I typically bring quite a few souvenirs home, but this trip was a little different since we really didn’t have time to shop. I’m not an impulse buyer, so even in another country it takes me a long time to select exactly what I want to buy. Though I would have loved a nice alpaca wool blanket, I have no regrets because the treasures … Read More
Machu Picchu: Picking a Trekking Company
When we began planning our trip to Machu Picchu, we were overwhelmed at the choices of treks and trekking companies to choose from. Like anyone would, we began with a lot of general Google research, then checked TripAdvisor to see which companies had the highest ratings. Deciding on the Salkantay trek instead of the classic Inca Trail helped narrow our options. The classic Inca … Read More
Trip Review: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Part 2
Continued from Part 1 After a few days acclimatizing in and around Cusco, we were ready to start our trek. Above all else, you want to pick a good trekking company, and after some searching we settled on Alpaca Expeditions. They have great reviews on Tripadvisor, and we liked the unique itinerary they offered for Salkantay compared to some of … Read More
Trip Review: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Part 1
All roads lead to Machu Picchu, or so it seems when you visit the Sacred Valley in Peru. From the classic Inca Trail to a day trip via bus or train, there are many ways to visit the pride of this South American nation. We chose one of the less traveled roads: the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. We knew we … Read More
Packing List: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
(We’ve updated this post with post-trip comments in italics) Packing can easily be the most stressful part of a vacation, so we hope to be helpful to those planning similar trips by sharing our complete packing lists for every trip we take. We’re no mountaineering pros, so all of these items are straight from our closet, with a few things purchased to fill … Read More
Trip Preview: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Next week we head off on a week-long adventure to the Sacred Valley of Peru to hike our way to Machu Picchu. Instead of the famed Inka Trail, we’ll be hiking the Salkantay Trail, which boasts incredible scenery as you traverse the Salkantay Mountain Pass at more than 15,000 feet. After spending a couple of days in Cuzco acclimatizing, we’ll … Read More