7-Day: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour

Valencia Travel in Peru provided my wife and me with the most spectacular trip that we could have imagined. Every aspect of the adventure far exceeded our hopes and expectations. We have transitioned from having a reluctance to travel south of the equator to having a motivation to learn Spanish and planning annual trips to South America. We were attracted to Valencia Travel because of their itineraries – both in content and schedule. Their prices are also very appealing. Vivian was extremely responsive, attentive, and accommodating. We were the only two to sign up for this trip circumnavigating Ausangate between 14,000 and 17,000 feet for six days and five nights. We hiked close to forty miles and gained around 10,000 feet in elevation during this trek. Nico is a truly professional guide who could not have been more pleasant, knowledgeable, and prepared for our expedition. Nico was born and raised in the Peruvian mountains, and he loves what he does. Nico has received advanced career education and speaks three languages – his natural Quecha, Spanish, and English. He is very much in tune with what his clients require and desire. Our entourage included a chef, assistant chef, two “horsemen” (all natives of the local mountains) and five horses. We honestly believe that most vendors would have cancelled a trip of this nature since we were the only two that signed up. It is a strenuous trek and not preferred by most casual hikers. It was also a bit chilly (mostly 30's and 40's) but the nonstop views made every step more than worthwhile. The horses carried all our gear. We toted small day packs for whatever personal items we wanted with us while hiking and for storing our layers of clothing which were continually shed or donned. The porters (horsemen) set up our tents and inflated our air mattresses (we brought our own sleeping bags and pillows but rented Valencia’s air mattresses). Each day the porters and cooks met us at camp with hot coca tea and a complete campsite – including our private portable outhouse. The food was freshly prepared for each meal and was nutritious and delicious. We had fresh soup at every meal and the main courses rivaled any high-end restaurant. Vegetables and fruit were abundant at every meal. Valencia provided us with filtered and boiled water, snacks, hot water bottles for our sleeping bags, tea at wake-up call and upon completing the daily hike . . . and prior to every meal. They also provided water pans and soap for cleaning up before meals and one of the porters stood by with drying towels for us. The chef served fresh and hot food, and he made accommodations for dietary restrictions. The morning that we awoke at 4:00 am to hike to Rainbow Mountain (it was a high mileage day and we wanted to get there and back before the tourist crowd that motored up the other side of the mountain from Cusco showed up) we were given the option of riding by horseback up the two steep and long grades that comprised perhaps 10 percent of that trail. We accepted the offer. The air is thin at 16,000 feet and a full day of hiking up and down not-insignificant elevations is demanding. This itinerary included five incomparably enjoyable nights camping and four nights in the finest hotels – which truly were beautiful, quiet, and comfortable. The trip included all ground transportation – which is important since we covered quite a few miles between Cusco, the trail head, and Machu Picchu. The van was new and relaxing. The two train rides were right on time and pleasurable. Nico accompanied us to a whatever side excursion we wanted during our itinerary for access to the finest local food and authentic Peruvian goods. We learned a great deal about the culture and history of Peru and the Inca civilization. At the risk of using a cliché I truly cannot say enough about the quality of Valencia Travel – they are genuine pros who do not omit a single detail. We have embarked on numerous hiking, biking, rafting and ski adventures . . . we rank this trip at the top.

Valencia Travel provided exceptional service at every level. From booking to hand off at airport security for departure they were there to help with anything you needed. Couldn't have asked for more and wouldn't go with anyone else. On the hike, our guide Frank, chef Freddy and all of the porters were exceptional. Our group was slow on the descents but the team was with us every step of the way. Machu Picchu......what more can you say. The place is amazing. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and it was made better by the hike and the exceptional team of people that made it all happen.

Hiking the Inca Trail with our amazing guide, Wilbert Ramos, was an unforgettable experience! I feel like we won the lottery with our guide, Wilbert. He was so knowledgeable about the Incas and the trail. Wilbert has so much experience as a guide, he was able to make the trip enjoyable for the entire group. He could tell when someone needed a little break and would stop to teach us about the foliage or birds we were seeing. His positive spirit was contagious and his confidence in our abilities made us feel great! Wilbert also knew every good stopping place and all the secret best photo locations. His timing was perfect, allowing us to arrive at key locations before other groups. Our small group was able to spend quite time exploring beautiful ruins. One highlight from day two: after lunch, we were making our second ascent of the day and we were all very tired. It was the longest and most challenging day. As we climbed a tough section, Wilbert started playing his flute. His music echoed through the trail. He changed a challenging and emotionally draining moment into one of the best parts of the trek. The group’s spirits were lifted and we finished the day feeling accomplished and grateful. It was a magical moment that I will never forget. The food was also abundant and amazing. Every meal was delicious! Our cook, Mario, created amazing food and his presentation was beautiful! I am still amazed at how he did that, while carrying all the supplies and with minimal equipment! I chose to add an extra day in Cusco because I was worried about the altitude. Valencia made the addition very simple. If I would change anything, I would add some of the day trips to my time in Cusco. We explored on our own, but there is a lot to do and a guided tour would have been fun. If you want to do the Inca Trail, I recommend Valencia Travel and you should request Wilbert as your guide. The altitude is no joke, so I recommend an extra night in Cusco or getting prescription medication. I have been dreaming of Machu Picchu for 30 years and this trip exceeded my expectations!