Peruvian Adventure to Machu Picchu
Our Peruvian Adventure to Machu Picchu combines the very best of Sacred Valley archaeological sites and cultural experiences. During this 7-day trip, we visit the sacred sites of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, and enjoy Peruvian cuisine and luxury lodge stays. These rarely-traveled highland trails are surrounded by the Andes Mountains. This adventure offers a special route off the beaten path, offering a more authentic and immersive journey. Each day, expert guides tailor the experience with an offering of a la carte activities and daily cultural encounters. At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges to prepare for the next day of adventure and exploration.
Trek Summary
Trek
7 D / 6 N
Up To 14
June 9 - 15, 2024
April 13 - 19, 2025
July 12 - 18, 2025
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE
Peruvian Adventure to Machu Picchu Activity Rating: MODERATE
Challenge:
Spend multiple days hiking at high elevations across the Salkantay Pass. The weather in Peru can be unpredictable, so arriving prepared for varying conditions is important.
Reassurance:
The guide will pace you, but the lodges are within a moderate distance from one another to limit the daily strain on guests. We also bring an emergency horse without luggage to help assist anyone in need of support. Guides will run daily medical checks to ensure proper acclimatization.
The World Wide Trekking Difference
We have carefully curated a historical and cultural experience for our guests in this Peruvian Adventure to Machu Picchu. Our guests will visit archaeological sites, view rock art, and enjoy the luxury of deluxe mountain lodges. We work closely with our team of local guides to make sure we are providing the most memorable and enjoyable experience to our guests.
WWTrek Accommodations
Staying in deluxe mountain lodges, you will have all the amenities you could need and are guaranteed a relaxing night’s rest in a spacious and comfortable bed. With plenty of dining options to choose from each night, you know you are receiving proper nutrition along our journey.
WWTrek Meals
Our highly trained staff is eager to make delicious meals for all our guests, regardless of preferences or allergies. Expect bountiful plates and delicious local flavors as you trek your Peruvian adventure, and enjoy the tastes it brings along the way.
WWTrek Team
Our team of medically and practically trained Guides is here to help you every step of the way. From the first point of contact with the office through the end of your trekking experience with us, World Wide Trekking will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared to embark on your journey.
WWTrek Experience
We think it’s imperative to offer our guests the ability to hear from one another. This way, guests can get the nitty-gritty details about the trek… like finding out just how challenging that hike is!
“Cusco, the Sacred Valley and ruins at Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Mollepata came to life as we walked the streets and interacted with the Peruvian people. The most astonishing and memorable part of this journey was the Mountain Lodges. These incredibly luxurious lodges overwhelmed me. The food, the accommodations, and the vistas were unbelievable. I can tell you that coming upon these “castles’ after a day of trekking was truly a treasure. To sit in the middle of the Peruvian landscape, away from civilization, and be served a three-course meal on the mountainside was mind-boggling. I felt like royalty.” – Debbie
“I can’t stop thinking about my trekking adventure to Machu Picchu…the mountains, Peruvian culture, glaciers, flowers, our guides, the coffee and food, climbing and climbing, amazing lodges, everything exceptional and detailed service. What is difficult to explain are the emotions of this experience…trekking to Machu Picchu and seeing this amazing lost city. Thanks, World Wide Trekking! I look forward to another trip with this organization!” – Christine
WWTrek Guest Services
World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew for all of our groups ranging from 8 to 12 people. At headquarters in Salt Lake City, our staff is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. If you’re planning your trip and have a question about which boots to buy, our adventure specialist is just a phone call away.
We provide medically certified, English-speaking guides for all of our adventures. Additionally, you have access to a local operations manager and a plethora of local professionals to aid the group during your trek.
Trek Itinerary
Welcome to Cusco, Peru (11,220')
- Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), Cusco, Peru, where you will meet your guides and transfer to the Cusco Hotel and check-in.
- You will have an afternoon, half-day city tour, followed by orientation and gear check with the guides.
- We will gather for a private welcome dinner with our group.
- Overnight: Palacio del Inka or comparable
- Meals included: Lunch and Welcome Dinner
Cusco | Chinchero | Lamay
- Morning departure to the archaeological site of Chinchero.
- Option 1: Explore natural salt mines Maras and Moray (easy)
- Option 2: Hike from Chinchero to Urquillos (challenging)
- Overnight: Lamay Lodge or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Lamay | Pisaq | Lamay
- Travel to Pisaq in two different ways:
- Option 1: Scenic drive to the town square for cultural exploration (easy)
- Option 2: Hike to Pisaq archaeological site (moderate)
- Overnight: Lamay Lodge or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Aguas Calientes
- Transfer in the morning to Ollantaytambo train station for a scenic ride to the trailhead.
- Ascend the Inca trail to catch your first glimpse of the famed Machu Picchu citadel.
- Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Machu Picchu
- Take a bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary for a guided tour of the Inca Citadel.
- You will have two options of how you will tour Machu Picchu:
- Option 1: Free time to explore Machu Picchu Citadel (7,872′) (easy)
- Option 2: Guided hike to the Sun Gate (moderate)
- After a full day visiting Machu Picchu, transfer back to Aguas Calientes for the night.
- Overnight: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Aguas Calientes | Cusco, Peru (11,220')
- Visit the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum in Aguas Calientes and have free time to explore the Aguas Calientes Artisanal Market.
- Take the Luxury Hiram Bingham train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train station where you will transfer back to Cusco, enjoying delicious meals and entertainment along the route.
- Overnight: Palacio del Inka or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
International Departures
- Free time to explore Cusco before catching your international departure flight home. (CUZ)
- Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
- Pre-trip planning, consultation, and customization
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 6 nights lodging
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
- Transportation by trains, vans, and buses
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees described in the attached itinerary
- Baggage handling throughout the adventure
World Wide Trekking Lead Guide(s) and local Peruvian guides based on group size
- Services of local English-speaking guides throughout
- Drinking water throughout
- Services of local porters and staff
- Pre-trip six-week fitness and nutrition program with a consultation with the WWTrek Fitness Specialist
Not Included
- International airfare
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Travel, evacuation, and medical insurance
- Meals or bottled beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, soft drinks, incidentals, etc.
- Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of the control of World Wide Trekking
- Gratuities for guides
- Tourism Taxes When Applicable
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Hiram Bingham Express
The Hiram Bingham Express, a 1920s-themed train, ride adds to the cultural immersion of this trek. As if touring the sacred grounds of Machu Picchu won’t make you feel connected enough, you will board this train and be delighted by a multi-course dinner and live Peruvian entertainment from a bar cart!
Luxury Accommodations
The luxury lodges that guests stay in each night offer world-class comfort and dining options. Guests enjoy their time at the lodge in the jacuzzi, getting a massage, or shopping in the local villages.
Easy Active | Moderate Trek
The itinerary that accompanies the Peruvian Adventure to Machu Picchu allows for such flexibility, that groups can collaborate with their guide to select hikes and activities each day that fit their ability and desire. This makes this trek perfect for groups of all sizes and abilities!
Cultural Immersion
This adventure allows you to spend a great deal of time with locals while exploring the Peruvian villages along our route. From eating the freshest local foods to walking around shops and markets, guests can fully immerse themselves in the Peruvian lifestyle.
Cusco, Peru
Cobblestone streets, time to explore, perhaps catch a parade– spend time in one of the oldest city of the Americas, Cusco! Booming cultural center where guests can be fully-immersed in the lively, colorful, culture!
Human Outreach Project
OUR PLANET… HELPING OTHERS, CHANGING LIVES
Peru is one of Human Outreach Projects longest running program destinations. By sponsoring two computer centers that boast WiFi, educational tools, and computers– entire communities can connect more efficiently and effectively. HOP also hosts two Annual Chocolatada Festivals in Peru serving roughly 300 people each year, bringing holiday joy to all the local children.
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
The Peruvian winter (May through October) provides the best traveling experience. This dry season still offers largely varying weather conditions and temperatures. Please prepare for a variety of conditions and temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrivals and Departures
This trip begins and ends in Cusco, Peru. You will fly into and out of Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), Cusco, Peru.
* Many guests prefer to arrive before or leave after the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.
Recommended Flights
International airfares are not included in program pricing. When booking international travel, we recommend working with an experienced travel agent. One that World Wide Trekking is proud to coordinate with is Brian Mei from Eastern Travel. You can reach Brian directly by calling 801.792.1721 or by email at brian@easterntravel.com. Additional support is always available by calling the Eastern Travel Office at 801.466.8811 or by emailing Michelle at michelle@easterntravel.com.
The benefit of using a travel agent is in the event of itinerary changes, the travel agent will find the best flight connections, and land arrangements, for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, we do not recommend using them, due to instability in the itineraries. We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket.
We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. Contact AIG Travel Guard to get more information.
Travel Insurance
PERU does not require travel insurance coverage for entrance.
However: The lodges we use in the sacred valley require all travelers to carry med/evac insurance, even a basic one, they do not have a minimum requirement.
We recommend you safeguard your trip by purchasing travel insurance. World Wide Trekking has partnered with AIG Insurance as our preferred travel insurance provider. For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, visit
Please Note: You must purchase this plan within 14 days of your deposit payment. Please send us a copy of your plan if you choose to purchase one.
Customs, Visas, Immigration
U.S. Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for travel to Peru.
*Note: Please be sure to have at least six months’ validity on your passport. Most countries won’t allow travelers in their country unless their passport is expected to expire six months after the last day of travel. Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home and bring the other to Peru, in case of an emergency. Ensure you provide a copy of your passport to WWTrek 90 days before your departure date.
Accommodations
Each mountain lodge in the Sacred Valley was uniquely conceived through thoughtful architectural design that includes traditional Inca building techniques and a nod to their respective environments. They offer all the comforts of home along with top-notch amenities and exceptional service.
Health and Safety
Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified guides before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as satellite communicators and medical kits.
Before the trip, you will need to get a few prescriptions from your physician: Diamox for altitude sickness, Cipro for stomach ailments, and Z-Pack for respiratory ailments. In addition, we recommend visiting your local International Travel Clinic one month before your trip. Needed vaccinations include a current tetanus shot, annual influenza shot, Varicella, Typhoid, Hep A, and MMR.
Helpful over-the-counter medications include Imodium Ad, throat lozenges, ibuprofen, eye drops, and other personal medications.
For more information, feel free to contact us directly with any questions, at 801-943-0264. We can reschedule a phone call with our medical advisor, Dr. Levy, to answer any specific questions regarding your personal needs.
Gratuities
In many parts of the world, gratuities are given in appreciation for a job well done. Our guides will take care of tipping service personnel along the way so that you don’t have to think about it.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations on your ‘Trip Detail’ site once you sign up.
At the trail end, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented to your WWTrekking guides and trekking staff as we say our goodbyes.
Currency Exchange
You will have the opportunity to exchange money after your WWTrek guide escorts you from the airport. You can easily exchange money at gift shops in both Cusco and the smaller villages we visit. Exchange money as you go using your credit card or cash for your expenses at the lodge. Typically, our guests spend about $1,000 for various personal expenses, souvenirs, and incidentals.
Fitness and Nutrition
We provide a complimentary 6-week extensive fitness and nutrition program to help our guests prepare for their journey ahead. The program is tailored specifically for our trips and includes virtual 1 on 1 coaching sessions with our Fitness and Nutrition Specialist.
General Information
Country
Peru is a nation of discovery. Between the ever-evolving cultural landscapes of indigenous peoples and Spanish influences, the country provides a multitude of natural wonders and economic growth. With a resurgence in cultural pride and open arms to tourists, Peru offers an old-world destination with an increasingly modern and progressive attitude.
Population
With 31.2 million inhabitants, Peru is the 5th most populated country in South America.
Time Zone
Peru Time (PET) is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Capital City
Lima, Peru
People
Essentially, two populations reside in Peru, the whites and mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and Spanish descent) and the criollos (natives). Many Peruvians believe that being white is somehow better. This belief contributes to inequality issues that permeate Peru’s government and economic sectors. A significant divide exists between the wealthy elite, typically whites and mestizos, and the poor, predominantly the criollos. Many Peruvians subscribe to the tradition that men go to work and women stay at home, although this trend is changing. In addition, the government and the Catholic Church work closely together. The official religion of the military is Roman Catholic while priests and other religious figures receive government stipends.
Culture and Religion
From the cobblestone streets of the Spanish era to the vine-entangled Incan temples hidden among the mountains, Peru boasts a rich and deep-rooted multicultural heritage. In terms of the national psyche, Peru carries its internal struggles related to its tumultuous history such as race, class, gender, and religious issues. Even so, the people continue to maintain solidarity in their devotion to relationships with friends, and family, and the welcoming of guests.
Introduced by the Spanish, Peru’s predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. However, many of the indigenous Peruvians subscribe to their blend of Catholicism and traditional beliefs. Reportedly, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, with about 15% regularly attending church. Religion is perhaps one of the best examples of how indigenous beliefs have melded with Spanish traditions. Many indigenous people symbolize Viracocha (the creator) as the Christian God and Pachamama (the earth mother) as the Virgin Mary.
Currency
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), referred to as the sol. Due to the fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend searching online to find out the current rate before your adventure.
