This adventure was the trip of a lifetime! It was defintiely physically challenging and an activity level 7 is accurate. The second day of hiking the Inca trail up 4000 feet to almost 14,000 feet elevation was very challenging and rewarding at the same time. I can't say enough good things about this trip from the obvious planning to execution of all details large and small, to excellent accomodations and food (including the meals prepared by our chef who accompanied us on the Inca trail!) The people are wonderful and welcoming and the scenery is unsurpassed. Learning about many and varied facets of the history and culture only added to our understanding and enjoyment of our surroundings. Our guide was a wonderful, warm man with a great sense of humor and clear ability to lead and teach. I highly recommend this trip.

Thank you Road Scholar for the adventure of a lifetime. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet fabulous people, we had the honor to hike the Inca Trail. I will admit it is a physically and emotionally challenging hike, but so well worth it.

Our guides, Omar and Eliasin were amazing, and what does one say about our hardworking porters and cooks! Who could imaging the quality (and quantity) of food prepared for us and the great equipment given to us while on the trail.

STOP. Do not enroll in this program if you think there is a better backpack/hiking program out there-there isn't. This is a 5 star backpacking experience of your life. You will see stunning, powerful mountains-some are snow capped, deep valleys, walk through cloud forest, see flowers you have never seen before. And then there is Machu Picchu, one of the seven NEW wonders of the world and the amazing villages and talents of the Inca tribe. The hiking is mostly at your pace, challenging (practice with lots of stairs/stairmaster)but doable. The meals while backpacking are unbelievable-plentiful, healthy, (the homemade soups are better than any resturants) and nutritious and served with white gloves and apparel by unbelievable and talented chefs.You will think you have passed on and woke up in paridise.The rich culture and history of Peru and its various cities ( along with this hike)will stay with you forever. You won't regret this trip.