Treasures of the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

While this is not a hiking trip per se, it is still a very active trip with good portions of each day spent exploring Cusco and small villages, on short hikes in the adjoining countryside, and with time spent investigating Inca ruin sites, which always involves climbing up and down steps along rough pathways.

Note on optional hike up Huayna Picchu: You will have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu, the spectacular peak rising from the ruins. This hike is quite rewarding but not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. The climb is steep, a bit of a scramble, and can be slippery. It's suitable for very fit hikers who like a challenge. Think stairmaster at the highest level!

For maximum enjoyment of the trip (and the wonderful scenery, food, and history that are a part of it), you must be in fit shape and ready to walk. We recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

Being so close to the equator, Peru has only two climate seasons: a dry season from April to October, and a wet season from December to March. For hiking in the mountains, the April to October season is ideal; the countryside is green and lush, the skies are often blue and sunny, and the mountain vistas are at their clearest and most magnificent.

Altitude is the main factor controlling the climate. In the mountains, you'll encounter sunny days with daytime temperatures ranging between 65°F and 70°F degrees, dropping to the 40s°F and lower at night. The sun is very strong at high altitude and it can often be warm enough to hike in shorts and a t-shirt. However, it can also get extremely cold; if you're familiar with mountain weather, you know how suddenly it can get cold even in the daytime if the sun slips behind a cloud. Nighttime temperatures can drop to below freezing. Rain should not be a problem on our hikes, but always keep in mind that mountain weather is unpredictable and sudden storms can occur, especially on high mountain passes. The best preparation for the changeable climate of the high Andes is to dress in layers.

Lima lies in a coastal desert where rainfall is rare and temperatures are usually warm (70s°F and 80s°F). Days are overcast most of the year due to the Humboldt current that comes up from Antarctica and meets the warm, tropical El Nino current from the north to create the garua, or coastal fog/mist.

The climate in the Amazon Basin is generally warm and humid throughout the year but can also be unexpectedly cool (usually 60s°F) due to the breezes that blow down from the Andes.

We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.