Backroads Machu Picchu
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“OneSeed made my dream of visiting the Sacred Valley one of the best experiences of my life! Our guide, Domingo, was welcoming, knowledgeable, approachable, and had a great sense of humor! He made our expedition feel like we were safe and well taken care of at all times.”
“I wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip with One Seed again and would definitely recommend your tours to friends and family! Keep up the good work bringing people together for such quality experiences.”
“OneSeed provided the most amazing experience for our group. Everyone was very encouraging and supportive of what we needed and provided the most amazing food every day. It was a beautiful, cultural experience and I think it could not have been done without the teamwork shown by the crew, we truly felt like a family.”
Read More Reviews
packing list
WHAT TO BRING
You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Any luggage not needed on the trail can be left at the hotel in Cusco during your expedition. See current weather conditions for Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru.
Packing System: This expedition includes pack animals for bag transport. You are only responsible for carrying a daypack. A duffle bag will be provided for your carried bag. The 15 lb weight limit for porter transport should include your sleeping bag.
Carried bag weight limit: 15 lbs / 7 kg
Rentals Available:
Sleeping Bag - $45 USD
Trekking Poles - $25 USD
Must be confirmed no later than 1 week prior to expedition start date (contact us to confirm)
Don't forget
We need you to have everything on the list below for our expedition to go smoothly, so there is no one item that is more important than another. Double-check your entire list and make sure to have/review these important items below.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Peru.
Medical insurance card
Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need.
Required Vaccinations
It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. Check the CDC's recommendations for Peru here.
The List (check it twice)
Trekking Gear
Change of clothes for Cusco - to be kept in storage during expedition
Down jacket
Fleece jacket or vest
Synthetic hiking pants (zip-away shorts are a great option)
Rain Jacket
Waterproof Pant
Synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
Synthetic T-shirt
Wool or synthetic hat
Gloves
Waterproof hiking boots
Nylon-wool blend socks (3)
Sandals (for walking around the camp in the evening)
Day pack
Duffle bag to be carried by mules (provided by OneSeed)
Water bottles (1-2 to carry 2 liters)
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Quick-dry towel
Personal toiletries and medicine
Sleeping bag (10º F)
Toilet paper in ziplock bag
Ditty Bag and extra ziplock baggies for toilet paper waste on the trail
Insect repellent
Bathing suit
Documents and Logistics
International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
Passport valid for 6 months after arrival date (to be carried at all times)
Photocopy of passport
Medical insurance card
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills
Other (optional)
Reading material for the trail
Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
Collapsible hiking poles (recommended – may be rented in Cusco)
Hotel reservations for extended time in Cusco (if applicable)
Guidebooks
Camera
Zip-lock bags for waterproofing passport and other valuables
Terrain
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and a great time of year to travel. In the shoulder months (April and October) the weather can still be be nice but a bit more unpredictable. The Peruvian summer (December – March) is warmer, but is also the wettest season with frequent heavy showers. The route taken for Backroads Machu Picchu typically sees less precipitation and can be trekked year-round. Rain is common throughout the year in Peru, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Machu Picchu is almost 8,000 feet above sea level and like any high altitude trek, the sun is very powerful during the day and the evenings cool down a great deal. Layers are essential in this climate to keep you prepared for the fast changing weather.
ELEVATION PROFILE
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?
If you arrive/depart at any time on the scheduled start/end dates of your trip (Day 1 and Day 7), OneSeed will arrange for airport or bus station transfers. If you plan to arrive before the scheduled start date or stay past the end date of your trip, you will need to coordinate your own airport transfer or purchase a trip extension through OneSeed.
Do I need a visa? And what about passport requirements?
- Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days, but you will need a tourist visa (free upon arrival). Please keep your passport and tourist visa with you at all times during your expedition.
- Check the latest Peru entrance requirements on the US Embassy website.
- Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.
What happens if my trip is altered due to unforseen circumstances?
Per the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Agreement, if your expedition must be altered at any point, you are responsible for any additional costs.Canceled flights and transportation strikes happen. We do our best to ensure that your experience is unaltered by handling the situation efficiently and smoothly. For complete terms and conditions, see here. We recommend reviewing optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover expenses in these instances. Some instances that have come up are:
- A twisted ankle one week before a trip
- Power outages in the Atlanta airport leaving travelers stranded
- Burst appendix!
- Earthquakes or floods cutting a trip short
DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS OR MEDICINE?
Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC guidelines found here.
WILL WE NEED TO FILTER WATER?
OneSeed will purify and provide you with water during your trek. Depending on the location, we use a combination of boiled water, UV purification, or bottled water when necessary.
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I EXPECT TO EAT ON THE TRAIL?
- Expect a fantastic culinary experience on the trail. You will generally be eating in a meal tent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner where your cooks always serve tons of delicious food. The morning may start off with tea or coffee being brought to your tent and end with a giant meal under the stars. Meals are a nice mix of Peruvian style dishes and western food that are high in carbohydrates and protein to keep you fueled up for the trek.
- OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. If you didn't include this information on your registration form, please email info@oneseedexpeditions.com. We recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE ON THE TRAIL?
You will be sleeping in tents while on the trail. Sleeping pads are provided, but be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag!
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
- Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here: www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service
DO I NEED TO TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are always appreciated. We have developed the chart in the blogpost below to act as a guide. Averages below are based on per person recommendations.
www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping
DOES SOMEONE CARRY MY PACK?
Due to the altitude and length of daily travel, you will carry a daypack and mules will carry your pack up to 15 lbs/7kg. The 15 lb weight limit for porter transport should include your sleeping bag.
CAN I LEAVE SOME OF MY LUGGAGE IN THE HOTEL DURING THE TREK?
You will be staying at the same hotel before and after your trek in Cusco. Leaving an extra bag at the hotel during your trek is free of charge. Please keep in mind you are only allowed one carry-on and one checked back (under 50 lbs) for your domestic flight from Lima to Cusco.
HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR MY TREK?
Multi-day trekking expeditions to Machu Picchu require above average physical fitness. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Peru is recommended.
WHAT IS THE ELEVATION? IS ALTITUDE A CONCERN?
You will reach over 15,000 feet of elevation on high mountain passes during your trek. Hiking slowly, drinking lots of water, and self-care are all key to avoiding altitude sickness.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Weather is always unpredictable which is why we recommend a comprehensive packing list. A sunny warm day can turn on a dime and end in chilly rain. It never hurts to prep for both! Visit the terrain section above to see average temperatures and weather forecasts for Cusco and Salkantay Pass.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Spanish with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you're exploring.
