We did a 3-day, 2-night trek to Machu Picchu (an expedited version of the classic 4-day hike) and, as challenging as the trek was, it was an unforgettable experience for my husband and me. The tour guide, Nico, was extremely caring, patient and knowledgeable, our chef was producing fantastic meals and our porters made sure our campsites were warm and comfortable and our belongings were well taken care of. We could not have asked for a better tour or a better crew! The views of Machu Picchu are breathtaking, but the hike up to that point fills your heart with wonder and tranquility, and you can’t help but feel a certain connection to the sublime mountains surrounding you and the spirits within watching over you.

This trip was a character building experience. I think everyone should have an experience like this. The trail naturally has a some hardships but when you get to the top, the experience is so rewarding. The Inca trail reinforced some important life lessons for me. Nico was my guide and he is the absolute best. He was so knowledgeable about history, flora and fauna. It was such a treat to learn about the many ecosystems we experienced. At one point, during the trip, I became quite ill and Nico became my doctor and got me back to near perfect condition within a few hours. It could have been my worst day of the trip but it turned into the best day of my trip. I completely recommend Tierras Vivas and Nico. I travel a lot but not every travel experience is life changing but this definitely was. I will never be the same.

Did the 3-day challenge, with Tierra Vivas. Everything was smooth from booking to the initial trip and ending. Our guide Plinio, and portors were very friendly and helpful. The food prepared by the camping chef leoncio was delicious. Recommend!

Leonceo was good cook and provided us with a wide range of traditional Peruvian food. Pelinio (PEPE) was our tour guide from beginning to end and was very knowledgeable.

Review: Inca Trail with Tierras Vivas Difficulty Day one of the trail was fairly easy, lasting only a couple of hours with just one small hill to climb. I expected the trail to be moderately difficult overall, but the second day was especially challenging. Climbing over Dead Woman’s Pass was tough due to the steep ascent and the high altitude, which left me gasping for air and struggling to get enough oxygen. Day three started with another ascent, which was also demanding, but the rest of the day was mostly downhill or flat, with small ups and downs. By this point, I was feeling quite tired, but it wasn’t unbearable. This section of the trail also offered a glimpse of fascinating Incan archaeological ruins, which were a highlight for me. Food The food on this hike was exceptional. Every day, we were served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all freshly prepared and with a variety of options. The meals showcased local Peruvian cuisine, providing a great opportunity to try new dishes. A typical meal included soup before lunch and dinner, followed by 4 options of main courses. We were also treated to evening tea, coffee and hot chocolate with snacks before dinner, and occasionally small desserts. The portions were enormous, and I never felt hungry throughout the trek. Leoncio, the head chef, and his assistant did an incredible job. They were hardworking, friendly, and always went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. The food was delicious every single day, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication. Tour Guide Our tour guide, Ruben Huaman, was fantastic. He was incredibly knowledgeable, having grown up in the region, and spoke Spanish, Quechua, and English fluently. This unique ability allowed him to explain the cultural and linguistic significance of the towns, mountains, and archaeological sites along the way. Ruben was kind, approachable, and always helpful. He explained every step of the journey clearly and answered all our questions thoroughly. His great sense of humor added to the experience and lifted our spirits when we were feeling tired or deflated. His positive and friendly nature made a huge difference throughout the trek. Porters I want to give special mention to all eight porters, including the chefs. They were truly amazing to watch, carrying 20 to 35 kg packs through the mountains with ease, even at high altitudes where I struggled. The porters worked tirelessly to set up our campsites, tents, and everything else we needed. Their hard work and efficiency were astounding, and they made the trek much more comfortable. I can’t compliment them enough – they were absolutely fantastic. Views & Attractions Before this trek, I had completed the Lost City Trail in Colombia, and I wasn’t sure how the beauty of the Inca Trail would compare. Let me say that the mountain ranges, flora, and overall scenery were breathtaking. The towering peaks, rivers, lagoons, and constant presence of nature made this an unforgettable experience. Although we didn’t see much wildlife beyond a few hummingbirds, the Incan archaeological sites along the way were fascinating. These ancient ruins were stunning and added a rich historical context to the hike. Tour Group My only criticism of the experience isn’t about the tour itself, but the size of my group. There were only three people in our group, which made it harder to socialize and build connections. I was hoping for a larger group to foster more camaraderie and a sense of community. If you’re considering this trek, I’d recommend reaching out to the company to ensure you’re part of a group size that suits your preferences. Some people might enjoy the intimacy of a smaller group, but I personally feel a larger group would have enhanced my experience. Conclusion Overall, the experience was phenomenal. The scenery was gorgeous, the food was incredible, and the hard work of the porters and chefs was inspiring. Ruben, our guide, made the trip even more enjoyable with his expertise and positivity. Reaching Machu Picchu at the end of the trail was the icing on the cake – an awe-inspiring reward after an exhausting but rewarding journey. I wouldn’t change anything about the experience, except perhaps the group size. I highly recommend Tierras Vivas for the Inca Trail. Good luck, and enjoy this unforgettable adventure!

This review is for part of a 10-day tour that I took with Tierras Vivas as Tripadvisor doesn't have it listed. The 2-day MP tour was great. I received the train and bus tickets from their representative in Cusco and I met their representative (Sam) in Aguas Calientes the night before going to MP. My private guide at MP was Fred and I had an awesome time with him (5 stars for him). He was very knowledgeable, spoke English very well and offered to take numerous photos of me at the site since I was on my own. My tour was Circuit 2 and we used the 3 hours allotted for this tour. Fred mentioned that 5,000 persons are allowed at Machu Picchu per day; down from 9,000 before the pandemic so be sure you book your tickets online or have a tour company do it ahead of reaching the town if you have your heart set on visiting this wonderful site. Tierras Vivas booked the 10 am entry slot for me. I am not sure if you can request for an earlier time which I would have preferred. Same for the train-I would have preferred earlier times arriving to Aguas Calinentes and departing the town. I arrived at my hotel in Cusco ~ 830 pm as my train ride was booked for 422 pm and there was a slight delay during the train ride back to Ollantaytambo. I would also ask if you can choose which circuit you will be on since there are now 5 different ones. I lucked out and got Circuit 2 which was the one I wanted to do. You may end up on a circuit that may not be your 1st choice. The tour included assigned seating on the Vistadome train and 1 night stay at a hotel which I have a separate review of. Due to the crowd it is best to stand in line for your bus to MP 1 1/2 hours before your entry time to the site. There were people lined up 2 hours prior to their entry time. The plus side is the staff who checks your ticket and passport will stamp your ticket with the MP stamp (which you can also get at the IPeru office near the main square and onsite at MP). The line to catch the bus back into town was also very long and on a 1st come 1st serve bases. Be sure to allow enough time to catch your train back.

Good and responsive prior to departure. Good on admin (all tickets organized before departure), and good guide (Pepe). The hike is amazing and the views are spectacular, so the trip will always be a great memory. However, over charged for what we got… for example charged $80 to climb Huayna Pichu, when the added cost is 30 (the normal entrance is already included in original price). We also ate at restaurants far from main strip (next to train tracks) with average food, and stayed in hotel with no AC and no hot shower (!!!) The tour operator should reconsider the value for money they provide and future travelers should consider negotiating.

This was the best ever...! I got the chance to see (and hear about) wonderful Peruvian landscapes and Inca monuments in good company, with thé best guide ( Ruben) and the wonderful Nicolas from Germany.... I could sing all day without anyone complaining and was challenged to do my best in this overwhelning nature. We had the best food and enjoyed the company of the team... Despite the sometimes possibly depressing weather we kept our spirits up and ended joyfully together at Machu Picchu!!! Thank you all!

We had a good experience with Tierras Vivas. They took care of all the details of our trip and explained everything clearly. The only surprise was that we were the only people in our group, so we basically had a custom tour of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Our guide, Nico, was very informative and supportive, and could answer any of questions on topics ranging from modern life in Peru to botany, architecture, and history. I would highly recommend this company.

Extremely punctual and reliable, always arriving on time and ready to assist. Their communication in English is clear and effortless, making it easy for everyone to stay on the same page. They consistently demonstrate strong support for the entire group, showing great care and attention to everyone’s needs, regardless of the situation. Whether faced with challenges or changing circumstances, they remain calm, adaptable, and dedicated to ensuring everything runs smoothly. A truly dependable and thoughtful individuals who adds great value to your trip.

An unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to explore Machu Picchu while learning about its rich history. Everything was seamless and it took away a lot of the stress of having to organise all the transfers and entry tickets ourselves seperately. Our tour guide, Ruben was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We had so many questions, and he always provided insightful answers. He also went above and beyond by translating for us, especially in restaurants where my peanut allergy was a concern. Plus, he generously let me use one of his hiking poles during the trek—thank you, Ruben!

Plinio was excellent giving plenty of advice and having a relaxed attitude. Well established and respected guide. Thanks

It was very good, interesting, and rewarding due to the need to physically test yourself. Our tour guide Plinio provided a lot of interesting information about Machu Picchu.

What an amazing 4 days. The team at Tierra Vivas and there team were amazing. Especially, our tour guide, Plinio (pepe) and our chef, Clemente ( and his amazing team of porters) made this trip truly a memorable one. PS: no amount of words can describe the work the porters did.

We were 3 guests doing the Inca rail. Our guide Ruben was the best! Always happy and he took good care of us! Our chef Clemente made fantastic food and always with a smile! Highly recomended!!