The Changing Face of Luxury Travel in Peru
THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU and TRAINS ACROSS THE ANDES
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous and popular trek in South America. It explores the high Andes on original Inca highways with a chance to visit extraordinary ruins, enjoy beautiful mountain views, walk through strikingly different climatic zones, and experience the ‘wow factor’ of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot.
“Back in the day” you could simply arrive into Cusco, the base for all trips to Machu Picchu and the Inca trail, buy a trail permit for $25 and away you went. You could take as long as you wanted, camp wherever you chose, carry your own gear, cook your own meals, and sadly, as many did, leave your mess wherever you wanted to.
While the physical trail is the same as today, the rules and regulations have evolved to keep the Inca Trail sustainable for future travellers.
Gone are the days of carrying everything on your back, combating the Andean thin air as you traversed the Andes. Now, porters assist with the heavy lifting and camp daily life, leaving you to take in the beautiful walk. These same porters and their head cooks/team leaders also prepare the meals, and set up and tear down the camp sites.
The trail is now pristine, as are the many ruins that dot the winding pathways en route to Machu Picchu. Camp sites are clean, permanent toilets abound, and the surrounding wildlife and fauna is just as it was when the Incas themselves walked these same paths.
Today, options to Machu Picchu include 5-star Belmond train services to the ruins, a 2-day “Baby Inca Trail” for those short on time or not up to the famous 4-day Trail or Goway’s recommended 5-day trail. But now, Goway is going one step further, taking the trail walk up a notch and being the FIRST to offer A Luxury Inca Trail option.
Still allowing guests the chance to physically challenge themselves as they take on the famous Dead Women’s Pass at 4200mts, and taking in the many smaller ruins en route to Machu Picchu, our Luxury option makes the evenings as memorable as the days. With large Bedouin style tents WITH BEDS, gourmet meals, crystal glasses to hold the champagne, and a massage service, there is no better way to push your body hard during the day and reward it at night.
All this is book-ended by deluxe hotels in Lima, Cusco, and at the end of your trek in Machu Picchu. It includes VIP service at Lima airport, and an attention to detail unprecedented in Latin America, ensuring ultimate luxury, even as you embrace this physically challenging Peru journey with Goway Travel!
With first-hand experience walking the trail, including all the options that trekking to Machu Picchu has on offer, Goway’s South America experts know that the Luxury Inca Trail option is the way to go.
Travel is not about the destination but about the journey. This will be a journey not soon topped, nor forgotten. But the journey doesn’t have to end there. Globetrotters can travel aboard the luxurious Peru Belmond Andean Explorer from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and onward to Arequipa. Travel on South America’s only luxury sleeper train, travelling between Cusco and Lake Titicaca and onto Arequipa, journeying across some of Peru’s most beautiful and picturesque landscapes in comfort and style. Passengers take one of the highest train journeys in the world, exploring the natural wonders of Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon en-route. With four available itineraries, it’s the best way to connect Cusco to Lake Titicaca (or the reverse) in 5-star luxury. Observation, Lounge, and Spa Cars offer the perfect places to unwind, combining modern comfort with traditional flourishes.
Choose from the 3-day Andean Plains & Islands from Arequipa via Lake Titicaca to Cusco; the 3-day Peruvian Highlands from Cusco, via Lake Titicaca to Arequipa in the high plains of the Andes mountains; the 2-day Spirit of the Waters from Cusco to Lake Titicaca; and the 2-day Spirit of the Andes from Lake Titicaca to Cusco.
Goway is the one stop shop for all things South America from budget to luxury, small ship cruises, pre and post cruise options, small group travel, group travel, adventure travel, honeymoons, luxurious experiences, and more.
To order your copy of the Central and South America Travel Planner please call 1-888-469 2955, email [email protected] or visit Goway.com
