Why Pura?
We have selected this holiday to be part of the Pura Handpicked holiday range as it perfectly reflects our values: active, comfortable and responsible.

The route you walk to Machu Picchu takes you through the full variety of mountain scenery in this area.

The lodges are wonderfully comfortable given how incredibly remote they are.

The entire operation is built around bringing income and employment to this remote part of the Peruvian Andes and this shows in the quality of the welcome you receive from your charming hosts.

We can help you with all of your holiday arrangements to Peru, including international flights (from the UK only), domestic flights, extensions and combinations with other destinations within Peru or to South America in general.

When should I go?
You can walk this route any time from March through to January. April to November is considered the best time with predominantly dry, sunny conditions during the day. Nights can be very cold at altitude.

How active?
TThe trail covers 39 miles over five days at high altitude. The going can be slow and fairly tough. You must be used to hill walking to enjoy the trail.

You can opt out of the walks on the first two days if you prefer and stay at the lodge but we do recommend you try the walks so that you get used to walking at altitude.

There are mules available on each day for you to ride if you get tired.

Day one is a six-hour walk to your first lodge. There is a steep uphill section at the beginning but the majority of the walk is flat along a canal.

Day two is a fairly challenging but short hike to a glacier lake

Day three is the hardest day as you go over the highest pass on the trail at 4,600m. The pace is slow with plenty of stops.

Day four is easy to moderate and downhill.

Day five is a long day (six hours) but mainly on the flat.

Day six starts with a fairly steep uphill and then ends with a steep downhill so it can be hard on the knees.

How comfortable?
The lodges are very comfortable 3* superior to 4*. Each room is en suite.

There are no baths in any of the lodges, just very good showers. Three of the lodges have outdoor hot tubs. The first lodge has 12 rooms and the rest have just six so when you set off on the hike you will just be with your group until the end.

The trek is fully portaged.

How independent?
Groups are no larger than 12 and are fully guided throughout.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.
To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. We use small, locally owned hotels and restaurants. We know the owners except in the large cities.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

We strictly adhere to the Porter Protection Policies which govern porters’ work in Peru.

In addition, all of the lodge staff are from the local surrounding villages and are given full training and support.

Each lodge is managed by a female manager which usually ensures a greater ‘trickle-down’ effect for the income received.

The lodges have been built in traditional Inca style using local materials.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Peru. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advice on Peru.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Peru. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Peru, by visiting its official government website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Peru, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advice, visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Peruvian Nuevo Sol currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

For the forecast in Peru, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Browse our Peru selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Peru by calling us for a quote or take a look at Kayak, Expedia and Opodo.