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Four Lakes Circuit 2 Days

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights

Places to visit

  • Cusco
  • 4 Lakes
  • Qeswachaka
  • Palcoyo
  • Rainbow Mountain
Group Size Up to 8 People
Max Altitude: 4500 m.s.n.m
Type Service: Group
Transportation: Van, Bike, Canoe, Trekking
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights

The 4 Lakes Circuit tour is for those looking to experience something different and memorable! SAM Travel Peru offers overnight camping, with delicious food and comfortable tents in the southern valley of Cusco on this tour.  The lakes are beautiful, colorful and each one different with unique ecosystems that are not found anywhere within the Cusco region! You will get to experience each one by biking, kayaking or canoeing by taking  this once in a lifetime experience. Walk the incredibly historic Qeswachaka Inca Bridge! Have a short hike to see the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. These two days are packed with the most beautiful works of nature in the South Valley of Cusco.

Details of the Trip

Day 1: 4 Lakes – Pampamarca (Canoeing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking)

Your adventure begins with an early hotel pick up at 4am. We will then drive towards the province of Acomayo to our first lake – Pomacanchi.  This lake is known for its variety of native marine life. Next, we bike toward the second lake (20km – flat) – Acopia.  This lake is known for its unique bird life such as Flamingos, Andean Ibis, and Puna Teals, among other birds. Take your time bird watching, or just admiring the tranquility of the lake, then your chef will serve you a gourmet lunch at our camp by the lake of Pampamarca.

Later in the afternoon, we will enjoy canoeing and kayaking. Finally, we will go back to camp to enjoy our delicious dinner. So far from any city, you will have a very clear view of the stars. Your guide will teach you about the Inca Constellations and how they still guide agricultural cycles to this day.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner 
  • Accommodation: Campsite

Day 2: Inca Bridge of Qeswachaka, Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain

After an early delicious breakfast, we drive for 35 minutes to the town of Quehue, where the ancient Inca rope bridge is located. Admire the intricate construction and if you are brave, try crossing the bridge! It may look or even feel delicate, but the ropes made of grass are impressively strong.  You will also enjoy views to the Apurimac river. Then, will be go back to our campsite for an early lunch.

Afterwards, drive towards the trailhead at Palcoyo, which is about 1.3 hours. Take a small break and then take a short, gradual uphill walk (30-45 minutes) towards Palcoyo Pass (5000m/16,400ft). Here, you will have spectacular panoramic views of Palcoyoc Rainbow Mountain peaks as well as the highest mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate at (6,384m/20,945ft)! We will spend an hour or so at the pass taking pictures, having a snack and enjoying the spectacular view. Once we are done enjoying the scenery, we walk back down the way we came. Take our private transport to Cusco, arriving at the hotel by 7pm.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Included

  • Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop off
  • Professional English speaking lead guide
  • Assistant guide/mechanic
  • Mountain bikes
  • Biking equipment (helmets, biking gloves, etc.)
  • Canoeing and kayaking equipment
  • Chef
  • Dining tent and food
  • Camping equipment
  • Tents (4 person) but used only by 2
  • Portable toilet
  • First aid kit and Oxygen
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary, prepared by our chef

Not Included

  • Tips
  • Services not mentioned in this tour

PRICES:

  • $397 USD per Person

IMPORTANT INFO

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and this tour.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle arcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE

Of course! During the 4 Lakes Circuit, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please pack what you will be needing for the tour only.

HOW TO BOOK

FIRST, to book your tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click on this link: BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group):

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

*** We require copies of your passports as well as they will be needed to make the booking.

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase permits for the 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 samtravelperu@gmail.com. 

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER BOOKING?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to change the date of your tour. If you cancel your 4 Lake Circuit, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You have to bring your original passport. 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 the new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. 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. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru is specialized in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.

ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages!

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 feel appropriate, 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. We incorporate 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.

WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL? 

SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

 Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.  

We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.

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! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers,  Lonely Planet and by many blogs like:   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 TOUR GUIDES

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 lovinggreat sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

At SAM Travel Peru, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities.  Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.

SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support our local people, not only by employing them but also by going back to our own grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

PACKING LIST FOR THE 4 LAKE 2D/1N

  • Original passport
  • Good daypack (25 to 30L)
  • Water 1 to 2 liters of water (Please bring reusable, not disposable bottles)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Toilet paper
  • 1 change of clothes for the second day
  • Clothes appropriate for canoeing and kayaking on the first day
  • Polar or sweater for chilly mornings and evenings
  • Jacket
  • Face moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Personal medications
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Wool hat evenings or early mornings
  • Rain jacket  – rainy season
  • Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
  • Rain plastic poncho 
  • Camera and extra batteries (there is no electricity available at camp)
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Four Lakes Circuit 2 Days
machu picchu tours

Join SAM Travel Peru for an Unforgettable Travel Experience In Peru

  • 100% Locally Owned and Operated
  • Years of Experience in all Areas of Peru
  • Knowledgeable Staff ready to Help You
  • Individually Curated Tours and Treks
  • Especially Designed Tours and Treks
  • The Highest Quality Personal Service
  • Fantastic Value for Money with Many Added Extras
Your adventure. Our expertise.

Why Travel with SAM travel Peru?

  • Superior Service
  • Inca Trail Specialists
  • 100% value for money
  • Small Groups with a maximum of 8 people
  • Delicious and nutritious meals
  • Sustainable Travel
  • Years of Professional Inca Trail Experience
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Anna R Mar 2026 • Friends

Fantastic 4 Day Salkantay Trek

I did the 4 day Salkantay trek with Joaquin (Guide), Matias (Chef) and Zenobio (Assistant Chef) and had the best time! The crew were so friendly and caring. It was well organised and they let us know what we would be doing each day. I struggled with the altitude and got a headache on day 2 so the crew gave me some oxygen to help. I felt very cared for. Joaquin was so knowledgable and gave us lots of information on the history of Machu Picchu. Matias and Zenobio’s cooking was incredible and much needed after long days of hiking. We had such a great time and I would highly recommend Sam Travels to anyone who is planning a trip to Peru!

Georgia Hayes Mar 2026 • Friends

Great experience with Sam Travel Peru!

I had a fantastic experience with Sam Travel Peru on the Salkantay Trek. Our guide Joaquin was great. He took great care of us throughout the journey, ensuring all our needs were met while also sharing fascinating historical insights that really added the experience. Chef Matias exceeded all expectations with his food. It was really delicious with generous portions. His assistant, Zenobio, was equally fantastic. The whole team had a great sense of humour, which made the experience even more enjoyable. When I started feeling unwell due to the altitude, they were incredibly attentive, making sure I was comfortable and providing any medicine I needed. I felt well looked after from start to finish. Would definitely recommend!

Danielle Nikka ... T Mar 2026

2 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel

Sam Travel has made our trip to Machu Picchu seamless. Joel Apaza was our guide and he has been extremely helpful throughout! I had stomach problems during our hike, not sure if it was food poisoning or altitude sickness, but I was extremely nauseated up to Winay Wayna which was the most strenuous part of the hike. He was very patient with us and even helped carry out daypacks with our heavy water bottles. We were stopping every 5 minutes because of my condition, but he was very gracious and still encouraging me that we can do it! We were able to reach the citadel after almost 9 hours and wouldn’t be able to do it if it wasn’t for Joel’s kindness. Definitely recommend!

dave d Mar 2026 • Couples

Two day tour of sacred valley and machu picchu

Carlos estrada was our guide for the 2 day sacred Valley and machu picchu tour .He was very knowledgeable and really courteous. As I am a man in his sixties and was in a group of twenty year old he paced the trip brilliantly .Great guy and guide

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Matt Ward 2026/01/29

We had a wonderful few days with Liz as our guide and Jair as our driver. We did a city tour of Cusco and then the Sacred Valley, culminating with an early start and Machupicchu on our final day. Liz was very patient and had incredible knowledgeable of all sites as well as telling us about all the history and importance of each site. She knew some ways to avoid packed areas and made each day special. Jair was a very skilled driver, courteous and made sure we were comfortable in the very clean car. Liz checked on us to make sure we arrived on time, smoothed the path for transport on the train and hotel stays, as well as entry to each site. Wilfredo was a good driver to take us back to Cusco and more than willing to stop so I could take photos of dairy cows. I’d highly recommend SAM tours as they had everything sorted for each amazing site, removed the stress and hassle of entry and logistics and made you feel like one of the family.

Tess Edwards 2026/01/29

We did the 3-day Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour with Sam Travel, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. This was a real bucket-list trip for us, and with somewhere as iconic as Machu Picchu, expectations can sometimes be unrealistically high. In this case, the experience far exceeded them and was the highlight of our four weeks travelling in South America. Sam Travel is locally owned and operated, and our guide Liz Montesinos is also local. Liz has a university degree in tourism and a deep love for her history, culture and people — and that really shows. Her enthusiasm and knowledge made the three days feel meaningful rather than rushed or superficial.

Nina Shen 2025/10/29

We had an amazing experience visiting Machu Picchu with our guide, Liz Montesinos from SAM Travel Peru. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture. Liz was also incredibly kind and patient, making sure everyone in our group was comfortable and enjoying the day. Plus, she took some of the best photos of our trip. She knows all the best spots and took truly great photos and didn’t try to make us do cheesy poses like some other guides try to. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would absolutely recommend her to anyone visiting Machu Picchu. She really made our 2-day trip to Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu very special!

Marcelle James 2026/02/29

We just completed our 3 day Sacred Valley and Machu tour with Sam Travel Peru (our guide was Jose). Firstly they were very easy to deal with, and able to add in airport transfers etc as needed. Jose was an excellent guide for the whole 3 days from airport pick up to the end of the tour. Jose was able to amend the itinerary as we went to suit the weather conditions and our ability to walk through all of the sites, ensuring we still got to see all of the most picturesque and important parts of each site. Jose is exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about Peru as well as being very adaptable and positive - would absolutely recommend him.

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Cheri Buccino April 21, 2024
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Powerful! This journey tests your humanity and leaves you in awe of yourself and the beauty that Pachamama provides. April 2024 We conquered the Inca trail and it was only made possible with the help and guidance from our expert guides Jean Pierre (JP) and Jimmy. The knowledge these gentlemen shared was admired by all of our group and the envy of other trail hikers who stopped to listen. The hike has many layers of challenges including language barriers, altitude sensitivities and food specifications. The team at Sam travel exceeded the needs and went above to ensure our comforts were met. A special mention must be made to Mario, the Chef who somehow performed magic with nutritious flavourful meals to satisfy even the pickiest consumers and Francesco who was our lead porter who orchestrated the harmony that happened behind the scenes to get everything done. Nothing less than marvellous from this team. Thank you to each of the group who made our trek a remarkable experience.

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Bhavana Lalwani April 18, 2024
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Jose and Henry were great guides for our first time exploring machu pichu! They were very attentive and kept everything on a smooth schedule. Highly recommend!

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Ryan April 9, 2024
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The whole experience was amazing. Ray, our guide answered all of our questions and definitely had our best interest in mind the whole time. Timothy the cook made fantastic food and somehow found a way to prepare a birthday cake with no notice! Boni our head porter and his whole crew were kind, accommodating, and had such upbeat attitudes which really made the experience great!

Isabel Batteria April 17, 2024
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I spent two days with Sam Travel’s guide Raymier, who guided us through the one-day 12-km stretch of the Inca trail and then took us to Machu Picchu the next day. In my group, I was always the last one on the trail because I come from the coast and I’m not used to altitudes, and honestly I could also have prepared physically a little better. Raymier respected my pace, never rushed me, and supported me throughout the ardous trail. He had much knowledge to share. I speak Spanish, but ended up in an English tour, and Ray’s English was very good. He was funny, respectful, and versatile. He knew where to take all the best photos and patiently took photos of all of us. I would trust Sam Travel again especially if I was lucky enough to have Ray as a guide again.

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Sam Travel stands out

Sam Travel is a renowned local travel agency based in Cusco -Peru, recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, expert travel advice and personalized itineraries that meet the needs and preferences of each traveler.

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