Nestled amidst the peaks of the Peruvian Andes lies Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. To reach it, you’ll hike through cloud forests bursting with life, feel the spray of cascading waterfalls, and soak in panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless. Explore ancient temples, marvel at intricate stonework, and imagine the lives of the Inca people who thrived here centuries ago.
Classic trails & hidden gems
All-Women adventures
Experienced Peruvian guides
Crossover Peru was a great guide for our Inca Trail adventure. Lidman did a good job ahead of the trip to confirm logistics, organize specific requirements related to the trip. Edwind was an awesome guide during the adventure / hike and on the trails. he was a great travel companion, keep everything and everyone organized during the hike and was knowledgeable about the areas, history etc. Overall, couldn\’t have asked for a better tour guide before, m during and after the trip. Mochas Gracias a todos!!
When I was in Peru, Rolend was the lead tour guide and he was the absolute best! Along with him, Juan Carlos led us on some tours with our driver Jimmy, and both were also fantastic. Very knowledgeable, and energetic about the tours and activities. These three made my trip amazing. The absolute best!
I recently went on the Salkantay trek and Rainbow mountain visit with crossover team. the team helping us was amazing. Juan Carlos is a great tour guide and also fun to be around. The chefs and porters were amazing and we had great food and service for 5 days with the team. I would always recommend Crossover for any activities in Cusco region.
Yaritza was amazing. We had so much fun with her. She is knowledgeable & we loved listening to her talk about the history here. She went over and above. Unforgettable experience!
The best time to book a Machu Picchu travel package depends on your priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
Dry Season (April to October): This is the most popular time to visit Machu Picchu, as the weather is generally sunny and dry with mild temperatures. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Shoulder Seasons (March, November): These months offer a good balance of good weather and fewer crowds. However, there is a higher chance of rain, especially in November.
Rainy Season (December to February): The rainy season is the least crowded and most affordable time to visit Machu Picchu. However, the trails can be muddy and slippery, and some activities may be unavailable due to the weather.
If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail, it is important to note that the trail is closed in February for maintenance.
The best time for your Machu Picchu trip package on what you want to do and see! Here’s a quick breakdown:
1-2 days: The minimum amount of time you need to visit Machu Picchu itself. You can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, and then hike or take a bus up to the citadel. You’ll have time to explore the ruins and take in the views, but you won’t have much time for other activities.
3-4 days: This is a good amount of time to see Machu Picchu and also explore the Sacred Valley, the region surrounding Cusco that is full of Inca ruins and charming towns. You could also add on a short hike, such as the hike to Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu.
5-7 days or more: If you have more time, consider doing a multi-day hiking trip to Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail. These treks take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peruvian Andes and offer a unique way to experience the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
There are three different types of tickets for Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu Only Ticket: This ticket allows you to enter the Machu Picchu citadel itself. The cost is 152 Peruvian soles (approximately US$43) for adults, 77 Peruvian soles (approximately US$23) for students, and 70 Peruvian soles (approximately US$21) for children.
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket: This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu and hike Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking the citadel. The cost is 200 Peruvian soles (approximately US$56) in addition to the entrance fee for Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket: This ticket allows you to enter Machu Picchu and hike one of the other mountains near the citadel, such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Huchuy Picchu. The cost varies depending on the mountain, but it is typically around 100 Peruvian soles (approximately US$28) in addition to the entrance fee for Machu Picchu.
Yes, you absolutely can go to Machu Picchu without a tour! Exploring the ancient Inca citadel on your own is entirely possible, and it can be a rewarding way to experience this wonder of the world. However, here are some things you need to remember:
Keep in mind that booking a guided tour is the safest & most logistically simple option.
The difficulty of the different hiking trails to Machu Picchu varies greatly:
The Inca Trail: The most famous hike to Machu Picchu is moderately challenging. The Inca Trail is a 4-day, 26-mile (43 km) hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peruvian Andes. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it involves a lot of uphill climbing and reaches an altitude of over 13,800 feet (4,200 meters).
The Salkantay Trek: Salkantay is another popular pick, but it is considered to be the most difficult one due to the rugged terrain and significant altitude change. The Salkantay Trek is a 5-day, 32-mile (51 km) hike that takes you through the Salkantay Valley, past snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and lush rainforests.
The Lares Trek: A good option for those who are looking for a shorter and less challenging hike. The Lares Trek is a 4-day, 23-mile (37 km) hike that takes you through the Lares Valley, past traditional villages, and glacial lakes.
In addition to these hikes, you can also take a bus or train up to Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes, or explore beginner-friendly Machu Picchu tours from Lima.
There are two main options for where you sleep when hiking to Machu Picchu:
Camping: This is the most common option for those who are hiking the Inca Trail or other multi-day treks. Tour companies typically provide tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats for their trekkers. These camps are set up at designated campsites along the trail, which are chosen for their scenic beauty and flat terrain.
Hotels: If you are not interested in camping, you can also stay in hotels in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is located at the base of Machu Picchu. There are a variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. You can then take a bus or train up to Machu Picchu in the morning.
Peru is generally considered a budget-friendly destination compared to other South American countries. It can be a very budget-friendly destination if you’re willing to embrace simple accommodations, local dining, and public transportation. However, it also caters to mid-range and luxury travelers with a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences.
