The Best of Machu Picchu in Eight Days
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Photo © Jared Smith, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
This classic loop starts off in the lush surroundings of the Sacred Valley, where you will explore ruins, experience indigenous culture, and adjust to the altitude. Then you take the train to enjoy the clou
Volunteer Opportunities and NGOs in Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo, Peru. Photo © magickevin, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
There are several NGOs in Ollantaytambo worth contacting if you’re looking for volunteer and homestay opportunities. Based in Ollantaytambo, Awamaki (Calle Convención s/n, across from the temple), foun
Three Great Day Hikes in Ollantaytambo, Peru
Take a day hike up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Photo © McKay Savage, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Ollantaytambo is a great base for a number of excellent hikes, treks, and community visits in the area. A detailed map of a dozen local hikes is available from the NGO Awamaki (Calle Conv
Trekking to Machu Picchu via the Inca Jungle Trail
Backpacking the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu. Photo © ForTheRock, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
The latest route to Machu Picchu is locally known as the Inca Jungle Trail. This is a four-day trip that includes biking, hiking, and trains. The advantage of this route is the comparative
Cusco Trip Planning: Essentials and Tips for Travel Safety
Dancers in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco. Photo © Felipe Ernesto, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Because of its altitude and complexity, Cusco is best experienced after having visited the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Most of the city can be seen in two days, though many travelers stay
Tips for Buying Cusco's Tourist Ticket
The ruins of Ollantaytambo in Cusco, Peru. Photo © Roger Nelson, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Cusco’s boleto turístico covers admission to 16 sites. At first glance, it seems overpriced at US$45 (US$25 for students under age 26 with ISIC card), but when you consider the total number of s
Visiting the Pisac Ruins of the Sacred Valley
The Inca Pisac Ruins in Peru. Photo © Erik Cleves Kristensen, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Pisac is one of Cusco’s few great Inca ruins that features all types of architecture—agricultural, hydraulic, military, residential, and religious. Little is known for certain about Pisac’s precise
Accommodations in the Sacred Valley: Pisac
Pisac
Accommodations for US$10-25
The best budget option is Hostel Kinsa Ccocha (Arequipa 307, tel. 084/20-3101, US$10-14 pp), a block from the Plaza de Armas, which has several plain, clean rooms with shared or private bath. Ask for a newer room; they have higher ceilings.
Hospedaje Samana Wasi (
Recreation and Adventure Sports in the Urubamba Valley
Rafting the Rio Urubamba. Photo © Dan Merino, licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
The Urubamba Valley is a fast-growing center of adventure sports, including horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, trekking, and paragliding. There are some highly recommended horseback ri
Peru Travel Handbook
Moon Peru
By Ryan Dubé and Ben Westwood
Fourth Edition, August 2014
Pages: 632
Print
Price: $24.99 USD
ISBN: 9781612386218
Digital
Price: $16.99 USD
ISBN: 9781612386225
Trekking to Machu Picchu
Approaching Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate Path. Photo by Chang’r licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
Machu Picchu Hikes and TreksMost travelers to Peru think there is just one option for trekking to Machu Picchu—the four-day Inca Trail hike—but now there are at least four
A Beginners' Guide to Trekking Peru
Trekking the Salcantay Route, a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. Photo © holgs/iStock.
PeruPeru is one of the world’s top trekking destinations, and the Inca Trail is Peru’s number one trek. Beginning in the high Andes with views of sparkling glaciers, the Inca Trail passes a dozen majo
An Introduction to Peru for Volunteers
Peru
Famed for Machu Picchu and its Incan history, Peru lies bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
While the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu draw 2,500 visitors per day, there are countless places me
Volunteering with Awamaki in Ollantaytambo, Peru
Awamaki is an organization working to promote sustainable development in and around the village of Ollantaytambo, in Peru’s Sacred Valley, not far from Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its focus is on economic empowerment of disadvantaged Quechua women, and its efforts are a three-pronged approach: women’
Volunteer with Kiya Survivors in Peru
Kiya Survivors is based in Urubamba, an indigenous village in the valley of the same name near Cusco, perhaps better known as the Sacred Valley.
Kiya is dedicated to children and youth with special needs, which include speech or visual/hearing problems, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or a
Volunteer with Tambopata Macaw Project in Peru
The Tambopata Macaw Project (TMP) is a long-term research project on the ecology and conservation of macaws and parrots in the lowlands of southeastern Peru, operating under the direction of Dr. Donald Brightsmith, of the Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A&M University. The surroun
Doing business & staying in touch while in Peru
Peru: Doing business & staying in touch
Peru Weather, Climate and Geography
Peru Weather, climate and geography
Peru History, Language and Culture
Peru History, Language and Culture
Peru Travel Guide and Travel Information
Peru Travel Guide
