What an adventure!
This holiday combines two iconic destinations into one trip. It’s a busy, fast-paced itinerary, full of stimulation and excitement so be prepared!
In Peru, as well as enjoying Cusco, you’ll visit incredible ruins nearby and in the Sacred Valley and learn so much about the Incas and how they conquered, and then retained control of, vast swathes of South America. Holger’s in-depth knowledge of all things Inca helped us to piece together this information into a coherent whole so that we had a real insight into the civilisation. You’ll also have the opportunity (for no additional cost) to complete the One Day Inca Trail. Machu Picchu does not disappoint and, as well as being technologically fascinating, is absolutely stunning.
In the Galapagos, you’ll island hop your way to San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Isla Lobos, Bartolome and Las Tintoreras, seeing every kind of wildlife imaginable. The animals really are everywhere, in large numbers and just don’t mind you being nearby. It’s a hiking, snorkelling and photographic extravaganza (and Richard will share all his videos and photos)!
Machu Picchu Tours
- Home
- South America
- Peru
- Machu Picchu
Our Guide to Machu Picchu
Our tours to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a path every traveller must take at least once in their lifetime. Possibly the most famous panorama and archaeological site on the planet, Machu Picchu is an intricate labyrinth of stone temples and palaces on brilliant green terraces, cradled between two dramatic peaks and surrounded by the all-consuming beauty of the Andes.
The mountains reach for the skies as cloud forests give way to sheer cliff faces, sharply descending into the deep canyon and the rushing river Urubamba far, far below. It’s famous for a reason and that’s because there’s not a soul on Earth who can fail to be impressed by the majesty of this lost Inca city in the clouds.
Our Inca Trail & Machu Picchu holidays offer something for most travellers. From a little extra comfort and super-specialist tour guides to extended trips taking in the best Peru has to offer, you can find the perfect Machu Picchu trips for you below.
Top Machu Picchu Tours
Julie Dent Machu Picchu & Galapagos
Michael Sissons Essential PeruThis was an excellent and varied trip which gave a real sense of Peru’s culture and history, and of its sheer scale. I take a lot of photographs, and what struck me most throughout was the feeling of space. The landscapes are immense and it’s one of those places you really have to visit to properly comprehend.
The itinerary really is full on, and it can feel demanding at times, but I came away feeling I had seen a great deal of the country rather than simply ticking off a few famous sites. We were fortunate with the weather throughout the trip, particularly in the mountains where visibility and light were often exceptional.
Food was generally good, though naturally variable over such a long trip. Traditional Andean food is hearty and quite rustic in character, but Peru also has international influences, particularly Italian, and some of the pasta dishes were unexpectedly very good and seemed to be freshly made.
Ben Colbridge The Inca TrailI’ve wanted to do this trip for over 20 years and it exceeded all my expectations. I did this trip with my 16 year old son in the long summer break after his GCSEs and it was the most perfect father-son time we’ve ever shared. The views are incredible, the air as clean as it comes and the team were just outstanding. Our guide, Wilmer, led the group expertly despite different walking speeds, and the porters were just humbling. This trip ticked every single one of my boxes and we look back on it with both the sense of achievement and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Machu Picchu Travel FAQs
If you want to get the iconic Machu Picchu photo of the archaeological site surrounded by wispy clouds set against a clear blue sky, visit during the dry season between May and October. Do be aware that early morning mist and unexpected downpours are likely to happen no matter what time of year you choose to travel!
Lightweight layers are your friend when climbing Machu Picchu. The weather can change in a heartbeat, so having lightweight clothes you can remove or put on quickly is essential. You’ll need waterproof clothing and footwear too as you won’t want the extra weight of wet clothes slowing you down. Equally, you need to keep your body safe from the sun by wearing hats and long-sleeved tops and trousers.
You’ll be camping during your stay and nights can be very cold as you ascend the mountain. Pack warm pyjamas and make sure you have a thermal base layer as an added precaution too.
Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level.
Machu Picchu holidays are a lot easier when you have the right gear with you. Here are the essentials items you’ll need to pack for a successful trip:
- Passport
- Money
- Water
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Thin and breathable clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Light waterproofs
- Swimming costumes
Remember that what you pack is what you’ll have to carry up the mountain, so pack light for a much more enjoyable experience.
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Book your tour to Machu Picchu today!
Are you ready to set your sights on this sprawling Inca citadel? Whether you’re hoping to experience Machu Picchu in isolation or as part of a wider journey through Peru, our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trips are justifiably popular. It’s a good idea to book early to secure your place on the journey of a lifetime.
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