Discover the Lost City of the Incas

Millbrook, NY—November 29, 2007— Visit the legendary Lost City of the Incans with Cross Country International’s new Machu Picchu Hike.  

            The Machu Picchu Hike incorporates amazing scenery with a rare opportunity to visit The Lost City of the Incas tucked away in the mountains of Peru.  Traveling through mountain passes, up and downhill, and along river beds, this walking vacation brings you face-to-face with a city that remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. 

            “Standing in the ruins of an ancient civilization like Machu Picchu sends excitement coursing through your veins,” said Karen Lancaster, President of Cross Country International.  “To explore a city that is hundreds of years old, but wasn’t discovered until the twentieth-century, is unimaginable; until you actually do it!”

            Your vacation begins with a short flight from Lima to Cosco where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city and explore the Sacred Valley.  Later in the day you’ll travel to Soraypampa to begin your hike.  You will hike up to the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humanity Peak, enjoying panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabama Range. 

            Optional activities such as glacial lake fishing, mountain biking, rafting, and visiting local hot springs are available.  You’ll also, head down to the Santa Teresa river valley, where you can explore coffee plantations and orchards and walk through rural towns.

            Traveling over Palltayacta Pass allows for a rare southwest view of Machu Picchu, seldom seen by tourists.  Descend into the Vilcanota River and take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.  Spend the next day exploring The Lost City of the Incas, and then take a short train ride back to Cosco where you will spend the night. You will depart the following day to Lima.

            The Machu Picchu Hike Includes:

• 10 nights accommodations
• 8 days guided walking
• All meals
• Guide and luggage transfer
• Daily transfers
• Entry fees to archeological sites and tax
• Available August 5-15, August 19-29, and September 2-12
• $2495 per person shared
• $500 single supplement
• $285 Internal airfare roundtrip from Lima to Cusco

            For information on these or any of Cross Country International’s numerous other vacation packages, please contact Cross Country International by phone at (800) 828-8768, via e-mail to info@xcintl.com or by visiting www.walkingvacations.com.

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