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Inca trail treks To Machu Picchu
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7 Days Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu

from $997 Per Person

We have the best 7 days Package for exploring Sacred Valley, hiking the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and enjoy the Rainbow mountain trek. The Inca Trail is one of the best hikes in the world for its exquisite natural beauty and different ecological niches ranging from high deserts to tropical forests. During their epoch, the Incas created a vast network of roads that go throughout the Andes from Argentina to Colombia and from the coast to the Amazon rainforest. The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most important section of that trail system, which takes you from from the Andes to the Amazon.

  • Walk in the footsteps of the Inca on 500-year-old trail
  • Explore all the ruins of this historical scenic trek
  • Hike through to Sun Gate directly to Majestic Machu Picchu
  • Choose the best Inca trail for you - 1, 2, 4 or 5 dayy
  • Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
  • Guaranteed 2 or more book, you go!
  • Best campsites, Winayhauyna included
  • Highly trained English-speaking guides
  • Small intimate groups of 2 to 8 person
  • Guaranteed 2 or more book, you go!
  • Best campsites, Winayhauyna included
  • Highly trained English-speaking guides

Live the Inca Trail Experience in video !

Trip Overview

Max Altitude: 4200 m.s.n.m
Group Size: Up to 8 People
Difficulty: Challenging
Service: Group
Transportation: Van, Bus, Train
Duration: 7 Days
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from $997 Per Person
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Trip Details for the 7 days Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu

7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY 2024

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotelThere you will receive a short briefing and then have the rest of the morning for resting and acclimatizingIn the afternoon, there will be time to explore Cusco by yourself, enjoying the sights of the capital city of the Incas, and the indigenous and colonial heritages at your leisure. At night, experience Cusco’s nightlife and sample some of its cuisine at the many traditional Peruvian restaurants.

  • 3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
  • 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel  Hotels
  • Recommendations: We highly recommend walking around the main plaza and visit the San Pedro Market.

Day 2: CUSCO – PISAC – SALT MINES – MORAY & OLLANTAYTAMBO.

We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and afterwards drive to Urubamba for lunch.

Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed.  Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.

Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the “pre-Inca salt mines,” called Salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!

Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.

  • 2* Accommodations: Veronica View Hotel
  • 3* Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
  • There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo

sacred valley to machu picchu

Day 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM82 – WAYLLABAMBA – AYAPATA

Today, begins your adventure of a lifetime, the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 6:00am.  From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is called kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins.

Upon arrival at kilometer 82 at about 8:30am, we will have some time to organize ourselves, use of the restrooms, apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. At the Inca Trail first control point, be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) your student card.

At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the Inca flat terrain.  There are great views of the Incan Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (officially called ‘Patallacta’), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m/19225ft) known in books as Veronica.

Our first campsite (Ayapata) is an hour and a half up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC depending on the month.

During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, snacks, afternoon tea and dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 12kms/7.5mls (6 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Day 4: AYAPATA – PASS – PAQAYMAYU – CHAQUICOCCHA

After waking up at 5 to 5:30am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at (4,200m/13,779ft).  On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to where we stop for lunch, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).

On our way up to the pass, we will be able to see an array of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of bird life. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at (3,650m/11,972ft)!

After lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities
  • Distance: 16kms/10mls (9 hours more or less of hiking time)
  • Difficulty: Moderate/challenge

Day 5: CHAQ’ICOCHA – PUYUPATAMARCA  – WIÑAY WAYNA

This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’).  Here, we reach the third highest point on the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!

The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass.  After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue on until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna. (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours.  We arrive at camp by lunchtime!  Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.

A short walk from our campsite, is the famous Incan site of  ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, its a moment you cannot miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping facilities and hot showers
  • Distance: 10kms/6.2mls (5 hours more or less of hiking)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: WIÑAY WAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

At around 4:00am, it’s time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu on time. This is the final part of your journey, arriving by 6:00am to reach The Sun Gate. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel is in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The reality of what the Inca people must have encountered on their taxing journey to this expansive temple of Machu Picchu. At this point, we walk downhill towards the Machu Picchu Citadel. (2,400m/7,872 ft.) After walking 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”, where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. From there we proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings.

Your guide will give you the full guide tour and educate you about the history of the ruins which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu and learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition Train at 2:55 or 3:20pm will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Distance: 6kms/3.7mls
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • 3* Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Qorikancha
  • 4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel  Hotels

***IMPORTANT:

  •  On the 4 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.

short inca trail to machu picchu sam travel peru

DAY 7: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure.  We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft).  Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture aliveLearn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley.  This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare by our cook.

We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotelarriving around 5:00pm.

Then you can take your flight back home by the early evening.

  • Meals included: hot breakfast & lunch
  • Difficulty: moderate to challenging

BEST PRICE FOR THE INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACU PICCHU 7 DAYS

“The 7 days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu its available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people”

  • Best price without hotels: $997 per person
  • Best price with 3* hotels: US$1197 per person
  • Best price with 4* hotels: UD$1497

***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos along the Inca Trail. We will provide you with a duffel bag.

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 12 years old: $40 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS:

  • Sleeping bag: $20 USD
  • Air Mattress: $20 USD
  • Hiking poles: $15 USD for the whole trek.
  • Personal tent: $30 USD
  • Additional night in Aguas Calientes: from $60 USD
  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD
  • Vistadome Train: $67

**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

 WHAT’S INCLUDED FOR THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU ON 2024?

  • Pick up at your hotel
  • Private transport from Cusco to Piscacucho (start of the trek)
  • 4 person Igloo tents for only 2 trekkers (large and comfortable)
  • Comfortable foam mattress
  • Camping pillow
  • English speaking professional guide experienced in mountain ranges
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional: vegetarian food with prior request)
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Porter to carry tents, food and cooking equipment
  • Extra porter for your belongings, this means you will need only a day backpack to carry the things that you will be using for the day!
  • Hot water for washing purposes
  • Boiled water for your drinking bottles at every mealtime
  • Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco
  • Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
  • Guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
  • Chef, cooking equipment, and kitchen tent
  • Hot water for drinking and washing purposes
  • Day pack rain covers

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED FOR THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU ON 2024?

  • Wayna Picchu: $75 USD
  • Sleeping bag (minus 8 ºC): $20 USD
  • Air mattress: $20 USD
  • Walking sticks: $15 USD per pair for the whole trek
  • Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruit
  • Last lunch after Machu Picchu
  • OPTIONAL UPGRADES: VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train, please add $67 USD per person
  • Tips for your crew, guide, cook and porters (SAM TRAVEL PERU staff receives a fair payment immediately after they finish their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated by them)

**Huayna Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL PERU FOR THE 4 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU 2024?

SAM Travel Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your trek in Peru, especially in the Cusco region.  We are specialists in creating unique trekking routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu which other tour operators are not offering.  We have numerous Classic Inca Trail options of 1 to 7 days and many other treks to Machu Picchu! What that means for our clients is lots of unique options to choose from, more enjoyable and exciting treks, personalized service, and small groups averaging 4 to 6 trekkers and with a maximum of 8 trekkers.

Our high quality service is about offering fair prices while providing the best possible service and personalized attention in small groups and providing the best trekking experience through our unique trekking paths. All you have to do is to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape around you and simply feel the magic of Mother Nature (Pachamama) and the Andes. We carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents, avoid crowded campsites, and take care of all your requirements and details so you can relax and enjoy your trek or tour.

All Treks are only operated by SAM Travel Peru: a company owned and operated by Saul Alvarez Montalvo, a native of Cusco and an experienced guide. He is passionate about providing people the best quality service possible. What that means for you is that all our treks and tours are strictly and only operated by SAM TRAVEL PERU. SAM Travel Peru will never pass you onto another company; we will work with you until we get it right…. All the departures are 100% guaranteed – If you are booked and have made your deposit, You are going!

SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! We are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers,  Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Salkantay/Inka Trail ! July 14th to 20th 2016  Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”Lares Pass – Day 3Trekking in the Sacred Valley.

SMALL GROUPS

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.

OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES FOR 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 2024

We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history.  Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents by avoiding crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.

We provide the following items to our porters for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, duffel bags, canteen, a girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company, in regards, to better their economic circumstances as well as getting help for their children’s education!  We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

Our team (Guides, cooks and porters) and our equipment are what really makes SAM Travel Peru stand out from all of our competitors…. For all our adventurous hikes, we include the following items:

  • OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents,  ONLY 2 will sleep in them, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
  • OUR FOAM MATS: They are included to separate and insulate you from the ground.
  • AIR MATTRESSES can be rented for $20 USD.
  • OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal times. This is a great time to sit back relax and catch up for a chat.
  • OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side,  adapting to the day’s weather.
  • DUFFEL BAGS:  Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
  • MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, bio chemical toilet are all provided on the trek.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities, we pass by through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employ from these communities.

Please click on Social Projects for more information about what we do.

SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support these people, not only in hiring them but to bring things back to grassroots, to share with their families. This makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE 7 DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU

Please read carefully the following information. It will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu-.

THE BRIEFING FOR THE 7 DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Of course! During the Classic Inca Trail, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more conveinent for you. Please pack what you will need for your 4 day Inca Trail Trek.

HOW TO BOOK THE 4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU FOR 2024?

FIRST, to book your 7 dayS Inca Trail  Package to Machu Picchu for 2023, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

  • Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
  • Gender
  • Passport number
  • D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
  • Nationality

*** We require each participant’s passport at the time of booking as they will be needed.

SECOND, we require a deposit of $316.00 USD per person, in order to purchase a permit for the 4 day Inca Trail.  You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@samtravelperu.com

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.

  • University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
  • All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
  • For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
  • Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.

All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. Permits are not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport copy, you sent to us to book your classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit. The rangers will check every day and when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you dress in layers and have good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general, if exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, you will acclimate better.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.

We offer the Cusco City or Sacred Valley Tours that you can book while you are acclimating.  Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?

You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK

The evening before you start your 4 day Inca Trail trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the Classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litre backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek we climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms in a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SAM Travel Peru toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the facilities supplied by the government.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu due to a health reasons, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 14:55 or 15:20.

 HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?

The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you would like, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a locally sustainable & responsible tourism operator. That incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

4 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU MAP

WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE 7 DAYS  INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
  • Valid student card (if you booked as a student)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage:  2-3L reusalbe bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented from SAM Travel)
  • Head lamp: essential
  • Toilet paper
  • Good rain gear

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DUFFEL BAG FOR THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

As a Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs or 15 pounds including your sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.

  • 2 t-shirts
  • 2 hiking pants at least
  • 4 sets of undergarments
  • 3 sets of hiking socks
  • 2 Fleece/ Thermals
  • Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º C.
  • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
  • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
  • Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
  • Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
  • Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD.

TOILETRIES

  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • Personal first aid kit

WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK FOR THE 7 DAYS INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?

We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.

  • Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch stop. Please brign your water bottles.
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Headlamp: essential
  • Wool hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or dried fruit
  • Rain plastic poncho
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

WHY BOOK WITH SAM TRAVEL?

SAM Travel was born of our love for sharing these beautiful places with travelers. Our owner ( Saúl Alvarez ) went from porter to guide to business owner, without losing sight of his roots. We know how to show you the most beautiful places and give you the most authentic experiences. For Sam Travel our guides are the most important in the business, they all are fluent in Ingles and passoinated about teh culture. They are all trained and retrained in first aid and carry satellite phones for any emergency to be connected to a medical professional when or if needed. We can guarantee our guides will make you feel like hiking with your own family or friends

EXPERT Direct & 100% Local Tour operaor

All our Tours & Treks are provided only by SAM Travel Peru staff and professional guides. What that means for you is that SAM Travel Peru will never pass you onto another company or 3rd Party .

Our Camping Equipment

Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season igloo waterproof, spacious and professional EUREKA tent. All our tents are 4 person tents. ONLY 2 people will sleep in each, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bag.

Small Groups for Big Wows

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups..

Unique Tours & Trekking Packages for all budgets

We have the most customized tours and packages for all budgets. They are created to meet our clients’ desires and needs when looking for something unique in a travel experience.

Gourmet and Hearty Meals

SAM TRAVEL PERÚ has one of the most outstanding meal services. Our chefs have been highly trained to prepare the best peruavian food our treks.

Our Commitment to the Environment

SAM Travel Peru has annual clean-up campaigns that creates awareness towards people across the planet that have the same desires to help protect the environment. It is our commitment in creating a positive and sustainable contribution towards the quality of life for rural Andean communities. .

Join the thousands of satisfied customers who rate us #1 on TripAdvisor

Bernie s 2023/03/02

Had a great trip with our guide Ray Herrera and driver Alfredo. Lots of good experiences in a short period of time 4 days. Learnt a lot not just about the main tourist destinations but Peru in general by Ray. Ray has a passion for Inca history and local produce. Ray knows all the good photo spots and we managed the sun out every day .. Good culture and if you want to get on a tour ask for Ray at Sams Travel = amazing

Tanya H 2023/03/02

Ray was our Tour Guide and Alfredo was our driver for a 4 day tour we did with SAM Travel Peru. Ray's knowledge of the history of Cusco and Machu Picchu was outstanding. Ray was very accommodating with all our needs. He stayed alongside us when trekking and helped where he could. His sense of humour was pleasant to be around. Ray spoke very good English. He is such a nice guy. I would strongly recommend Ray to be your tour guide to visit Machu Picchu. Ray explained everyday what the plans were for the next day, which was reassuring what we needed to take etc

Captanjack 2023/01/012

Our 1 day tour thru the Sacred Vally with Danny was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions in detail. I would recommend asking for him personally if you are able.

Sherry 2022/12/26

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

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C Clark 2023/01/20

Wow. We had such an incredible experience in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Our guide, Dayvit, is the most knowledgeable guide we have ever had. He has such an extensive knowledge of the history and is very friendly and helpful. If you are planning a trip to Peru, I highly recommend SAM travel and be sure to request Dayvit!

Emma Dinzebach Clark 2023/01/10

2 day tour sacred valley / Machu Picchu highly recommend! David was the best tour guide. He knows an incredible amount about Incan culture and is personable and funny. He also kept us up to date on a political situation happening when we were there and was informative. Overall, this tour checks all the boxes. Thank you!

Nupur Joshi 2023/01/02

We used SAM Travel for a 2D/1N trip from Cusco to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu on Dec 25-26, 2022. The team was good with communication from the start - both Saul and Junior were very helpful and professional with answering any questions and clearing up any misunderstandings. Our guide, Miguel, was prompt, pleasant, and quite knowledgeable. We enjoyed his company and insight over the 2 day trip and recommend him to anyone booking with SAM Travel.

Xueying Chen 2022/12/20

We booked the Classic Cusco to Machu Picchu tour with SAM travel which we really had a good experience. SAM travel is very responsive during the communication and cater to our changes needed. Our guide is Ray who is also an very awesome guide. He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous as well reliable, he help us take many good photos and also go extra mile to help with our request. Thanks Ray! Thanks SAM travel that gave us good memories in Peru! Highly recommend if you consider booking any tour in Cusco.

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Brandon Slater 2022/09/30

My wife and I just completed two excursions with SAM Travel Peru and we absolutely loved them. We did the 4 Day Salkantay Wilderness + Machu Picchu and then the 2-Day Rainbow Mountain + 7 Lakes trek with guide Carlos Estrada, chefs Nerio & Lucio, and horseman Unarato. Over the last 6 days we have learned so much about the Inca culture, discovered some of the most incredible sights, and ate delicious food every step of the way. We would definitely recommend SAM Travel (especially with Carlos!) to anyone that wants an incredible Peruvian adventure. The Wilderness trek is a much quieter trail than the standard Salkantay and goes a bit higher elevation, but camping at the base of Salkantay was incredible. Carlos's guided tour through Machu Picchu was so informative. We would have missed so much without him taking the time to share his knowledge.

Kellie Taylor 2022/04/06

Big thanks to David he was an amazing tour guide who really cared for our group. He allowed us to go at our own pace and was a brilliant photographer He was really funny and is full of interesting information & his passion for his inca ancestors is very obvious and warming. He also brought us to great restaurants! This company are very good and from what I can recall were cheaper than most. Thank you!

Mike Geelhoed 2021/06/10

They took care of everything! Saul the owner is very responsive and helpful. Johnny our guide was fantastic, as were our chef, assistant chef and horsemen. I can’t recommend them highly enough and will definitely use them again if we return to Peru!

Janice-Kaneki Chen 2020/01/28

Three of us decided to choose Sam Travel Peru, reason being is it is a local travel company that help indegenious communities. We picked Lares Trek 4D3N to have cultural experience while hiking. Good foods provided by talented Mario Chef! Johnny is our tour guide, very helpful tour guide. He even helped me to carry my daypack as I was too exhausted to carry it on day 1 hiking. Strongly recommend to those like to have local experience while hiking.

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Why you should travel with SAM Travel?

food on the inca trail to machu picchu - sam travel Peru

Best food in Machu Picchu hike

Inca trail porters

Our porters

best campsite on the inca trail

Best camping equipment

Empowering Women on the Inca Trail

Empowering Women

Safety on the Trail

Safety on the Trail

What Defines Us !