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+51 974 217 700 +51 984 641 020 Mon – Sun: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Local Tour Operator in Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu Team: Tours & Treks from Cusco

Salkantay Trek with Sky Star Domes, the classic Inca Trail, Machu Picchu by train and unique day tours, all operated by our own local team with daily departures.
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Who We Are

Our own guides, our own Sky Star Domes, our own zipline, and a team that takes care of every detail.

Your Local Tour Operator in Cusco

We are a local tour operator based in Cusco, running our own departures to Machu Picchu, the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail, the Inca Jungle Trail, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, the Sacred Valley and the Manu Amazon.

On our Cusco tours, the guides, cooks, drivers and muleteers who travel with you are part of our own team, hired locally and paid directly by us. That is why we can take full responsibility for how your trip runs.

On the Salkantay Trek, you sleep in our own Sky Star Domes with 360° views of the Andes. Two nights in the domes are guaranteed on our 4- and 5-day itineraries, and the 5-day trek adds a night in our panoramic cabins.

We run daily departures, keep groups small and set fair prices for the local market. We are not the cheapest, and we don’t try to be: very low prices usually mean underpaid muleteers and porters. What you pay covers a well-equipped, well-staffed trip and fair wages for the people who make it happen.

Book online anytime or message us on WhatsApp +51 974 217 700. Our office is at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, one block from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco.

Machu Picchu Team staff in Cusco
Sales & Reservations +51 974 217 700

WhatsApp or call

Sales & Reservations +51 984 641 020

WhatsApp or call

24/7 Emergency Line Booked Travelers Only

Already booked with us and need help during your trip? Call or message us on WhatsApp at any hour. For new bookings and questions, our sales team is available Mon – Sun, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Peru time).

What Our Travelers Say

Real feedback and ratings from guests who explored Machu Picchu and Peru with our team.

Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Join more than 2,800 travelers who have reviewed us on Google and Tripadvisor, where we are rated 4.9 out of 5. Choose your tour or tell us your plans, and we’ll help you create the perfect Peru journey.

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU – OUR BEST-SELLING ADVENTURE

Discover the majestic Salkantay Mountain on an unforgettable journey along ancient trails to Machu Picchu. Sleep under the stars in our exclusive Sky Star Domes, with panoramic 360° views of the Andes — two nights included on our 4- and 5-day treks.

Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu via Llactapata

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Salkantay Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu via Llactapata

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New

Llactapata Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu: Zipline, Hot Springs & Sky Star Domes

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INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU – THE CLASSIC ROUTE OF THE INCAS

Walk in the footsteps of the Incas on the world's most famous trek. The Inca Trail follows original stone paths through cloud forests and remarkable archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, leading you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.

Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu

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Inca Trail 1 Day Tour to Machu Picchu

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Combo Trek

Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 6 Days

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Local Operator & Trusted Guides

THE MACHU PICCHU
TEAM EXPERIENCE

Traveling with us is more than visiting a destination. We take care of every detail, from your first message to your last day in Peru.

Before your trip

Our travel advisors help you choose the right tour for your interests, fitness level and travel dates, and answer every question quickly on WhatsApp.

During your journey

Professional local guides lead the way and bring Inca history, culture and traditions to life. Every challenging step is rewarded with spectacular views of the Andes.

At Machu Picchu

Your guided visit helps you truly understand the Inca citadel, with free time afterward to explore at your own pace and take in the moment.

Book more, save more

Planning more than one adventure? Combine two or more tours and enjoy special prices.

Ask our travel advisors

MACHU PICCHU TOURS BY TRAIN – COMFORT AND SCENERY

Reach Machu Picchu the easy way. Board the train in Ollantaytambo and ride along the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by mountains, green valleys and changing Andean landscapes. Choose a full-day tour, a 2-day trip, or combine car and train to save on your journey.

INCA JUNGLE TRAIL – BIKING, RAFTING, ZIPLINE & TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU

Reach Machu Picchu the adventurous way. Ride downhill from the Abra Málaga pass, raft the Urubamba River, fly over the valley on a zipline and hike original Inca paths through the high jungle. Spend a night in our Sky Star Domes in Lucmabamba, surrounded by coffee farms and mountain views.

Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL

Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

4 DAYS - 03 NIGHTS
★★★★★
4.9 · 2,800+ REVIEWS
Cusco, Abra Malaga, Mountain Biking

The Adventure Route to Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days: Biking, Rafting, Zipline and Inca Paths The...

TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: 45 km (28 mi)
MEALS: 4 B, 3 L, 3 D
FROM: US $ 260.00 PRICE PER PERSON
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Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days to Machu Picchu
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL

Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days to Machu Picchu

3 DAY - 2 NIGHT
★★★★★
4.9 · 2,800+ REVIEWS
Ollantaytambo, Santa María, Santa Teresa

The Adventure Route to Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days: Biking, Rafting, Zipline and Machu Picchu The...

TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: 65 km (40.4 mi)
MEALS: 3 B, 2 L, 2 D
FROM: US $ 250.00 PRICE PER PERSON
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AMAZON TOURS IN PERU – MANU & TAMBOPATA WILDLIFE ADVENTURES

Journey from the Andes into the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Explore Manu National Park, reached overland from Cusco, or the Tambopata National Reserve near Puerto Maldonado. Spot macaws, monkeys, caimans and giant river otters as you navigate jungle rivers and hike through the rainforest.

Featured Tour 4 Days - 3 Nights

Manu Tour 4 Days from Cusco: Cloud Forest, River and Rainforest

From US$ 299
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Featured Tour 3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS JOURNEY

Manu Jungle Tour 3 Days: The Amazon Cultural Zone from Cusco

From US$ 289
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Featured Tour 5 Day - 4 Night

Manu National Park Tour 5 Days: Into the Reserved Zone of the Amazon

From US$ 1 250
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Featured Tour 2 DAYS - 1 NIGHT

Tambopata 2 Days Tour: Sandoval Lake and the Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick

From Inquire
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Featured Tour 3-DAY / 2-NIGHT ADVENTURE

Tambopata Tour 3 Days: Macaws, Sandoval Lake and Two Jungle Lodges

From US$ 250
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Featured Tour 4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS

Tambopata 4 Days Tour: Sandoval Lake, the Chuncho Clay Lick and Monkey Island

From Inquire
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Featured Tour FULL DAY TOUR

Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour from Puerto Maldonado: The Amazon in One Day

From Inquire
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DAY TOURS IN CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAINS, LAKES & INCA SITES

Make the most of your time in Cusco with our full-day tours. Hike to the colors of Rainbow Mountain and Palcoyo, the turquoise water of Humantay Lake and the seven lakes of Ausangate, or explore the Sacred Valley, Moray and the Maras salt pans. Daily departures with hotel pickup and local guides.

City Tour in Cusco: Afternoon Half Day, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
ONE DAY TOURS IN CUSCO

City Tour in Cusco: Afternoon Half Day, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

AFTERNOON DEPARTURE: 1:00 PM TO 6:00 PM
★★★★★
4.9 · 2,800+ REVIEWS
Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Qenqo Ceremonial Site

Afternoon Departure · 1:00 to 6:00 PM City Tour in Cusco: Five Inca Sites in One Afternoon The...

TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: Comfortable Transportation Provided
FROM: US $ 15.00 PRICE PER PERSON
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The Machu Picchu Team Difference

Why Choose Machu Picchu Team?

We are a 100% Cusco-based company committed to creating authentic, safe and unforgettable travel experiences. Direct operations, expert local guides, and fair, transparent travel created by true locals.

1. Local Experts Based in Cusco

Machu Picchu Team is a 100% Cusco-based company with our office in the historic center. Our deep regional knowledge allows us to offer attention to detail, personalized guidance and genuine care for every traveler.

2. Direct Tour Operators, No Intermediaries

We directly operate every experience we offer. When you book with us, you travel with our own team, not through middlemen or third-party agencies. Only a limited number of companies in Cusco are true direct operators.

3. Sky Star Domes: Unique Salkantay Experience

We are one of the very few operators that include two nights in our exclusive Sky Star Domes on our 4- and 5-day Salkantay treks, combining 360° panoramic Andean views with cozy dome accommodations and our own private zipline.

4. Expert Professional Guides

Our licensed guides know the history, culture, geography and traditions of every destination we visit. They speak fluent English and lead every journey with clear, attentive and inspiring guidance.

5. A Taste of Peru on Every Journey

Peruvian cuisine is recognized as one of the finest in the world. Our trail menus are carefully planned to showcase its richness, variety and authentic flavors, freshly prepared with local ingredients by our mountain chefs.

6. Fair and Transparent Pricing

As a direct tour operator in Cusco, our prices are fair and competitive. Every tour has a clear Included and Not Included list, with no middleman commissions and no last-minute surprises.

7. Committed to Fair and Responsible Tourism

We offer fair, competitive wages and top-quality gear to our team, valuing the dedication of guides, cooks, porters, drivers and muleteers who are the heart of every trek, while actively respecting local communities.

8. Local Support & 5-Star Reputation

Backed by more than 2,800 reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, our bilingual travel advisors answer every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and booked travelers have a 24/7 emergency line during their trip.

Humantay Lake on the Salkantay Trek Humantay Lake
Sky Star Domes on the Salkantay Trek Sky Star Domes
Zipline on the Salkantay Trek Salkantay Zipline
Snow-capped Salkantay Mountain Salkantay Peak
Side-by-Side Comparison

INCA TRAIL VS. SALKANTAY TREK – WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both iconic routes lead to Machu Picchu, but they offer very different experiences. Compare altitudes, landscapes, accommodations and logistics to choose your ideal Andean journey.

Sky Star Domes on the Salkantay Trek Adventure & Comfort

SALKANTAY TREK – ADVENTURE & COMFORT

  • The route: About 70 km from high Andean glaciers to lush cloud forest, passing glacial lakes, Mount Salkantay and coffee valleys.
  • Highlights: Humantay Lake, Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), the panoramic Llactapata Inca ruins, and our private zipline.
  • Accommodation: Sleep under the stars in our exclusive Sky Star Domes, with 5-inch mattresses, pillows and 360-degree mountain views.
  • Arrival: On the 5-day trek, you rest in an Aguas Calientes hotel on Day 4 and visit Machu Picchu on Day 5 through the main entrance.
  • Logistics: No trail permits needed, so you can book at short notice. Pack mules carry the gear in the high passes and vehicles support the group in the valleys.
  • Best for: Travelers who want dramatic alpine nature, adventure, dome comfort and flexible booking.
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Campsite on the classic Inca Trail The Historic Classic

INCA TRAIL – THE CLASSIC INCA ROUTE

  • The route: About 42 km along original stone trails built by the Incas, through high passes, cloud forests and ancient tunnels.
  • Highlights: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m) and extraordinary archaeological sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna.
  • Accommodation: Traditional camping in a protected sanctuary, with tents, meals and gear handled by our porters.
  • Arrival: The only trek that enters Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), on Day 4.
  • Logistics: Limited daily permits that sell out 4 to 6 months ahead. The trail closes every February for maintenance.
  • Best for: History and archaeology lovers looking for the most authentic route to Machu Picchu.
View Inca Trail Tours
Head-to-Head Breakdown

Complete Trek Comparison Table

Explore all practical differences at a glance before confirming your booking.

Swipe horizontally to view full table
Feature / Aspect
Salkantay Trek High Alpine & Glaciers
Adventure · Dome Comfort · Flexible
Classic Inca Trail Sacred Heritage Route
Original Inca Paving · Sun Gate Arrival
Route Concept
Glacial peaks, turquoise lakes & cloud forest

Scenic wilderness crossing diverse ecological zones, from alpine snow to subtropical coffee plantations.

Sacred royal Inca pilgrimage trail

Deep cultural immersion walking on the authentic 500-year-old stone path connecting ancient ruins to Machu Picchu.

Distance & Duration
~70 km (43.5 mi)
5 Days / 4 Nights (also 3 and 4-day options). Longer daily trekking hours (6–8 hrs/day).
~42 km (26 mi)
4 Days / 3 Nights (also 1 and 2-day short options). Shorter total distance with 5–7 hrs/day.
Max. Altitude
4,630 m / 15,190 ft
Salkantay Pass, higher and colder, right beneath the glacier of Mount Salkantay (6,271 m).
4,215 m / 13,829 ft
Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusqa), a lower pass reached via steep stone stairs.
Difficulty & Terrain
Challenging / High Endurance
Natural mountain dirt and gravel paths with gradual switchbacks. Gentler on knees than stone stairs.
Moderate to Strenuous
Thousands of steep, uneven Inca stone steps going up and down. Requires strong knees.
Citadel Arrival
Via Aguas Calientes Town
On the 5-day trek, you rest in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next morning through the main entrance.
Exclusive Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
The only trek that enters Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate.
Permits & Advance
No trail permit quota
High flexibility. Bookable weeks or days in advance, depending only on Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
Limited daily permits
About 500 permits per day, including guides and porters. Sells out 4 to 6 months in advance. Non-transferable and non-refundable.
February Status
Open Year-Round
Operates all 12 months, with weather-adapted logistics and comfortable domes.
Closed every February
Annual closure for trail maintenance and rainy season safety.
Accommodation
Sky Star Domes & Cabins
Exclusive domes with panoramic 360° star views and 5-inch mattresses, plus a hotel night in Aguas Calientes on the 5-day trek.
Traditional Camping Tents
Official campsites inside the sanctuary, with tents set up by our porters and shared basic facilities.
Support Logistics
Mules & Horses + Valley Vehicles
Pack animals carry the gear and duffel bags over the pass; road access provides emergency support.
Local Quechua Porters
Pack animals are not allowed on the Inca Trail to protect the ancient stone paths. Our porters carry the gear responsibly.
Inca Ruins on Trail
Llactapata Ruins
An archaeological site with a direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu across the valley.
6+ Inca Sites
Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and the spectacular Wiñay Wayna along the way.
Scenery & Nature
Humantay Lake & Glacial Peaks
Turquoise glacial lake, towering Mount Salkantay, coffee and fruit farms, waterfalls and our private zipline.
High Paramo & Misty Cloud Forest
Mountain passes, wild orchids, hummingbirds, ancient stone tunnels and sweeping Vilcanota valley views.
Best For
Nature, Adventure & Glamping Lovers
Hikers seeking wild alpine landscapes, panoramic domes, great value and flexible booking dates.
History Lovers & Bucket-List Hikers
Travelers who prioritize Inca history, ancient ruins and the iconic Sun Gate arrival.
Explore Treks
Explore Salkantay Treks → Explore Inca Trail Treks →
Still Not Sure Which Route to Pick?

Let Our Cusco Specialists Help You Decide

Both journeys are extraordinary. If you have little time to plan or love dramatic snow-capped peaks with dome comfort, choose Salkantay. If walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate on ancient stone stairs is on your bucket list, book the Inca Trail months ahead. Contact our local advisors for real-time permit checks and personal advice.

Social Impact & Sustainability

COMMITTED TO OUR PEOPLE AND OUR LAND

At Machu Picchu Team, responsible tourism is part of who we are. We work with local people, create real benefits for Andean communities, protect the land we call home and keep innovating to offer our travelers authentic, ethical experiences.

Machu Picchu Team local staff in Cusco 100% Local

Experienced Local Team

We work directly with professionals from Cusco and the communities along our trails. Our licensed guides, mountain chefs, drivers, porters and muleteers bring years of knowledge to every route.

Andean weavers in traditional clothing near Cusco Community Aid

Supporting Andean Communities

Every year, we reinvest part of our resources directly into high-Andean villages along our trekking routes, providing materials and tools to protect their crops and support local livelihoods.

Andean landscape where we plant native queuña trees 10,000+ Native Trees

Reforesting Machu Picchu Sanctuary

We actively protect the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. So far, we have planted over 10,000 native queuña trees, and we continue planting around 2,000 more every year to restore critical Andean watersheds.

Mountain biking in the Andes near Cusco Youth Sport

Inspiring Young Athletes

We proudly sponsor a youth high-mountain cycling club in Cusco, equipping and training talented young local athletes to compete regionally and pursue their dreams with discipline and pride.

Sky Star Domes on the Salkantay Trek Pioneering

Always Innovating for Travelers

From our Sky Star Domes and our own mountain zipline on the Salkantay Trek to lesser-known routes like Llactapata and Pallay Punchu, we keep improving every journey.

ESNNA child protection policy Law 29408

Protecting Children (ESNNA Policy)

In compliance with Peruvian Law No. 29408, we reject and actively prevent any form of sexual exploitation of minors in tourism activities.

Read our Code of Conduct →
GERCETUR Cusco official registration of Machu Picchu Team
Official License
Official Tourism Authorization · GERCETUR Cusco

Licensed and Registered Tour Operator in Peru

Machu Picchu Team is a licensed tour operator registered with the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Cusco (GERCETUR), in accordance with D.S. N° 005-2015-MINCETUR. When you travel with us, your reservation is direct, secure and legally protected.

Direct Cusco Operator · No Intermediaries
Authorized Inca Trail Operator
First-Aid Trained Guides
Fair Treatment and Wages for Porters

ALWAYS EXPLORING NEW ROUTES

We never stop improving. Our team keeps exploring new trails and experiences, like the Llactapata Trek and the Pallay Punchu tour, so you can discover unique places beyond the usual routes.

Humantay Lake near Cusco

LOCAL PEOPLE, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Our team comes from Cusco and the communities along our routes, and many are native Quechua speakers. Their deep connection to the land and its traditions makes every tour more authentic.

Hikers on the Llactapata Trek

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

We care for every trail we walk. Our team follows responsible practices to reduce waste, respect the paths and protect the plants and wildlife of each route.

Andean mountains around Humantay Lake

Stories, Tips & Insider Guides

Travel Blog

Inca Trail Travel Guide

Short Inca Trail Kilometer 104 Chachabamba

The 1-Day Trek Alternative Through Water Altars and Cloud Forest. For travelers who cannot commit to 4 days of camping or missing out on permits, the Short Inca…

Inca Trail Travel Guide

Wiñay Wayna Upper Terraces and Orchids

The Forever Young Agricultural Wonder Near the Sun Gate. Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) is arguably the most breathtaking archaeological complex on the Inca Trail, rivaling Machu Picchu itself.…

Inca Trail Travel Guide

Phuyupatamarca: Town Above the Clouds

The Sacred Hydro-Engineering of the Six Fountains. Rising out of the mist at 3,670 meters, Phuyupatamarca lives up to its Quechua name: ‘Town in the Clouds’. Its defining…

Cusco Travel Guide

Raqch’i: The Giant Temple of Wiracocha

The Monumental Adobe and Volcanic Columns of South Cusco. Located 118 km south of Cusco in the Vilcanota Valley, Raqch’i boasts the Temple of Wiracocha — the largest…

Cusco Travel Guide

San Pedro Market Herbalists and Andean Medicine

Ancient Remedies, Sacred Roots and Highland Shamanic Botanicals. Tucked away in the eastern wing of Cusco’s bustling San Pedro Market lies the traditional medicine aisle (sección medicina natural).…

Cusco Travel Guide

Cusco’s Underground Inca Aqueducts

Walking the Subterranean Canals of Saphy and Tullumayo. Beneath the colonial streets of modern Cusco flows an invisible engineering masterpiece: the vaulted Inca canal systems of the Saphy…

Choquequirao & Hidden Peru

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 9-Day Traverse

The Ultimate Wilderness Expedition Across the Vilcabamba. Often called the greatest trek in the Andes, the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu traverse connects the two imperial citadels across 115…

Choquequirao & Hidden Peru

Espíritu Pampa: The True Lost City

The Dense Jungle Capital Where the Last Inca Fell. While Hiram Bingham mistakenly believed Machu Picchu was the ‘Lost City of the Incas,’ historical reality points 100 miles…

Choquequirao & Hidden Peru

Vitcos and the White Rock of Yurac Rumi

The Last Rebel Stronghold of Manco Inca in Vilcabamba. Deep in the remote Vilcabamba valley northwest of Machu Picchu lies Rosaspata-Vitcos and the sacred carved monolith of Yurac…

Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife

Bioluminescent Fungi in Puerto Maldonado

The Glowing Micro-World of the Primary Amazon Night. When the sun sets over the primary rainforest of Tambopata, turning off your headlamp reveals an eerie, magical phenomenon: the…

Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife

Manu Cloud Forest Cock-of-the-Rock Lek

Dawn Courtship Dances of Peru’s Scarlet National Bird. In the steep, mist-shrouded cloud forests of the Kosñipata Valley along the Manu Road lies the San Pedro lek. Here,…

Amazon Rainforest & Wildlife

Searching for Black Caimans in Lake Sandoval

Night Boat Safaris on Madre de Dios’s Pristine Oxbow Lagoon. Tucked inside the Tambopata National Reserve, Lake Sandoval is a horseshoe-shaped oxbow lake ringed by towering aguaje palm…

Travel Resources & Planning

Money, ATMs and Tipping Etiquette in Peru

Counterfeit Soles, ATM Fees and Ethical Porter Tipping. Navigating currency, ATMs, and tipping in Peru can be a minefield for unprepared travelers. Many foreign ATMs charge excessive hidden…

Travel Resources & Planning

Inca Trail Packing Checklist: 6kg Duffel Bag Limit

Conquering the Strict Porter Scales at SERNANP Checkpoints. Before stepping onto the Inca Trail at Kilometer 82, every licensed agency must weigh their trekkers’ duffel bags on official…

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Tell us your dates and dream destinations. We will respond within 24 hours with personal recommendations.