odyssey — a journey to Chile, Peru and Bolivia; Peru Explorer — a motorized exploration of Peru’s ancient cultures; and Royal Inca — a non-trekking nine-day sampler trip. Marked as an easy- to moderately difficult trip, the nine-day adventure offered by Overseas Adventure Travel (800-221-0814) includes a float trip and a lesson in backstrap weaving from local artisans. You can also join a Peruvian family for some down-home cookin’. Although the above-mentioned come highly recommended, I’d dig around at a local bookstore or travel agent to find a trip that fits your needs. As you can see, the “lost city” of Machu Picchu isn’t so lost anymore. |