The Salkantay Trek is a thrilling alternative to the classic Inca Trail, offering adventurers a unique journey through diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring scenery. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, First Step Expeditions offers expertly guided tours that ensure you make the most of this incredible route to Machu Picchu. Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay… Read More >
If you’ve ever read anything about hiking in Peru, it’s likely you’ve heard about the high altitude being “no joke.” While the altitude does make the majority of all big hikes around here challenging, the views will offer the biggest reward you can imagine. Here are 5 of our most challenging but rewarding treks you… Read More >
While the whole Ausangate (pronounced Ow-saan-gah-tay) Trek package to Machu Picchu is 6 days/5 nights, technically the “Ausangate” portion is only the first 4 days of the overall experience. Over the 4 days hiking and 3 nights camping, you will start by traveling 3 hours south of Cusco by car to the trailhead. From there,… Read More >
Cusco, Peru is a charming city in the country’s highlands. While you could easily spend your whole trip wandering through the streets of this city, most people know it as the main gateway to Machu Picchu, the Inca trail, and many other excursions around the region. Cusco is the perfect base for day trips to… Read More >
Have you been thinking about traveling to Peru but you’re worried about getting altitude sickness? This condition happens when you travel to a high altitude (elevation) too quickly without giving your body time to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. Anyone can get altitude sickness regardless of fitness or experience level,… Read More >
While Peru is probably most well-known for Machu Picchu, this country is actually full of traditions, customs, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people worth seeing. The best way to experience it is to get out and hike off-the-beaten path, but we know most people don’t have a ton of time to spend here. If having an… Read More >
If you have the time and interest in history, Cusco is one place where you should absolutely hire an experienced guide to give you a full tour and explain all the city’s hidden secrets. We also understand that sometimes you just have a free day or half day to kill while you acclimate to it’s… Read More >
In 1908, Hiram Bingham had been serving as a delegate at a Pan American Scientific Congress in Santiago, Chile. As part of his journey home through Peru, Bingham was convinced to visit the archeological site of Choquequirao. After that trip, he became fascinated with the idea that there could be “lost” cities through the Andes… Read More >
