Traveler Blogs:
Clients Blogging About AE
The best way to understand the experience of travelling with Alpaca is reading and watching what others have experienced with us. Enjoy some of the best blogs and videos created by our amazing clients showcasing their time with the Green Machine.
INCA TRAIL
Review of the Classic Inca Trail (with Alpaca Expeditions)
Last summer we did the Classic Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions. It was an amazing experience! As we navigated the ancient paths that once echoed with the footsteps of the Inca civilization, the ...
- Written by: Alexander & Laura
Epic Inca Trail Adventure to Machu Picchu
As you gear up for the epic journey that is the Inca Trail, you’re on the brink of an extraordinary adventure that blends history, nature, and a touch of personal magic. Imagine walking in the fo...
- Written by: Czarina Catambing
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This is a post some twenty years in the making. So many of us, I think, have seen a photo of Machu Picchu and thought, “Wow! I wanna go there.” I know I did, and for a couple of decades I let t...
- Written by: KRYSTOF LITOMISKY
Your Complete Guide to the Traditional Inca Trail (+ Best Tour)
The Traditional Inca Trail trek through the Andean peaks of Peru needs to be on every traveler’s bucketlist. Embarking on a high-altitude hike through some of the most scenic swathes of Peruvian ...
- Written by: Beyond the Bucketlist
Machu Picchu Hike & Trek Guide
How do you hike Machu Picchu and do a multiple day trek? It can be very overwhelming and the simplest solution honestly is to hire a tour company.
I will give a ton of tips on how to do it y...
- Written by: inspiretraveleat
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike: A Complete Guide
Congratulations! Have you decided to visit the majestic Machu Picchu via the famous Inca Trail? This is definitely one of the most popular thing to do in South America. Sounds like a big adventure;...
- Written by: nomadsunveiled
Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Of all the trips and countries I have visited in my life, it was my time hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that is without a doubt my most memorable. The spectacular ruins, the friendly...
- Written by: Travel-R
Hiking The Classic Incan Trail 4 Days 3 Nights
Day 1: This is our first day hiking the Classic Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. We had an early wake up call at 3:35am to be ready for our 4am bus pickup.
Day 2: Today was the longest and most d...
- Written by: Jenn and Elliot at An Urban Journey
Inca Trail: Once in a Lifetime Experience
Inca Trail seemed a surprising travel destination for us. Although we are very active and fairly fit physically, we are not hikers, and never campers. The idea of sleeping in a tent on the ground w...
- Written by: Alper & Cynthia at Our True Life
Photoblog: Hiking the Inca Trail
Traveling to Peru to hike the Inca Trail has hands down been my favorite trip. Two of my friends (Samantha & Reagan) and I spent several months making plans to spend spring break 2018 in Peru. ...
- Written by: Jordan Boom at Boom Time
The Ultimate Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Hike Guide - An Alpaca Expeditions Review
So you’ve decided you want to hike the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu. You’re excited as heck and you may have even booked your flight there but when it comes time to plan it all, you’re utt...
- Written by: Will Tang at Going Awesome Places
10 Reasons You Should Hike the Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions
When you first decide to hike the Inca Trail you’re going to have a lot to do and a lot of decisions to make! First and foremost, I recommend picking the tour company you’re going to go with. I...
- Written by: Daisy Rae at Daisy Rae Travel
Checkfront Travels: A Culinary Experience in Machu Picchu
Checkfront Travels is a new series on the blog where our team members tell stories about their various adventures abroad. In this article, Scott shares with you his experience trekking to Machu Pic...
- Written by: Scott Reid at CheckFront
A Four-Day Hike On The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Last week, I returned from a four-day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu, an excursion my friend and I had been planning for over a year. Stone stair cases, high altitude passes, Incan history: The tr...
- Written by: Lee Wagner at Kale Life
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If our trip to South America was a book, some sort of road trip adventure with a narrative arc, then the Inca Trail would probably be the climactic chapter. That’s the way we had both built i...
- Written by: Tom O'Hara at Not There
All You Need to Know About Hiking the Inca Trail
Have you heard me say enough times yet that hiking the Inca Trail is an incredible e...
- Written by: Rowena at A Nomad on the Loose
Alpaca Expeditions: The Good, The Bad And the Ugly
So, you want to hike to Machu Picchu? Good choice. Taking a train or hiring a car is for bums, and you’re more interested in working out your bum instead. Hiking to Machu Picchu is the only way t...
- Written by: Michael Castillo at Passport Therapy
Your Guide on Hiking Machu Picchu
As one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu offers Incan ruins and unbeatable views, all set to the backdrop of the Andes Mountains with the Urubamba River tumbling below. I...
- Written by: Heesun at Me Want to Travel
Worth The Blisters
Our wake up call was early, 3:30am. We rolled out of bed, threw the last of our gear together and headed out the door to meet Joaquin and our driver. Before long we had ascended out of Cusco and we...
- Written by: SKristopher at Worth the Blisters
Machu Picchu, Peru, Travels Inca Trail, Peru
Definitely not an easy trek at all those high elevations and all that up and down (or as our guide Yoel likes to call them “Inca Flats”). With Alpaca Expeditions, we didn’t have to worry abou...
- Written by: TravelGirl6 at Vacation Travel Log
On the Inca Trail with Chef “Super” Mario
There was a vibrant yellow tablemat that caught my eye as I entered the green dining tent. Made of alpaca fiber, it had Inca designs woven into it in red, green, and blue, which were a perfect cont...
- Written by: Livecook at Four Letter Word
Inca Trail: By the Senses
I turned 40 in September. So far, forty is most certainly fabulous. In addition to running the NYC Marathon at the beginning of November, my husband and I celebrated this milestone birthday wit...
- Written by: Karen at On Balance
Hiking the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Jackson and I had already been traveling for 2 and a half months before we arrived in Cusco, Peru. It was exciting to meet up with everyone, although immediately we encountered problems…
...- Written by: Anne Hoang at AnneHoang.com.au
Inca Trail 2013
Last year October, I completed an adventure of a lifetime: The Inca Trail. When I first signed up for it (a few months beforehand) with my friends, I had already some doubts in managing it and ...
- Written by: Wendy at Run, Wendy, Run!
Anmol, Do You Have My Phone?
Even as the question came out of my mouth, I knew the answer. He didn’t have it. It was sitting on the roof of an outhouse all the way back up the trail we had just climbed down. And this wasn’...
- Written by: Wendy at Run, Wendy, Run!
Anmol, Do You Have My Phone?
Even as the question came out of my mouth, I knew the answer. He didn’t have it. It was sitting on the roof of an outhouse all the way back up the trail we had just climbed down. And this wasn’...
- Written by: Star Vanamali at NomadforEachOther
Day 3 Inca Trail
Today was a sheer delight, with walks through beautiful jungle, amazing mountain vistas, and more ruins. Although we were awakened at 5:30 am to frost covered ground, the dining tent was toasty war...
- Written by: Arlene Geres at Arlene Geres Counselling
Cuzco & the Inca Trail
When most relationships become serious couples talk about getting married and having babies. At that stage of our relationship, the discussions were about getting married and hiking the Inca Trail ...
- Written by: Cindy & Sam at Backpacks, Buses & Burpees
El Camino de Inca
After 3 long days of walking and a very early start on the fourth, the “champions team” – as we were very aptly named by our guide, Valentin from Alpaca Expeditions – wa...
- Written by: Sarah Lambert at Two Brits Abroad
The Sacred Valley: Incredible Inca Trail, Marvellous Machu Picchu and Awesome Ollantaytambo
Hiking the Inca trail is different to other treks to Machu Picchu (MP) namely because you are following almost exactly the same route the Incas walked 400 years ago on their way from Cusco to MP. D...
- Written by: Michael Finch at The Amazing Americas
Alpaca Expeditions Full Review – Inca Trail Hike
Following all the advice we had been given regarding the Inca Trail, we decided to book way in advance to avoid disappointment. After much debate, the company we have finally settled on for the Inc...
- Written by: Michael Finch at The Amazing Americas
In Pictures: The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the world and also a top traveller’s destination. Visitors to Peru brave the often grueling high alpine four-day trek through cloud forests, jun...
- Written by: Unknown Source at Global Grasshopper
SALKANTAY TREK
The Best Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
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- Written by: Written by Diana & Hope
The Best Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
That’s why I would argue that the best way to see Machu Picchu is by taking a multi-day trek there. While most opt for the Inca Trail, this overcrowded trail isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for the best alternative trek to Machu Picchu, opt for the Salkantay Trek with Alpaca Expeditions…
- Written by: Diana Chen at MVMT Blog
A Beautiful Hike to Machu Picchu, Peru
Salkantay Trek is no longer an overlooked brother of Inca Trail (how it can even be when the National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine named it among the 25 best treks in the world!) and definitely not only an alternative for those who don’t have enough money or who cannot plan their holiday several months in advance to make a reservation for the more traditional hike.
- Written by: LAIDBACK TRIP
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expedition
On October 2017, we visited Peru for the first time. Our time on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expeditions opened our eyes to the vast beauty of the Andes. We crossed the Salkantay pass at 4,600 m, walked through cloud forests, and slept in camp sites surrounded by mountains. The experience was more than I ever expected.
- Written by: Millie at Amateurist Advice
Category: Salkantay and Ausangate with Alpaca Expeditions
Read a number of entries for multi-day treks! Includes video posts, pictures, and entries filled with valuable information. Thank you to contributors for sharing.
- Written by: Various Sources at Trail to Peak
The ABCs of Salkantay
Literally: an A-Z review of Laura’s experience hiking Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expeditions. Spoiler alert… we steal the “A” slot quite well!
- Written by: Laura at Mein Koffer ist Voll
The Trek Less Traveled
We are safe and sound in Bolivia, after an absolutely amazing time in Peru. Almost a week ago we were on our way to begin our five-day trek to Machu Picchu. We chose the path less traveled- the Salkantay Trek vs the classic Incan Trail, and we were glad that we did. The trek, to our surprise, ended up being just
- Written by: Mallory at Three to Tango
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Alpaca Expeditions
This is our group that set out at 4.25am from Cusco to tackle the Salkantay Pass and onwards to Machu Picchu. Silvio, our guide, unfortunately is not in the picture but he, at times, literally dragged us up and down the mountains and to him we all owe a special thanks. Also a huge thanks to everyone at Alpaca Expeditions who were.
- Written by: Nick at Clear Out, Clear Off
Salkantay Trek to Take Us to Machu Picchu
With the Inca trail passes selling out months in advance and our lack of forward planning throughout our trip, we chose the popular alternative Salkantay trek to take us to Machu Picchu. Day 1 and we were picked up at 4:30 in the morning by our guide Efra and taken on a sleepy 3-hour.
- Written by: Karly and Will at Here where We Are
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Peru is a country of rich cultural history, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. If you’re like me then your interest in visiting Peru likely stemmed from wanting to explore the Modern World Wonder of Machu Picchu.
- Written by: Wes Mergard
LARES TREK
Hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Just over a month ago I got to cross off a major item on my bucket list and one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu! If you’re reading this I’d imagine you might be planning your own trip to Machu Picchu, and are wondering what’s the best way to get there. Well, the truth is getting to Machu Picchu is not so straight-forward and will require a bit of planning. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it!
Written by: Donna at Life Over Stuff
Lares Trek
Henry our guide from Alpaca Expeditions meets us at our hotel for our Lares trek briefing the night before. It is a private trek with only the two of us. We are not trekking to Machu Picchu so will do the typical Lares trek in reverse. This way the trek ends at the hot springs in Lares.
Written by: Ray & Sue at Travel and Wildlife Photography
Navel of the World
Nestled between the city of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Lares Valley is an unforgettable trek through the Peruvian Andes. Passing through small Quechua farming and weaving villages, it offers a rare and colorful insight into traditional Andean Life. Being welcomed by the friendly and curious children in the village of Huaca Wasi is an experience I will cherish.
Written by: Irena via Vimeo
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - Is This Peruvian Hike for You?
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the alternative hiking routes to the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail actually books up at least six months in advance and only a certain amount of passes are available each day, therefore, the Lares is a great alternative for those who are less committed to a trek date (like ourselves, Gemma and Craig).
Written by: Gemma and Craig at Two Scots Abroad
Hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
Just over a month ago I got to cross off a major item on my bucket list and one of the Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu! If you’re reading this I’d imagine you might be planning your own trip to Machu Picchu, and are wondering what’s the best way to get there. Well, the truth is getting to Machu Picchu is not so straight-forward and will require a bit of planning. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it!
Written by: Life Over Stuff
HUCHUY QOSQO
The Pinnacle of South America – Machu Picchu
Hailed as the number one must see attraction in the whole of South America, Machu Picchu was somewhere that we both were super excited about visiting. For those of you that are not too familiar with Machu Picchu (and I’m sure there are not too many of you!), it is a 15th century Inca site that…
Written by: Florence Murphy at Next Stop Who Knows
Huchuy Qosco, The Alternative Inca Trail
Doing this trail was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life (both figuratively and literally – You try walking uphill with the altitude change!). Seeing Machu Picchu is something I’ve wanted to do for so so long, so I wanted to make sure I got as much as I could out of it.
Written by: Teffy at Sprinkle of Green
SACRED VALLEY
Sacred Valley, Peru
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located close to Cusco making it a great sightseeing day-trip. The Sacred Valley was part of the Inka empire and today the region still has archaeological sites at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray. Since we were going with Alpaca Expeditions for our Inca Trail 4D/3N tour…
Written by: TravelGirl6 at Vacation Travel Log
AUSANGATE
Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is a 43 mile backpacking trip that runs through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Andes. Read a number of entries on this experience.
Written by: Various Sources at Trail to Peak
Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
