dishes, and acclimating to these new lands with newfound friends, the group set off to the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco. Where ornate cathedrals crouch over ancient Incan temples and contemporary alpaca boutiques sit side by side with local women bottle-feeding pet llamas in the mid-day heat, Cusco is a thriving city of unexpected contradictions. But no matter the wonderous distractions on display, our group's fate for the next 4 days was inescapable thanks to the misty Andean giants looming beyond the city limits- a thrilling omen of the adventures still to come. The sprawling stone complex of intricate palaces and temples of Machu Picchu is a wonderous archaeological mystery to behold. The surreal feeling of wandering cobbled moss-covered pathways where great civilisations once flourished, after scaling remote villages and natural trails carved into the earth for 4 days is one that Kathryn our PR & Events Coordinator remembers vividly: “Trekking the Inca Trail was an incredible experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Although the main goal was to reach Machu Picchu, there were so many highlights along the way. One of these was reaching the summit of Dead Woman’s Pass- the highest point of the Inca trail after a demanding uphill climb. When we reached the top, our guides Adrian and Ernestina performed an ancient Incan ritual to give thanks to each other and Mother Earth for the experience. The feeling of pride, accomplishment, and gratitude was overwhelming.” “Trekking the Inca Trail was an incredible experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Although the main goal was to reach Machu Picchu, there were so many highlights along the way".
As beautifully complex and colourful as the intricate knits adorned by indigenous locals, Peru's ancient history and rich cultures are seamlessly woven into its vibrant landscapes, creating a tapestry of breathtaking beauty, stitch by stitch. In recent years, more and more history buffs and adventure seekers alike have flocked to these mystical lands with a singular goal: to retrace the steps of civilisations long past, conquer the winding pathways of the iconic Incan Trail, and cast their eyes upon the hidden citadel perched in the sunken valley below. Last autumn, it was our turn to take on this once-in-a-lifetime trek to the cloud-kissed peaks of Machu Picchu with Intrepid, all in the name of charity. With rugged peaks soaring 4,200m into the Peruvian skyline, the Incan Trail doesn't unveil one of the seven wonders of the world without a little blood, sweat, and tears. From the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley to the towering summit of Dead Woman’s Pass, this trek through scenic mountain ridges and uneven passages is a journey marked by teamwork and triumph. Something our group of Hays Travel colleagues learned firsthand. Yet, their extraordinary 9-day journey didn’t commence in the Amazonian wilderness. Instead, it began much closer to the coast, nestled in the vibrant capital city of Lima. A bustling metropolis seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern-day energy, it’s easy to become lost in the laidback rhythms of South American life. As our group met their Intrepid tour leaders face-to- face for the first time, it became clear that the journey ahead was destined to be astonishing. After days of sightseeing, sharing stories over succulent Peruvian
explorers, alongside some special friends at Intrepid, raised £15,000 for the Hays Foundation and Intrepid Foundation. With an aim to create positive change through the joy of travel, community, and connection, partnering with Intrepid was an extraordinary chance to combine charitable efforts and make a difference with a supplier close to our hearts. “It was a pleasure to take on this challenge on behalf of both foundations. The Intrepid guides and porters that accompanied us on our trek were inspirational and we were very lucky to get to know them all. They were so passionate about Andean and Incan culture; we learned so much including how to speak a bit of Quechua! It was an adventure I’ll cherish for a lifetime.” To date, the Hays Foundation has donated almost £1.5 million to support the education, poverty relief, and health of young people in the UK. From local skydiving and bake sales to treks in Morocco and now Peru- who knows what new heights our fundraising efforts will take us to next? Does this captivating trek from the foothills of Machu Picchu pique your interest? Why not embark on this tour with Intrepid for yourself? Echoing the journey of our joint charity trek, embark on an 8-day tour from the vivacious city of Lima into the all-encompassing wilds of Peru and encounter the magic of Machu Picchu with your own two eyes.
8 day Inca Trail Express from Lima with Intrepid from only £2,868pp
Brought together by a love of touring and a desire to push their limits for a good cause, our team of
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