Trek Machu Picchu Inca Trail plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru
Join Kit as she describes her hiking adventure with her sister Terry. On this first part of their month long Peruvian and Bolivian adventure, they tackle a Bucket List adventure: trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Th…Trek Machu Picchu Inca Trail plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru
Join Kit as she describes her hiking adventure with her sister Terry. On this first part of their month long Peruvian and Bolivian adventure, they tackle a Bucket List adventure: trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They also hike and bike the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and visit markets and learn about Peruvian culture.
Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today's show.
SAVE!!! Kit went with her affiliate, Active Adventures. Email me for an exclusive Promo Code good for this or any of Active's exciting adventure travel tours!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about trekking to Machu Pichu and exploring the Amazon rainforest.
Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!). Get the monthly newsletter here.
CONTACT KIT
Resources
Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies
Travel Insurance: Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies
Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program? You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!
Amazon Kit's Picks Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account. Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)
SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the "How to's of adventure travel)
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Send us Fan Mail According to a new survey from Globus Travel guided tours are becoming more and more popular. So on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the advantages of taking a guided tour versus doing it yourself. Then, speaking of guided tours, we'll get some in…Send us Fan Mail According to a new survey from Globus Travel guided tours are becoming more and more popular. So on this week's show Travel Expert Onanta Forbes will join me to discuss the advantages of taking a guided tour versus doing it yourself. Then, speaking of guided tours, we'll get some insight and tips on visiting Machu Picchu, Peru from Adios Adventure Travel. Support the showmore
Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru.
In this episode, we dig i…Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail ethically?
Heather Jasper is a travel writer and photographer who has been based in Cusco, Peru, since 2019. She has written for BBC Travel, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and other major outlets, leading readers off the beaten path across Peru.
In this episode, we dig into why Heather believes it’s nearly impossible to hike the Inca Trail ethically, and she offers lesser-known, more respectful alternatives and hidden gems across Peru.
This episode may help you become a better traveler and make more informed decisions. Heather explains why the system behind the Inca Trail, from permit quotas to porter treatment, is deeply flawed. You’ll hear exactly what red flags to look for when choosing a trekking company in Peru and what questions to ask before booking. We also explore alternative routes that offer just as much beauty with less harm, plus other parts of Peru that travelers often skip entirely.
What’s one assumption you hold about a destination you’re planning, and how might you challenge it? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
How Heather built a career in travel writing while living in Peru (and her thoughts on AI!)
Why she says the Inca Trail is almost impossible to hike ethically
What happened during the pandemic that sharpened her view on porter welfare
How to spot an “unethical” trekking company just by their marketing or photos
The surprising reason why smaller trekking agencies tend to be more ethical
Specific treks in Peru that bypass the worst of mass tourism
Hidden destinations in Peru beyond Machu Picchu - art, desert, rainforest, and religious tourism
And so much more
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Heather’s website
An Ethical Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail
Horizon Guides Alternatives to the Inca Trail
Instagram
Want More?
How to Plan a Hike on the Inca Trail, Winning $500,000 on a Game Show, Learning from the Past with Philip Gibbons
Nomadic Matt on “How to Travel the World on $75 a Day,” Budget Travel, and Finding Your Balance While Traveling
DIY Adventure: Around the World in a $100 Car, the Pan-American Highway in a School Bus, Community-Powered Travel with Global Convoy Founder Joel Chevaillier
Thanks To Our Sponsors
CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between.
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What’s it like to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing it later in life?
Philip Gibbons is a 68-year-old traveler, podcaster, and former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire winner who just got back from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the time of this recording.
In t…What’s it like to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing it later in life?
Philip Gibbons is a 68-year-old traveler, podcaster, and former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire winner who just got back from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the time of this recording.
In this episode, Philip walks us through the whole experience, from the planning process and permit system to the physical demands, group dynamics, costs, and what he'd do differently next time.
Philip shares what worked, what surprised him, and all the practical stuff that online forums and tour companies tend to gloss over. Whether you're just starting to dream about Machu Picchu or deep into planning mode, this episode will help you feel more prepared (and more excited) to go.
Have you hiked the Inca Trail or visited Machu Picchu? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message
Tune In To Learn:
Why Philip chose the 5-day, 4-night route over the standard 4-day trek
How to avoid a miserable early-morning line at Machu Picchu
The best time of year to hike for safety, views, and weather
Why the altitude and terrain are more intense than most expect
How to choose a trekking company and avoid overpriced “luxury” options
What Philip spent and where he splurged (and saved)
Tips for avoiding food poisoning and staying healthy on the Inca Trail
How a $30 private tent upgrade changed everything
Why trekking poles are essential gear, even for the young and fit
How winning $500,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire changed Philip’s life
And so much more
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Philip’s website and podcast
Philip on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire
Hiram Bingham Trail - PeruRail Info
Inca Trail Permits Info - Peru Tourism
Want More?
A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro
Trekking from France to Austria (Using Hand-Drawn Maps from Locals) + Advocating for Torture Prevention Around the World with Ben Buckland
Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale
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Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probab…Hear about travel to Machi Picchu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Michael from Rochester about his bucket list visit to this famous Inca site and more in Peru.
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Michael says, "I'm going to tell you why I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. First, as I have to say, probably a fifth-grade student, it was just one of those iconic historical places that I remember from my childhood. Always saying, 'I'm going to go there someday.'"
Michael recommends a carefully planned itinerary for visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas, focusing on acclimatization, cultural immersion, and maximizing the experience. Here's the itinerary he outlines:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima (Miraflores District)
Objective : Relax after the flight and ease into the trip.
Stay : Miraflores, a safe and upscale district with excellent dining options and boutique hotels.
Activities :
Explore the Malecón (a scenic coastal walkway).
Visit nearby Barranco for its artsy vibe and street art.
Have dinner at Isolina , a restaurant known for authentic Peruvian food.
Tip : Avoid visiting downtown Lima unless you have extra time, as the Spanish colonial architecture is similar to what you'll see in Cusco.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/ travel-to-machu-picchu /
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Today we're discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer.
After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living …Today we're discussing the country of Peru, and all the riches it has to offer. While many people think of Peru synonymously with Machu Picchu, the country is twice the size of Texas and has so much more to offer.
After exploring the incredible culture of the Incas and modern day Peruvians living in the Andes, you can also visit the Amazon, enjoy some of the top restaurants in the world, and learn about any of the other FIFTY indegenous groups dotted across the country.
My guest today is my partner in the region, Silvia Rico. Her passion for bringing the experience of Peru to life is contagious. Silvia and I discuss everything from Ayahuasca, to a full out party on the Inca Trail, to the humility that visiting a place like Peru can instill in you.
Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels
If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/
This week on Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal take us on a journey through Peru with two unique travel stories and a treasure trove of tips for travelers of all styles.
First, Carrie and Eric share their unforgettable slow-travel experience, staying in an Airbnb, shopping at vibrant local marke…This week on Stacking Adventures, Joe and Crystal take us on a journey through Peru with two unique travel stories and a treasure trove of tips for travelers of all styles.
First, Carrie and Eric share their unforgettable slow-travel experience, staying in an Airbnb, shopping at vibrant local markets, and immersing their kids in Peruvian culture. They reveal how to avoid tourist traps and truly connect with the local community. Next, Jim from Florida contrasts his mid-range adventure with a tour company, Other Way Round Travel, highlighting the perks of guided tours, tackling health and safety challenges, and embracing flexibility while abroad.
As always, we sprinkle in practical advice, like how to pronounce 'Viator' (spoiler: you've been saying it wrong!), plus a teaser for our upcoming wine tour adventure in Chile. We also spotlight essential travel gear that won't break the bank, all featured on our Amazon page.
Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and actionable tips to make your next adventure memorable and stress-free.
Episode Highlights
• Welcome to today's travel stories.
• Carrie and Eric's slow travel adventure in Peru.
• Comparing travel styles: Luxe, budget, and everything in between.
• Today's gear pick and practical travel tips.
• Thanksgiving plans and our travel philosophy.
• A day in Peru: Living like a local.
• Discovering markets and building community connections.
• World schooling and making social media count.
• Guided tours and the perks of shoulder season travel.
• Machu Picchu, unexpected adventures, and magic moments.
• Listener feedback and guessing the gear of the day.
• Shoutout to the Everyday Bucket List podcast.
• Guess what's in our gear spotlight.
• Call for your travel stories—share your adventures!
• Listener highlights and our hotline details.
• Joe's hilarious Peruvian mix-up.
• Safety tips and social posting etiquette.
• Jim's mid-range adventure in Peru.
• Navigating tour groups and making connections.
• Peru's challenges and highlights through Jim's eyes.
• Sacred Valley gems and what's next on the itinerary.
• Travel essentials, safety insights, and packing like a pro.
• Sneak peek at upcoming adventures and Thanksgiving wishes.
Got a story, tip, or question for the show? Leave us a voicemail (HTTP://stackingadventures.com/mystory) —we'd love to feature you! And don't forget to check out our gear recommendations to make your next trip unforgettable (HTTP://stackingadventures.com/gotd).more
Today Joe recounts his recent South American adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Santiago, and Lima. Discover his experience with an Adventures By Disney guided tour. You'll hear about vibrant destinations like Cusco and Chilean vineyards, as well as incredible culinary exper…Today Joe recounts his recent South American adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Santiago, and Lima. Discover his experience with an Adventures By Disney guided tour. You'll hear about vibrant destinations like Cusco and Chilean vineyards, as well as incredible culinary experiences, including dining at some of the world's best restaurants. Plus, get insights into using public transportation, selecting the best accommodations, and making the most of premium travel options. Whether you're planning a trip or love travel stories, this episode is packed with tips and entertaining tales from Joe's journey.
Plus, Joe will share his "gear of the week" pick at the halfway point. Can you guess it?
See all of our gear of the week at StackingAdventures.com/gotw
Be a part of the show! Have you been to Peru or Chile (or have your own experience with Adventures By Disney)? Leave us a voicemail, and YOU can be on the show during our recap episode. You can just head to StackingAdventures.com/voicemail and leave your note.
Peru’s tourism industry is best known for Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world, where adventurers go for a once-in-a-lifetime hike. But the porters who carry the industry on their backs are often abused and exploited.
SHOW NOTES:
UNESCO site for Machu Picchu
Evolution Treks Peru website
Learn mor…Peru’s tourism industry is best known for Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world, where adventurers go for a once-in-a-lifetime hike. But the porters who carry the industry on their backs are often abused and exploited.
SHOW NOTES:
UNESCO site for Machu Picchu
Evolution Treks Peru website
Learn more about the Porters Law
"Making Machu Picchu, the Politics of Tourism in Twentieth-Century Peru" by Mark Rice
Fernando Ríos Correa obituary more
Trek Machu Picchu plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru
Join Kit as she describes her hiking adventure with her sister Terry. On this first part of their month long Peruvian and Bolivian adventure, they tackle a Bucket List adventure: trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They also hik…Trek Machu Picchu plus Hike and Bike the Sacred Valley of Peru
Join Kit as she describes her hiking adventure with her sister Terry. On this first part of their month long Peruvian and Bolivian adventure, they tackle a Bucket List adventure: trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. They also hike and bike the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and visit markets and learn about Peruvian culture.
Learn all about this beautiful and exciting active adventure on today's show.
SAVE!!! Kit went with her affiliate, Active Adventures. Email me for an exclusive Promo Code good for this or any of Active's exciting adventure travel tours!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your adventure, photos, videos and more cool info about trekking to Machu Pichu and exploring the Amazon rainforest.
Get FREE Travel Planners for ATA adventures (and each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!). Get the monthly newsletter here.
CONTACT KIT
Resources
Promo Codes and Recommended Tour Companies
Travel Insurance: Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies
Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program? You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!
Amazon Kit's Picks Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account. Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)
SUBSCRIBE to the Adventure Travel Show (the "How to's of adventure travel)
SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations)
