“How high is this hike again?” I asked as I panted up the mountain trail, the top seeming so far off in the distance.

“12,0000 feet,” our guide Efrain said cheerily as he and the others from the Amazonas Explorers office glided up the trail. “But it flattens out soon!” he added as a bit of encouragement.

I was skeptical.

When I first reached out to Amazonas regarding my Machu Picchu hike, I asked them to pick a route that was a little off the beaten path and could be done in a day. There are lots and lots to choose from in the Sacred Valley after all; the Incas built over 40,000 kilometers of roads through their empire, and many of them have become hiking trails.

The full-day hike selected was less traveled than others and would take us to the archaeological site called Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco” in Quechua). Starting an hour outside of Cusco in the small village of Taucca, it goes over some mountains, through abandoned villages and a delightful ravine full of Incan ruins, and winds over a ridge before getting to our final destination: Huchuy Qosqo.

 
“The lake in front of the town is part of a hydroelectric dam,” Efrain said. “Most people here are farmers, mostly for the local market and potatoes. The bigger farms that export the food you buy in the States are elsewhere in the valley.”

After the first trail marker (is really just a telephone pole marking our first stop), the trail flattened out a bit and I got into a deep conversation about food with Patrice, one of the Amazonas employees. She had a lived in the States, so we discussed the quality of food in Peru versus the United States. (She found the food in Peru better because it was less processed. It was hard to disagree.)

“All the foods you call superfood and spend a lot of money on, we just call food. We’ve been eating it since Inca times.”

 
At the end of the village, we came across what Efrain described as an old Incan guardhouse, where we stopped for lunch near a small waterfall and watched as the women’s goats grazed in front of us, all of us enjoying our respective meals.

 
As we followed the path and the small river that originated from our lunch-spot waterfall, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with joy. I was having the best day out of my entire trip to Peru. While Machu Picchu and the trek there were very special, this one felt much more so. The scenery was spectacular, I got a peek at rural life and traditional attire, and we were the only people on the trail, which made the trek feel extra special.

Efrain pointed out age-old Incan stone terraces as we made our way along the trail, which eventually widened, giving us a view of the start of the Sacred Valley — which surprised me, because I had not noticed that the “canyon” we were walking through suddenly steeply dropped off. While I thought we were slowly descending to the base of the mountain, we were still thousands of feet above the valley floor!

After gazing at the valley, we continued across the Incan terraces that lined the mountain walls toward Huchuy Qosqo. I’m always amazed at how they transformed this place, adding in underground watering paths, irrigation systems, and stairs to move between terraces. The food grown here would have fed the surrounding area as well as Huchuy Qosqo.

We entered the ruined city through an old gate. Little is known about Huchuy Qosqo but, according to the records we do have, it was home to the Inca ruler Viracocha, who was exiled here after his youngest son, Pachacuti, won a decisive victory against people rebelling against his father.

After the battle, Pachacuti declared himself king and his father spent the last of his days in Huchuy Qosqo, which was also one of the last settlements built with mud-covered stone walls (Pachacuti decided to start building the famed stone-wall Inca structures we are familiar with today). After the collapse of the Inca Empire, it was eventually raided and used by the Spanish, who destroyed most of the buildings in 1534.

Like the rest of the trail, we were the only ones at the site besides the guards. We didn’t stay long, as the site wasn’t as impressive as the journey there, and I was tired and ready to head back to Cusco.

We gathered our fellow hikers and started our descent down the mountain, through a series of steep switchbacks that did a number on my knees to the actual bottom of the canyon, where our driver picked us up.

“What an incredible hike!” I exclaimed on the ride back.

As I stared out the window at passing villages, I had a giant smile on my face. This hike was my favorite experience I had in Peru and, with only two days left in the country, I was content to leave feeling like I got to do something so special.

How to Hike to Huchuy Qosqo

You can go with a guide or on your own, though I wouldn’t advise the latter. While you can easily take a cab from Cusco to the starting point and grab a bus back at the end point, the trail is hard to find (and sometimes, especially at the beginning, it disappears) and there are absolutely no signs anywhere. Even at Huchuy Qosqo, there are no signs describing what you are looking at, the landscape, or the history of the ruins. If you want any context, you’ll need a guide. Like for Machu Picchu, I went with Amazonas Explorer.

Note: Take sunscreen! I came back to my hotel burnt to a crisp. Lobsters aren’t even as red as I was. I forgot to put sunscreen on because it was cloudy and rainy and I didn’t feel the sun, but at this altitude, the UV is very strong and I paid the price for it. Don’t be like me!

The post Hiking Off the Beaten Path to Huchuy Qosqo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

When I finally decided to visit Peru, I knew one thing: I wanted to hike with the company that Mark Adams, my friend and fellow travel writer, used for his book Turn Right at Machu Picchu. The stories he shared about his treks and what he learned on them convinced me that those were the people I wanted to show me around the Sacred Valley, so I might have my own pretend Indiana Jones moment: me, the wilderness, and my local guide.

So I emailed Amazonas Explorer, which focuses on private tours as well as off-the beaten path hikes in the Sacred Valley, to see if it would be possible to book something. While a private tour was more expensive than a regular group trip, I liked the idea of going at my own pace and having my own guide. Plus, when the owner, Paul, said a few people from the Amazonas office would be joining, it made me feel like I would be hiking with locals rather than just on some tourist-focused group outing.

I wasn’t going to do the full Inca Trail, as I didn’t have enough time, didn’t feel fit enough, and absolutely hate camping. Instead, I opted for the famed KM104 hike, which starts at the marker by that name (104km from Cusco, an exit point on the train line from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu) and takes you through the Sacred Valley and a few Incan sites before linking up with the main Inca Trail that leads into Machu Picchu.*

“We’ll be there to pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30am, so we can catch the train,” wrote Paul over email.

A 4:30am pickup meant a 3:30am wake-up, and there was absolutely no way I wanted to do that.

“Can we go later?” I asked. “It’s just me after all.”

“Nope, we have to get the 6:45am train from Ollantaytambo, which is two hours from Cusco. And we can’t be late. We’ve got a strict timetable. Sorry!”

But there was an option B!

Rather than wake up in the middle of the night, I decided to head to Ollantaytambo the day before so I could sleep in until just before the train….because while Indiana Jones might be able to find artifacts on little sleep, I can’t.

Once a major Incan city, Ollantaytambo is located on the Urubamba River against high mountains, on which extensive ruins offer beautiful views of the valley. Seeing them seemed like a better option than waking up early. So I arrived in the midafternoon to explore the ruins, pack my day bags, and relax before the hike.

(Tip: Don’t go when I did! Arrive early to avoid the afternoon crowds coming from Cusco. And bring a lot of sunscreen as there is no shade! The ruins are really beautiful though and give you a taste of what is to come.)

That evening, I unwound at El Albergue, a boutique hotel located right next to the train station. There was no more convenient place to stay — you literally walk out the door onto the train! I loaded up on carbs from food that came straight from the garden, packed my bags, and went to bed early in the comfiest bed I had all trip.

After waking up at the more reasonable hour of 5:45am, I met my guide, Efrain, and we boarded the train toward Machu Picchu so we could get off at KM104 and link up with the two others from the Amazonas office who were joining us.**

As the train snaked through the valley, the staff served us coca tea to help with the altitude. It’s a traditional indigenous remedy for altitude sickness in the region (it’s also the plant from which cocaine is derived). Not only does it really work but it has a very earthy, herbal taste that I had grown to love.

As I sipped my tea, Efrain and I went over the logistics of the next two days together while we got to know each other. A native to the area, he’d been a guide for over twenty years. Funny and really knowledgeable about the region’s flora, fauna, and Incan history, he used to lead a lot of group tours but now mostly does private ones with Amazonas.

When we got off the train, we met up with Katy and Lourdes, our hiking companions. Katy had hiked this route many times, having been a guide before, but it was Lourdes’s first time, and she was as nervous about being physically able to do it as I was. We bonded about it in my broken Spanish.

After checking in with the ticket control, we started our 12km (7.5-mile) hike up to Machu Picchu. The first leg followed the Urubamba River, which snakes through the entirety of the Sacred Valley, eventually flowing around Machu Picchu and north before combining with a few other rivers. Decades ago, its powerful waters were diverted near the ancient city to create a hydroelectric power plant that provides most of the electricity to the region.

The sun beat down on us as we hiked up the exposed side of the mountain, the only sounds our conversation and the river below. The climb was a continual path upward, punctuated by even steeper ascents and stairs, with various Incan trails and ruins along the way. Between the sun and altitude, it was a lot harder than I thought. Though I work out and consider myself in shape, I found myself resting a lot, so I was glad we could hike at my pace. The route was also filled with tour groups with whom we would trade passing each other, as everyone stopped for breaks at various points.

“Anyone who wants to do the hike into Machu Picchu but doesn’t want to do the full trek has to hike this path,” Efrain explained.

“So these tour groups will be with us the entire way?” I asked as I watched one pass us on one of our breaks.

“Yup! And likely tomorrow if they are visiting the ruins too!”

As we got closer to the cloud forest (a moist rainforest with a constant layer of clouds or mist) and the ruins that would mark our halfway point, the trail began to narrow as it cut across the side of the mountain and the gentle earth to our side gave way to sheer drops.

“By the way,” I said as I noticed this, “I hate heights and sheer drops. Will the trail widen soon?”

“You’ll be fine,” he assured me.

“Hmmm, that’s a non-answer,” I replied.

As we made our way, I hugged the mountain, trying not to look to the side, grateful we were once again going at my own pace.

Slowly we made our way farther and farther up the narrow, winding trail. In the blink of an eye, the arid and exposed trail was instead shaded by trees as the air cooled, and the sound of waterfalls began to be heard. Efrain pointed out native orchids as we ascended higher (we were always going up, up, up!) to the Incan site of Wiñay Wayna.

Not much is known about it except that it was an experimental agricultural location. Soil samples have shown remnants of fruits and plants not native to the region and that don’t grow at this altitude, so it could be assumed that this was an area of agricultural experimentation (the Incas did a lot of that). The temples and houses in the upper part all had stunning balconies that provided great views of the valley that I am sure anyone would kill for today. I thought about how, centuries ago, some Inca, after a hard day of work, stared at the same view, and I wondered if he enjoyed it as much as I did. Likely, since love of nature transcends time and culture.

From there, it was a quick lunch before we continued on to Machu Picchu. As the clouds rolled in, I picked up the pace, wondering if the weather might clear. Along the way, Efrain pointed out all the orchid species, but my focus was on getting to the infamous Sun Gate before the clouds obscured my view.

The Sun Gate is the main entrance that overlooks Machu Picchu. It was believed that the steps were a control gate for those who entered and exited the city, likely protected by the Incan military. And because of its location on a ridge on the southeast, the rising sun passes through the gate each year on the summer solstice (hence the name).

“We might need to sacrifice to the gods,” joked Katy as she noticed my nervousness. “Maybe that will help!”

Efrain, turning to Lourdes, said, “It might need to be you, since we can’t sacrifice Matt!” causing us to all laugh.

“Okay, well, I’m gonna run, as I can’t miss this. You’ve all seen it before,” I shouted to him as I ran the final part of the trail to the Sun Gate.

I got there just in time to behold Machu Picchu before the clouds rolled in. It was a magical view. There it was, the goal of a lifetime, a sight I had dreamed about for so long! It was as wondrous as I thought it would be. And even though the clouds hid the mountains and some of the structures, there was still an ethereal feeling.

Efrain and the others eventually arrived as well. We made friends with a family from California as we all waited for glimpses of Machu Picchu through the clouds, setting up our cameras for those fleeting seconds before the mist hid it again.

Though I could have stayed longer, Efrain told us it was time to keep going, so we continued down the trail to the ruins, where I got a close-up view of Machu Picchu through the clouds from a viewpoint overlooking the city.

“Tomorrow, we’ll explore those areas,” Efrain said, pointing to areas around the historic site. “But right now it’s time to check into the hotel.”

Early the next day, Efrain and I headed back to the ancient site itself, Katy and Lourdes having returned to Cusco. (These days, in order to control the crowds, there are now three routes to choose from, but each requires a separate ticket. We took the one that included the most buildings.)

Machu Picchu, known as “the Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was constructed around 1450 CE during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti as his royal estate and served multiple purposes, including religious, agricultural, and administrative functions. It was built here because the Incas could mine the stone locally, so they didn’t have to move any building materials across the mountains.

It was inhabited for 50 years and still under construction when it was finally abandoned due to the Spanish conquest of the area. Machu Picchu remained largely unknown until its rediscovery in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham III, who was searching for the famed “Lost City of the Incas,” supposedly their last hideout and filled with gold (though that is actually believed to be Vilcabamba).

Efrain gave me such a detailed history that it felt like I had a professor with me. He pointed out how the Incas used various building techniques to ensure there was sufficient drainage from all the rain, and expounded on theories about which buildings were used for what. He also gave me the lowdown on modern politics, revealing that there’s still a lot of the historic area that has not been excavated or restored yet, due to funding issues and corruption. I was lost in his descriptions and awed about just how innovative Inca engineering was. They had mastered the mountains and did it with style and beauty too. I would love to have seen Machu Picchu at its peak. What a sight it must have been!

After a half-day exploring (and wishing I had more time to do the other routes), it was time to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. I had finally seen one of the most iconic sites in the history of humanity. It really felt surreal to have been there. And the hike, though hard, was also incredible. As I closed my eyes to rest on the way back, I was thrilled I finally got to see something I’ve been wanting to see ever since I was a kid.

About the Tour Company

Amazonas Explorer mostly runs private tours, but it does have some larger group offerings. So whether you’re with a group or just want to go alone, check out the company. (It is featured in the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu, which is why I chose it.) It also runs trips to other ruins in the region and will take you places most tourists don’t go.

* Note 1: Really, everything is an Inca trail. The Incas made over 40,000 km of roads, so you can consider any of those an “Inca trail.” However, for the purposes of this post, when I refer to the Inca Trail, it’s the popular multiday hike that leads into Machu Picchu that everyone talks about.

** Note 2: Efrain was Mark’s guide in the book too.

The post Hiking in the Footsteps of the Incas appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Machu Picchu is one of those bucket-list activities people dream about. While most people visit on a day trip, you can also visit via the Inca Trail, a challenging multi-day hike through the jungles of Peru. In this guest post, my friend Gillian divulges the details of her trek while sharing some tips and suggestions to help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu.

Hiking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail in Peru remains the highlight of my year traveling. Looking out over the peaks of the Andes, and knowing that I hiked to get there filled me with joy and awe. I didn’t want to be anywhere else. I won’t lie, though — it took some work. A lot of work, in fact. But it was totally worth it.

Sitting some 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu was an Inca citadel built in the 15th century. The citadel was built as a royal estate, though it was used for less than 100 years before being abandoned due to the arrival of the Spanish, who were set on conquest.

It wasn’t until 1911 that the ruins were re-discovered by archeologist Hiram Bingham III. While the locals were familiar with the ruins, it wasn’t until Hiram trekked up the mountain for himself that he realized just how spectacular his (re)discovery was.

To slow the damage caused by tourism, the entrance of Machu Picchu is “limited” to 4,500 people per day heading into 2024, divided into 3 time slots of early morning tickets (6-8am), morning tickets (9-11am), and afternoon tickets (12-2pm). While that seems like a lot, tickets often sell out months in advance (especially for the hike). There are now 4 main different circuits, and you must be accompanied by a guide. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure you plan ahead, do your research, and book early!
 

Hiking the Inca Trail: Itinerary

To start things off, here is a detailed overview of what the actual hike is actually like:

Day 1
They broke us in easy on the first day with a gentle start along a wide path that passed through the Sacred Valley. Described as “Inca Flat,” the trail starts alongside the Urubamba River and meanders through the trees and scrub brush, slowly gaining altitude.

Our guide, Marco, stopped us at various points along the way to tell us the history of the trail, the ruins along the trail, and also the Incan people and their struggle to survive. Marco was passionate about his ancestors’ story, and as time went on, we realized that he was not just telling us stories that come from guidebooks but that his knowledge was much deeper. He had spent time at university studying and also in the mountains with the Incan descendants and so had a unique perspective on the area.

Day 2
We woke up at 5am to the sounds of hustle and bustle outside. As I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, a porter appeared with hot tea and another brought a bowl of hot water and soap for me to wash up with. I drank my tea, washed up, and packed up the few things I was responsible for (the porters dismantle and carry everything except your personal belongings).

It was cold as we set out on the day’s hike; frost clung to the sides of the trail and I could see my breath with every labored exhalation. We were already feeling the altitude and still had more than a thousand meters ahead of us. We quickly climbed above the tree line and were rewarded with the stunning views of mountains and valleys that would be our companions for the rest of the day.

The climb to Dead Woman’s Pass was relentless. Up and up and up and up along the ancient Inca pathway made up of enormous stone steps. My heart was beating wildly, my lungs were tight and seemed too small for the task, and my legs felt like cement as I tried to lift them over and over again up onto the next step.

Then it was down the other side, a 600-meter (almost 2,000-foot) drop along a beautiful stone pathway cutting down into the valley below. If I thought this was going to be the easy part, I was wrong. Controlling those floppy, leaden legs was an exercise in concentration. The afternoon saw us climb another 400 meters (1,300 feet) before dropping into another valley that was more jungle than scrub. We crossed the valley to find our campsite overlooking a set of astrological ruins.

Fog set in just as the light faded, lending an eerie feel to the landscape but also providing some insulating warmth. After 16 kilometers (10 miles) of hiking through two passes, it didn’t take much of the special “rum tea” to send us all off to a restful night’s sleep.

Day 3
As much as Day 2 was about climbing, Day 3 was about descent — overall we dropped almost 800 meters (2624 feet). I’m not sure which is more difficult, but I know that my legs were sorer after a day of going down than they were after Day 2. This is where the walking stick I had been carrying all along really proved its worth! We dropped back down through the tree line, entering into jungle-like scenery, where we could start to understand how Machu Picchu was hidden by jungle for so many years.

We shared camp that night as other groups joined up at the campsite before entering the site. We enjoyed much-needed showers and beer before a late dinner and early bedtime. Tomorrow would take us to the Sun Gate and our first glimpses of the lost city.

Day 4
Reaching the Sun Gate was amazing. Looking through it to the sight of Machu Picchu below made all the difficulties of the trek disappear. Sitting on a plateau below, the site looked just as beautiful and mysterious as I had expected.

Wandering around Machu Picchu for the rest of the day, I was left in awe as to how the ancient Incans could have built such a formidable city with no modern machinery. The ingenuity and precision were astounding and the level of detail was amazing. The buildings and stonework are stunning displays of form, function, and astounding astronomical and geographic knowledge. Stones are placed or carved, to match exactly with the sun’s winter and summer solstice positions or to line up along the ordinal geographic lines.

Seeing a rock carved into the shape of the Incan Cross and then being shown how the points match up with a compass, I was amazed at the knowledge that the Incans must have had. The whole city and the mountain backdrop took my breath away.

Tips for Hiking the Inca Trail

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip and avoid some of the more common pitfalls:

• Arrive early – Try to get to Cusco 3-5 days before your hike so you can acclimatize to the altitude before hiking. It will make your hike much easier!
• Leave your hiking stick behind – Hiking poles or sticks are no longer allowed in Machu Picchu, except for elderly or disabled visitors.
• Chew coca leaves – If the altitude is giving you trouble, chew coca leaves. It’s the local remedy and is what many of the guides and porters use. You can chew the leaves or buy coca gum. (You can also get altitude medicine from your doctor before you go. Just keep in mind that it will make you have to pee a lot!).
• Break in your boots – Make sure you buy and break in your footwear at least 1-2 months before your trip. That will help you avoid blisters.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray – The last thing you want is a sunburn when you’re hiking up a mountain. And the mosquitoes here are plentiful (and their bites are super itchy!) so prepare accordingly and apply both each day.
• Bring Band-Aids/Blister kits – Your feet are going to take a beating. Having some minor first aid supplies will help.
• Carry extra snacks – You’ll get plenty of food on the trail, but bringing along some of your favorite snacks is a great morale booster for those challenging sections.
• Go the extra mile – For an amazing view of Machu Picchu, hike the extra hour to Huayna Picchu. It’s a bit of a scramble and the path is quite narrow but the views are worth it!
• Train before you go – This is a challenging hike. You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to finish it but the more you train the easier your hike will be.
• Don’t expect to shower – Showers are available partway into the hike but the water is painfully cold. Skip the showers and just embrace your well-earned BO.
• Have extra batteries – Bring an external charger for your phone and extra batteries for your camera. It would be tragic to arrive at Machu Picchu and not be able to snap a photo or two!
• Bring earplugs – The Inca Trail can get busy and there will be dozens and dozens of hikers at each camp. Bring earplugs for the noisy nights.
• Consider the Salkantay – For a less-busy route, consider hiking the Salkantay. It has views just as epic and sees a third of the tourists that the Inca Trail does. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price!
• Bring money for the bathroom – Make sure you have some money for the bathroom. There is only one bathroom at Machu Picchu and it will cost a couple of soles.
• Get stamped – You can get your passport stamped with a unique Machu Picchu stamp to commemorate the journey. It makes for a fun souvenir if you have some space in your passport.
• Check your bag – You can only bring a day bag under 20L into Machu Picchu. If your bag is larger than that you’ll need to pay to check it at the gate.

How to Get to Machu Picchu: Prices, Tours, and Logistics

If you don’t plan on hiking the Inca Trail, the easiest way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Tickets range from 225–1,800 PEN depending on how luxurious of a ride you want. The Expedition (which is the cheapest option) is perfectly fine. You go on the same tracks and see the same sights. You just have to buy your own drinks or snacks. Tickets can be booked at Peru Rail.

The government has been making an effort to better conserve the site, introducing three circuits to spread out the influx of visitors. That means you’ll have to follow a certain route during your visit and you will have a timed entry. In order to visit the site, you need to book tickets in advance and be with a licensed guide. (Though in practice sometimes they let you in without a guide but since there is absolutely no signage, it’s better to have a guide so you can learn about what you are seeing.)

In order to hike the Inca Trail, you MUST go with a licensed guide and the company you are with will arrange the permits you need for the trail as well as to visit the ruins.

Make sure the company you choose pays their porters well and treats them fairly. Porters have an incredibly challenging job so you want to make sure the company you choose is an ethical one. With that in mind, remember you’ll also need some cash to tip your porters. Most estimates range from 25 PEN per person per day for each porter, and then 50 PEN per person per day for the guides, though your company will likely provide additional tipping guidelines. Tips are paid in the local currency.

Prices for the multi-day treks start at $700 USD. If you want to find a cheaper tour, head to Cusco and wait for a last-minute spot to open. People cancel for various reasons and there’s usually a spot that opens up. You may have to wait a few days but you’ll get a spot much cheaper than if you pre-book your tour. Since permits sell out months in advance, if you are on a strict timetable, I’d advise pre-booking your tour.

While hiking the Inca Trail is no easy feat, it is definitely worth the effort. The well-earned views you take in as you hike combined with the incredible vistas and history of Machu Picchu itself make this a once in a lifetime experience worthy of any bucket list. No visit to Peru is complete without seeing Machu Picchu, and the best way to do that is via the Inca Trail — one step at a time!

Plan your trip to South America

Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!

Send me free travel tips

The post How to Hike the Inca Trail appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America, owing to the fact that it’s home to the bucket-list favorite and Wonder of the World Machu Picchu. Around 500,000 people visit the ancient Incan citadel each year — a number that would be much higher if it wasn’t for the mandates put in place to prevent overcrowding.

But there’s more to Peru than just Machu Picchu. And there’s more to the Andes than the Inca Trail.

Peru is very geographically and culturally diverse (it’s the third-largest country on the continent) so there’s a lot more on offer here than most travelers expect. From the great dining destination of Lima to the floating islands off the Uros to the Peruvian Amazon to the pyramids and tombs of Batán Grande to the desert oasis of Huacachina, there is so much to see in this South American nation that limiting yourself to the Sacred Valley would be a missed opportunity.

For the intrepid traveler with plenty of time, many of these destinations can be explored solo. However, getting around Peru can be challenging and budget travelers with limited time should consider opting for an organized tour. And there are plenty of reputable and affordable tour companies in Peru that can make your journey smoother, allowing you to focus your attention and energy on the sites, people, culture, and history of the place.

To help you save money and make the most of your time, I’ve put together a list of the best tour companies in Peru. From walking tours to multi-day excursions to adventure-laden guided tours, these tours might not be as cheap as traveling solo but they will absorb the headaches that often come with traveling in a foreign country (especially one as large and slow to navigate as Peru).

Here are the best tour companies in Peru:
 

1. Intrepid Travel

Intrepid runs tours in every corner of the planet and they’re always a solid choice thanks to their focus on sustainability and responsible travel. I’ve been on a few of their tours over the years and they never disappoint. And while Intrepid offers tours of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, they also emphasize the other parts of this beautiful country too.

Their Classic Peru tour ($2,057 USD), for example, spans 9 days and circles the country, covering many of the major highlights, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.

Intrepid is one of my go-to companies for multiday tours. Whenever I book a multi-day trip I go with them. You should to. I can’t recommend them enough!

2. Alpaca Expeditions

This Cusco-based company is owned and operated by local Peruvians. Calling themselves the “Green Machine,” Alpaca Expeditions is committed to being a totally sustainable tour company. The trekking tours are heavy on Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail—because Alpaca is highly rated for them—but they also offer “alternative tours” to some off-the-radar places like trekking the Salkantay. You can spend five days there, hiking around the Humantay Blue Lagoon, for example, or if you don’t want the commitment, they even offer a one-day hike.

There are also trekking tours to the seven lakes of Ausangate, and other spots around the Sacred Valley. Their classic four-day Inca Trail hike is $795 USD per person while their five-day Choquequirao trek is $700 USD.

3. Choquequirao Trek

The Lost Incan City of Choquequirao can be reached via a two-day trek from Cusco. And this local tour company specializes in hiking to the ruins of the 15th-century city that is a great alternative to the highly trafficked Machu Picchu site (less than 10,000 people visit each year, compared to the 2,500 people who visit Machu Picchu each day).

You can do the classic four-day trek to Choquequirao for $520 USD or you can mix things up and do a longer eight-day hike that goes from Choquequirao to Machu Picchu for $1,250 USD, or you can combine it with a jaunt on the Incan Trail. There are tons of affordable options!

4. Colca Tours

Based in the city of Arequipa, Colca Tours specializes in trekking and bus tours to Colca Canyon, a deep and dramatic ravine that is dotted with ancient villages. One of the deepest canyons in the world, it’s home to the Andean condor and boasts incredible (and challenging) trekking and views. In addition to hiking tours, they also run bike and horse tours. Most of the tours last one to four days and some tours include more adventurous elements such as rafting and rock climbing. Their standard four-day hike is just $150 USD.

5. Amazonas Explorer

Amazonas Explorer is a private tour company that operates in the Sacred Valley as well as in the Amazon. They arrange private group tours and will not only take you to Machu Picchu but to a lot of off the beaten path treks around the region. They also do non-trek activities like ebikes and white water rafting. Their guides are really good, speak fluent English, and are so knowledgeable you feel like you’re learning from a professor. (They were featured in the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu.) They are a great option if you want to do something on your own, get more off the beaten path, or are a big group of people who want a tour tailored to your own needs.

Peru is such a geographically and culturally diverse place, it would take a lot of time, energy, and money to see it all on one trip — especially if you plan on hiking. If you’re short on time, consider a tour for some or all of your trip. After all, money returns; time does not.

The post The 5 Best Tour Companies in Peru appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Peru, the third-largest country in South America, was receiving over four million visitors each year before the pandemic.

Whether it’s to visit Machu Picchu, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, or the vibrant capital city of Lima and its blossoming food scene, Peru has a ton to see and do.

And it lives up to the hype. I absolutely loved my visit here. It was everything I thought it would be!

However, I also often hear and read about tourists getting mugged or their things being stolen. I get worried emails from travelers wondering if Peru is safe to visit due to recent political unrest.

Today, I want to answer their questions:

Is it safe to visit Peru? What do you need to look out for? What precautions do you need to take?

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to safely visit Peru.

10 Safety Tips for Peru

In general, Peru is a safe place to visit. You’re not going to get kidnapped or murdered there so don’t worry about any violent crime as a traveler. But Peru does require you to be a bit more vigilant than other destinations because there is a lot of petty crime.

Here are some tips to help you plan and prepare for a safe visit to Peru:

1. Avoid displaying any expensive belongings – Keep your jewelry out of sight (or even leave it at home). Don’t flaunt valuables. Be especially aware of taking out your phone, as phone theft is rampant (over 4,000 phones are reported stolen every day). Don’t even wear AirPods on the street. In short: always keep an eye on your stuff. Minimizing the target on your back that says, “I’m carrying a lot of valuable stuff” is very important.

This is especially try in major cities like Lima and Cusco where petty theft is more common. If you’re out in the day and you see people with phones and such out, it’s probably safe but if you’re alone, be careful. Thieves will come by on scooters and take stuff from your hands and drive off.

2. Be aware of thieves or muggers working in pairs or small groups – The trick of distracting you (for example, someone “accidentally” bumping into you, or a group of kids playing or fighting near you) is often used so that an accomplice can rob you while you’re not paying attention to your belongings. Don’t fall for distractions and keep your guard up.

3. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times – In crowded places or on public transit, be aware that thieves could be looking to literally pick your pocket or slash your bag. Keep some small bills in a separate pocket, so that when you’re paying for things, you don’t need to put your whole wallet or purse on display.

4. Keep your valuables separate – When you’re going out for the day, leave some credit cards and cash locked in your accommodation. That way, if you lose your wallet, you’ll still have cash and cards back at your hostel. In general, it’s a good idea to make photocopies of your passport to take with you and lock up your passport in your hostel locker. Keep digital copies of your passport in your email inbox too just in case.

5. Download the Prey app to your phone and laptop – If either device gets stolen, you’ll be able to track it and remotely turn on your camera to photograph the thief (you can also wipe the data and message the thief too). It costs just $1.10/month.

6. Avoid traveling alone at night – There have been incidents of people being mugged as they leave a taxi at night in the cities, and repeated reports of bandit activity after dark in some areas, such as Tingo María, northwest of Lima, at the entrance to the Tingo María National Park. Try to travel with friends or other travelers at night as there is safety in numbers.

And this is especially true in cities at night too. In some areas of Lima like Miraflores and Barranco, there’s a lot of people out at night so it’s less of a problem but this also the two nicest and most touristy areas of Lima so it’s a hot bed for thieves.

7. Choose a reputable bus operator – Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best one. Some of the cheap bus companies have the most reckless drivers and lots of breakdowns, and since Peru has some of the world’s worst traffic accident rates, you’re usually safer using a slightly pricier bus company. Some of the most reputable bus operators include Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Movil Tours. Additionally, consider PeruHop, which is a hop on/hop off bus tour operator catering to travels (and sometimes locals) that is very safe, uses incredible drivers, and has no theft problem.

8. Don’t use drugs – Since Peru produces a lot of cocaine, tourists (especially young backpackers) tend to do a lot of it here. It’s not worth the risk, however, since if authorities even suspect you of using drugs, you can be detained for up to 15 days. Buying drugs here supports organized crime, so be smart and skip the drugs.

9. Learn some Spanish – Being able to speak some basic Spanish will help you in many situations, but if you get in trouble and need help, then you’ll really appreciate it. Start with an app like Duolingo to master some basic vocabulary. Google Translate app is also a must-have app (download the Spanish language to your phone so you can translate offline).

10. Buy travel insurance – Things can go wrong on the road. That’s why I never go anywhere without travel insurance. From theft to injuries to delayed flights, travel insurance is there to ensure you don’t go broke. It’s just a couple bucks a day (often less) and provides peace of mind. Don’t travel here without it!

I recommend SafetyWing for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For more information on travel insurance, check out these posts:

• What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

With these travel tips, you’ll be able to stay safe while you visit or backpack around Peru! Furthermore, here are answers to some frequently asked questions we get.
 

Is Machu Picchu safe?

Machu Picchu is such a common tourist destination that you’ll most likely be safer here than any other part of Peru. Chances are you’ll be hiking with a group or in a crowd, so pickpockets and other petty thieves are unlikely to be around. It’s much more important to be vigilant in cities like Lima or Cusco.

The more important safety issue if you are hiking to Machu Picchu is to take care of your health. Make sure you have plenty of water, and use sunscreen and hats to deal with the heat. If you’re not acclimatized to the altitude, then altitude sickness can be a problem; you need to take it seriously if you start to feel sick. Avoid this by staying in Cusco for at least a couple of days before visiting Machu Picchu.

Finally, if you use a guide, which is recommended when hiking, make sure they are a licensed operator, as you sometimes hear of unlicensed guides taking you the wrong route and keeping your hiking permit payment for themselves.
 

Is Peru safe to travel alone?

Solo travel is pretty common in Peru, and you’ll often find plenty of other solo backpackers to spend time with, so it’s unlikely you’ll be alone that much.

Bus travel and being out after dark anywhere is safer in a group, but in general, solo travel in Peru is no more dangerous than traveling with friends or a partner.

Just remember to avoid standing out and looking like a tourist. Don’t dress in fancy clothes, don’t wave your expensive gadgets around, and if you get lost, don’t stand there staring at a map. Basically, avoid sticking out like a sore thumb, and you’ll reduce the chance of a petty thief deciding you’re their next victim.
 

Is it safe to travel to Peru with kids?

On the whole, it’s not especially unsafe to take your kids to Peru. Family and children are very important in the Peruvian culture, so you and your kids will be made to feel very welcome.

Be careful with particularly small children, though, because they’re more susceptible to getting sick from unfiltered water, for example. It’s also not recommended to take kids under three to high altitudes such as Machu Picchu.
 

Is Peru safe for female travelers?

It’s not unsafe to be a solo female traveler in Peru, though you might be the victim of some unwanted attention, mostly in the form of catcalling. Local women in Peru rarely go out to bars without men, so if you are a women-only group in a bar, you might get some extra attention. But there’s a lot of solo female travelers in the country so you’ll meet others to hang out with. Peru doesn’t require any more precautions than you would take anywhere else.
 

Can you drink the tap water in Peru?

No, don’t drink the tap water in Peru (though it’s fine to brush your teeth with). Use a Lifestraw, which not only ensures that your water is always safe to drink as it has a built in water filter in the bottle but helps you avoid single-use plastic.
 

Are taxis safe in Peru?

Taxis are relatively safe, but make sure you only use authorized taxis and that you know the rate in advance. If you need a taxi, have your hostel or hotel call one for you and find out what the rate is in advance. Make sure you agree on the fare with the driver in advance, as taxis don’t use meters so it’s easy to get overcharged if you’re not paying attention. That said, Uber is everywhere in the country now and you can call an Uber if you don’t want to flag a random taxi down.

Peru is an amazing destination no matter what your interests, with a rich culture, welcoming people, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating historical sights.

You do need to be cautious about your personal safety, however. The most common issues travelers face there are petty theft and pickpocketing, but by exercising a bit of extra vigilance and common sense, you can minimize your risk. Be sure to make sure that you’re not carrying valuables in an obvious way and don’t have large sums of cash in one place.

Don’t let the stories put you off. The amazing attractions will definitely make your trip worthwhile! Peru is an amazing place and with some common sense you won’t have any issues! I didn’t.

The post Is Peru Safe to Visit? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I spent 2.5 weeks there and absolutely loved it. But even at a fast pace, I still felt like I barely saw anything (even though I crammed a lot of activities into my trip).

So, in such a large nation, how do you break up a trip? How do you pick what to see and do? What kind of itinerary do you make?

Well, of course, a lot of that has to do with what you are going for: the Amazon, the hiking, the history, or the food?

Most first-time visitors to Peru do the southern route: Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and Cusco/Sacred Valley. This route has the most historic sites and the biggest attractions. But there’s also the Amazon, the beach towns, and smaller ruins in the north.

To give you some ideas on potential routes, here are my suggested itineraries for visiting Peru:

Peru Itinerary: One Week

I would only go to Peru for one week if you’re just planning to hike the Inca Trail. If that’s the case, I’d fly to Cusco, spend two days acclimatizing (and seeing the sights I recommend below), and then do the hike. After that, you can spend a couple days relaxing in Cusco before flying home.

Peru Itinerary: Two Weeks

Two weeks allows you to get a good (albeit slightly rushed) feel of the country. You’ll need to move quickly (flying and overnight buses will be a must), and you won’t get a lot of down time, but it’s a doable itinerary.

Days 1–3: Lima
Fly into Lima (if you’re coming from the United States, you’ll land in the morning, so you’ll get a full day) and spend your first day sightseeing and eating as much as possible. The capital is a gigantic city home to over 11 million people. Most visitors concentrate on the neighborhoods of Miraflores, Downtown, and Barranco, as those are where the majority of the attractions are and because they are the safest districts.

My suggested things to do in Lima are as follows:

Free walking tour – I love free walking tours, as they are a great way to get to know a new place and its history, to get your bearings, and to connect with a local guide who can share their insider tips and info. Lima has a lot of free walking tour companies, but two I recommend are Milky Way and Free Walking Tours Peru.

Airbnb Experiences – Airbnb has a lot of incredible food tours, cooking classes, and history walks worth checking out. I think they’re an underrated resource as I’ve done some amazing activities via the platform. No matter your interest, you’ll be able to find something unique.

Museo Larco – This private museum features an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art, gold, and jewels in an old 18th-century mansion with a beautiful café with a nice garden. There’s also a section featuring pre-Colombian erotic art. Spanning over 5,000 years of history, it’s a great place to get a primer on Peru’s past.

Huca Pucllana – This is a huge adobe and clay pyramid built in seven staggered platforms. It’s massive and easy to get to as it’s in Miraflores, the main district everyone stays in, so it’s really easy to see. It served as an important ceremonial and administrative center for the Lima culture (a society that existed between 100 and 700 CE). Your ticket comes with a tour that lasts about an hour.

Surquillo Market – Located in the district with the same name, Surquillo is my favorite market in town. It’s huge and there are a lot of little restaurants here. If you’re looking to go shopping and eat some incredible and inexpensive food, this is the spot.

Museo de Arte de Lima – Opened in 1961, the Lima Art Museum is the main art museum in the city and has a collection that includes ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and paintings spanning over 3,000 years, from pre-Columbian times to the present, with a focus on local artists. They also have a rotating list of temporary exhibitions from international artists, so there’s always something new to see.

LUM Museum – Officially called the “The Place of Memory, Tolerance, and Social Inclusion,” this educational museum is dedicated to the Peruvian internal conflict of 1980s and 1990s and honors its victims. There were over 50,000 casualties from the conflict, which occurred between the government and the Maoist guerilla group Shining Path (60,000 people were displaced as well). It’s a sobering but must-visit museum.

Moreover, Lima has one of the best food scenes in the world, so be sure to eat, eat, and eat some more. The number one restaurant is here as are some of the other top ones. Just keep in mind that a majority of these higher-end spots close on Sunday and that you’ll need to make reservations months in advance (though if you arrive when they open, you might be able to get a seat due to a last-minute cancelation). Some that are worth the expense are:

• La Mar (seafood)
• Mercado (seafood)
• Maido (Japanese)
• Lady Bee (cocktails)
• Contraste (Peruvian)
• Central (Peruvian)

Next, depending on your interests, you could spend a couple more days in Lima sightseeing and eating (it’s a cool city), or head down the coast to Paracas, Haucachina, and Nazca before either coming back to Lima to fly to Arequipa (or just taking the overnight bus from Nazca). Paracas is famous for its mangroves, Haucachina for its sand dunes, and Nazca for the Nazca lines and the archeological site, Cahuachi. You don’t really need more than a night in each place if you are short on time.

Days 4–7: Arequipa
I absolutely love Arequipa. The White City (called that because of the white volcanic stone used for the buildings) has an incredible, energetic vibe, really vibrant food scene, and lovely Spanish architecture. It also makes for a good base to explore the nearby canyons and mountains the region is famous for. I could have spent weeks in the city I loved it so much (as did my friends). But, if yo only have a few days, I recommend spending two days exploring the city and then an overnight trip to the Colca Canyon, which is Peru’s Grand Canyon.

Here’s what’s not to miss in the city of Arequipa:

Free walking tour – There are a couple of great free walking tours run by the same two companies as in Lima.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa – Situated in the main plaza, this is the most important Catholic church in the city. Tours here take about 45 minutes (though you can go on your own), encompassing the beautiful paintings, ornate decorations, and massive organ.

Mundo Alpaca – This free museum gives you a lot of information about alpacas, their importance to Andean culture, and how their fur is made into clothes. (The signs are really detailed and well done.) Plus, you can even feed some of the animals at the center.

Santa Catalina – Taking up an entire city block, this convent is not to be missed. Founded in 1580, it was active for centuries. You get to explore a series of striking cloisters, chapels, and even an art gallery. I would recommend getting a guide for 20 soles, so you get more history and context. The tours last about an hour (but you can see it on your own after as well).

Yanahuara Mirador – Located outside the city center, this viewpoint gives you sweeping vistas of the city and surrounding countryside. The district of the same name is also a quiet, pretty neighborhood generally free of tourists that is worth exploring (check out La Nueva Palomino, an incredible restaurant serving inexpensive Peruvian food).

The Church of the Company – This is one of Arequipa’s most iconic churches, with imposing Baroque façade (the original was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1800s) and interior. Inside, you’ll find incredible paintings by native artists (and Virgin and Child by Bernardo Bitti) and gold altarpieces. Plus, you can visit the cloisters, which are now a gallery!

For fine dining, my two favorite spots were China and Indigo, which both feature innovative Andean food. For a delicious Peruvian hole-in-the-wall, check out Picanteria La Mundial. I also recommend Isidro, a breakfast spot run by two Peruvians who spent time training in NYC. And Munanqui (a café) has some of the best sandwiches and tea selection I came across in the country.

For the Colca Canyon, there’s a lot of operators around. I went via the company Peru Hop. Most overnight tours cost around $40 USD.

Days 8–12: Cusco
From Arequipa, you can either take an overnight bus or fly to Cusco, a huge city with a lot of activities and sights to explore. Don’t try to rush it. In fact, spend as much time here as you can! It lives up to all the hype, and it’s filled with world-class restaurants, lots of art museums, fascinating historic sites, and beautiful architecture.

I would spend two days in town to acclimatize yourself before doing any major hikes, as it’s 13,000 feet above sea level!

Some of my favorite things to see and do here are as follows:

Free walking tour – As you can tell, I love a free walking tour, and there are half a dozen companies here. Your hotel or hostel can connect you with one, or you can use the companies mentioned in previous sections. Just remember to tip at the end!

Saqsaywaman – This citadel complex on the northern outskirts of the city was built in the 15th century, though the earliest occupation of the site dates back even earlier, to around 900 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a hugely impressive structure and is definitely a must-see. You can hire a guide outside the entrance, as there’s no signage here. It’s also super easy to get to (you can walk there or take the bus).

Qorikancha – The most important Incan temple in Cusco is located in the heart of the city. Named “The Golden Temple” (because the walls were once covered in sheets of gold), it was where the High Priest resided and where various sacrifices were held. It was demolished and turned into a church by the Spanish, but a lot of the original walls are still there. It also features rotating art exhibits.

The Pre-Columbian Art Museum – Opened in 2003, this museum dedicated to the display of archaeological artifacts and examples of pre-Columbian artworks. There are almost 500 items on display here, many of which are n load from the Larco Museum in Lima (its parent museum). If you missed the museum in Lima, this is a good one to see instead since they cover a lot of the same stuff.

Coca Museum – Museo De La Coca is a tiny museum that goes into great detail about the history of coca and its importance to local culture, as well as how it became defined by cocaine over the centuries. I was really impressed by the level of detail in the descriptions. If you’re going to hiking, chances are you’re going to be chewing cocoa leaves, so be sure to stop by. It’s small, but interesting!

Machu Picchu Museum – Be sure to see this museum before you visit the site as it gives a lot of history about the site and its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. There are informative displays, educational videos about the original excavations, and artifacts from the site. It’s a nice primer to visiting the actual ruins.

Franciscan Convent – This beautiful convent is filled with majestic tapestries, paintings, and cloisters, and features a decorative church. There’s very little signage, but the pamphlet they give you is really detailed. It was built in 1572 by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo. Don’t miss the library, which has a polyglot bible written in five languages.

Regional Historical Museum of Cusco – Opened in 1946, this museum does a decent job of explaining the history of the region, especially before the Spanish arrived. There’s a decent collection of textiles, paintings, and ceramics. The other sections leave a bit to be desired, but it makes for a short stop if you want to learn more about the region’s history.

San Pedro Market – This is the largest and most vibrant market in town. If you want to do any shopping, get some local produce, or just wander around and snack, this is the place to do it!

San Blas – This area of Cusco is famous for its art and restaurants (fun fact: the Incas originally settled artists from around the empire here, and it’s been an artsy district ever since). The area has a bohemian vibe and it’s up on a hill, so there are a few good viewpoints too.

Then spend as many days you want hiking. Everyone goes to visit Machu Picchu, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it in a single day, because you have to get up soooooo early from Cusco. Instead, I would go to Ollantaytambo the night before and then either take the train or you can do hike from Km104. (For more information on trekking Machu Picchu, check out this post.)

If you’re interested in other treks, there are also hikes to Palcoyo, Waqrapukara, Huchuy Qosqo, Pumamarca, and so, so, so many others. Really, you have a ton of options!

After that I would, come back to Cusco for a day and relax or fly to Lima for a day there before your flight.

Days 13 & 14: Lima
Spend your final day or two sightseeing and eating before flying home.

Alternative Two-Week Itinerary

Conversely, if you wanted to visit the Amazon, you could cut out Arequipa, keep the same itinerary for Lima and Cusco and go to either Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to see the Amazon. Puerto Maldonado has more high-end jungle lodges, whereas from Iquitos you could do some multiday river cruises. Both destinations require flights to get to.

Peru One Month Itinerary

If you have a full month, I would follow the above two-week itinerary but also add in the following:

Do more hiking – There are so many hikes in the Sacred Valley (and around Peru in general) that if you have the time, you could hike as much as you want. You have the ones I mentioned about as well as multi-day treks in the Colca Canyon, up north in the Amazon, and lots of other places!

Visit the Amazon – Peru is where the Amazon River begins its journey to the Atlantic. Definitely check out either Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos to explore and learn about the jungle and river. In Iquitos, you can take 3-5 day river cruises.

Puno/Lake Titicaca – You can spend a couple of days in Puno, which is somewhat between Cusco and Arequipa, and take in the famed Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world. There’s not much in Puno but the lake is tremendous. I’d spend 2-3 days here.

Mancora – Located up north, Mancora is a famous beach town and a great place for world-class seafood. It’s kind of a party spot, but you can also visit without partying. It’s also pretty remote, so the best way to get there is to fly.

Spend more time in the other areas – You can also add in more days in the Colca Canyon, Nazca, Lima, or really any other part of the country that suits your interests!

Peru is a gigantic country. You’ll never have enough time, no matter how much you have (unless you move there). There’s way more to see than you might think, so, as you make your itinerary, don’t stress too much or try to jam it all in. See what you can and use the above suggestions as a starting point. Do that, and you’ll be sure to have an amazing trip!

The post My Suggested Peru Itineraries: From 1 Week to 1 Month appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Peru is one of the best places I have ever visited (and that’s saying something). I loved every moment (this blog post goes into more detail why). Besides being incredible, it’s also an extremely affordable destination (provided you limit your fine dining in Lima and guided hikes).

If you’re heading to Peru and wondering how much you’ll need to spend, look no further. In this post, I’ll break down how much I spent, where I went wrong, typical prices, and how you can save money.

How Much I Spent

During my sixteen days in Peru, I went to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and hiked around the Sacred Valley. I spent $4,992.63 USD or $312 per day. That broke down as follows (in USD):

• Accommodation: $1,246.51
• Food: $795.96
• Guides tips: $45.90
• Tours / Activities: $162
• Transportation: $80.96
• Private tours (see below): $1,770
• Internal flights: $480.06
• Travel insurance: $73.92
• Gear: $337.32

Now, I spent a lot more than you would in an equal amount of time. That’s for a few reasons:

First, Lima is one of the gastronomic hub with some of the best restaurants in the world. I ended up eating at more than few of these spots and that drove up my food costs.

Second, I did private tours for my guided hikes in Cusco for work-related reasons and that really drove up my costs (you’re unlikely to pay for private guides when you travel). Without those tours, my costs would have come down to $200 USD a day!

Third, given the limited time I had in the country and the ground I needed to cover, I also flew between most destinations rather than taking long overnight buses. Moreover, because, again for work, I had to swap some flights last minute, I had to pay change fees.

Finally, I splurged on a really fancy hotel in Cusco for a couple of nights, which actually accounts for 50% of my accommodation costs. YOLO!

So how much would you, the average traveler, need to budget if you wanted to visit Peru? Well, not as much as me that’s for sure! Here are some more reasonable suggested budgets for Peru:

Backpacker Budget
If you want to backpack Peru, I’d plan for $50–80 USD per day (185–300 PEN). On this budget, you’d be staying in hostel dorms, eating at typical hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafés, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation and overnight buses, and doing a few paid activities and tours. If you’re going to party a lot, you’ll be on the higher end of this range.

Midrange Budget
If you want to basically follow what I did (minus the private tours), you’d need $150–200 USD per day (560–750 PEN). This would get you private rooms in hostels or two- or three-star hotels, a few high-end meals the country is famous for, all the drinks you want, intra-country flights, and any tours and activities your heart desires.

From there, you could add or subtract $30–50 USD per day depending on if you’re staying in name brand hotels (or not), taking intra-country flights (or not), or partying a lot (or not).

You can use the price list below to help make your own budget.

Typical Prices

How much do things cost in Peru? Below are some typical prices (listed in Peruvian soles, abbreviated PEN). The higher-end numbers are what you’ll pay at the fancier, top-rated restaurants (and sometimes more than that). Most other places in Peru are toward the lower end.

• Hostel dorms: 40–100 PEN per night
• Hostel private room: 100–250 PEN per night
• Budget hotel: 110–300 PEN per night
• Global chain hotel: +375 PEN per night
• Appetizers: 20–30 PEN
• Ceviche: 40–60 PEN
• Main course dishes: 40–60 PEN
• Cuy (guinea pig, a delicacy): 55 PEN
• Burgers: 20–28 PEN
• Sandwiches: 12–15 PEN
• Fast food combos: 15-20 PEN
• Pizza: 25–60 PEN
• Dessert: 20–40 PEN
• Water (at a restaurant): 4-10 PEN
• Soda: 4–7 PEN
• Coffee: 5–10 PEN
• Iced coffee: 13–15 PEN
• Tea: 5–12 PEN
• Beer: 15 PEN
• Wine: 29–45 PEN
• Cocktails: 25 PEN
• Museum entry: 10–20 PEN
• Ubers: 10–20 PEN
• Taxis: 15–30 PEN
• Intra-country flights: 150–300 PEN
• Guided Machu Picchu hike/tour: 3,000–6,000 PEN

Budget-Saving Tips

It’s pretty easy to avoid spending a lot of money in Peru. Your biggest expenses are going to be accommodation, domestic flights, multi-day guided tours, and fine dining. If you limit any bit of that, you’ll be fine as public transportation is inexpensive, Ubers are crazy cheap, and Peruvian restaurants are really affordable.

Here’s what you can do to cut your costs and save money in Peru without limiting your experiences:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as its bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Travel off-season – The cheapest times to visit Peru are the shoulder months of January through April or November and December, as prices are usually lower during these months.

Take the colectivos – These are inexpensive shared minivans that cost around 10 PEN for a ride. They leave when they are full and are a low-cost way to get from city to nearby city (think within a two-hour range).

Use Uber – Uber is in all the major cities in the country and is really cheap. You never pay more than a few dollars per journey and they are often cheaper than taxis.

Book tours at the last minute – If you are looking to do the Inca Trail and have a bit of extra time to wait for a deal, showing up in Cusco and booking a last-minute tour can save you lots of money. (But I wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t have time as you may have to wait days for a spot to open up.)

Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Walking Tour Peru has tours really good offerings in all the major cities.

Get student discounts – If you’re a student, be sure to carry your student card with you for major discounts (up to 50% off) at archaeological sites and museums in Cusco and the surrounding area.

Limit your fine dining – Peru is one of the gastronomic centers of the world, with some of the best restaurants in the world here (in fact, the number one restaurant in the world, Central, is here). Dining at one is usually on people’s must-do list. But meals usually cost $100 USD or more (375 PEN), so avoid this if you’re looking to save money.

Book LATAM flights using the New Zealand website – LATAM has cheaper prices if you use the NZ version of its website (instead of the US site). It’s a fluke of the system. Even if you aren’t a NZ resident, you can book through the site with no problems.

Take Peru Hop – Peru Hop is a backpacker hop-on/hop-off bus that travels set routes around the country. They also include a lot of activities and the guides are great. Plus, unlike most regular buses, they run on time and have free Wi-Fi. A lot of locals take them too, since they are a really good value.

Hit the happy hours – In all major destinations, you can find two-for-one happy hours as well as food specials and other discounts. Check with your hostel or hotel or Google for the latest information on what places are currently offering specials.

Peru can cater to any budget. It has some of the nicest restaurants in the world, fancy resorts, private guided hikes, and upscale jungle lodges that can zap your budget. But there’s also incredible local transportation, affordable hotels and restaurants, and inexpensive group tours. Hopefully this post will help you make the most of your visit, wherever your budget falls on that spectrum.

Plan your trip to South America

Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!

Send me free travel tips

The post How Much Does It Cost to Visit Peru? appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I waited far too long to visit Peru. I have no real good reason why I didn’t head there sooner than I did. The country had been on my “must visit” list for years, but there was always a reason I couldn’t go. “It’s the wrong season,” “I don’t want to go alone,” “It’s not a good time,” yada, yada, yada. I always had an excuse, when in reality, if I really had wanted to, I could have gone.

But last November, I finally bit the bullet and went. It was now or never, I said to myself. Yes, it was offseason for hiking; yes, I still felt out of shape for trekking at altitude; and yes, it wasn’t as much time there as I wanted.

But as I always say, there’s no perfect time to visit, only the time that’s perfect for you.

And let me tell you: Peru lives up to all expectations.

From the moment I landed, I knew Peru and I were about to start a lifelong love affair. There are just some places whose cosmic vibes match yours, like two perfectly interconnected locks. Ones that reach out to you and say, “It’s okay, you’re home now.”

Peru was that for me. I spent over two weeks eating my through the gastronomic capital of Lima, seeing the famed Nazca Lines, the colonial city of Arequipa and it’s beautiful architecture, hiking Machu Picchu, and falling deep in love with the city of Cusco and its art, museums, and food.

First, there was the food. I knew Peru was a foodie destination, so I had high expectations. Many of the top restaurants in the world are located in Lima, and everyone I know who has been there has always talked highly of the local cuisine.

But even so, I was shocked at just how good the food was. Peruvian gastronomy is a mix of cultures: Andean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and West African. You get a lot of incredibly fresh produce, seafood, and meat. There’s innovative cuisine that mixes all the cultures and a reverence for not only quality but presentation.

From the famed high-end restaurants of Lima to holes-in-the-wall I found, the food was always flavorful, well portioned, and just damn delicious (the only bad meal I had the entire time was at a hostel). Heck, normally I don’t do dessert, and I was ordering chocolate left and right. It was just too good to pass up. (Here’s a list of some of my favorite places.)

Second, the people were incredible. People make destinations worthwhile, and while there are friendly folks everywhere, certain cultures are just a lot more outgoing and hospitable than others. I found Peruvians to be quite welcoming. Whether through social media or on my hikes or just through daily interactions, everyone was just really awesome.

For example, in Arequipa, I ran across a breakfast spot that had just opened (Isidro — go there, the food is great!). The owners had worked in restaurants in NYC, so we spent a lot of time connecting over that.

Third, the landscape! From the arid desert to the Amazon jungle to cloud forests to canyons that made me feel like I was in Arizona to mountains that reminded me of New Zealand, the sheer diversity wasn’t something I expected. I knew from planning my trips and pictures that there was a variety of geographies, but when I finally started exploring the country and seeing it firsthand, I was very surprised at all the microclimates.

Peru is just a striking country. (And that hiking, while definitely difficult if you aren’t used to the altitude, was not as bad as I thought!)

I haven’t fallen so hard for a destination since I went roaming around Mexico at the end of 2020. Peru really does live up to the expectations my friends and research had set.

I know I’m late to the party and not saying something people don’t already know. But consider me one more voice in the choir, echoing the conventional wisdom that Peru is a special place. Don’t make my mistake and put it off. Get there as soon as you can.

Plan your trip to South America

Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!

Send me free travel tips

The post A Love Note to Peru (& Why You Have to Visit!) appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia and a favorite among the digital nomad crowd. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, the city has great weather year-round, earning it the nickname: “the City of Eternal Spring.”

I spent a lot of time in Medellín. While the city has a troubled past, today, it’s a vibrant and innovative metropolis. I’d go back in a heartbeat. (Make sure to take a salsa class at least once while you’re here!) The city keeps growing and improving itself year after year.

That said, there are still some safety issues here, so picking the right place hotel – and area – is important. To ensure you have a safe and comfortable visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Medellin:

1. Nomada Hotel Origen

This four-star hotel is located in El Poblado, a centrally located neighborhood packed with restaurants, bars, clubs, cafés, and shops. Though there’s a lot to do in the area, leave some time to spend lounging in the hot tub on the leafy hotel rooftop, enjoying the epic views over the city with a cocktail in hand (it’s a great way to end a busy day of exploring). You can also start your day here too as the complimentary breakfast is served on the rooftop as well.

The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with a cool design featuring exposed brick walls and beams, hardwood floors, and soft lighting. All rooms have a desk, flatscreen TV, and a minibar. Deluxe rooms have kitchenettes with a fridge, microwave, cooktop, and coffee maker. The bathrooms feature tiled walls and floors, showers with great water pressure (something I always appreciate), and complimentary toiletries. This is my top recommended hotel in the city as it really does give the best value for your money. It’s in an excellent location too.

2. The Click Clack

This five-star design hotel is one of the cooler places to stay in El Poblado. It’s got a chic industrial-meets-nature vibe going on, with sleek architecture and plants everywhere. I love that the included breakfast is served in the huge atrium with lots of light and greenery. There’s also a rooftop pool with its own bar that serves great cocktails, and spa/massage services available. For anything you need, you can just WhatsApp the front desk, which I find really convenient (especially if you’re jet lagged or tired from sightseeing).

All rooms include a desk, flatscreen TV, and safe, but I especially like that the complimentary minibar is stocked with healthy snacks from local Colombian producers. The stylish bathrooms have a dark and moody feel (maybe a bit too dark in my opinion), though the walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads are great. If you’re looking for the hippest hotel in one of Medellin’s best neighborhoods, this is it!

3. Ibis Medellín

This three-star hotel in the artsy Ciudad del Rio neighborhood is just around the corner from the Medellín Modern Art Museum. It’s also less than a block from Mercado del Río, the biggest food market in town. The hotel is bright and airy, offering a breakfast buffet that features a ton of fresh local fruit and baked goods. I like that the standard check-out isn’t until 12pm so you don’t have to worry about rushing out in the morning (perfect if you’ve been out enjoying the city’s wild nightlife).

I will say that I find the rooms a bit too sparse, but they do include the usual mid-level perks, such as a desk, flatscreen TV, and a wardrobe with a safe. The bathrooms are decently sized though, with a large sink counter (convenient for spreading out your stuff), and complimentary toiletries. This is a good choice for anyone looking for a pleasant (but no-frills) stay in an interesting area of the city.

4. Sites Hotel

This hotel is located in laid-back Patio Bonito, an area filled with hip restaurants and bars that’s popular with Medellín’s expat and digital-nomad communities. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a reading room in the lobby, a small fitness center, and laundry facilities. The buffet breakfast is tasty, with a variety of sweet breads and pastries, fresh juices, yogurt, and made-to-order eggs.

The rooms consist of spacious deluxe rooms and apartments that all have kitchens with a stovetop, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, and minibar. All rooms have a simple yet cozy feel, with nice wood floors, artwork from local Colombian artists on the walls, a desk, and a flatscreen TV. Apartments also have their own terraces. The bathrooms are decently sized and feature complimentary toiletries as well as rainfall showerheads with great water pressure. Given its location and kitchen facilities in every room, Sites is perfect for mid-range travelers staying longer in Medellin.

5. Patio del Mundo

If you’re looking for something a smaller than one of the many high-rise hotels, Patio del Mundo is a boutique hotel with just 13 rooms. There’s always complimentary coffee and fresh juice in the lobby, and the owners and staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I love their tropical garden and patio filled with hammocks, loungers, and a hot tub set right into the deck. I also like that you can start your day here with a complimentary breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, juices, croissants, pancakes, and freshly made eggs. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds buzzing around as you eat!

Each room is inspired by a different region of the world (which is a really neat concept). Brazil, Provence, India, and Cuba are just a few examples of the different rooms. Each has its own unique features; some have private terraces, while others have deep soaking bathtubs. All rooms have flatscreen TVs and a minibar, and most rooms have a desk too. The bathrooms feature complimentary toiletries and huge tiled walk-in showers. The hotel has a focus on health and wellness, so you can also get massages or reiki sessions too. Overall, this hotel feels like a little green oasis in the heart of the city.

Medellín has it all: great weather, plentiful museums, cool walking tours, lush parks, colorful street art, mouthwatering food tours and markets, and incredible nightlife. I loved my time here and would easily return for a few more weeks. I’m confident you’ll love it too. Just make sure to choose your accommodation from the list above. Do that and you’ll be all set to have a safe, comfortable stay!

Plan your trip to South America

Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!

Send me free travel tips

The post The 5 Best Hotels in Medellín appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Most travelers only spend a day or two in Bogotá. It’s not considered a highlight of Colombia and usually gets overlooked by most travelers.

I think that’s a mistake.

I actually loved my time in Bogotá. The city hasn’t seen as much gringofication as other cities in the country, so it felt the most Colombian to me. I even ended up staying longer than intended because I liked it so much!

However, where you stay in the city (and the hotel you stay in) will greatly impact your trip. Not all parts of the city are safe, and not all hotels here are created equal.

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Bogotá:

1. Magdalena Guest House

This affordable guest house is in La Candelaria, the city’s historic center. The place is really homey, with a little garden area and inner courtyard, a comfy lounge, resident cat, and lovely hosts who go out of their way to make you feel at home in Bogotá. There’s a kitchen that guests can use too.

The rooms are basic and minimally decorated yet cozy, with parquet floors and unique art on the walls. The bathrooms are where the rooms really shine though. I love the brightly colored tiled floors and walk-in showers. The water is always hot and has good pressure (not always the case in this neighborhood). There are free toiletries too, and the beds are really comfortable. All of the main things to do in Bogotá are within walking distance, so if you want to spend a lot of your time seeing the sights, stay here.

2. HAB Hotel Bogotá

Situated on a quiet residential street in trendy Chapinero, this chic four-star hotel offers luxury amenities at mid-range prices. I love that it’s set in this grand historic mansion. The entire place is incredibly stylish and offers an outdoor terrace filled with plants, a rooftop patio, and a 24/7 fitness center. It even has its own farm-to-table restaurant/bar that serves a delicious breakfast in the mornings and great cocktails in the evenings.

The spacious rooms have hardwood floors and huge windows that let in a lot of light (though I appreciate that there are blackout curtains for when you want to block it out). All rooms feature high-quality mattresses, a desk, minibar, flatscreen TV, and a safe. The sleek bathrooms are covered in stunning black tile and include complimentary luxury toiletries. It’s a calm oasis in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.

3. Casa Legado

Located in Quinta Camacho, the five-star Casa Legado is an exceptional hotel that’s beautifully designed in a mid-20th century style. Each of its 13 rooms is unique; some have balconies, and others garden views. All rooms have a fun and playful vibe, with accents like brightly colored wallpaper, leafy plants, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and beautifully tiled bathrooms with large walk-in showers. The bright and spacious rooms also have a desk, flatscreen TV with streaming services, and a safe.

I especially love all the perks here. There’s complimentary breakfast, bikes for guests’ use, a tranquil inner courtyard, and a tour desk to help you organize activities. I’d stay here if you’re a foodie looking for luxury, as this neighborhood has the highest concentration of fine-dining restaurants in the city. It’s also one of the safest districts.

4. Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel

This four-star hotel is in the heart of Zona Rosa (also known as Zona T), the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. It’s a stylish, modern property with spacious rooms that embrace a minimalist design. The beds are large and comfortable, and rooms also include a minibar, minifridge, flatscreen TV, coffee/tea maker, and desk. The rooms are also well soundproofed, which is a plus since you’re staying in a popular area known for its nightlife. The bathrooms are on the smaller end, but the water pressure is decent and there are complimentary toiletries.

There’s also a fitness center; a mouthwatering buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, bread, meats, and granola; and a very attentive staff who will ensure you have a comfortable stay. It’s also pet friendly and has free on-site parking. You really can’t beat the combination of amenities and location here.

5. Hotel 5 Elementos Apartasuites

Combining the benefits of staying in a hotel with renting an apartment, all units at this three-star property are full apartments with their own kitchens. While I find the decor a bit dated, there are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout and rooms also have a seating area, desk, flatscreen TV, coffee maker, and even a laptop safe. The bathrooms aren’t huge but the showers are a decent size and feature colorful tiles (as well as good water pressure).

The complimentary breakfast is great, and I especially like that they make eggs to order. There’s also a fitness center on-site, as well as a business center and a relaxing outdoor garden. It’s not a super central location, but it’s easy to get downtown and to the airport from here. Overall, it’s a great choice for families or groups who want more space.

6. Grand Hyatt Bogotá

If you’re looking to really splurge (or maybe you have some Hyatt points to spend), you can’t get any more luxurious than this five-star hotel. The Grand Hyatt is home to the largest urban spa in Latin America, featuring a stunning indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, treatment rooms, and a fitness center complete with personal trainers. There are also two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a grab-and-go market. There’s an exceptional breakfast available in the mornings too.

The rooms and suites are bright and airy thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I love that every room has an epic view, either overlooking the Andes or the city itself. They boast a contemporary, minimal design, and include a desk, Nespresso coffee maker, minifridge, 50” flatscreen TV, and a safe. The bathrooms are huge, with double sinks, a marble bathtub, and a shower with excellent water pressure. The only downside to this hotel is that it’s a bit far out of the historic center (it’s located in the business district about a 20-minute Uber ride away). But if you want luxury, this is the hotel for you.

Bogotá is one of my favorite cities in Colombia. It’s worth taking the time to explore. And by staying in one of the hotels above, you’ll ensure you have a fun, safe, and affordable stay in Colombia’s vibrant capital city.

Plan your trip to South America

Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!

Send me free travel tips

The post The 6 Best Hotels in Bogotá appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.