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Don’t be a sheep - Classic treks away from the crowds

31st August 2011 Print
The final stop for Camino de Santiago pilgrims

Trekking company specialist Walks Worldwide takes great pride in developing itineraries that avoid the crowds on classic ‘must do’ hikes. Here are just two examples…

Don’t be a sheep – The Inca Trail, Peru
Every day of the trekking season, 500 people commence the classic Inca Trail to the fabled city of Machu Picchu. It is the trekking equivalent of the M25.

Why not think about - Walks Worldwide’s Lares Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
From Cusco, the trek goes through the Sacred Valley into the rarely visited Lares Valley, where, among the hardy Quechua people tending their crops, the trails cross mountain passes, pass upland lakes, rushing waterfalls and remote villages, with llama, mule trains and soaring condors for company. The itinerary also includes a full day at Machu Picchu with a private tour.

Graded moderate to demanding, trekking at high altitude, the holiday costs from £835 pp which includes all transportation, 8 nights’ accommodation, most meals, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), guides & porters, Machu Picchu guided tour & entrance fees to sites. Fully-bonded, Walks Worldwide can book flights on request.

Don’t be a sheep – Camino de Santiago, Spain (the tomb of St. James)
90% of people trek the last 100k of the French Way to Camino de Santiago to qualify for the pilgrim’s certificate, making it a very busy route.

Why not think about – Walks Worldwide’s 5 alternative routes
The pilgrims’ certificate is actually awarded to everyone who completes the last 100k to the Camino de Santiago, irrelevant of the route. Walks Worldwide offers a choice of six different paths (including the French Way) including one of the least trodden paths known as ‘The English Way’.

It is so called, because the first English pilgrims began to arrive by ship at Ferrol on the northern coast of Spain in the 14th Century, before commencing the final leg of the journey to the tomb of St. James.

Graded as moderate to demanding, the walking is between 11-30km per day, passing through small town and villages along the way. In general, the route is well way-marked with official 'milestones', plaques, and painted yellow arrows on trees, stones and buildings; but in the event of getting lost, helpful locals are always ready to lend a hand.

The self-guided holiday costs from £625 pp which includes 6-nights’ accommodation, most meals, baggage transfers, route notes and Pilgrim's Passport. Fully-bonded, Walks Worldwide can book flights on request.

For more information, visit walksworldwide.com.

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The final stop for Camino de Santiago pilgrims