Journey to the Lost Inca City...
ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
One of the 7 Modern Wonders of the world, and an iconic South American landmark, the lost city of Machu Picchu rests hidden within the Peruvian Andes.
Venture from the historic market town of Cusco on a spectacular journey through the glaciers of Salkantay, following ancient Inca paths and tropical jungle leading towards Machu Picchu.
Inclusive of accommodation, guides, food, and in-country transport.
For your full itinerary, FAQ's, what's included / not included and sign up please select 'INFO' on your preferred option below.
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met and travel by minibus to your hotel. After check in, its time to acclimatise to your surroundings, with no better way than our own "Locals' guide to Cusco" tour.
This short walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and also helps you get used to the altitude, with Cusco sitting at 3,399m.
The beautiful historic centre of Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 with Inca and colonial architecture evident all around.
Later in the day, your guide will give you a full briefing for the adventure ahead.
You will have lunch in a local restaurant in Cusco
Included:
You will be able to enjoy a free day exploring the historic centre of Cusco and its sites or to rest and recuperate before the adventure begins. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting colonial churches, bargain hunting in artisan markets, chocolate museums or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all.
You will have dinner in Cusco and get an early night before we begin your adventure!
Included:
An early pick up this morning from your hostel as we depart on a 4-hour journey to Marcojasa - the start of the trek.
You will start your hike from here, following the ancient path along the aqueduct to Soraypampa, a beautiful spot nestled within the green valleys, with a picnic lunch en-route.
We then continue through the valleys on the route, eventually arriving at Soraypampa campsite in the late afternoon. Here you will have dinner and stay overnight in tented accommodation.
Trek: 5 hours
Included:
You will ascend from your campsite in Soraypampa (3760m) to one of the most beautiful lakes in the region at the base of the Humantay glacier (4200m), where we have a break for photos.
After descending back down to the campsite for lunch, you will then begin the 2-hour trek to Salktantaypampa, where you will set up camp for the second night.
Trek: 5 hours
Included:
After breakfast, you will depart on a long and tough ascent towards the Salkantay Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4650m, the highest point on teh trek.
The views as you walk here are spectacular, with the looming hulk of the sacred mountain Nevado Salkantay dominating the glaciated valley through which you will pass.
Lunch will be taken just after the highpoint of the pass before we make a slow descent to Collpapampa, arriving mid-afternoon.
Trek: 8 hours
Included:
Today we begin by continuing down the Santa Teresa Valley, through tropical cloud forest and famous coffee plantations, rivers and farmland in the heart of Peru to your campsite at Lucmabamba.
From here, you shall have fantastic views over Peru’s coffee plantations and fruit trees that are exported across the globe.
Trek: 7 hours
Included:
Our final day of hiking takes us through the lush vegetation of coffee and tropical fruit plantations and up into pristine cloud forest. We follow an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata, an Inca site that has only recently been excavated with an amazing view of Machu Picchu that few tourists get to see, in a unique location from behind the wonder. From here, it is a short hike down to the hydroelectric plant where you will sign into Machu Picchu National Park.
After lunch, the trek will continue through semi-jungle for around 3 hours, until you arrive at Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Here participants can check into the hostel in the early afternoon and rest for the final ascent.
Trek: 8 hours
Included:
You will wake this morning for a very early breakfast before setting off for Machu Picchu while it is still dark. The ascent will be steep and, if possible, enable us to arrive at the ruins in time for sunrise through the gates of Machu Picchu.
There will be a guided tour of Machu Picchu lunch will be provided.
After your visit, you can choose to either walk back down to Aguas Calientes or you can hop on the local bus (an additional cost).
Later, we will take the train back to Cusco, arriving mid-evening for hot showers and a chance to explore Cusco's evening entertainment together.
Trek: 2 hours
Included:
Today you will have the chance to unwind and recover from the challenge prior to the start of the extension or return journey home!
Grab a coffee in the square, explore ancient nearby ruins or sit back and relax.
Transport to airport provided
Included:
EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE
Not ready to end your South American adventure after the challenge? Choose to join our challenge extension and stay an extra 5 days in Peru exploring the best of the countries culture, adrenaline filled thrills, sights and sounds.
From visiting the legendary rainbow mountain, to tasting local delicacies, taking part in water sports, ziplines and beginners mountain climbing opportunities, the extension has something for everyone, and is the perfect way to maximise your adventure and take it to the next level.
DAYS - 5 | REG FEE - £95 | FINAL BALANCE DUE - £600
Payable over 5 monthly instalments
INCLUDES: All transport, Accommodation, Breakfast and meals where stated, Airport Transfer, All Equipment.
HOW TO SIGN UP: Add 'Extension Trip - The Sights, Sounds, Thrills of Peru ' to your basket at the main challenge sign up page.*
*Extension trip not required to be chosen at sign up. Can be added after signing up for main challenge up until March 2024.
Enjoy a free morning in Cusco for some rest and recuperation.
Next, you will take part in the "Bean to Bar" Chocolate workshop, which is a two-hour group workshop in the art of chocolate making. You will learn the origin of chocolate and its history; even preparing drinks like the Maya and Conquistadores used to. You will explore the chocolate making process, starting from the cacao tree in the jungle, before making your own Chocolates (120g) with milk and dark chocolate and more than fifteen different flavours. An hour later, you can collect your own handmade chocolates, customized the way you like them, and bring them back to your friends and family.
To finish the day, you will have a chance to learn how to make the famous Pisco Sour with a professional bartender from the Museo del Pisco. This is a delicious mix of Pisco (local grape brandy) limes, crushed ice, and egg white and is considered to be Peru's national drink and a "must try" for any one visiting Peru.
Non-alcoholic options are also available.
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We will head in the morning to a water sports centre on the shores of Lake Huaypo.
Set amongst fields of corn with fantastic views across to the snow-capped Vilcanota mountains, this is a relaxing rural setting and the perfect place to relax and enjoy some fun on the water.
Choose between exploring the lake on a Stand-Up Paddleboards or Sit On Top Kayaks.
Wetsuits and Life Jackets Provided
On the far side of the lake, we will enjoy some snacks before heading back to our base in time for hot showers and a lunch of locally selected products.
Theres time to enjoy the hammocks and the stunning views before we say farewell to Huaypo and take a dirt road to the colonial village of Maras to begin a short hike.
Famous for its out-standing Spanish door arches and a vast church, Maras was also renowned for its spies due to the strategic location above the Sacred Valley.
You will take an old mule trail downhill to the amazing saltpans. Thousands of saltpans cover the whole of the hillside creating a stunning white landscape. They have been constantly worked since Inca times and were even mentioned in The Chronicles.
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The Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Day trip is a spectacular experience deep in the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain range. This is an ideal way to enjoy the magical coloured mountains, on a relatively short trail with minimal incline and without the crowds.
On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate, Mariposa, Nevado del Inca and the diversity of this mountainous region. At the highest point of the trail, you can see the Bosque de Rocas (Rock Forest) with its unique formations.
Included:
An amazing mountain climbing opportunity for people without any experience. This combination of Via Ferrata and zip-lining is the complete mountain thrill.
A short drive outside of Cusco, you will climb 400 metres of Via Ferrata and then descend the mountain using 6 zipwires (150 metres to 700 metres).
Initially climbing vertically 400m on the Via Ferrata (Italian for Iron Road), you arrive at the start of the ziplining. After checking out the awesome views of the Sacred Valley, you set of zipping down 5 lines to arrive back down in the Sacred Valley.
This should take around 4-5 hours.
A Via Ferrata is a path used to climb a mountain with a safety system permanently installed. It gives the chance to people without any experience in climbing the opportunity to move through spectacular mountain scenery using a minimum of equipment. The climber is permanently tied to a steel cable that runs through the entire route. Usually does not require any climbing rope. Metal ladders, bridges and similar facilities are used. This helps maintain the physical difficulty of climbing and mix beginners skills while providing access to a very high, and extreme vertical sections of a mountain, that could only be accessible to experienced rock climbers.
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After a well-deserved lie-in, you have a final free day in the old Inca Capital and time to pack and enjoy all that this city has to offer before the flight home!
Finally, we will transfer you to Cusco Airport in time for your onward flight.
Included:
Challenge testimonials
Choose your category below to discover FAQ's related to that topic. Should you not be able to find an answer to your question please get in touch with our team.
You will be looked after by accredited, English speaking local guides along with an Endeavours Adventures rep.
Average group sizes vary, but will be between 12 - 30 participants depending on the number of sign ups.
Before the main trekking days, you will be staying at a hostel. This will be shared same-sex accommodation, and your stay will include breakfast.
During the trek, you will be staying in various tented accommodation. Camping equipment will be provided except a sleeping bag.
On Day 7 (Trek Day 5) of the challenge, you will be staying in the hostel. You will be in a dormitory of 4-5 people of the same-sex, and you will have a private bathroom. Your stay will also include breakfast.
On the final day of the main challenge, you will again be staying at the hostel, and this will still be shared same-sex accommodation.
This trek is rated 3.5-4/5 on its challenge level of difficulty. This is an intense challenge as you will be trekking at high altitudes for over 5 hours each trekking day.
Don't let this stop you though! You will supported throughout the challenge by your guide and fellow team-mates.
A typical day on the Machu Picchu trek will see you waking up in the early hours and getting off on your adventure! You will be trekking on average for 6 hours each day, soaking up the beautiful and diverse Peruvian landscape. You will eat local Peruvian lunch during the trek, and have a feast once you've made it to the local campsite. You will have some chill time with your team to play cards and chat about the day, and then you will head off for an early night as you'll be waking up early again!
The combination of tropical latitude, mountain ranges, topography variations, and two ocean currents (Humboldt and El Niño) gives Peru a large diversity of climates. The coastal region has moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the mountain region, rain is frequent in summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The Peruvian Amazon is characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
With this in mind, please ensure you have clothing suitable for all different weather for this challenge.
Peruvian culture is primarily rooted in Amerindian and European traditions,though it has also been influenced by various Asian and African ethnic groups. Peruvian artistic traditions date back to the elaborate pottery, textiles, jewellery, and sculpture of Pre-Inca cultures. The Incas maintained these crafts and made architectural achievements including the construction of Machu Picchu. Baroque dominated colonial art, though modified by Native traditions.
The once great Inca Capital of Cusco still teems with Andean pride. Narrow streets lined by Inca walls stretch out from the main plaza and indigenous farmers and craftsmen rush by carrying their wares to market. Traditional and international foods are found everywhere, and shopkeepers always offer a welcoming smile.
Spanish is the official language of Peru, but several indigenous languages also have official status in areas where they are widely used. Quechua in particular is a preferred language to use in rural areas.
Below are a couple of useful phrases for travellers in Peru.
Spanish Phrases:
Quechua Phrases:
There is no strict dress code in Peru. However, please ensure you are wearing appropriate trekking clothing and staying respectful to locals.
Food is important to us. Good and nourishing food makes a good trip even better. All meals and snacks whilst on trek are included in the tour price, unless stated otherwise.
Endeavours Adventures can cater for all dietary options. At 8 weeks before your challenge start date, a form will be sent to you to request this information. Through this, we will ensure that you are catered for, and will keep you updated on any issues regarding your dietary requests.
Peruvian food consists mainly of soups and stews, corn pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Seafood is excellent, even in the highlands. Local specialties include ceviche, seafood prepared in lemon juice; lechón, suckling pig; and cuy, whole roasted guinea pig.
However, some delicacies may only be for the most adventurous stomachs!
There will be phone signal and access to Wi-Fi in the main city areas of Peru.
During the trek, phone signal and Wi-Fi will be sporadic.
Near the end of the trek, when you are at Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, you will have access to phone signal again.
You will be over 4,000m for 2 days and 1 night, which are the 2nd & 3rd days of the trek.
Official drone laws are very strict, and so you must read these carefully.
If you decide to take a drone with you on the challenge, it is at your own risk.
Please note that you must ask for permission by the whole group to use the drone, and the drone cannot be used at any Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu itself.
There are hot shower facilities available at Trek Day 1 campsite in Soraypampa & Day 4 Lucmabamba campsites for a small fee directly to the campsite/cafe owners.
There are Wi-Fi huts available at Trek Day 1 campsite in Soraypampa & Day 4 Lucmabamba campsites for a small fee directly to the campsite/cafe owners.
At Endeavours Adventures we place safety at the heart of what we do. Whilst an element of risk always exists within each challenge, we have worked with our partners in country and implemented our own procedures to minimise risk whilst still ensuring you have an incredible challenge experience!
All our challenges are risked assessed in line with BS8848 British Standards of Trekking.
Please make sure to ask your guide whether it is safe to drink the water available in both the urban and rural areas.
Bringing re-usable 1L or 2L water bottles on your challenge is compulsory, as you need to have enough water to keep hydrated and well throughout your trek.
The recommended travel vaccinations for Peru are below.
Courses or booster typically advised:
Other vaccines to consider:
No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for Peru.
Please consult an appointment with a travel nurse and get the required vaccines for entry to Peru. Some of these vaccines require multiple doses so please book an appointment as soon as possible.
You can find a travel nurse at a pharmacy, or at a travel clinic at Superdrug & Boots. You can also speak to your GP beforehand if you are unsure where to start.
We strongly recommend that you bring certain medication as a precaution for your challenge. This includes: painkillers, re-hydration sachets, anti-sickness and diarrhoea medication.
You can also bring altitude sickness tablets if you wish to, and we also recommend bringing insect spray.
For our Machu Picchu trek, altitude sickness may be a concern for participants.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is when you travel to a high altitude too quickly, and breathing becomes more difficult as you're not able to take in as much oxygen.
In most cases, people who suffer from altitude sickness will have mild to moderate symptoms, which include (but not limited to): nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and dizziness.
The best way to combat the symptoms of altitude sickness is to pause your ascent, or to descent from your current point. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water, eat enough food, and get enough rest.
If your symptoms still persist during the challenge, please ensure you speak to your Endeavours rep and the local guides as soon as possible, as you may be required to stop trekking.
You can bring altitude sickness medication if you wish. However, you must speak to your GP about this first.
The team in country will be supplying clean drinking water throughout the challenge for you.
There are ozonated water coolers in Cusco, and the team in country will filter, boil and treat the water during the trek to keep you safe.
Many people take on the Machu Picchu trek throughout the year. However, it is our most difficult trekking challenge.
We strongly recommend that you practice some form of hiking and start training at least 6-8 weeks before the challenge date. If this is not possible for you to do, we would recommend going on regular walks with different types of ground, steepness, and even practice walking with the bag you will wear on the challenge, as well as your walking boots.
All of this will help prepare your body for the day. Also, committing yourself to enough fitness training beforehand will make the trek more comfortable for you.
A typical trek at this level will include trekking for 5 to 8 hours per day over consecutive days at very high altitude, so it is important to get your body adjusted to this level of activity.
There are no specific exercise routines that you must follow, as everyone is different. However, doing squats regularly as well as step-up exercises, such as the stair master at the gym, is recommended.
The team at Endeavours Adventures do not offer training sessions. However, this may be something that your challenge leader or team could organise throughout the year with you.
Currently, we do not have a training plan for the Machu Picchu trek.
As we have said in above questions, we strongly recommend that you practice some form of hiking and start training at least 6-8 weeks before the challenge date. If this is not possible for you to do, we would recommend going on regular walks with different types of ground, steepness, and even practice walking with the bag you will wear on the challenge, as well as your walking boots. All of this will help prepare your body for the day.
Flights are not included in the registration fee, and must be arranged by participants themselves. This is because it is cheaper and provides you with more flexibility in terms of when you arrive and depart from the country, should you wish to stay for longer before or after.
For this challenge, you will need a 20-35L day backpack, which you will be using as your backpack throughout the trek.
You will also need a 60-75L large rucksack to bring all your belongings in. Avoid bringing a suitcase! Please do not exceed 18 kg per person if possible.
In the rare possibility that your large rucksack doesn’t arrive at your destination with you on time, please can you ensure that you pack enough clothing and items for a couple of days in your day bag.
You can find the kit list at the bottom of this page!
In Peru, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and C, the standard voltage is 220 Volts, and the frequency is 60 Hz. Check your appliances and battery chargers and make sure they are dual voltage.
Type A plug: Two flat parallel prongs, both prongs being the same shape and size.
Type C plug: Two round prongs (used in much of Europe, but not in the UK or Ireland).
Electricity is not always available during the challenge, so please bring portable batteries if you require electricity.
The currency in Peru is called Peruvian sol. Credit and debit cards are used in the bigger cities in Peru like Cusco. ATM availability depends on where you are in Peru. In Cusco, there should be good ATM networks, but in smaller towns and villages may not have ready ATM access, so please make sure to carry some cash just in case.
We recommend bringing £250-£300 worth of currency.
To consider would be:
If you want to bring a card, you could also bring your Monzo or Revolut card as extra cash.
For Peru, a visa is not required for UK citizens. UK citizens do not need to procure a visa if they are planning to enter Peru for tourism-related activities. Without a visa, British nationals can stay inside Peru for a maximum period of 183 days.
However, if you are an international citizen, it is your responsibility to arrange your own visa to cover the duration of your challenge. You can contact the team at Endeavours Adventures should you need support in this process.
For our Machu Picchu trek, it is your responsibility to arrange your own travel insurance for the whole duration of your challenge.
It is important that you get cover that covers you for trekking over 4,600m (and trekking over 5,000m if you are taking on the extension).
If you have any questions regarding this, please email isabelle.skelly@endeavoursadventures.com.
You are welcome to source your own insurance, but we recommend booking through our suppliers.
The 2023/24 standard fundraising target is £1,695.
With a variety of options available, you can choose to pay our standard registration and fundraising target, or alter the total amount paid at sign up in order to receive a proportionate change of the total amount you will have to fundraise. No matter the registration fee chosen, each can be split across different payment plans.
2023/24 options available for the Machu Picchu Trek:
Yes! In signing up and paying the registration fee for this challenge, you are given the option to either be SELF-FUNDED or choose from one of 3 FUNDRAISE options for a chosen charity. If a FUNDRSAISE option is selected, after completing your registration payment (s) you must also reach your fundraising target to guarantee your place on the challenge. But fear not! We have an expert team of fundraising guides and support available to help you alongside the incredible support you shall receive directly from the charity.
Yes, you are able to change your fundraising option for your challenge, provided that it is before your final fundraising deadline. However, you must talk to your charity representative or a member of the Endeavours Adventures team first before this can be confirmed.
A change in your fundraising option will incur a £20 administration fee.
Endeavours Adventures have a lot to offer you in terms of fundraising support! Once you sign up to your challenge, you will receive a welcome email which will include the different ways the team will support you.
This support will include a monthly fundraising newsletter, monthly fundraising support sessions, an online fundraising resources pack, and regular communication with the Endeavours Adventures’ team.
Charity challenges are usually split 50:50, where 50% of your fundraising goes straight to the charity, and the remaining 50% goes towards the costs of running the challenge. At Endeavours Adventures, we want to go above and beyond and ensure that we are giving as much to the charity as possible.
For the Machu Picchu Trek, 51% of the fundraising goes to the charity, and 49% goes towards the costs of the challenge.
On top of this, 100% of the money that you raise above your fundraising target goes directly to the charity to support the incredible work they do.
Your fundraising deadline will usually be between 6-8 weeks before your challenge start date.
