{"id":4768,"date":"2015-03-08T11:46:58","date_gmt":"2015-03-08T17:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/?p=4768"},"modified":"2018-06-11T14:12:02","modified_gmt":"2018-06-11T20:12:02","slug":"9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 Questions for Planning your Trip to Peru"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/peru\/?t=Machu%20Picchu\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"4778\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-mapi\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi.jpg?fit=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"600,450\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-mapi\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Travel to Machu Picchu Peru&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi.jpg?fit=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4778\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi.jpg?resize=600%2C450\" alt=\"Travel to Machu Picchu Peru\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>If you are ready to start planning your Machu Picchu trip, we have all the answers!\u00a0 Read on for the top 9 questions on traveling to Peru!<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#1\">How many DAYS does a trip to Machu Picchu take?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\">What if I want to HIKE to Machu Picchu?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3\">What if I DON&#8217;T want to hike to Machu Picchu?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\">What ELSE is there to do in Peru?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\">How about fun, ACTIVE things to do?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\">How much does it COST?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#7\">Can I visit the GALAPAGOS as well as Machu Picchu?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#8\">Isn&#8217;t Machu Picchu very HIGH in altitude?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#9\">When is the BEST TIME to visit Peru?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Peru Tours\" href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/south-america\/peru\/\">See Peru Tours &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>#1) How many days does a trip to Machu Picchu take?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4775\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=7-Day+Peru:+Machu+Picchu+Tour+by+Train\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4775\" data-attachment-id=\"4775\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-cusco\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-cusco.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cusco is great city in Peru\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Cusco is great city in Peru&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Cusco is great city in Peru&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-cusco.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4775 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-cusco.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Cusco is great city in Peru\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-cusco.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-cusco.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4775\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cusco is great city in Peru<\/p><\/div>\n<p>How many days do you have to travel? For a basic trip, you will want plan on a <a title=\"7 day Peru Tour to Machu Picchu\" href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=7-Day+Peru:+Machu+Picchu+Tour+by+Train\">7-day Peru trip to Machu Picchu<\/a>.\u00a0 This would include<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Starting and ending in Lima<\/li>\n<li>A few days in Cusco to acclimatize and see the great Inca and Colonial sites<\/li>\n<li>A day in the Sacred Valley to see Inca ruins, culture, and local markets<\/li>\n<li>Train to Machu Picchu with overnight in Aguas Calientes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is plenty to see and do if you have more time.\u00a0 If you cut this trip short, you may have some issues with altitude, you may only see Machu Picchu when it is very crowded, and you will miss experiencing the culture and beauty of this great country.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"2\"><\/a><strong>#2) What if I want to hike to Machu Picchu?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4777\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=10-Day+Peru+with+the+Inca+Trail+to+Machu+Picchu\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4777\" data-attachment-id=\"4777\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-inca-trail\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-inca-trail.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-inca-trail\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-inca-trail.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4777 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-inca-trail.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-inca-trail.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-inca-trail.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4777\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Great idea!\u00a0 The most popular way to <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=10-Day+Peru+with+the+Inca+Trail+to+Machu+Picchu\">hike to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail Trek in 10 days<\/a>.\u00a0 This includes 5 days in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lima plus 5 days of hiking and seeing Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n<p>You can actually hike the Inca Trail in 4 days or 5 days, or you can just hike the last day on the <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=2-Day+Inca+Trail+Express\">2-day Inca Trail Express<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For a spectacular hiking experience, we recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=7-Day+Luxury+Lodge+to+Lodge+Salkantay+Trek+to+Machu+Picchu\">7-day Luxury Lodge to Lodge Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu<\/a>.\u00a0 This is one of the best hiking experiences anywhere!<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"3\"><\/a><strong>#3) What if I DON&#8217;T want to hike to Machu Picchu?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4779\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"http:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/peru\/?t=Machu%20Picchu\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4779\" data-attachment-id=\"4779\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-mapi-window\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi-window.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-mapi-window\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;See Machu Picchu without all the crowds&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;See Machu Picchu without all the crowds&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi-window.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4779\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi-window.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"See Machu Picchu without all the crowds\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi-window.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-mapi-window.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4779\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">See Machu Picchu without all the crowds<\/p><\/div>\n<p>No problem!\u00a0 The train goes from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley) and then to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu.\u00a0 Most visitors to Peru take the train up and back to Machu Picchu in one day.\u00a0 This means Machu Picchu is extremely crowded from 10am to 2pm.\u00a0 We recommend spending one night in Aguas Calientes so that you have the opportunity to tour the site early in the morning without all the crowds.\u00a0 This also gives you the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu.<\/p>\n<p><strong>TRAIN OPTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vistadome Train:<\/strong> The most popular, best value for experience<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hiram Bingham Train:<\/strong> Ultimate luxury train experience<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peru Rail Presidential:<\/strong> Another upscale train option, starts\/ends in Ollantaytambo only<\/li>\n<li><strong>Backpacker Train:<\/strong> Cheapest option, still clean and safe, and it&#8217;s fun to chat with all the backpackers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"4\"><\/a><strong>#4) What ELSE is there to do in Peru?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Where to begin!?\u00a0 If you have a more time to dedicate to your Peru trip, here are the most popular extensions:<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Amazon+Rainforest\">Amazon Rainforest<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The closest rainforest experience starts in Puerto Maldonado.\u00a0 There are a number of lodges to choose from.\u00a0 Alternatively, Iquitos offers a great Amazon experience by boat or in a lodge, but it is further away.\u00a0 This can be done in a minimum of 3 days, but we recommend 4 or more.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Lake+Titicaca\/Puno\">Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_4781\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Lake+Titicaca\/Puno\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4781\" data-attachment-id=\"4781\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-titicaca\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-titicaca\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4781 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4781\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Lake Titicaca is the world&#8217;s highest inland lake.\u00a0 But it is the boat ride out to the floating islands of Taquile, Uros and Amantani that makes it an amazing cultural experience.\u00a0 This can be done in a minimum of 3 days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Colca+Canyon\/Arequipa\">Colca Canyon<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Colca Canyon is the world&#8217;s second deepest canyon and home for the impressive condors.\u00a0 This can be done in a minimum of 3 days.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Nazca\/Paracas\/Ballestas\">Nazca Lines<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Overfly the mysterious Nazca Lines by small airplane. This is a day trip from Lima or 3 days to see the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Cusco\">Extra days in Cusco and\/or Sacred Valley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There is so much to do here!\u00a0 Add as many days as you want!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maras salt mines and Moray agricultural terraces<\/li>\n<li>Cooking class<\/li>\n<li>Peruvian Paso horse show<\/li>\n<li>White water rafting<\/li>\n<li>Ziplining<\/li>\n<li>Horseback riding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/?s=Peru&amp;cat=Lima\">Lima<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lima is known world-wide for its amazing art, historic museums, and great food.\u00a0 Spend a few days exploring<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pachacamac and Caral Archeological Sites<\/li>\n<li>Palomino boat tour to snorkel with sea lions<\/li>\n<li>Peruvian Paso horse show<\/li>\n<li>Cooking class<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"5\"><\/a><strong>#5) How about fun, ACTIVE things to do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4772\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=1-Day%20Via%20Ferrata%20and%20Zip%20Line%3A%20Sacred%20Valley%2C%20Cusco\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4772\" data-attachment-id=\"4772\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-zipline\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-zipline.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-zipline\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Zip Line in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Zip Line in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-zipline.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4772 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-zipline.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Zip Line in the Sacred Valley\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-zipline.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-zipline.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4772\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zip Line in the Sacred Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Peru has it!\u00a0 How about<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"zip line sacred valley near cusco peru\" href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=1-Day%20Via%20Ferrata%20and%20Zip%20Line%3A%20Sacred%20Valley%2C%20Cusco\">Ziplining in the Sacred Valley<\/a><\/li>\n<li>White water rafting on the Urubamba River<\/li>\n<li>Sea kayaking on Lake Titicaca<\/li>\n<li>Horseback riding in Arequipa<\/li>\n<li>Mountain biking from Chinchero to Maras near Cusco<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"6\"><\/a><strong>#6) How much does it COST?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4780\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=10-Day+Peru+with+the+Inca+Trail+to+Machu+Picchu\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4780\" data-attachment-id=\"4780\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-market\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-market.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-market\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Shopping at the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Shopping at the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-market.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4780 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-market.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Shopping at the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-market.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-market.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4780\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shopping at the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Good question!\u00a0 The starting land-only price for the <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=7-Day+Peru:+Machu+Picchu+Tour+by+Train\">7-day Peru Machu Picchu Tour by Train<\/a> is <strong>$1035\/person<\/strong>.\u00a0 This is based on a group of 4 people traveling, group day tours (instead of a private guide), and budget accommodations double occupancy.<\/p>\n<p>For a <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=10-Day+Peru+with+the+Inca+Trail+to+Machu+Picchu\">10-day Peru with Inca Trail to Machu Picchu<\/a>, the price starts at <strong>$1765\/person.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>REMEMBER: Our prices and itineraries can be customized to meet your interests, time frame, and budget!<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"7\"><\/a><strong>#7) Can I visit the GALAPAGOS as well as Machu Picchu?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4776\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=15-Day+Peru+and+Ecuador+with+Machu+Picchu+and+the+Galapagos\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4776\" data-attachment-id=\"4776\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-galapagos\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-galapagos.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-galapagos\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Visit Peru and the Galapagos in one trip!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Visit Peru and the Galapagos in one trip!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-galapagos.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4776 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-galapagos.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Visit Peru and the Galapagos in one trip!\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-galapagos.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-galapagos.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4776\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visit Peru and the Galapagos in one trip!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Absolutely!\u00a0 However, I must first say that there is plenty to do in each country to fill two separate vacations.\u00a0 That said, if you are only going to this part of the world once in your life, you might as well do both.<\/p>\n<p>If you just have 2 weeks for your vacation, your best option will be the <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/trip\/?trip=15-Day+Peru+and+Ecuador+with+Machu+Picchu+and+the+Galapagos\">7-day Peru + 5-day Galapagos cruise<\/a>.\u00a0 If you have more time, you can do a full 8-day Galapagos cruise and\/or add on some nice excursions.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"8\"><\/a><strong>#8) Isn&#8217;t Machu Picchu very HIGH in altitude?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4774\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/south-america\/peru\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4774\" data-attachment-id=\"4774\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-condor\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-condor.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-condor\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Condors in the Colca Canyon get very high!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Condors in the Colca Canyon get very high!&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-condor.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4774 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-condor.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Condors in the Colca Canyon get very high!\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-condor.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-condor.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4774\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Condors in the Colca Canyon get very high!<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Yes and no.\u00a0 Some travelers report getting altitude sickness at Machu Picchu.\u00a0 It is actually Cusco that affects people the most.\u00a0 When you are met at the Cusco Airport, you are given Coca tea, water, and given time to rest and acclimatize.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some altitudes of note:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Machu Picchu: 8000 feet<\/li>\n<li>Sacred Valley: 9700 feet<\/li>\n<li>Cusco: 11,000 feet<\/li>\n<li>Lake Titicaca: 12,000 feet<\/li>\n<li>Highest pass on Inca Trail: 13,500 feet (Dead Woman&#8217;s Pass)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>#9) When is the BEST TIME to visit Peru?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_4782\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/south-america\/peru\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4782\" data-attachment-id=\"4782\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/peru-weaving\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-weaving.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"400,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"peru-weaving\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Weavers in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Weavers in the Sacred Valley&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-weaving.jpg?fit=400%2C250&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-4782 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-weaving.jpg?resize=300%2C188\" alt=\"Weavers in the Sacred Valley\" width=\"300\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-weaving.jpg?resize=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-weaving.jpg?w=400&amp;ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4782\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Weavers in the Sacred Valley<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Right now!\u00a0 Seriously though, the best season to visit Peru is between May and October when it is dry.\u00a0 December to March is the rainiest season, but Christmas and New Years are still extremely busy.<\/p>\n<p>NOTE: The Inca Trail is CLOSED for the month of February every year<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Peru Tours\" href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/destination\/south-america\/peru\/\">See Peru Tours &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are ready to start planning your Machu Picchu trip, we have all the answers!\u00a0 Read on for the top 9 questions on traveling to Peru! How many DAYS does a trip to Machu Picchu take? What if I &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/2015\/03\/08\/9-questions-to-plan-your-trip-to-peru\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4781,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Top 9 Questions for Planning your Trip to Peru, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Galapagos, and more! http:\/\/wp.me\/p2Xxsg-1eU","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11,15,20,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inca-trail","category-machu-picchu","category-peru","category-travel-advice"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2Xxsg-1eU","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/peru-titicaca.jpg?fit=400%2C250&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4768"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8832,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4768\/revisions\/8832"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4781"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithinreach.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}