Hotels Near Machu Picchu Perfect for Post-Trek Relaxation

These activities are on the bucket list of many tourists—they seem fun, and are often run by companies that promise that their services are “ethical” and “humane”. We’re talking about tourist attractions that sound exciting and exotic but are actually very cruel and harmful to animals.

This coming August, all eyes will turn to the beaches and stadiums of Rio de Janeiro, where the 2016 Summer Olympics will be in full swing. The Games are expected to bring athletes and tourists from across the globe to Brazil, and now for Americans, a huge hurdle has been removed. In a move to stimulate the Brazilian economy, the Brazilian government announced that it will waive visa requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan.

Don’t have anyone to travel with, but not really up for wandering the world alone? You’ve now got a few new options.

May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying).

All you need is a dream and a dollar to book your next bucket list vacation. From now through February 15th, 2019, you can book one of Intrepid Travel’s group trips with only a dollar deposit. The dollar down promotion is valid on more than 1,000 trips in over 100 countries departing before December 14th, 2019. Click here to see full terms and conditions and to book.

I'm no contender for summiting Everest, but I've done quite a bit of hiking in my day, both as a solo hiker and as part of guided group hikes.

Traveling by train in Peru is not just a practical way to move between major destinations, but also a fantastic way to soak up the incredible landscape. Train travel in the country has a nostalgic feel and allows riders to view nooks and crannies that they might not otherwise get to see when traveling by car. And one of the best train routes in Peru is the popular journey to Machu Picchu, starting from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Sure, trekking to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience, but taking the train is, too — it’s certainly not your average commuter train.

Australia enacted some of the most strict lockdown restrictions in 2020, which kept any and all tourists out. Then, in February, the country once again opened back up to Americans — just in time for the more comfortable Australian winter temperatures.

Like a sprawling carpet of moss, the Amazon Rainforest stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the foothills of the Andes, creating a lush basin that still remains partially unexplored to this day. Cut by thin ropes of water flowing from the Amazon River, the forest stretches over land in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

Machu Picchu is a must-see destination for any traveler. Located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, this 15th-century Inca citadel stands roughly 8,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful setting that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. From its stunning natural beauty to its mysterious archaeological wonders, there’s something for everyone at this incredible site. These Airbnbs near Machu Picchu will help you grasp the historical importance of this sacred site.

The Waikiki Hostel in Lima, Peru is situated in the heart of Miraflores, an upscale district known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants. This hostel offers a unique experience for travelers looking for a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. The hostel common area consists of a variety of spaces such as a lounge, bar, kitchen, and terrace, providing ample opportunity to mingle with other guests. The hostel also boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with seating and a small swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

When my friend Rachel asked me to fly to Peru to celebrate her 30th birthday, I immediately thought of a bucket list trek to Machu Picchu or an opportunity to scale the staggering Ollantaytambo ruins. Rather, with wide eyes and a smirk, she cautiously revealed her ambition to climb the very vertical Via Ferrata to reach what every Peruvian lamented as plain loco. After all, the Skylodge Adventure Suites welcomes only those daring enough to spend the night suspended 400 meters above Cusco’s Sacred Valley.