Permits open in October. Select your preferred date and take advantage of our exclusive prices.
At Conde Travel, we are more than just a travel agency: we are authorized local tour operators who design and execute complete experiences to Machu Picchu and southern Peru. With our official permits, we directly operate iconic routes such as the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and the Inca Jungle, ensuring quality and safety every step of the way. In addition, we include all necessary services —flights, hotels, train tickets, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets— so you can enjoy a worry-free adventure with the confidence of traveling with an expert Cusco tour operator.
Explore iconic places like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley, and the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. Each destination offers a unique adventure waiting for you.
With over 15 years of experience as a trusted Cusco travel agency and tour operator, Conde Travel guarantees a seamless, safe, and unforgettable adventure through the Andes and the heart of the Inca Empire.
Machu Picchu, the Andes, and the Amazon are waiting. Book your tour today and start the journey of a lifetime.
We share our experiences, tips and travel stories to inspire and guide our readers in their own wanderlust adventures. From hidden gems to popular destinations, we showcase the beauty and diversity of the world, and promote responsible and sustainable travel.
Before embarking on your adventure through Peru, it is normal to have questions about the route, the weather, or how to prepare. That is why we have compiled the most frequently asked questions from travellers, along with clear explanations that will allow you to organise your trip safely and smoothly.
Conde Travel is a local tour operator authorized in Cusco that offers authentic and well-organized experiences. Here are some reasons why many travelers choose us:
Booking a tour with Conde Travel is quite simple. Just follow these steps:
If you prefer a more direct approach, you can also write to us on WhatsApp (+51 984 800 095) or by email (booking@conde.travel), and we will help you step by step.
Our team will advise you on availability, tour conditions, and any other details you need to know so that you can start your trip to Peru with complete peace of mind.
Yes, Conde Travel is an authorized operator of the Inca Trail by the Ministry of Culture. We have all the necessary licenses to operate this classic route to Machu Picchu, which guarantees a safe, responsible, and completely legal service.
If you want to check it out, you can review our official permits on our website, where we display all the certifications that endorse us as an authorized local tour operator.
To book the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, it is best to do so in advance, as spaces are limited. Before booking, consider the following:
The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic routes of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan. It is a network of trails with stone steps that connected different towns of the Inca Empire and today allows visitors to reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The 4-day Classic Inca Trail is the full version of the route. It starts at km 82 and allows you to visit archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna, each with its own history and breathtaking views. It is a longer and more demanding hike, ideal for travelers who want to experience the full trekking experience.
The Short Inca Trail, on the other hand, is a 2-day option that starts at km 104. It is much more accessible and is designed for travelers with less time or who prefer a lighter hike. In this version, you visit important sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, then continue straight to the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu.
The difficulty of the Inca Trail depends on the route you choose. The 4-day Classic Inca Trail is considered moderate to challenging, mainly due to the climbs, stone steps, and altitude, especially on the section to Abra Warmiwañusca, which reaches 4,215 meters above sea level (13,828 feet), the highest point on the route. No previous experience is required, but good physical condition and acclimatization are necessary.
The 2-day Short Inca Trail is much more accessible, with less elevation gain and a slower pace, so most travelers complete it without difficulty. Even so, it is advisable to be accustomed to walking and to maintain a steady pace.
Machu Picchu comes from two Quechua words: “Machu”, which means old, and “Picchu”, which translates as mountain or peak, so the name as a whole means “Old Mountain”.
This ancient Inca city was built in the 15th century and is notable for its stone temples, terraces, and viewpoints with breathtaking views of the valley. Today, it is one of the most visited destinations in Peru and one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Salkantay is the name of one of the most imposing mountains in the Vilcabamba mountain range, in the Cusco region. Its name comes from the Quechua word “Salqa,” which means untamed or wild, and refers to its strong and dominant presence in the Andean landscape. You can find important information about the Salkantay Trek by visiting All About Salkantay.
Two main operators travel to Machu Picchu, PeruRail and Inca Rail, and both offer different types of trains depending on the style of travel you are looking for. In general, there are three categories:
All of these trains arrive at the Aguas Calientes station, the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
The panoramic trains to Machu Picchu are services designed to allow passengers to better enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley during the trip. They have large windows and glass roofs, allowing passengers to appreciate the mountains, river, and vegetation throughout the journey.
The best-known models are the Vistadome (PeruRail) and the 360° (Inca Rail). Both offer a comfortable journey with open views, natural lighting, and, in some cases, snacks or additional entertainment.
These trains depart from the stations in Cusco, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo, depending on the season and availability. All of them arrive at the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.
Altitude sickness, also known as soroche, is a natural reaction of the body when you ascend rapidly to places above 2,400 meters above sea level. As Cusco is located at 3,400 meters, it is normal for some people to experience symptoms such as headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea.
To reduce the symptoms of soroche, it is important to acclimatize and take care of your body during the first few hours. There are a few things you can do to help prevent altitude sickness:
There are several routes to Machu Picchu, each offering a unique experience. The Inca Trail is the most popular option, as it is known for its history and also allows you to reach the citadel through the Sun Gate. On the other hand, the Salkantay Trek is the longest and most challenging alternative, ideal for those seeking adventure and high mountain landscapes. The Lares Trek, on the other hand, is a more leisurely and accessible hike, perfect for those who want to combine nature with a strong cultural focus.
The best hike will depend on your time, physical condition, and the type of experience you want to have.
To hike the Inca Trail, it is recommended that you be in moderate physical condition, especially given the characteristics of the route. The trail has long climbs, very steep stone stairs, and high-altitude sections, which increase the effort required compared to a typical hike.
One of the main reasons is the altitude: the most difficult place is the Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215 meters above sea level), where the air is thinner and the body requires more energy to adapt.
If you experience altitude sickness during the tour, the guide will take immediate action to help you. The first thing to do is to stop walking, rest, and monitor your symptoms. You will be offered oxygen, coca or muña tea, and your condition will be checked to see how you respond.
The guides are trained to handle these cases and know the route very well. If the symptoms are mild, they usually improve with rest and hydration. If the discomfort continues, the pace of the group will be adjusted or an early departure to a safe point will be coordinated, depending on the area of the route.
The most important thing is to notify the guide as soon as you feel a headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath, so that they can act quickly and prevent the symptoms from progressing.
Rainbow Mountain, known in Spanish as Montaña de Siete Colores or Vinicunca, is a mountain located in the Cusco region that stands out for its striking natural color stripes formed by minerals. Its unique appearance has made it one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Peru. You can find important information about Rainbow Mountain by visiting Todo Sobre Vinicunca.
If you return to the same hotel after the tour, you can leave your luggage there without any problems, as most hotels offer this service to their guests. Otherwise, we can store your bags in our office throughout the hike safely and at no extra cost.
Cusco is an Andean city with cold nights, sunny days, and very distinct seasons, so choosing the right time to travel can greatly enhance your experience.
The best time to visit the city and its surroundings is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, there is less rain, the weather is more stable, and conditions are ideal for hiking trails such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek.
The months of June to August have the most stable weather, although they are the busiest. During the rainy season (November to March), there are fewer tourists and the landscapes are very green, but rainfall can make some routes more challenging.
For the Salkantay Trek, it is important to bring clothing and accessories that allow you to adapt to both the cold mountain climate and the warmer jungle environment. Here are the essentials:
This list covers everything you need to walk comfortably and be prepared throughout the hike.
Ideally, you should arrive in Cusco at least two days before starting any trek, such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek. This allows you to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400 m above sea level), rest from your journey, and prepare without rushing. During this extra time, you can do light activities in the city, stay well hydrated, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Arriving early helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and ensures that you start your trek in the best possible condition.
The Inca Jungle is one of the most adventurous routes to Machu Picchu. This tour combines different activities such as cycling, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking. In addition, during the tour you can visit the hot springs of Cocalmayo, which makes the tour varied and dynamic.
Along the way, you will pass through areas of high jungle, warm climates, and local villages, enjoying landscapes that are completely different from those of traditional treks. It is an ideal option for those looking for a lighter, more fun experience with a touch of adventure before arriving at Machu Picchu.
Take advantage of our exclusive Black Friday offer and get up to 20% off on our most popular tours.
Need Help? Plan your Machu Picchu journey with us.
Send us your inquiries and get personalized guidance from our specialists to make your trip unforgettable.
Dare to experience the Inca Jungle Trek adventure, an alternative 4-day tour packed with adrenaline, history, and nature! This incredible tour combines rafting, trekking, biking, and zip-lining, all in one unparalleled adventure package. Explore recently discovered Inca trails, where archaeological remains connect you with the ancient history of the Incas. Dare to conquer the imposing […]
The 5-day Salkantay trek is one of the most renowned hiking routes in Cusco, considered the second most popular after the Inca Trail. This route combines breathtaking natural landscapes with a rich cultural heritage in an exceptional way. Along the way, you can admire majestic snow-capped mountains and a turquoise lagoon, known as Laguna Humantay, […]
A stunning 2-day tour that allows you to visit the main attractions around Ica! (Ballestas Islands, Huacachina and Nazca)
Embark on an Epic Journey, Exploring Peru's Wonders, One Adventure at a Go!
Ave. Ayahuayco O5
Cusco, Peru
booking@conde.travel
Travel Agency: +51 84-233613
Sales/Booking: +51 984 800 095
