From 500 USD
Max Altitude: 2730 m.s.n.m
Group Size:
Up to 8 People
Service:
Group
Transportation:
Van, Bus, Train
Difficulty:
Moderate
Duration:
2 Days
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, we will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00am and drive you towards the Ollantaytambo train station. After an hour and ten minutes scenic train ride (Vistadome service) to KM 104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) we arrive at the beginning of our trek. At this point, we begin a moderate climb for three hours towards the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñay huayna, (2,650m/8,747 ft). Enjoy the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon and the ethnic wonders of the ancient Inca sites, as you embrace them with an open mind and heart as your connection with the ancient Inca Trail begins. After being at one with this beautiful sight, we will continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2,730m/9,007ft) Following the ancient remote footpath, we will get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu Citadel in all its brilliance and majesty. As we move closer towards the citadel of Machu Picchu, you will feel a mystical presence. Then, we will take our bus towards Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in our hotel.
Today, you will get to explore Machu Picchu citadel and experience its magical presence by taking the first bus at 5:30AM to this archeological site. Upon arrival, you will get to see the sunrise over the entire complex. Take your time, making sure you explore every nook and cranny of this New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It will be an unforgettable experience!
Your guide will direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Then on your own, wander around the town square of the world’s spiritual center of esoteric wisdom as well as climb the intricately carved stone stairways. Enjoy the pure delight of the moment.
Here are a few of alternative activities that you might wish to indulge in on your own:
You will descend towards Aguas Calientes, when you are ready to eat lunch and board the Expedition train departing 14:55 for your return trip to Cusco. The train will stop at the Ollantaytambo Train Station and you will be driven back to your hotel in Cusco, in our private van arriving at around 7pm.
The 2 day Inca Trail is available on almost any day that suits your schedule – we only need a minimum of two people in order to book.
*** The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is almost always available year round except it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay wayna.
SAM Travel Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your trek in Peru, especially within the Cusco region. We are specialists in creating unique trekking routes, with customized treks to Machu Picchu, which other tour operators do not offer. We have numerous Inca Trail trek options of 1 to 7 days and other Alternative 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 cheap prices and small groups. We offer fair prices while providing the best possible service and personalized attention in small groups. All you have to do is to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes 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 of our treks are 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 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. 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 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
In an effort to provide a more personalized service towards our passengers, we at SAM Travel Peru have a policy that our groups will never exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Incan 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 Incan and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sportsmen and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities, we pass through on treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employ from these communities.
SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support these people by not only hiring them for work but to go back to our grassroots and share with their families. It makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
Please read carefully the following information as it will help answer all of your questions about our services and the Short Inca Trail Trek below:
You will be welcomed at the Cusco airport by one of our representatives and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal, in order, to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).
Your briefing will take place the night before your tour. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Santa Teresa Nº383 ; office 107 (second floor). We are next to Subway sandwich shop and share a lobby with Hotel Casona Corrales.
Of course! During the 2 day Inca Trail, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please pack things you will only need during your Short Inca Trail.
FIRST, to book your 2 day Inca Trail Trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here this link: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase Short Inca Trail permits without the following information:
***We required copies of everyones’ passport as they are required when purchasing permits.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $200.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Short Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page or click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
It would be greatly appreciated if you can pay in cash at our office (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles). We have many ATMs within the historical center. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of: samtravelperu@gmail.com.
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the 2 day Inca Trail permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any dates after the permits have been bought. The Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent us to book your Short Inca Trail permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permits and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
It could get a bit crowded but with regulations in place by the Peruvian government to limit the amount of persons per day, there is enough space for everyone. To improve your experience on the Short Inca Trail, we have small groups with expert guides.
Absolutely! Included within our package, is hotel drop off after your trek. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too! Please send us your hotel information to better coordinate your drop off!
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, it is of great significance for the staff 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.
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 local places and its people.
The 2 day Inca Trail TREK DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter so you will need to carry all your things. Please try to pack as light as possible, which is key to enjoying this amazing trek.
We are ISO 9001 certified, which ensures that all our customers get consistent, good quality services and products. Sam Travel honors and is committed to these principles.
ISO 14001 sets an internationally agreed upon standard for Environmental sustainability. They encourage organizations to protect the environment through the efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. Sam travel adopts a holistic approach to environmental sustainability and management.
We are honored to have been chosen by our travelers as their travelers’ choice of 2022. Trust us to plan your travel, for an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. We are humbled and proud to provide the best tours to Machu Picchu, trekking the Inca trail and other tours and treks throughout the Cusco region and beyond.
Sam Travel is committed to a greener earth. We make direct contributions to counter the carbon emissions created by our website and its foot traffic. We play our part in reducing the impact on our environment by neutralizing our carbon emissions.
