Preparing for a high-altitude adventure in Peru

Without a doubt, trekking in the Peruvian Andes will allow you to see some of the most stunning beautiful landscapes in the world, bring you to remote villages with entirely unique cultures…and leave you, literally, breathless. All this beauty surrounding you is roughly somewhere between 9,000 and 16,000ft. above sea level; and chances are you […]

What is Hiking the Inca Trail Like?

So you’ve dreamed of going to Machu Picchu… and you’ve thought about hiking the Inca Trail… and you’re curious what it’s like? The Inca Trail is one of the world’s classic treks, and it is a fantastic experience for anyone willing to take the effort to make the trek. The traditional Inca Trail trek was […]

What is the weather like in Cusco?

Cusco (and nearby Machu Picchu) has two distinct seasons, but it’s actually possible and sometimes advisable to visit during some parts of the rainier or off-season.  While June through August are fail-safe months for dry weather, you may actually prefer to visit in May, September, October or November. 

Your Mom Hikes . . . Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

My mom is a better hiker than I am.  This was proved to me when we embarked on the epic Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek together.  I had been traveling all around Latin America, doing adventurous and dumb things, thinking I was kind of a hot-shot traveler.  My mom was totally game to join on […]

New Regulations for Huayna Picchu

As of July 15th 2011, the Peruvian government has started enforcing new rules for those wanting to climb Huayna Picchu (the big sugar loaf mountain behind Machu Picchu).  Many of your guidebooks and online resources probably won’t contain these latest updates, so read up on the newest regulations here before you embark on your Peru […]

Day 3 of the Choquequirao Trek

Needless to say, we woke up on the morning after our huge day of climbing to and descending from Choquequirao a little behind the eight ball in terms of energy and motivation. Once again we listened to the group next to us awake before dawn for the climb out of the canyon and back to […]

Hiking Wayna Picchu Peak (at Machu Picchu)

Our intrepid Peru traveler, Shannon, gives us a first-hand account of the famous climb up Wayna Picchu (or Huayna Picchu) at Machu Picchu.  If you are afraid of heights, hiking up the jutting peak in the middle of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary may not be for you.  But, if you’re looking for a thrill and […]

Aguas Calientes AKA Machu Picchu Pueblo

It can safely be said that Aguas Calientes’ (newly renamed Machu Picchu Pueblo) reason for being is it’s fortunate designation as the last stop before Machu Picchu. Every day, year-round, the trains from Cusco and the Sacred Valley unload hundreds – if not thousands- of eager visitors here. The sheer number of annual visitors and […]

Train options and Ticketing for Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu is an amazing experience, and if your travel plans bring you anywhere near the ancient sanctuary you should definitely plan on making the trip. But, navigating the ticket purchasing/route finding options isn’t necessarily what I would describe as easy. Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco involves a combination of train and bus/private […]

Inca Trail Permits Selling Fast: alternative trek ideas

As of today, Inca Trail permits for April and May are completely sold out, and spaces for peak season (June, July, and August) are rapidly diminishing. This is the time of year when people across the world start planning their vacations, and Machu Picchu and the world renowned Inca Trail are often at the top […]

Just How Rainy is Rainy Season in Cusco?

Rainbow in the Peruvian Andes

  While there are generally two seasons in Cusco, a rainy one (November to April) and a dry one (May to October), this doesn’t really tell the full story of weather in the Cusco area. For instance, although December is technically within the rainy season, it’s still a very pleasant time to visit. February is […]

Machu Picchu Railroad Repairs Ahead of Schedule – Could Reopen Before April 1

FETRANSA, the company in charge of repairing the train tracks from Pisacucho to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), issued a very positive statement this morning that the repair work is going very well, and the work could be completed BEFORE April 1! This report comes from our Peru partners Andean Adventures, Inkanatura Travel, and Metropolitan […]