Peru Travel Insights
Ultimate Guide to the Inca Trail: Peru's Most Famous Trek
Thousands of people visit Peru every year for a chance to hike one of the world’s most famous treks — the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In order to plan a great trek and memorable experience, here’s an insider’s guide on what to expect, what to avoid, and how to get started in organizing your trip.
Inca Trail Permits for 2018
Only a limited number of people are permitted to hike the Inca Trail each year. If you have your heart set on this classic trek to Machu Picchu, be sure to book your trek months in advance to get permits for your desired dates.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you're looking for the best way to hike the Inca Trail, this classic route offers a unique approach that avoids the main crowds and follows the ideal schedule for timing your visit to Machu Picchu.
Best 10 Treks in Peru
Peru — a nation with abundant natural diversity, from coast, to mountains, to jungle — has long attracted lovers of the Great Outdoors. The Peruvian Andes, running like a backbone down the centre of the country, contain mesmerizing variations in landscape that make for some of the best trekking in the world. Cloud forests, 5000m+ cordilleras (mountain ranges), the world’s deepest canyon and the striking remains of ancient civilizations all await.
Salkantay Trek vs the Inca Trail: Which is Right for You?
Trekking to Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers—but there's more than one way to get there. The classic Inca Trail lets trekkers walk in the steps of the Incas, while the more remote Salkantay route offers solitude and wildlife. Compare your options for getting to Peru's most famous place on foot, from distance and cost to overnight options.
Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley near Cusco
Peru is famous for the Inca Trail and other multi-day hikes, but if you are short on time, there are plenty of excellent day hikes throughout the Sacred Valley. These hikes are a great way to visit some of the rural communities and lesser-visited ruins throughout the Valley.
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Jimena Salazar
For me, traveling is about much more than just visiting places. It’s about opening new paths in your life—through the people you meet, the flavors you try, and the landscapes that take your breath...
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Liz Karen L. Jihuallanca
Peruvian food, culture, and history aren’t just things I love—they’re a part of who I am. As a proud Cusqueñian, I carry my roots with pride and love sharing my culture with others. I've lived...
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Io Gillhuber
Growing up in Germany, I was lucky to spend several vacations in different places in Europe. When I finished school, I started exploring the world on my own, and I couldn’t get enough of it....
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Anne Godoy
I fell in love with Peru's landscapes, culture, food, and people—not only because of what I learned in college but also because of what I had seen and lived my whole life. That passion and love...
read more...Trip Reviews for Peru
Phenomenal local guides!
Peru
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Apr 2 - Apr 11, 2026
Kim Kim has been great from start to finish!
Peru
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Apr 2 - Apr 10, 2026
Kim Kim has been great from start to finish. They payed attention to the key places we wanted to see and activities we were interested in. All the guides were so nice. Shout out to Valeria and the food/market tour. Blanca did amazing job taking us around Lima for a 1 day city tour and Martin was really that cherry on top! Martin completed our experience of Peru and we couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and kind guide. He looked after us all so well.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that your experience in Peru met your expectations from start to finish. We’re especially happy to know that the itinerary reflected what you were hoping to see and do—that’s always our main goal. I’ll be sure to pass along your lovely feedback to Valeria, Blanca, and Martin. They’ll be thrilled to hear they made such a positive impact on your journey. It sounds like Martin really helped bring everything... Read more
The trip was everything we expected. The smal...
Peru
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Mar 18 - Mar 25, 2026
When my suitcase was taken, you were extremely helpful in recovering it.
My only complaint was the last day, when no transportation was provided for the cooking class. When we finally got there and found the area, it... Read more