Peru’s Machu Picchu continues to mystify and intrigue its visitors (yours-truly included) and scholars — even a century after Hiram Bingham first introduced the legendary Inca ruins to the rest of the world. Most recently, a group of Peruvian archeologists discovered a unique tomb located on a hillside at the ancient city. Its placement — high into the hillside — and structure — made from large, cut stones — sets [...]
We received the most charming holiday card in the mail last week from our travelers, Sandi and Joe Costa, who joined us on a custom Peru adventure in October. And while I’d like to take credit for the Mick Jagger sighting, I’ll admit, that wasn’t part of the original itinerary. Enjoy a little holiday cheer, compliments of the Costas… Saludos! Twas a year full of wonder and shiny new things [...]
Hiking the ruins of Machu Picchu itself can be enough for some travelers. But there are some amazing peaks to trek while at the ruins — and offer a rare perspective to the legendary Inca ruins. The catch? There’s a fee, and you’ll want to do a little planning in advance to save your spot. Here are some helpful details. Huayna Picchu Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu (Young Peak) is [...]
We’re not the only ones who are all a-buzz with the swiftly approaching centennial celebration of Hiram Bingham’s rediscovery of Machu Picchu. National Geographic joins us in our enthusiasm for this mysterious landmark and is giving Machu Picchu much love with a great online feature. Highlights includes Top Ten Secrets of Machu Picchu, great reads on the ruins, historic photos from Bingham’s first visit, and alternative routes to Machu Picchu [...]
We are thrilled to see Adventure Life’s Andean Multisport Peru trip featured in Outside Magazine’s annual Best Trips issue. Check us out in their Hot-List that gives you 23 great reasons to “Get Out There.” Our Andean Multisport trip is specially designed for those adrenaline junkies who suffer from a bit of been-there-done-that. Spend 10-days on this Peru triathlon of a trip, mountain biking, camping, hiking off-the-beaten-Inca-Trail, soaking in hot [...]
With Inca Trail passes filling up 3 months in advance (sometimes even faster during peak travel months) the last-minute Peru trekker can find themselves wondering what their options are when there’s not a trail pass to be found. Well, don’t fret, there are alternatives, and I am pleased to say they are excellent. Salcantay If you want to stay within the same region as the Classic Inca Trail, consider the [...]
Update June 23, 2010: Over the weekend, strikes came to an end, and things have returned to normal. Over the past ten days, there have been 3 strikes in the Cusco-Machu Picchu region that have disrupted the transportation systems, requiring Adventure Life to adjust itineraries for our travelers in the region. After eleven years of providing trips in Peru, we are certainly no strangers to strikes, which occur [...]
Machu Picchu reopens as scheduled, April 1, 2010. Celebrations were held in Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) and in Cusco — not to mention in our Adventure Life office. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is also opened. Access to Machu Picchu is very limited — the rail is the only practical way to the ruins, other than your own two feet on the Inca Trail. When downpours in January [...]
We have updated information regarding the re-opening of access to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Town (also called Aguas Calientes). Following up on our blog post from earlier this month — there are changes to the original schedule that may affect your upcoming Peru trip. The short version: The damage on the lengthy, “backroad route” was greater than originally predicted, and the anticipated Feb. 22 re-open date of Machu Picchu [...]
UPDATE: As of Feb. 22, 2010, there are changes to the original schedule regarding re-opening access to Machu Picchu. Click here for details. Many of you are familiar with the heavy rainfall that hit southern Peru at the end of January. Peru is no stranger to such downpours, but this season the rainfall that hit the region, flooded the Vilcanota and Urumbama river and caused mudslides that made headlines for [...]
