Best Machu Picchu Cruises 2023 & 2024

Table Of Content

• Days Cusco Machu Picchu - Humantay Lake And Rainbow Mountain
• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
• Visit the Legendary Incan Landmark on a Machu Picchu Cruise
• Touring Galapagos
• Receive our latest offers, news & travel inspiration
• Private Tour Add-Ons
• Hiking The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
• What is there to do in Aguas Calientes besides visit Machu Picchu?

There are also high-end restaurants inside the two luxury hotels, Inkaterra and Sumaq, which are open to non-guests. More low-key traveler favorites include Restaurante Indio Feliz, serving up French-Peruvian dishes, and Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant, where you can pair local specialties with craft beer from all over the country. For a different kind of Peru experience, some tour operators combine a visit to the iconic site with other activities or less-trodden routes to equally impressive sights in the Peruvian highlands.

Days Cusco Machu Picchu - Humantay Lake And Rainbow Mountain

If you do the Inca Trail with Intrepid, our adventure consultants secure your permit for you so you can focus on getting excited – just make sure you have your passport details handy at the time of booking. Everyone hiking to Machu Picchu via the iconic Inca Trail or the shorter Inca Trail Express requires a permit. You don't need a permit to trek via the Quarry or Choquequirao trails. But be aware, trekking to Machu Picchu involves walking up and down several steep stairs, ramps and terraces at various altitudes, which can be strenuous.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Travelers who require sticks or poles for mobility can bring them in but only with protective rubber tips over the ends. During your visit, make sure you have some spare cash (small bills and coins) in your pocket because you will need them to access the only bathroom at the site entrance. You will also need your passport to get into Machu Picchu, which means that to use the bathroom or grab food you should have your passport ready.

Visit the Legendary Incan Landmark on a Machu Picchu Cruise

You’ll tour Ollantaytambo and the Pablo Seminario workshop, then lunch at Wayra Ranch- a feast led by the prominent Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nacho Solis. During your meal, delight in stunning equestrian Peruvian Paso horse entertainment and marinera music. As a whole, Aguas Calientes isn't exactly on the cutting edge of Peruvian cuisine. Pachacutec and you'll find low-key eateries and bars, some serving a selection of Peru's growing crop of craft beers.

Touring Galapagos

Overnighting at this stylish retreat lets you beat the citadel's mass crowds. This 5-star hotel also offers a range of welcome amenities for the weary traveler, such as Incan spa rituals to nourish your spirit and soothe your weary muscles after a day hiking around the citadel. Later, you'll transfer to the airport in Iquitos and board a connecting flight to Cusco.

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Windstar charts its first South America cruises plus add-on tours.

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Instead, they utilized simple materials such as stone, wood, and bronze. Rows of terraces were also constructed along the mountainsides for support. Without them, Machu Picchu would have tumbled down, unable to withstand centuries existing in a region prone to earthquakes and annual heavy rain. When you set foot aboard our 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos Islands, be prepared for an experience like no other. A Celebrity representative will be on hand to assist with all your transfers. Travelers in wheelchairs can access the Peruvian world wonder with the help of tour companies like Wheel the World, which designed the first-ever wheelchair-accessible tour of Machu Picchu.

Private Tour Add-Ons

You’ll also visit top sites in Cusco and another Incan site called the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. During this unique shore excursion, you’ll stay in 5-star accommodations in Cusco. The first visitors to the Galapagos Islands were Native Americans from mainland South America.

Hiking The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley

After lunch, visit the Pablo Seminario workshop, showcasing utilitarian and artistic objects. Day 6 Cusco / Lima / SantiagoThis morning fly back to Lima for a panoramic tour of the city. A breathtaking, historical sight, Machu Picchu is one of the “must-see” archeological sites in the world. This remarkable Inkan Empire site was never found by the Spaniards and was rediscovered during the 20th century. While many mysteries still surround it, Machu Picchu tells a story of a history that goes back thousands of years. Following your day at Machu Picchu, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a motor coach will take you to the Palacio del Inka hotel in Cusco.

What is there to do in Aguas Calientes besides visit Machu Picchu?

Travelers interested in archaeology should consider the Choquequirao trek with a Machu Picchu extension. This itinerary includes spectacular (but very tough) hiking in the steep Apurimac Canyon and exploration of the Choquequirao archaeological site before arriving in Aguas Calientes and then exploring Machu Picchu. Our leaders are specifically prohibited from assisting you in visiting Wayna Picchu. We endeavor to purchase your permit within two working days of receiving all necessary information.

Settle in to your oceanview room and take the rest of this day to relax and enjoy as you wish. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel right next to the ruins, but this privileged location comes with a high price tag for rooms. There is a much wider selection of Machu Picchu hotels down in Aguas Calientes where most travelers spend overnight at Machu Picchu.

Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination. The history of Peru (before the Inca era) as we know it today has been uncovered, in large part, through large archaeological excavation endeavors. Advanced hunting tools and well-planned irrigation systems lead many to believe that these early colonies were cutting-edge, organized, and well-established. In 2012, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) went into effect.

For example, in the evenings relish fresh seafood at a family-run eatery then go for a sunset walk on Isabela’s beach and observe marine iguanas crawling out of the ocean onto the pristine white sand. During the day, active explorers might opt for sea kayaking, hiking on a dormant volcano, or mountain biking among coastal mangroves. Our Galapagos and Machu Picchu packages start in Quito, where you will fly out to the wildlife-rich archipelago. You can explore the islands on a Galapagos cruise, or on one of our Galapagos land based tours, where you will spend your nights on the islands in boutique eco-lodges.

You could hike through cloud forests along the classic Inca Trail, fulfill your Andes experience on the Quarry Trail or challenge yourself on the Choquequirao trek – it's up to you. Our local leaders will keep you safe, informed and inspired every step of the way. In addition to traveling to Machu Picchu during a multi-day excursion, you’ll spend time in Cusco, a handsome city often used as the jumping-off point for travelers visiting the ruins. Cusco also has delicious restaurants, vibrant squares, and great shopping. From June to November, the cooler Humboldt Current runs up the west coast of South America carrying rich oceanic upwellings from Antarctica that stimulate the breeding season for sea lions and sea birds.

The Inca empire enjoyed its rule over Ecuador until the mid 1500’s when Spanish forces took the land in yet another series of bloody battles that ultimately led to the total conquering of Ecuadorian peoples. A period of enslavement ensued, and Spanish rulers continued to profit from the work of Ecuadorian citizens until major worldwide financial depressions caused economic downfall in the period between 1700 and 1800. Enhance your travels through Peru and South America with our 3-day Private Tour and discover the indigenous communities and spellbinding beauty of Lake Titicaca. We include chauffeured airport transfers and a full-day guided excursion across the Lake.

Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada. Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents.

Its charm and comfort will offer you the perfect home for your exploration of the city. The cruise is round trip from San Antonio, Chile, and the Machu Picchu add-on is priced separately. Several 16-day Celebrity cruises to Galapagos and Machu Picchu combine 10 days' exploration of the Galapagos Islands with six days in Lima and the Sacred Valley. Pisco and Lima are the cruise ports that provide excursions to Machu Picchu.

Celebrity Xploration 16-night Southern Loop cruise with Machu Picchu, Peru Galapagos

Table Of Content

• Trip Itinerary at a Glance
• My 4 Hiking Options at Machu Picchu
• Other Regions in Peru
• Amazon Lodges of Peru
• Machu Picchu & Galapagos Travel Guide and Tours

Political instability continued through the late 19th century and culminated in the War of a Thousand Days which began in 1899 and resulted in the death of nearly 120,000 people. A historically infamous city, Medellin is now gaining attention for its incredible rebirth and inventiveness. Colombia’s second-largest city even beat cities like New York and Tel Aviv to be awarded “World’s Most Innovative City” in 2013. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, the area boasts pleasant temperatures year-round and supports lush botanical gardens in its picturesque location in the Aburrá Valley. This vibrant city is filled with public art, modernist architecture, and impressive museums, but the party really starts when the sun goes down and rhythms of Colombian Salsa and Vallenato music fill the air.

Trip Itinerary at a Glance

No matter what region you will visit during your stay, make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in before your trip to ensure comfort throughout your visit. The Incas were ruthless in their pursuit of power over Ecuadorian land and many lives were lost defending the area – to no avail. Quechua, an Inca language still widely spoken in Ecuador was introduced to natives at this time and many great buildings and cities were built throughout the region.

My 4 Hiking Options at Machu Picchu

With our expert naturalists, you’ll explore the best landing sites in the Eastern Galapagos - home to remarkable flora and fauna. Over 1.5 million people visited Machu Picchu in 2019 and the ruins are without a doubt the country’s most famous tourist attraction. In 2017, new visitor guidelines for Machu Picchu were put into effect to protect the UNESCO site and today only 2,500 people with official tickets can enter the site each day.

Other Regions in Peru

However, researchers can agree that the construction of Machu Picchu likely began around 1450 AD under the reign of Inca king Pachacutec, which makes the once-city now-famous archaeological site about 570 years old. This elevation is significantly lower than Cusco (by about 3,300 ft or 1,000 m), but altitude sickness is nonetheless a possibility when visiting Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Many people only experience mild symptoms such as headache and shortness of breath, which usually subside within a day or two. Routes 1 and 2 (indicated in green and red on the map) pass similar attractions but explore different sections of the agricultural zone near the main entrance gate.

Machu Picchu Adventure

Today you will explore the heartland of the Inka Empire, known as the Sacred Valley. Your guide will take you to Moray and Ollantaytambo, two historic sights of significant importance. You’ll experience the unique way of living in the Sacred Valley as you meet locals. We finish the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the small villages nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu.

On a South America cruise that sails to Peru, strategically planned ports of call in Lima with multiple overnights offer you the opportunity to do a land excursion to Machu Picchu. In addition, Machu Picchu can be visited as part of our Galapagos Islands cruise vacations. Take a cruise through the Galapagos Islands in one of our Galapagos first class boats, yachts, and catamarans such as the Galapagos Archipell I Catamaran, Millennium Catamaran, Eric, Letty and Flamingo, and more. First-class level cruises offer an excellent combination of value for your money and quality. Relax on the sun deck and soak in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley

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This Week in Cruise: More Ships, New Voyages, Trade Updates.

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Although rated moderate, the relentless uphill (and downhill) hiking is tough - the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it. Your guide will share stories about the Inka civilization, the site’s discovery, and all the theories surrounding this spectacular piece of history. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch at the famous Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas... Before heading to the ship to begin sailing, a local guide will take you on a captivating tour through the Belen market. This busting market is a unique and vibrant place, and our guided tour allows you to explore its lively atmosphere while interacting with locals.

When to Visit Ecuador

For your convenience, they will provide an entry voucher to the airport VIP lounge in Quito. Upon your arrival in Lima, and clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be greeted by a Celebrity Cruises representative at the airport. None of our trips visit Machu Picchu this way, as we believe it doesn’t allow enough time to explore (and really enjoy) the site and the Sacred Valley area.

Other welcome features include a spa/wellness center and a rooftop pool where you can relax after a long flight in a sun lounger. There are many dining options at the hotel, including the acclaimed Tragaluz restaurant, serving innovative Peruvian/international cuisine. On the first day of your journey, you’ll be greeted at the airport by a Celebrity Cruises® representative and transferred to the JW Marriott hotel. Day 3 Sacred ValleyThis morning, head to the towns of Ollantaytambo & Chincheros for sightseeing.

Construction for Machu Picchu began at the height of the Inca Empire around 1450 AD. Most scholars agree the mountaintop city was the royal estate of Pachacutec, the powerful 9th king. Others speculate it was a sacred center where the great political, religious, and economic minds of the Inca Empire gathered. Only a few places in the world possess the kind of natural beauty and historic charisma that can capture the hearts and minds of visitors in an instant.

The peak travel season for tourists runs from June through September and from December through January – although stable weather patterns create a friendly environment for visitors throughout the year. There are four major climate zones in Ecuador, so tourists are able to plan travel around the current climate of each zone. This colorful city was once the capital of the Incan empire and remains a cultural hotspot to this day.

Many hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer free luggage storage, where you can leave a separate bag filled with belongings you won’t need for this leg of your trip. Before the construction of Machu Picchu began, they surveyed the mountaintop site. They built canals to carry freshwater to different sectors of the city. Incredibly, the Inca didn’t use steel or iron tools, nor the wheel, to make the temples, living quarters, and stone steps.

All our guides are certified local tour guides and trained in-house on Intrepid Safety Policies. Each trekking guide also receives exclusive Intrepid training, provided by mountain rescue experts in the field. Your guide will walk you from the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport hotel to the Lima International Airport check-in. Abundant in beautiful handicrafts and antique stores, San Blas is a vibrant neighborhood.

You can also climb to the peak of Machu Picchu, but this too requires a separate ticket (Macchupicchu Mountain + Circuit 3) and good knees. Although it was open in the past, you will also need a separate ticket to make the short walk to the Inca Bridge (Circuit 1 or 2 + Inka Bridge). It's less than an hour round trip along a mostly flat trail to check out a precarious trail, now closed, which the Incas built along a rock face. The newest route, as of 2021, to Huchyu Picchu (Circuit 4 + Huchuypicchu Mountain) is also available with a separate ticket.

Before you book, carefully look at the circuits and see which landmarks they include. Every year, millions of people visit the imposing and mysterious Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. But getting to the massive agricultural terraces, intricate stone constructions, and epic hilltop views of this UNESCO World Heritage site isn't cheap, and it involves some trickier-than-usual logistics. Here's how to expertly navigate your way to Peru's most famous destination, plus our top tips for enjoying your visits to the nearby cities of Cusco and Aguas Calientes on your way. During the ride, you'll enjoy first-class service as you marvel at views of the Urubamba River and Andes peaks through the windows. You can spend the journey in the train's observatory bar car, sipping a smart cocktail like a pisco sour before sitting down to a gourmet three-course lunch.