30 August 2012
The Bibbulmun Track is often described as one of the greatest walking trails in the world, and I am sure that as you walk through the tall forests of the southwest you would agree that it certainly fits that description. But have you ever wondered about some of the other great trails of the world? Have you ever thought that you might like to stroll along some of their paths?
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation members get together once a year to take on a trail outside of WA. Recently we’ve been to China, before that to New Zealand, Tasmania, and also Nepal.
Now we’re heading off to Peru to walk the fabled Inca Trail to the legendary lost city of Machu Picchu. Please join me on this fantastic adventure to explore Peru with its fascinating Latin American culture, ancient Inca architecture and spectacular natural scenery, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Andean Mountains.
The trip is organised by the Peregrine Travel Centre in Perth and will take 22 days, departing Perth on May 12th and returning on June 2nd 2013. We will fly through Santiago in Chile and then on to Lima to start our Peruvian adventure.
Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Ballestas Islands, sometimes referred to as the Little Galapagos, to see thousands of rare sea birds and sea lions. We will fly over the intriguing Nazca Lines, an assortment of strange symbols and images of birds and beasts on a giant scale hidden in the desert. We will visit the Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and drive through the stunning scenery hoping to spot one of the world’s largest birds, the condor.
We will visit Lake Titicaca and stay on an island in a home stay situation, experiencing the traditional lifestyle, where the local Indian people are renowned for their handmade textiles and ceramics. We will spend several days in Cuzco, exploring the streets, alleys and markets of this exciting town that mixes the 17th Century Baroque style of architecture with highly developed Incan engineered temples and ruins.
Finally we travel to the start of the classic Inca Trail where we will trek for four days through the Peruvian and Incan heartland to get to the fabled lost city of Machu Picchu. This is a spectacular trip on which we will reach altitudes of 4200m when crossing some of the mountain passes. Our route passes through many Incan ruins and sleepy rural hamlets, all under the watchful eye of the white capped Andean mountains that stretch over 6000m into the sky.
If you are keen to join me on this wonderful adventure please contact Anna Bulleid at the Peregrine Travel Centre Perth for more details (anna@peregrinewa.com.au or 9321 1259). Anna will be able to provide you with a detailed itinerary, book flights and organise visas and travel insurance. There are only a limited number of daily trekking permits permitted by the government for the Inca Trail, so it is essential to get your name in early to secure one.
The cost of the trip ex-Perth is $7,489.00 per person on a twin share basis, the group size will be a maximum of 16 (plus guides, leaders and drivers) and we require a $600 deposit to secure your place.
Mike Wood.
Chairman, Bibbulmun Track Foundation.
Proprietor, Peregrine Travel Centre WA.
