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Machu Picchu Tours & Treks
Looking for a tour to Machu Picchu? If visiting Machu Picchu has always been on your bucket-list then you have come to the right place. Tucan Travel are specialists in tours and holidays to Peru and offer multiple ways to visit the Lost City of the Incas. Whether you want to trek to Machu Picchu on a single-country tour through Peru, or want to tick off the whole of South America on a multi-country trip, we can help you plan the adventure of a lifetime. Below is a handy guide with everything you need to know about planning a holiday to Machu Picchu.
The ancient Inca Citadel
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca Citadel situated in the Andes. Built in the mid 15th century as an administrative centre, the city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, overgrown by jungle, visited only by locals and practically forgotten to the outside world. It was finally ‘rediscovered’ when an American historian Hiram Bingham brought it back to international attention in 1911.
Surrounded by forested peaks and invisible to those approaching from below, Machu Picchu was never actually visited by the Spanish. This enabled it to retain much of its original architecture and materials. Constructed by Inca stonemasons, who were the original masters of earthquake-safe engineering. They built temples, bath houses, storerooms and walls, using closely interlocking polished stones of varying shapes and sizes, but no mortar. The partially reconstructed buildings and walls are at once imposing and unpretentious, and provide a fascinating insight into the life of the original inhabitants.
Group Tours to Machu Picchu
Tucan Travel’s first ever tour started in Colombia and finished in Peru back in 1987. So, we can firmly say we are experts in all things South America! Although we no longer host our own tours, we can recommend the very best tours to suit all budgets and dates. Some explore Peru whilst others combine Peru with the rest of South America!
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It's all about the journey
The journey to Machu Picchu is often part of the experience! Follow the Inca messengers’ footsteps, and trek the famous 4-day mountain path to the site. You may find yourself walking the last short section in the dark, reaching the Inca’s strategically located Sun Gate just in time for dawn. Wispy morning clouds obscure the site at first, gradually burning away to reveal the dramatic ruins of buildings and layer upon layer of agricultural terraces. It is truly unforgettable to witness Machu Picchu emerging out of the mist – it’s like rediscovering a long-lost, secret world.
You can also visit Machu Picchu on a one day portion of the Inca Trail, or take the train, which winds up the mountain on a series of switch-backs. The site is often busiest between 11am and 3pm, so aim to visit the site in the early morning or at dusk for a more serene experience, fewer tourists and better lighting for photography.Â
The Inca Trail Trek
Important!
The iconic Inca Trail involves hiking for three to four days led by a local guide. You will be accompanied by porters who will assist with your bags and set up the tents in which you will be camping each night.Â
The Inca Trail Trek is closed in February. Permits can sell out fast, so make sure you book at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot on the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail Day Trek to Machu Picchu
The day trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for people wanting to sample the hiking experience, but who don’t have the time to try the full four day trek. We offer this as an option on some of our group tours to Peru as an alternative to the train.
Train to Machu Picchu
The train to Machu Picchu will take you on a scenic journey. You will pass through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu. You can choose the train as another option on our group tours if you do not want to hike to Machu Picchu.
Are you wondering what to pack?
A wise person once said there is no such thing as bad weather –Â just the wrong sort of clothing!
We have all been there, haven’t we? Suitcase open, and the contents of our wardrobe emptied onto the bed, whilst we stand there and wonder what in the world we need to pack!
While some people prefer a ‘we will wait till we get there’ approach, there are some essentials for your trip.Â
Click on the link here to read one of our own intrepid travellers.Â
Machu Picchu FAQs
How do I get to Machu Picchu?Since 2017, you can only enter Machu Picchu with an official tour guide, so you cannot rock up on a Peru trip and hope for the best. There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, including the famous four-day Inca Trail Trek. Most travellers will use the city of Cusco as their base to visit Machu Picchu, no matter the route they take to get to the site. From here, you will travel to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to get the train or hike Machu Picchu. , train to Machu Picchu, or even go on a one-day trek. Â
Although the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, Machu Picchu is open all year round. The dry season is between June and August, and this is when it tends to be the busiest, attracting crowds worldwide. The rainy season is from November to March. For less rainfall and slightly fewer people, visit in April or May before high season hits.
You will almost certainly see llamas and alpacas at Machu Picchu, grazing amongst the ruins. Andean bears, also known as the spectacled bear have also been spotted at Machu Picchu however these are much more elusive than llamas. There is also some fantastic birdlife that you may see on a trip to Machu Picchu. Species include the Green Jay, the Overcast bird and even the Andean condor.
Big backpacks are not allowed into Machu Picchu, so remember only your small daypack. Wearing layers at Machu Picchu is advisable as the weather can change at any time. You should also remember to bring sunblock as there is little shade, especially when exploring the ruins. Your passport and all-important stamp are vital for entry! And of course, your camera to capture the iconic photo in front of the mountain.
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