Peru
Hikers

Peru’s climate varies depending on where you visit.

On the coast it is usually quite hot although during the winter (April-August) it can get chilly early in the morning and at night. In the Andes there are two main seasons – wet and dry. The wet season runs from November to April and is wet but usually warmer overall. The dry season runs from May to October and has hot clear days but cold nights. The only one thing you can say about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to accurately predict. You can see beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it is one of the beauties of Peru.

In the city and on day tours, we recommend that you buy bottled water only and do not drink from the taps.  It is safe to use the taps to wash your hands and brush your teeth, but we don’t recommend filling your water bottle up with water from the sink.

On the hikes, we will provide fresh, boiled, and filtered water at every meal stop to fill your bottles or camelbacks for the next leg of the trail.  It is not allowed to get water from the rivers or streams on the trek, so please take advantage of the fresh water at every meal.

For US Citizens:

• A valid passport is required and it cannot have an expiration date within 6 months of travel.
• A visa is not required unless you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
• Vaccinations are not required for travel unless you are planning to visit the Rainforest or Amazon.  If visiting the Amazon, consult your doctor, but generally Yellow Fever and Malaria vaccinations are recommended.

Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the journey. Unexpected medical emergency or illnesses prior to your trip could make you lose pre-paid, nonrefundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote location can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan, so it is mandatory that you purchase personal travel insurance. Your insurance must cover, personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, repatriation costs and all other expenses. There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online. Very important when you take (adventure – activities).

The good news is Machu Picchu can be visited year-round. The most popular time to visit is during the dry season from April to October, with the peak tourist season being June, July and August when the weather is at its best to take excellent photos.

All of our hikes (the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares Trek, Rainbow Mountain etc.) are moderately difficult, long and mountainous. We highly recommend that you are relatively fit and acclimatized to altitude (a minimum of 2 days at altitude) before undertaking them.  During the months (or at the very least, one month) before your trip, you should take regular, moderate exercise.  We want you to have an amazing experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the treks will be.

There are fixed routes through the facility with limited capacities to visit Machu Picchu. Below is an overview of the 4 official routes. There is also a 5th route, but this is only valid in combination with the 2-day Inca Trail, which we have included for your information:

 Route 1 (upper Best tour)

This route leads from the entrance through the upper sector, over agricultural terraces, past the guard’s house, through the main entrance to the urban sector, to the sun temple, and from there it continues over the temple square and the Intiwatana Pyramid in the upper sector to the sacred rock in the rearmost part of the citadel, and then through the lower sector past the condor temple or the water mirrors to the exit.

Route 2 (upper Best tour)

This is the most comprehensive route and is the most complete exploration of the citadel. The route leads from the entrance through the upper sector, over agricultural terraces, past the guard’s house, through the main entrance into the urban sector, to the temple of the sun. From there it continues over the sacred square and the Intiwatana Pyramid in the upper sector to the sacred rock in the rearmost part of the citadel, and then through the lower sector past the condor temple to the exit or the water mirrors. For travelers with reduced mobility, you can walk along the route to the guard house where you can decide, together with your guide, if you wish to continue along the circuit, go to the lower part of Route 2 or end the visit and go to the exit.

 Route 3 (lower short tour)

This is the shortest of all routes and includes only a small, limited part of the citadel. The route leads over agricultural terraces directly into the lower sector, past the Temple of the Sun, to the house of the Inca, and from there, you will explore through the water mirrors in the lower sector back to the exit. This route only requires you to navigate a few stairs and is particularly suitable for people with reduced mobility.

 Route 4 (lower long tour)

This route also only includes the lower sector, but leads to the rear area of ​​the citadel. The route leads over agricultural terraces directly into the lower sector, past the Temple of the Sun, to the house of the Inca, and on to the sacred rock, and from there to the lower sector past the Condor Temple or Water Mirrors and back to the exit.

Route 5 (applies to the 2-day Inca Trail)

For those who love hiking along the 2-day Inca Trail, you will hike the famous Inca Trail on the first day. And also, this hike ends in Machu Picchu like the classic Inca Trail. In the afternoon this route leads through the upper sector or viewpoint of Machu Picchu and you will take the most beautiful photos of Machu Picchu. On the 2nd day this route is similar to route 4 described above. This route leads over agricultural terraces directly into the lower sector, past the Temple of the Sun, to the house of the Inca, to the sacred rock in the rearmost part of the citadel, and from there to the lower sector past the Condor Temple or Water Mirrors and back to the exit.

-Due to the limited number of visitors, we recommend that our customers have their entrance tickets for Machu Picchu issued at least 40 days in advance. A reimbursement after issue is not possible.

-Children under 3 years of age do not have to pay admission. A reduced price applies to children/teenagers up to the age of 17. Students up to 25 years of age receive a discount on the presentation of a valid student ID from their university (an ISIC student ID is not sufficient).

-Visitors can purchase tickets on www.machupicchu.gob.pe or at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes and Cusco.

There is no sales point at the entrance to Machu Picchu itself!

Embark on a cozy journey like no other aboard the Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu. This train ride combines comfort with breathtaking scenery.

Experience the majestic Andean landscape in a magical way. This Train offers a unique window to Peru’s natural wonders. The beauty of traveling without the hustle.

Panoramic windows and skylights bring the outside in. You’ll feel immersed in the Peruvian rainforest, all while enjoying first-class amenities. With unique photo opportunities.

The trip to Machu Picchu is about more than just the destination. It’s about the journey and the memories you make along the way. The Vistadome experience ensures that every moment is full of awe and luxury.

As you plan your trip to the iconic Inca citadel, consider this alternative. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a highlight of your Peruvian adventure.

Get ready to amaze yourself by the beauty of Peru, from the comfort of the Vistadome Train.

A typical Cusco tour will typically include transportation, entrance fees, and a guide. Some tours may also include meals, accommodations, and other additional services.

Yes, it is generally safe to take a tour in Cusco, as long as visitors take basic safety precautions such as staying alert and aware of their surroundings.

Discover an extraordinary destination that will amaze you: Rainbow Mountain Hike! The Vinicunca Mountain presents a surreal scenery with rainbow-colored layers stacked one on the other, resembling a multicolored cloak or a reflection of a rainbow on Earth. This stunning view can be appreciated year-round.
To reach the peak of the hike, you will need to walk for approximately four hours from the base camp up to an altitude of about 5200 m / 17,060 ft. The beautiful sun will shine on you throughout the journey, and you will encounter families of sheep, horses, and camelids, such as llamas and alpacas.
The majestic mountain landscape will undoubtedly be the star of your photos.

Tours in Cusco can be booked in advance through tour operators or online booking platforms. Visitors can also book tours in person through local tour agencies.

The cost of tours in Cusco varies depending on the type of tour, the duration, and the level of service provided. As of 2021, a full-day tour of Machu Picchu can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 USD per person.