Machu Picchu

Image of Group with backround of Machu Picchu

Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas" , Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 m altitude on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Machu Picchu is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983.


Constructed at the height of the Inca Empire and abandoned less than 100 years later, as the empire collapsed under Spanish conquest, the citadel is located only about 50 miles from Cusco. It is thought that the site was chosen for its unique location and geological features.


It is said that the silhouette of the mountain range behind Machu Picchu represents the face of the Inca looking upward towards the sky, with the largest peak, Huayna Picchu (meaning Young Peak), representing his pierced nose.


Please view all our tours to Machu Picchu.

Adventure Holidays to Machu Picchu

Image of a friendly guide on the Inca Trail

Friendly porter on the Inca Trail


Considered one of the ultimate adventure holidays our tours to Machu Picchu are designed to give you the best experience possible in this unique enviroment.

The classic Inca Trail will give you the chance to see the mysterious Nazca Lines and explore the strange desert coastline of Peru before embarking on a 5 day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Other highlights include Lake Titicaca and the dramatic Andean scenery.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu but are not a keen walker then the Sacred Land of the Incas tour provides the oportunity of taking in the stunning views by traveling by train to the amazing ruins.

For keen trekkers the most imprssive route to Machu Picchu is the High Trail of the Incas. This extened route offers superlative views of glaciers and snow capped peaks and is only for the more serious hillwalker.

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Why travel to Machu Picchu with Explore ?

Image of the Spectacular Machu Picchu

Spectacular Machu Picchu


Proffesional Backup

Our local ground operator in Peru has won the 'Cusco Best Travel Company Award' for 5 consecutive years and is one of the few recognised agencies authorised to purchase Inca Trail Passes. All our treks are fully supported - all you have to do is carry your own day sack. In addition to our porters you will also be accompanied by a cook, trek guide and assistant trek guide along with horses on part of the High Trail of the Incas.

Choice

Other than quality we also offer a choice of 2 routes; The classic Inca Trail and an extended route around the lofty peaks of Salkantay on The High Trail of the Incas.

Commitment to Porter Welfare

One of the highlights for our groups is travelling and interacting with our porters who are drawn from the village of Misminay that overlooks the Sacred Valley. In conjunction with our local operator we have supported numerous projects in the village and over the years developed strong bonds of friendship with the porters and their families. In line with our Responsible Tourism commitment we follow Tourism Concern's guidelines on Porter welfare. Amongst other things, it guarantees the porters a fair wage and stipulates the maximum loads they can carry.

Food

One of the most important aspects of any trek - our cooks proudly prepare nutritionally balanced meals and make sure there is plenty of it. The food is locally sourced and prepared specifically for the trek both at camp and during the day.

Comfort

We use good sized 2 man tents and carry a dining tent with tables and chairs, there is no need to bring a foam mat as thermorests are provided.

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