Your first taste of the Inca world will be in and around the city of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. After acclimatising to the high altitude by visiting local Inca ruins and Spanish Colonial churches, you will head towards the remote and rarely visited Lares Valley.

This unique alternative to the extremely busy Inca Trail is far off the beaten track and you will see diverse and spectacular scenery as you glimpse a way of Peruvian life that has remained untouched for centuries. As you walk through these endless stunning valleys you will meet Andean farmers dressed in their traditional brightly coloured ponchos tending herds of Llamas and Alpacas. You will get to meet the local communities and visit a local school supported by Charity Challenge.

The region is also home to the Baños Del Inca, probably the best hot springs in southern Peru. Situated at an altitude of 2,667m, the springs offer spectacular views of snowy peaks and glaciers such as Mounts Veronica, Chicon and Pumahaunca. As you continue along your route, you will also take in the dazzling sight of glacial blue lakes.

You will eventually have some time to explore the ruins at Machu Picchu, the ‘lost City of the Incas’. These breathtaking pre Columbian ruins are nestled high in the Andes between two peaks. The ruins were rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham and are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world.

Try to use your equipment before you go – particularly your rucksack, cycling kit, boots and sleeping bag (if camping) – this will show up any manufacturing faults and whether they are comfortable enough. Good footwear and care of the feet is most important. Well broken-in walking boots should be worn on treks. Trainers are too flimsy for wilderness treks and trainer boots are not appropriate. Sandals leave the feet exposed to sunburn, abrasions, thorns, insect and animal bites.

Bring as little as possible but bring everything you need. Travelling light is much less of a hassle, so do not bring things you can do without. If you need to wear jewellery, keep it simple and inexpensive. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Always keep your night clothes in a watertight bag to ensure they stay dry if there is a sudden downpour or if you are crossing water – you will have a much better night’s sleep in dry clothing. Bring clothes that wash and dry easily (jeans take forever to dry and should not be worn on the trek).

Your main bag should not weigh more than 15kg. If you exceed this limit, you may be charged for excess luggage on internal flights or when entering National Parks. Additionally, in line with our responsible tourism policy, it is important not to overload the porters and transfer agents who have to carry and transport it. Your hand luggage should not exceed 5kg and maximum dimensions of 56x45x25cms. Please make sure you pack your rucksack/kit bag yourself, and do NOT under any circumstances take any items through customs that are not yours or that you have been asked to deliver for someone else.

If possible, lock your bags before you check them through at the check-in desk. When packing, think carefully about what you are packing in your hold luggage as, once you have handed it over at check-in, you will not see it again until you arrive at the other end. Don’t pack things you will need again before or during the flight – such as medicine - and make sure you have an adequate supply. Keep extra cash, passports and house keys in your hand luggage. Also, if taking a long flight, it is sometimes a good idea to take toiletries such as toothbrush to freshen up on the long journey but please do remember that there are strict regulations governing the transport of liquids in hand luggage.

Don’t pack valuables, cash, fragile or perishable items in your hold luggage. Airlines and insurance companies will not accept liability for them. When leaving the UK, we recommend that you wear your trekking boots and trekking/cycling gear, and take as much as possible in your hand luggage, especially a full day’s underwear and other clothing. This is to ensure that in the unlikely situation that your bags do not arrive at your final destination, you are still able to make a start on the expedition while we relocate any missing baggage.

Insect repellent - Yes

Cash - Yes (You should be alert to the possibility of being passed counterfeit US dollars or local currency. In April 2005 counterfeit US$100 notes penetrated the local Peruvian banking system.)

Vaccination certificates - Yes (not needed as a condition of entry however very useful if medical attn needed in country,originals not necessary)