This Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru is one of the world’s most well-known sacred places, most often accessed by the Inca trail—a 4-day trek through the panoramic cloud forests and valleys. However, not everyone wants to hike up to Machu Picchu and that’s ok!
Observe the scenery from a comfortable seat as the train snakes its way through the tundra to cloud forests to dramatic high mountain passes, passing by the multi-level terraces and orchid paradise above the clouds. En route, make a stop at Aguas Calientes and see how the locals live, try out traditional cuisine, and capture the moments before they’re out of sight. Once you reach the isolated magical ruins, embark on a short guided tour and learn more about the history and ingenuity of this architectural wonder. The Lost City is the most important legacy of the Inca civilization and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World protected by UNESCO.
Watch the foothills of the Andes transform into lush cloud forests
Take in the unbelievable scenery before embarking on a walking tour with a guide
See a little bit of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu even if you are short on time
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
The best thing about this tour of Machu Picchu is that it’s suitable for everyone with a normal level of fitness. No prior experience is necessary. However, the city of Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so you may feel slightly ill or dizzy due to altitude sickness, known as “soroche.” Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Storage aboard Machu Picchu trains is limited. Please limit yourself to one carry-on luggage per person. Many travelers need to downsize their belongings to comply with the luggage weight restrictions of each company. Fortunately, many hotels offer complimentary luggage storage for guests. Keep your extra items at your hotel in Cusco and collect them after visiting Machu Picchu.
Each passenger can carry a bag or backpack with a maximum weight limit of 11 pounds (5 kg). The luggage cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) in height, length, and width.
Group sizes and prices:
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Cusco, most people fly into Cusco International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to your accommodation.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at your accommodation in Cusco. At the end of your adventure, you will return to Cusco via bus and train.
Generally, Peru is safe to visit. Like all countries, it has some bad neighborhoods, crime and political instability. However, there is no need to be concerned about political unrest.
We had a chance to catch up with our local guide Roland Llave, co-founder of CrossoverPeru Tours, who shared a few thoughts on the current political climate in Peru: “At the core, these protests are a way for the people in South America to express themselves and fight for what they believe in. We recognize this might be unnerving for travelers, but this is part of our culture.”
Roland let us know that the protests have stopped for now. Roads, airports, and lives are back to normal. As always, there is potential for more unrest because, as he mentioned, protesting is part of their culture and how they honor their beliefs and rights. If you have any concerns about traveling to Peru or South America, please reach out and we will help you navigate the best option for your travels.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Peru, please refer to the Peru Travel websites or the U.S. Embassy in Peru websites.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
