They say that it is not so much the destination but the journey that counts. In the case of experiencing the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, both the journey and the destination matter. They are equally rewarding and will leave behind treasured memories and inexplicable feelings conjured up from being enveloped in the magic and mystery of the Andes.

The mystical Machu Picchu has been both a journey and a destination for many Inspired Adventurers already, and 2012 is no exception.

The journey commences when you have your breath taken away (literally) as you roam the cobbled streets of Cuzco (3,326m) – a town high in the Andes that has been ruled by both Incas and Conquistadors alike. Legend has it that Cuzco was the ‘navel of the earth’. This is fairly factual as the town is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the entire continent. Strolling along the streets to admire the Inca-built walls is thought provoking. Taking in the sounds of the Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas and soaking up the history of the undisputed archaeological capital of the America’s is indescribable.

After you become accustomed to life at altitude, the adventure really begins when you start trekking in the beautiful Lares Valley. This is a remote and rarely visited region where herds of llamas and alpacas surround the thatched stone houses of Andean farmers. The traditional dress is bright and colourful and the local communities are renowned for their high-quality textiles using natural dyes. Indeed the journey into the deep Andes, the colourful dress of high-altitude communities, the snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes is as important as the ultimate destination – Machu Picchu.

We don’t need to mention all 100 reasons to experience Machu Picchu as these amazing reasons alone will demonstrate why a Peru challenge will be the most rewarding thing you do in 2012.

-       Give deaf children a voice and get deaf kids talking: Our trips in June will raise vital funds for The Shepherd Centre and Taralye. Participants on these trips will have a unique visit to the Cochlear Clinic in Lima.

-       Support medical research to help prevent heart disease and stroke or help find a cure for cancer by supporting world-class research in Australia.  This trip in September will raise funds for the Heart Research Centre and the Australian Cancer Research Centre. This trip includes a special trip into the field to see project work being done by a local NGO outside of Cuzco.

-       Delve into the realm of the Inca’s and wander around their lofty citadel perched high in the Andes on an isolated mountaintop. Awaken something deep within you as you take in the awe and mysteriousness that abounds in Machu Picchu.

-       Trek the spectacular and remote Lares valley: observe how traditional Andean farmers live and work; see herds of llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat; learn about the weaving techniques from locals who have become renowned for their brightly coloured, high-quality textiles; stumble across ancient Incan burial tombs on trails built by the Incas; and rest aching muscles in the thermal baths.

-       Indulge in delicious Peruvian cuisine – ceviche (marinated fresh fish) and cuy chactado (fried guinea pig)! Did you know that potatoes came from Peru? There are over 8,000 species of potato native to the Andes.

-       Try ubiquitous beverages unique to Peru: Inca Kola, pisco sour, Cusqueña beer, chicha morrada (purple corn drink) and coca leaf tea.

-       Extend your trip and visit the Amazon, unravel the mystery of the Nazca lines in the coastal desert or go to the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is so steeped in history that the line between myth and fact has become blurred. For example, legend has it that Manco Capac founded the empire in the 12^th century. He was the first Inca and the son of the sun god Inti. More reliant historical fact emerges with detailed writings about the downfall of the Inca’s at the hands of the Spanish in the 16^th Century. More recent and greatly documented was the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. It has now been 100 years since Hiram Bingham stumbled upon what is undeniably one of the world’s greatest manmade wonders and there are more than 100 reasons to unleash your adventurous spirit 2012 to explore them for yourself.

No other piece of equipment can affect your enjoyment of a trip as much as your footwear. With a comfortable pair of boots you’ll eat up the kilometres, but in ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear, you can be painfully aware of every step you take. Paddy Pallin have helped us provide you with some advice on how to choose the perfect pair of footwear for your Inspired Adventure.

Some things you may need to consider before choosing boots include:

• the nature of your adventure
• the sort of ground you will be traversing
• keeping your feet dry
• how much weight you will be carrying
• durability
• cost
• weight

The good news is there are so many good products on the market now that there is bound to be something just right for you.

Consider the type of Inspired Adventure:

Outdoor footwear can be divided into a few basic categories, mountaineering, trekking/bush walking, hiking, trail running, day walking, approach, travel, and sandals.

Trekking/bushwalking: Boots designed for long distance walks over moderate to rough terrain with moderate to heavy backpacking loads. They are designed with multi-day trips in mind. Durable and supportive, they provide a high degree of ankle and foot protection and as a result, they are heavier, and will take longer to break in than hiking boots. Emphasis is on control, long-term support, water-resistance and the boots’ ability to withstand abuse. Click here to view mens or Click here to view womens 

Hiking: Boots designed for use on two to three day walks with light to moderate backpacking loads both on and off the beaten track. Although emphasis is still on lightness and comfort, these boots should also be durable, water resistant and supportive. Click here to view mens or Click here to view womens

An ideal all-rounder for trekking adventures from Kilimanjaro to the Great Wall of China is the Scarpa Kinesis Lite (mens) and Mythos Lite (womens) Gore-Tex® Boot. These boots are lightweight, yet extremely study. They offer durable and reliable waterproofing with a GORE-TEX® performance comfort lining, keeping your feet both dry and ventilated. The deep padded ankle and V-Flex collar allow maximum support and freedom of movement for ultimate comfort while the gripped sole offers superb traction along various terrains. RRP $399.95.

Click here to view more info on Choosing Footwear

If the Shoe Fits…

Once you have narrowed down the options to a handful of boots or shoes, the best way to decide between them is to try them on, as every boot model is built around a different “last” (standard foot shape), so each one will fit you a little differently.

Boots must fit well, so here are some boot fitting tips to help you find the perfect fit.

• Before fitting, test the flex of the sole, it must bend where your foot does, at the ball of the foot. (Allow for some initial stiffness of the sole.)
• Pick the right socks. Wear the type of socks and sock liners that you will be wearing when you use the shoe.
• If one foot is larger than the other, fit your larger foot first. You may need to use extra socks or an insert to take up extra space in the other boot.
• Put your feet in but before you lace up. Slide your feet forward in the unlaced boots (as if your foot were sliding when walking down a hill), bend your knee slightly, (as if to mimic the way your foot may lift when walking). Try to stick a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe, one finger should fit snuggly behind the foot, but not two.
• Kick the feet back in the boots and lace up firmly. The ‘ears’ of the boot at the lace holes must be well separated.
• Do some deep knee bends. The heels should not rise in the boots more than about 3mm.
• Stand with the heels hooked on the edge of a step and your mass pushing your feet forward in the boots. Your toes must be free to wriggle and should not touch the front of the boots.
• Stand flat on the floor with someone holding the boots to restrain them from moving. Try to move the front of the feet sideways with the heel as the pivot. No side movement of the ball of the foot should be noticeable.

NOTE: Feet often swell becoming longer and wider, with both walking and the carrying of a load, so please take this into account. If the boots are a little tight sideways, remember they often stretch in width, but never change in length.

Remember: Your boots will need “breaking in” please visit the self care advice within Paddies Diaries Outdoor Library.