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Intrepid opens new section of Peru’s Quarry Trail

Post date: Jun 30 2023

Date: Jun 30 2023

By: Travelweek

TORONTO — Intrepid Travel has become the first tour operator to visit a new section of Peru’s Quarry Trail, never before seen by travellers. 

Located in the Andes Mountain region and spanning 26 kilometres, the Quarry Trail has become known as an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the popular Inca Trail in recent years. It begins in the town of Ollantaytambo and winds through the high peaks and villages of the Sacred Valley before ending at Machu Picchu.

Now, through a collaboration with a local Peruvian community, Intrepid has developed a new section of the Quarry Trail, previously unseen by travellers. 

Featured on a range of Intrepid Peru itineraries for 2024 , the four-day Quarry Trail experience will now begin with a 15-minute climb to Qory Sonq’o hill, where travellers can simultaneously take in the views of three valleys: Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo. They’ll also discover skeletal remains and original tomb structures that date back hundreds of years.

In addition, for every booked traveller, Intrepid will make a donation to the surrounding community in support of the continued care and protection of the sacred area.

Intrepid continues to work closely with local communities to preserve the future of tourism in the region. Earlier this year , the company helped scout and open the brand new Great Inca Road in Peru, a 12-day trek along little-visited trade routes connected to the Inca empire in the Andes. 

For more information about the Quarry Trail go to https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail .

To view Intrepid’s tours and vacations in Peru, go to https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/peru .

Tags: Intrepid Travel, Lead Story

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Intrepid Travel first to visit new section in the Quarry Trail, never-before seen by travelers

Featured on a range of Intrepid Peru itineraries for 2024, the four-day Quarry Trail experience will now begin with a 15-minute climb to Qory Sonq´o hill.

Over the last few years, the 26-kilometer Quarry Trail in the Andes Mountain region of Peru has gained recognition as an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Inca Trail, ending at Machu Picchu, the world-famous icon of the ancient Incan Empire. The trail begins in the town of Ollantaytambo and winds through the high peaks and villages of the Sacred Valley.

Now, through a collaboration with a local Peruvian community, Intrepid Travel has developed a new section of the Quarry Trail, previously unseen by travelers.

Featured on a range of Intrepid Peru itineraries for 2024, the four-day Quarry Trail experience will now begin with a 15-minute climb to Qory Sonq´o hill, where travelers can simultaneously take in views of three valleys: Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo, and discover skeletal remains and original tomb structures dating back hundreds of years.

In addition, for every booked traveler, Intrepid will make a donation to the surrounding community working to continue care and protection for the sacred area.

With a strong commitment to responsible tourism development, Intrepid has worked closely with local communities to continue innovating and preserving the future of tourism in the region. Just this last year Intrepid also helped scout and open the brand-new Great Inca Road in Peru, a 12-day trek along little-visited trade routes connected to the Inca empire in the Andes.

Vicky Karantzavelou

Vicky  is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the  Editor-in Chief . She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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Intrepid Taking Travellers Off-The-Beaten Track On The Quarry Trail

July 4, 2023

Through a collaboration with a local Peruvian community, Intrepid Travel has developed a new section of the Quarry Trai l, previously unseen by travellers.

Over the last few years, the 26-kilometer Quarry Trail in the Andes Mountain region has gained recognition as an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Inca Trail, ending at Machu Picchu, the world-famous icon of the ancient Incan Empire.

The trail begins in the town of Ollantaytambo and winds through the high peaks and villages of the Sacred Valley.

Featured on a range of Intrepid Peru itineraries for 2024, the four-day Quarry Trail experience will now begin with a 15-minute climb to Qory Sonq´o hill, where travellers can simultaneously take in views of three valleys: Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo, and discover skeletal remains and original tomb structures dating back hundreds of years.

In addition, for every booked traveller, Intrepid will make a donation to the surrounding community working to continue care and protection for the sacred area.

With a strong commitment to responsible tourism development, Intrepid has worked closely with local communities to continue innovating and preserving the future of tourism in the region.

Just this last year Intrepid also helped scout and open the brand-new Great Inca Road in Peru, a 12-day trek along little-visited trade routes connected to the Inca empire in the Andes.

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Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: cusco, day 2: quarry trail, day 3: quarry trail, day 4: quarry trail, day 5: quarry trail - machu picchu - cusco, day 6: cusco, trip inclusions expand all, sightseeing highlights.

• Cosmopolitan, scenic and steeped in Incan heritage, Cusco is a dream to walk around. Marvel at the cathedral, explore colonial art and architecture or explore the incredible ruins nearby
• Cusco's central market is a great chance to meet Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas and browse for weird and wonderful Andean specialties
• Hike to the mother of all Incan cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, plus free time to explore at your leisure
• Be treated to incredible sunrise views over misty Machu Picchu – just cross your fingers for clear skies!
• With a cook to prepare meals and porters to carry your equipment, you can focus on the walk and get the most out of your experience

Accommodation

• Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights)
• Hotel (3 nights)

Included Meals

• 5 Breakfasts included
• 3 Lunches included
• 2 Dinners included
• Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
• Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Intrepid Central & South America (2022-24)

Prices & dates.

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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The Quarry Trail + Machu Picchu (A Photo Journey)

As most of you lovelies know, I’m currently in Peru and I’ve been doing a lot of trekking (which I’ve already written about here .) So I wasn’t planning to write this post, because I didn’t want to bore you with more of the same old, same old.

But … I just couldn’t help myself. The trek was just too beautiful to keep to myself!!

So I thought I’d compromise and do a mini post, just sharing some of my fave pics, and a few details (in case you’re inspired to do a similar journey!) ? Thanks for indulging me and I hope you enjoy!

I hiked the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu with Intrepid Travel. I paid for my trip and this post is in no way affiliated with Intrepid; however, this post does include various affiliate links. This means I make a small commission off any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog! Oh – and all of my opinions are of course, honest and my own.

Like almost everyone going to Peru, one of my ‘bucket list’ items was to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. (My husband Mike already did the trek six years ago, but he was happy to do it again because he wanted me to experience it.)

Unfortunately, I um-ed and ah-ed a bit too long, and when I went to book the trek there were no permits left! (There are only 400 permits to hike the Inca Trail available each day and most people book months in advance.)

I was slightly devastated … but fortunately, a kind friend (who is also a travel agent) suggested I do the Quarry Trail with Intrepid Travel instead. I was a bit unsure (because the Inca Trail is, of course, the Inca Trail – and the Quarry Trail doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.)

But she pointed out that the Inca Trail, while obviously special, is also extremely busy. Mike confirmed this from his own experience; he described hiking in a line behind hundreds of other travellers and busy campgrounds. I have to admit this didn’t sound too appealing to me.

She then continued to point out that if we did the Quarry Trail, there was a good chance we wouldn’t see anyone but locals on the trek. Also it’s a shorter hike (only 30kms) but it reaches higher altitudes (4450m.)

I was sold. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I was sure it would be beautiful.

And I was right.☺️

THE DETAILS:

We booked the 6 Day Inca Trail Extension with Intrepid Travel . The tour included 3 nights in hotels and 2 nights camping. We trekked 30kms over 3 days, but the final leg to Machu Picchu was done by train and bus.

After the tour we stayed at Hospedaje Turistico Recoleta in Cusco. It’s a bit out of the centre of town but probably our favourite guest house in Peru – so clean and comfortable.

Thank you for indulging me and letting me share my memories with you! If you interested in doing the Quarry Trail and you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help. Thanks for reading! x

[magicactionbox id=”2477″]

photo credit : all by me!

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16 thoughts on “The Quarry Trail + Machu Picchu (A Photo Journey)”

Beautiful photos. Inca Quarry trail is a new alternative to hike the Inca Trail network (called “Qhapaq Ñan” – The Main Road). The Moonstone Trek to Machu Picchu is another way of Inca Quary Trail that we recommend. Regards! Machula

Thanks for the lovely insights. Just wondering if there were any “elders” or people over 60 on your trip? Thanks!

Hi Adam, there weren’t any on my particular trip but as long as you’re an active hiker, I don’t think any “elder” would struggle fitting in. Physically, they’re long days, but the pace is slow and steady and there are frequent breaks. Socially, I think the type of traveller that chooses this “off the beaten track” type trek is generally the type who gets along with anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Lastly, the service, meals and facilities were all top notch (for camping) so about as comfortable as you can expect to be in this sort of environment.

I’ll add that I actually used to work for a small group hiking company that catered mostly to “elders” so I feel qualified to make this call 🙂

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions 🙂

Looks like an amazing hike! I’d love to make it out to Machu Picchu one day.

It was definitely an awesome experience! Definitely add it to your bucket list (although I’m sure you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for the next few years when you move to the UK!) ?

It’s on our bucket list for sure. And yeah, we’ll be super busy exploring Europe the next few years!

I don’t know how I missed this! LOVE IT.

Thanks Daisy (for your sweet comment and your constant support!) x

Woooooooow! Great pictures Jen! Thanks for sharing with us ?

Thanks so much Lau, I’m glad you enjoyed it! x

One of these days, I tell you, one of these days! Lucky you. I think I’ll do the quieter trail myself, too.

Haha – there is so much on my one day list too 🙂 Definitely consider the quieter trail, it was beautiful + good for the soul. xx

Wow, Jennifer! Another memory for the books. Machu Picchu’s on my radar too but when I heard about how crowded it gets last year, it got moved to a lesser priority. XD Thanks for sharing & enjoy the rest of your trip!

Mike has now done both treks, and he said the Quarry trail was definitely more beautiful, but the Inca trail had more Inca ruins (as you would expect.) Regardless of the trek, I’d definitely more it up on your list 🙂 Thanks for commenting x

Whoa, SO beautiful! And no crowds of tourists! Also, I can’t believe how steep it looks — yikes!

It was definitely a workout! But worth it 🙂

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Intrepid Travel Unveils Exclusive Quarry Trail Adventure

Posted by Chisa Boonmee | Jul 4, 2023 | Tour Operator | 0 |

Now, through a collaboration with a local Peruvian community, Intrepid Travel has developed a new section of the Quarry Trail, previously unseen by travelers.

Featured on a range of Intrepid Peru itineraries for 2024, the four-day Quarry Trail experience will now begin with a 15-minute climb to Qory Sonq´o hill, where travelers can simultaneously take in views of three valleys: Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo, and discover skeletal remains and original tomb structures dating back hundreds of years.

In addition, for every booked traveler, Intrepid will make a donation to the surrounding community working to continue care and protection for the sacred area.

With a strong commitment to responsible tourism development, Intrepid has worked closely with local communities to continue innovating and preserving the future of tourism in the region. Just this last year Intrepid also helped scout and open the brand-new Great Inca Road in Peru, a 12-day trek along little-visited trade routes connected to the Inca empire in the Andes.

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South America Highlights

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 3 Paracas
• Day 4 Nazca
• Day 5 Arequipa
• Day 6 Arequipa
• Day 7 Colca Canyon
• Day 8 Arequipa
• Day 9 Arequipa - Overnight Bus to Cusco
• Day 10 Cusco
• Day 11 Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or Train option
• Day 12 Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or Train option
• Day 13 Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or Train option
• Day 14 Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or Train option and Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo
• Day 15 Sacred Valley / Cusco
• Day 16 Cusco
• Day 17 Puno - Lake Titicaca
• Day 18 Puno
• Day 19 Puno
• Day 20 La Paz
• Day 21 La Paz
• Day 22 La Paz
• Day 23 Sucre
• Day 24 Sucre
• Day 25 Potosi
• Day 26 Uyuni
• Day 27 Salar de Uyuni
• Day 28 Salar de Uyuni
• Day 29 Uyuni
• Day 30 Uyuni – Tilcara
• Day 31 Tilcara
• Day 32-34 Buenos Aires
• Day 35 Buenos Aires
• Day 36 Colonia del Sacramento
• Day 37 Estancia Stay
• Day 38-39 Estancia Stay
• Day 40 Overnight Bus - Iguazu Falls
• Day 41 Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side)
• Day 42 Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side)
• Day 43 Rio de Janeiro
• Day 44 Rio de Janeiro

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

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Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
• Kathryn · February 28th, 2024 The tour was excellent including our guide Marisol Maydana She made me feel safe , gave good information daily on... Show more
• Yilin · February 26th, 2024 Bolivia is such a beautiful country, totally worth the time and effort visiting! The tour is adventurous requiring... Show more
• Lesley · January 11th, 2024 Julia made this trip perfect. She was a brilliant guide. The accommodation was of varying standards but the itinerary... Show more

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
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• January 2025
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Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currencies $ Argentine Peso Argentina Bs. Boliviano Bolivia R$ Brazilian Real Brazil S/. Sol Peru $ Peso Uruguayo Uruguay

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, I, L. As a traveller from England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, I, A, B, L. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, A, B, L.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Argentina, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Recommended for Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Uruguay. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before June 25th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 25th, 2024, a minimum payment of £200 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Intrepid Travelling

Intrepid Travelling Experiences, Reviews and Advice

Eastwards via Train from Poland to Moscow

Getting a travel visa for Russia is fairly straight forward, but will require a visit to their embassy after obtaining an invitation letter (which is fairly straight forward as you can arrange them on the internet). Russia doesn’t seem to be going out of their way to encourage tourist though, maybe it’s a suspicion of foreigners (a possible hangover from the Cold War era) maybe it’s the years of high energy prices resulting in them really not needing us economically, either way, the added difficulty makes for a more intrepid destination.

The greater difficulty I had around this time was obtaining a Chinese entry visa that I would need at the end of my trans-Mongolian railway journey. Basically I couldn’t apply for one as I traveled through Europe as they repeatedly told me I needed to apply in my country of citizenship – New Zealand – so in the end I needed to travel back to London to apply and thankfully they had no problem issuing me one. As it turns out, I needn’t have worried as despite what you read on their official websites or heard from others, you can apply for an entry visa in Mongolia as you pass through there. That certainly would have saved me a lot of hassle.

Once back in Poland I would begin the long train journey east to Beijing over the coming month. A friends very helpful Polish girlfriend, Magda, basically organized my bus and train out of Poland to Russia.  It’s certainly a big help to have a local around at times.  So off I went from Plock to Warsaw and onwards across the Polish countryside on a night train bound for Moscow. We would be disturbed at the border with Belarus as they have to change all the under carriages as the train crosses the border of the EU (Poland) and Belarus because the track widths are different to inhibit any army invading the former USSR. Thankfully I would meet a nice local girl - Angela – while onboard which not only helped the time pass, but also helped a lot with the Belarusian border officials and customs officers; my journey was nowhere as bad or scary as I expected it to be thanks to your translating!

No matter what you call it, Moskva, Mockba or Moscow, I arrived there after the comfortable 18 hour (1,462km) overnight train ride. I happened to arrive on City celebration weekend, so security was high on account of recent Caucus’ issues. Although a high number of police and some special forces would remain all week so it appears that is just how things are.  I would spend five days in Moscow at both a hostel, where I had a strange experience with a naked girl on my arrival, and a local Muscovite family home in an apartment block in the suburbs who I had arranged to stay with through couchsurfing . Couchsurfing allows you to connect, and often stay with, local people to better experience life when visiting new places, rather than doing solely the ‘tourist things’ you experience life as a local, it’s a fantastic way to get beneath the exterior and gain a better understanding of local life. You often make friends for life with your host too, Natalie and I have traveled together several times since and still keep in touch nearly 10 years later!

I would also meet Amelia (who, god bless her) asked if I needed help at the train station to buy tickets as it was all in Russian. I really did need the help as buying the tickets at the station for trains on the trans-Mongolian route can be difficult, but half the price than using an agent if you can manage it! You can’t go to Moscow and not go to the ballet, I went to a mid week performance of Swan Lake with Anna, a Russian girl who asked if I needed help when I was studying my map on a corner after I arrived. I don’t think she figured she would end up showing me around and attending the theatre with me too! Who said the Russians aren’t welcoming of lost looking foreigners!! Oh right, I did…

Enduring thoughts from Moscow

• I’m told there are fewer guys than girls here, and from some of the couples I see here, I believe it.
• More police and security than expected.
• Best metro I have ever seen and used. Trains every 90 to 120 sec without fail.
• A romantic city? Every day I see many people with bunches of flowers

The next destination on my intrepid journey around the world is east via the Trans-Mongolian railway . I’ll stop in Novosibirsk, Irkutsk and Ulan Bator before I reach Beijing in two weeks time.

Auschwitz I & II

Trans-Mongolia Railway

Recommended Reads

Russia Tours & Holidays

Our thoughts and hearts are with the people in Ukraine, including our own team members, tour leaders and their families, who have been deeply impacted by this senseless war and invasion of Ukraine.

Intrepid is not currently operating any tours that visit Ukraine, Russia or Belarus and tours in these countries have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Intrepid condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Russian government’s aggression towards Ukraine and its people.

Any future decisions to resume operations in Russia will be based not only on the safety of our travellers and the communities we visit, but the stability of Europe and a clear path to peace for all innocent and oppressed people who have fallen victim to this violence.

The Intrepid Foundation has launched an emergency appeal in partnership with Australian Red Cross to provide support (food, water, shelter & medicine) within Ukraine and assistance for displaced people in surrounding counties. We ask that you please consider giving at  The Intrepid Foundation Ukraine Crisis Appeal

We hope for a peaceful path out of this crisis soon and are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Should you travel solely based on food experiences?

7 unforgettable experiences you can only have on an Intrepid Premium trip

Maly Turysh: the Russian village where bees and babushkas reign supreme

5 unique experiences you can only have in a local’s home in Russia

Above the Arctic Circle: Staying with Siberia’s nomadic reindeer herders

High Altai-tude: Hiking to the Blue Lake in Siberia

Meet the travellers who booked an adventure without an itinerary.

Why you should consider a winter adventure in Russia

Russia at a glance

Capital city.

Moscow (population approximately 12 million)

Approximately 145 million

Russian Ruble (RUB)

(GMT+03:00) Moscow, St. Petersburg, Volgograd

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Russia

Culture and customs.

Russia may be one country but it’s the sum of its varied parts. You’ll find the  European  parts of Russia, like St Petersburg and Moscow, quite fast-paced and cosmopolitan compared to Siberian towns like Lake Baikal. Then there’s the far north and Arctic towns like Murmansk that have an entirely different way of life again.

The most widely practised religion is Russian Orthodox Christianity, with about 40 percent of Russians identifying themselves as adherents of the sect. There is also a significant population of Muslims and about a quarter of the population identify as non-religious. Around Lake Baikal there is a fairly large population of Old Believers – Christians who practise an older form of Orthodox Christianity and more traditional way of life.

Russians may have a reputation for being frosty but most locals across this vast land value camaraderie and hospitality. Smiles aren’t necessarily doled out just to make strangers feel more comfortable, but no matter where you are, if you’re polite and curious you can expect to be embraced by Russians (though maybe not in the physical sense). An invitation to dinner will undoubtedly end in the host showering you with copious amounts of food and drink (yes, we’re talking about vodka).

Fiercely proud of (and vocal about) their contributions to the arts and sciences (brush up on your Tolstoy and Chekov before your visit), Russians don’t take kindly to negative stereotypes and generalisations about their country. Go with an open mind and you’ll find Russians ready and willing to share their hospitality, traditions and love for their country with you.

History and government

There isn’t a lot of concrete information available on the early humans who lived on the land now known as Russia. However, rudimentary tools unearthed in the North Caucasus region (near  Georgia  and  Azerbaijan ) suggest that the greater region has been occupied (not necessarily continuously) for around 1.5 million years.

The Mongols vs The Princes

Legend says the Viking ruler of Novgorod, Oleg, conquered Kiev in the ninth century and used its strategic position to form the Slavic state of Rus’ – a collection of various noble families that coordinated trade but ruled each of their territories independently. The 13th century saw all Rus’ territories ceded to the Mongols, but the royals were often allowed to continue governing their territories as long as they paid lavish tribute to their Mongol superiors. The princes of Rus’ bided their time, buttering up their rulers by crushing peasant uprisings, and in the 15th century the nobility of Rus’, led by Ivan the Great, began to take back territory from the Mongols by force.

Ivan the Terrible crowned himself the first ‘Tsar of all the Russians’ in 1547. His legacy includes the beginning of the exploration and colonisation of Siberia and the unification of Russia under a nationalist autocrat. Michael Romanov assumed the position of Tsar of Russia in 1613, which began the approximately 300-year reign of the Romanov family, during which Russia conquered territory in  Belarus , Crimea,  Ukraine , Georgia,  Estonia ,  Kazakhstan  and more.

In 1917, widespread strikes and protests broke out across the country, motivated by a desire for better working conditions, better pay and a fairer society. As a result of this uprising, the last of the Romanovs in Russia (many royals and their supporters had at this point already fled the country) were first placed under house arrest and then executed in 1918.

Soviet Union

The series of uprisings in 1917 led to a years-long period of civil war between the Bolsheviks (communists) and the Whites (anti-communists), from which the Bolsheviks emerged triumphant. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed in the same year, led by Joseph Stalin. He consolidated his power and emerged as a fierce dictator, with policies of forced labour and brutal repression replacing dreams of a democratic socialist state led by workers. After Stalin’s death in 1953, the USSR began to decentralise, modernise and become less repressive until its eventual dissolution – or collapse – In 1991. 

After the dissolution of the USSR, Russia underwent a very fast period of economic liberalisation, with mixed results. Russia experienced a series of financial crises throughout the 1990s from which it was slow to recover, and income disparity is still a big problem throughout the country.

Eating and drinking

Like a lot of countries with colder climates, Russia's food is typically heavy and hearty. Pickling and preserving are popular as a result of the need for food that can last through harsh winters when produce may be scarce. In large cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, the food scene is cosmopolitan and diverse, with plenty of chefs experimenting with fusion dishes and new takes on Russian classics.

We’ve compiled a list of the most bread-sopping, jaw-dropping, mouth-watering Russian drinks and dishes you should make a beeline for during your travels:

• Laghman A signature dish of Tatarstan, a semi-independent part of western-central Russia, laghman is a tasty meal of thick pulled noodles served with meat and vegetables.
• Vodka Even if you’re not normally a fan of the clear spirit, drinking vodka in Russia is undeniably a cultural experience just as much as a way to get your buzz on. Usually served straight from the freezer – neat or in a shot glass – and accompanied by a rousing toast (and sometimes a little snack called a zakuski), vodka is an easy way to bond with locals – just don’t ask for a mixer.
• Medovukha This liquor, made from fermented honey, has been around since bee farming first became a thing and the drink still maintains a vintage air. Russia has a long beekeeping tradition and honey is still a huge industry across the country, which also makes for a healthy medovukha (mead) industry.
• Pelmeni (dumplings) A Siberian classic, these meat and vegetable-filled packages are the perfect antidote to frigid winters. Often served with sour cream and dill, the little parcels of goodness have a more rustic and earthy flavour profile than their  South East Asian  counterparts.
• Blini Somewhere between a crepe and a pancake, the blini can be served with either sweet or savoury toppings as diverse as caviar, salmon, jam and honey. They’re most popular during Maslenisa, the week before Great Lent in Russian Orthodox Christianity.
• Pickles Pickling, the art of preserving produce in jars, is a widespread artform in Russia. From wooden cabins in rural villages to cramped apartments in St Petersburg, you’ll see jars filled with slowly curing cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms and more lining the kitchen shelves of local homes.
• Chebureki Another Tatarstan classic, chebureki consists of meat stuffed in flaky pastry that is then deep fried. Onions, beef and pepper make up the traditional filling in this easy-to-eat street food staple, which are perfect as a roadside snack or bite between sightseeing.
• Borscht It’s sad that this soup has become little more than a punchline to an unfunny joke about Eastern European food since in reality it’s a rich and respectable dish with an impressive history. Made from beetroot and typically including meat, garlic and stock, there’s a longstanding cultural stoush over who the sour soup really belongs to, with  Ukraine  also claiming the dish as its own.

Plant-based options

Forget what you’ve heard! Travelling as a vegetarian in Russia has always been relatively easy, as many staples of Russian cuisine are vegetarian by default. In terms of classic Russian dishes, vegetarians can safely order dishes like blini (pancakes), boiled potatoes, beetroot salads, fried potatoes and cabbage pelmeni.  

Travelling as a vegan requires a bit of creativity if you’re planning on leaving the major cities. Vegans should be aware the side dishes favoured by vegetarians are often prepared or served with animal fats. However, even eateries in small towns will usually have a few vegan options on the menu like salad, bread and potatoes cooked in oil. Both vegetarians and vegans should keep in mind that vegetable soups are frequently made with meat stock that may not be listed on the menu. 

Of course, this is all a lot easier when you’re travelling with a local, someone who knows the language and the culture and can help you tell your sorrel from your schi (they’re both soups FYI). If you travel with Intrepid, you’ll have a local leader who can help you decipher menus and recommend good plant-based choices.

Geography and environment

Sharing its border with 14 countries, as well as the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Russia is the largest country in the world (twice the size of runner-up  Canada ). It’s not surprising, then, that Russia’s environment is incredibly diverse and ranges from Arctic tundra to coniferous forests and mountain ranges.

Siberia is the vast expanse that makes up almost 80 per cent of Russia’s territory. This region is known for its bitter climate and wilderness, with winter temperatures ranging from -45°C (-49°F) in the Sakha Republic to -22°C (-7.6°F) in warmer areas like Omsk. Though much of Siberia’s landscape cannot support agriculture, it’s home to a wealth of natural resources like natural gas, oil, coal and gold. For this reason, Siberia is home to some industrial cities that operate in mind-boggling environments, built on permafrost with expert engineering to withstand extreme conditions.

The Ural Mountains separate Siberia from European Russia, which houses about 80 per cent of the country’s population despite making up around 20 per cent of its land mass. European Russia – which makes up most of the East European Plain – is made up primarily of large plains, waterways and wetlands. The climate here is more seasonal than in Siberia, featuring winters with temperatures below freezing, but warm and wet summers.

From the Ural Mountains, Russia’s 102,000 kilometres of waterways flow into the Baltic, White, Caspian and Black seas through this East European Plain.

It's not just stories you'll return home from Russia with. There'll be plenty of opportunities to get your mittens on one of these iconic Russian mementos (and maybe grab some for your friends too):

You may not be able to bring a lot of it back, depending on your country’s customs laws, but you should try to grab at least one bottle of Russian vodka while you’re here. Extra points for grabbing a bottle of Putinka – named after Russia’s President Putin.

Russia's famous matryoshka, or 'babushka', dolls were first crafted in the 19th century and remain one of Russia's most recognised souvenirs.

Need a stylish but no-nonsense hat that also protects you from the elements? Never fear, ushanka is here. You can get the kind made from inexpensive synthetic materials in tourist shops or pick up the animal fur variety, depending on whether you plan to use it for costumes or during a Trans-Siberian trek.

Take your commitment to tea parties to an ornate extreme with a Russian samovar. A precursor to the kettle, a samovar has two main chambers. The inner chamber is ventilated and made for burning a small fire. This fire then boils water held in the outer chamber where tea can be steeped. If that all sounds a bit labour intensive for you, they also make a fancy decoration or the perfect vessel for cocktails on tap.

Festivals and events

Believe the hype, not the stereotypes, because there's nothing Russians love more than a reason to celebrate. These are some of the biggest days on the festival calendar:

White Nights Festival

It isn’t always pretty living this close to the Arctic Circle. Winter in St Petersburg, while undeniably beautiful, can be brutal. Of course, the flip side of the freezing winters are summers where the days never seem to end. While true ‘midnight sun’ doesn’t occur in St Petersburg (the sun sets for at least a few hours each day), the city sees very little darkness over the high summer months of June and July. St Petersburg hosts parties, performances and cultural events throughout this period, the exact dates of which change every year. This is a great time to visit the city as the streets hum with energy while the locals celebrate summer.

Victory Day

On 9 May every year, a massive display of military strength takes place in Moscow’s Red Square. Partly a commemoration of the end of WWII, partly a celebration of Russian pride, this massively popular event seems to get bigger every year. If you’re interested in military history, national identity or modern Russian politics, you might be interested in planning your trip to coincide with Victory Day.

Winter Festival

It makes sense that a country that experiences sub-zero temperatures for so many months of the year would find a way to embrace the cold. Every year during December and January, Moscow transforms into a festive wonderland complete with a glittering Christmas village in Revolution Square, ice skating at Gorky Park and a public snowman-making extravaganza on Arbat Street. If you’re travelling to Russia during the darker months, a visit to Moscow during the Winter Festival is a must.

With origins as a Pagan folk holiday to mark the end of winter, today’s Maslenisa celebration is a chance to eat your fill of Russian pancakes (blini) while taking in various celebrations before the sombre Russian Orthodox Pascha period comes around. It’s an incredibly joyful and delicious time to be in Russia.

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Russia adventure, check out these books:

• War and Peace  – Leo Tolstoy
• GULAG: A History  – Anne Applebaum
• The Women of Lazarus  – Marina Stepnova
• The Big Green Tent  – Lyudmila Ulitskaya
• Heart of a Dog  – Mikhail Bulgakov
• Lenin's Tomb  – David Remnick
• Secondhand Time  – ­Svetlana Alexievich
• Selected Stories  – Anton Chekov

Russia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Russia?

The summer months (June, July and August) are the most popular time for international tourists in Russia as the weather is warmest and the days are longest. Russia doesn’t quite get midnight sun but its proximity to the Arctic Circle means the high summer is accompanied by daylight that stretches until 11 pm. Summer in Russia is also when St Petersburg hosts all-night parties, performances and cultural events as part of the White Nights Festival. The downsides? The major sights and cities get pretty busy and it rains a lot.

While the charms of summer in Russia are well known, we’re actually quite partial to  winter travel  in the region. While Moscow and its milder cousin St Petersburg are prone to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) from November through to March, the snow coating the cities is unbelievably beautiful. There are fewer tourists, more chances to interact with locals and (in December and January) incredible Christmas decorations and festivities that light up the frosty streets and squares. Plus,  Russian food  is hearty and designed to keep you warm.

If you’re travelling to Siberia be prepared for a subarctic climate. That means even in summer you can expect July temperatures to max out at between 10°C (50°F) and 17°C (63°F). If you can handle the cold, a Siberian winter is really something to remember. Despite temperatures reaching an eye-watering -22°C (-7.6°F) in Lake Baikal in January, the frozen waters and winter wonderland vibes more than make up for it. Besides, homes and cities in Siberia are built to handle the cold so you’ll do fine once you’re inside.

Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?

While the Russian visa process has a reputation for being complicated and strict, things are getting easier every year for travellers who want to visit the country. Most nationalities need a visa to enter Russia, with exceptions given to former USSR states like Ukraine and most countries in  South  and  Central America .

Travellers from the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand need to obtain a visa before travelling to Russia. Before you contact your embassy or consulate, you will need to get your Letter of Invitation sorted. Fortunately, we will organise this for you. Our full guide to visas and LOIs can be found  here .

Is tipping customary in Russia?

Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Russia. At restaurants there is often a service charge included on the bill, in which case you don’t need to tip. If you would like to tip for good service, rounding up the bill or adding a 10–15 per cent gratuity is more than enough.

What is the internet access like in Russia?

If you’re planning to use your mobile phone in Russia (with either global roaming activated or by using a local SIM) you’ll find internet in the major cities is quick and free wi-fi is often available through hotspots. Just keep in mind that in order to connect to hotspots you will have to authenticate your identity. Travellers will be able to find internet cafes in Russia's large cities like Moscow, St Petersburg and Suzdal. In rural areas, internet access might be patchy or non-existent.

Internet access is available on the Trans-Siberian Railway for certain legs of the journey. This requires purchase of a local connection (around USD 40), which will work with some laptops and certain 3G devices.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Russia?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in the cities and regional centres of Russia, although coverage may not be available in remote areas. If you want to use your mobile phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

What are the toilets like in Russia?

Travellers can expect to encounter both squat toilets and modern flushable toilets while travelling through Russia. Be prepared by carrying your own soap and toilet paper as these aren't always provided. Additionally, some public toilets may require a small fee payment before access, so be sure to carry change.

What will it cost for a...?

Russia's unit of currency is the ruble. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Trip on the metro = USD 0.70
• Internet cafe surfing = USD 1–3 per hour
• Serve of vodka in a ryumochnaya = USD 1–2
• Pint of beer = USD 2.5
• Canteen meal = USD 5–10
• Dinner at a restaurant = USD 15–20

Can I drink the water in Russia?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Russia. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader or hotel where filtered water can be found and don't forget to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Russia?

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and shops but may not be accepted by smaller vendors. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Russia?

Travellers will be able to find ATMs in Russia's large cities and regional centres. Remote and rural areas will have less ATM availability, so prepare accordingly before venturing out of metropolitan areas.

What is the weather like in Russia?

Given the size of Russia, the weather tends to vary depending on where you are. From June through September most of the country, aside from Siberia, will see warm weather. The long winter from November until March/April sees snow and freezing temperatures, while temperatures in the shoulder seasons vary from place to place. St Petersburg, for example, may see temperatures ranging from 5­–20°C (41­–68°F) degrees in the lead up to summer.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Russia?

• 1 January  New Year’s Day
• 7 January  Russian Orthodox Christmas Day
• 23 February  Defender of the Fatherland Day
• 8 March  International Women’s Day
• 1 May  International Labour Day/Spring Festival
• 9 May  Victory Day
• 12 June  Russian Independence Day
• 4 November  Unity Day

Keep in mind that some businesses shut down in the ten days leading up to 7 January.  

For a current list of public holidays in Russia go to  worldtravelguide.net

Is Russia a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

We recommend LGBTQIA+ travellers exercise discretion when travelling in Russia.

Russia is not a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers who wish to openly express sexuality and/or gender identity outside of a very rigid, heterosexual binary. Openly LGBTQIA+ people face stigma, harassment and violence in their everyday lives. Homosexuality isn't illegal but promoting ‘non-traditional sexual relationships’ is. What constitutes promotion is at the discretion of the authorities. Travellers have been arrested in the past for discussing gay rights with young people.

There are active queer scenes in the larger cities, but travellers should be aware that people leaving venues known to cater to LGBTQIA+ folks are often the target of violence. The venues themselves are sometimes targeted, too. Attempting to seek out local queer culture while in Russia may pose a risk to travellers. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Russia accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

While the situation is improving, Russia is still a difficult destination to explore for travellers with disabilities. Even in large cities like Moscow and St Petersburg, old infrastructure has been slow to adapt to the needs of differently abled travellers. Where ramps exist, for example, they are often incredibly steep and therefore useless.

While the exterior of some sites are accessible to wheelchair users, it is often not possible to explore them fully. For example, wheelchair users will be able to enter the Kremlin but can’t access its cathedrals. The stations of the Moscow Metro often have no ramps or elevators, however most of the buses in Moscow are accessible to wheelchair users.

The streets of Moscow and St Petersburg may pose a problems to travellers with restricted mobility or vision impairments as they can be uneven and road crossings are sometimes via tunnels that are only accessible by staircase.

While international chain hotels are often built with the needs of accessible travellers in mind, homestays, guesthouses and locally-run hotels are generally not fitted with ramps, elevators, shower rails etc. Unfortunately, overnight train travel in Russia will be difficult for wheelchair users as the bathrooms are not designed for accessibility.  

If you have a battery-operated hearing aid, it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in Russia

What you wear in Russia will depend on what time of the year you’re travelling in. If you’re visiting between October and May you will need to be prepared with a warm windproof jacket, scarf, gloves, warm hat and waterproof and slip-proof boots – the streets get icy in the colder months! Even in summer, we recommend you wear clothing that can be easily layered and pack a warm jacket and boots.

When entering churches, either working or historic, women and men should both cover their shoulders and women will need a scarf to cover their head. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.