Travel Blog
Expert tips, destination guides, and stories from our adventures across South America. Get inspired for your next journey.
Why the 2-Day Inca Trail hike Doesn't Have Porters
One of the hallmarks of the 2 day trip to Machu Picchu is that there's no camping. This makes it an ideal choice for small groups who want to hike together, but have members who will not camp for any reason. In Peru it's customary to use porters only for multi-day hikes with camping.
Flying Between Countries in South America? You Clear Customs Every Time
You need to know that each country in South America is its own border with its own immigration policies and customs procedures. Each country has their own policies, which may differ from other nations in South America
What to Wear? "Machu Picchu Fashion Week"
Technically, the Peruvian government doesn't give a hoot about your haut couture. The only official decree regarding toggery, is that everyone must be togged. Nudity is explicity prohibited. Whether you're a dashing trendsetter or a dowdy trendbuster, fashion is fun, and combined with travel it's a winning combination for "Fashion Week at Machu Picchu."
Why You Should Confirm Machu Picchu Tickets Before You Book Flights
Do not buy nonrefundable flights or hotels until the Machu Picchu entry, or the Inca Trail permit, is confirmed.
Sold-out Machu Picchu Tickets? Use Inca Trail Permits
When public tickets for Machu Picchu are not available or only show access to circuit 1 routes, here's a viable alternative. We can use permits for 2-day Inca Trail trip which includes Machu Picchu entry. Hike or take the train. We confirm availability before you pay.
2-Day Inca Trail Looks Sold Out. October Is Not.
For weeks, the 2-day Inca Trail in October appeared to be sold out except for a few days at the end of the month. Today we logged in (Sept 17) to find 20 days showing permits available.
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
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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