Ottawa, ON; Jan. 19, 2017 - Adventure travel specialist World Expeditions is urging travellers to secure their 2017 Inca Trail permits by booking their trips without delay. Having been released a month earlier than previous years, the coveted trekking permits are already sold out for May, the majority of April and many other dates in spring and early summer. 

“We always advise travellers to reserve Inca Trail permits early but their sudden release on December 19, 2016 meant would-be trekkers were busy with the holidays and unprepared to book their trips,” said Nathalie Gauthier, North American Manager of World Expeditions. “While many great dates are still available, it's extremely important for anyone interested in doing the trek this year to guarantee their spot as soon as possible.”

Introduced by the Peruvian government in 2002, the permit system protects the Inca Trail from erosion and overuse by limiting the number of people allowed on the trail to 500 per day. Since the permit quota also includes guides, porters and cooks, only a fraction of those available remain for travellers. This makes advanced booking necessary and, with the Inca Trail consistently listed as one of the world's greatest walks, permits for peak season dates can sell out within days.

World Expeditions sets itself apart from other tour operators by providing quality services that satisfy those with high expectations. Its groups travel in self-sufficient fully serviced camp-style using campsites that less than five per cent of the Inca Trail trekkers use. Likewise, the company is committed to responsible tourism in Peru by ensuring groups observe the Leave No Trace policy, leaving a positive environmental impact through its 10 Pieces initiative, supporting its porters and mule drivers and giving back to local communities. Learn more about its sustainable travel initiatives in Peru in the video. 

World Expeditions offers 10 great adventures that include trekking the full four-day classic Inca Trail. Descriptions are available below and in more detail at: http://bit.ly/2j6d6dv. Itineraries range from seven days to 22 days and include:

• Classic Inca Trail – trek mountain passes and jungle trails en route to the spectacular Machu Picchu.
• Inca Trail Adventure – explore the fabulous Sacred Valley of the Incas before trekking the legendary trail.
• Inca Trail & Jungle Adventure – enjoy Cusco, an adventure in the jungle and the classic Inca Trail trek.
• Peru & Inca Trail Explorer – combine the trail with many of Peru's highlights; the Nazca Lines, Arequipa and more.
• Peru Raft, Bike & Hike – see the Andes doing a variety of sports that ends with the classic trek to Machu Picchu.
• Mount Salcantay & High Inca Trail– trek and camp along the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the classic trek.
• Best of Peru – trek the Inca Trail, explore the Amazon jungle and traverse the altiplano to Lake Titcaca.
• Best of Peru & Bolivia – combine the Best of Peru with a trip across Lake Titicaca down to La Paz, Bolivia.
• Inca & Altiplano Trek – trek the classic trail before heading to Bolivia to trek in the remote Condoriri region.
• Inca Wilderness Trek – enjoy the pristine countryside under the flanks of Salkantay before joining the classic trek. 

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About World Expeditions

Since its inception in 1975, World Expeditions has earned an outstanding reputation as an innovator and world leader in quality small group adventure holidays. With seven offices around the world, including Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, it is a global company that stands out not only for its pioneering commitment to responsible tourism but also for the number of inclusions and the exceptional value of its trips. Offering thousands of unique itineraries escorted by expert leaders, World Expeditions meticulously designs each trip with an emphasis on exclusivity for those travellers with high expectations of their experiences in 'taking the path less travelled'. The World Expeditions Travel Group consists of 10 travel brands, including; Adventure South, Australian Walking Holidays, Great Canadian Trails, Huma Charity Challenge, Tasmanian Expeditions, Sherpa Expeditions, UTracks, World Youth Adventures and Yomads.

http://www.worldexpeditions.com/