Travel Blog
Expert tips, destination guides, and stories from our adventures across South America. Get inspired for your next journey.
When should you book your trip to Machu Picchu?
Before you start locking down dates, and picking out your best khaki outfits, let's look at the variables and the availability windows for the different reservations, tickets and permits required for a trip to Machu Picchu.
How Many Days in Peru? 7 vs 10 vs 14 for Families and Friend Groups
Shorter trips focus on one or more highlights; longer trips have flexibility without the rush to get there and enjoy quickly then go home. It's worth it to spend at least 1 day of leisure to explore Cusco on your own and can easily be done on foot.
Do these easy training hikes near Cusco before the Inca Trail
No matter how fit and ready you are to hike the high altitude trails in Peru, active travelers of all ages will enjoy, and even benefit from these training hikes near Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This is the perfect way to explore the Inca sites near Cusco while acclimatizing for any multi-day trek. Anyone can do these
Travel to Machu Picchu for Age 50+
As a 60+ year old tour operator who has visited Machu Picchu more times than I can count, I feel uniquely qualified to advise people age 50 and older about how to set up their trips to Peru. I've had the privilege of staying in a few of the high-end luxury properties when traveling to Machu Picchu by train, as well as th
Travel to Machu Picchu: How to choose the best water bottle
Although it was announced to tour operators that starting in January 2019, single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste is banned from Machu Picchu, the rule has not been enforced. Travelers control how much they want to reduce the use of single-use plastic and other waste on their trips to Machu Picchu.
Complete Idiot's Guide to Hiking The Inca Trail
There are many Inca footpaths in Peru and the Andes Mountains, forming a network established hundreds of years ago by the ancient Inca civilization. But there is only one official "Inca Trail" hike. This is the ONLY hike that allows visitors to literally walk into Machu Picchu National Park without going through the main entry gate. All other hikes include a visit of Machu Picchu ruins after the hike concludes in the village of Aguas Calientes.
Should Kids Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Parent Checklist
Yes! Kids should hike the 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. But like adults, there are some instances where they should not. We provide a checklist for parents to determine if your child is ready.
Why There's No Emergency at Machu Picchu Citadel August 19, 2026
The "emergency" you see in news reports is regarding a small town on the outskirts of Machu Picchu district. Do not confuse Machu Picchu district with Machu Picchu Citadel. They're about 40 km apart.
Strange Inca Houses Hiding in Plain Sight at Machu Picchu
This could be the most important thing no one ever talks about at Machu Picchu. Why did the Inca build special structures with low ceilings at Machu Picchu? Strange houses hiding in plain sight. Anyone can see these houses on their visit to Machu Picchu.
When are Machu Picchu Online Entry Tickets Available Each Year?
Starting every year in January, the official Machu Picchu government website (TuBoleto) releases all the tickets through December 31, in batches. This is why enty tickets are only available one year at a time.
Qosqo Tales
Our local guides are Andean natives with a passion for bringing their Qechua culture to life. Here are three Andean legends they translated so you can connect with their roots before experiencing the culture for yourself.
Children of the Sun
The Story of the Origin of the People of the Andes
Valicha: A Tale of My Mother's Famed Chicha Brewery in the Andes Mountains
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