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1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Circuit 2

1 Day

Moderate

2730

Up to 8 People

Van, Bus, Train

Hike the 1-Day Inca Trail and visit the iconic Machu Picchu Citadel all in one day. The trail is rich with Inca ruins, breathtaking mountain views, lush vegetation, and diverse ecological zones. You’ll trek through Machu Picchu National Park, reaching the Sun Gate for your first unforgettable glimpse of Machu Picchu. Once at the citadel, enjoy a private guided tour, exploring the hidden corners of this ancient wonder.

Note: The 1-Day Inca Trail follows the same path as the 2-Day option but at a faster pace. Hikers should be in moderate to excellent physical condition to complete the trek and arrive in time for the Machu Picchu tour. If you’re concerned about the difficulty, consider booking the 2-Day Inca Trail.

If you want to spend a night in Aguas Calientes, you can book a 2-day Inca Trail tour that includes either hotel accommodation or camping.

Inca Trail 1 Day Trek Highlights: The Best of the Express Route

Enjoy the unique experience of walking the Inca Trail in just 1 day! Perfect for those who don’t have much time in Cusco.
Start at KM 104 and pass through archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, known as the “Young City.” Without a doubt, this is the best way to arrive at Machu Picchu.
After a picnic in the heart of the mountains, reach the Sun Gate, where you’ll have the most stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu from above.
Descend to the citadel and witness the magic of Machu Picchu.
Selfie time! Get your camera ready for that unforgettable postcard shot at one of the world’s most iconic sites.
With the guidance of our expert tour leaders, enjoy a complete guided visit through the Inca ruins of this World Wonder – the perfect ending to a dream journey.
Return to Cusco on a comfortable panoramic train, the well-deserved reward after your day of hiking.

Hike the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate & explore Machu Picchu with the Circuit 2!

***All time references are approximate based on hiking speed of group and availability of tickets.

At 4:00am your guide will pick you up with our van at your hotel in Cusco (4am) or Ollantaytambo (5:30am)
You will travel through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station. (Train leaves at 6:10 am)
The Expedition train ride consists of spectacular views in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It takes a little over an hour to get to KM 104.
At 7:30 – 8:00 am, you and your guide will start hiking through the original Inca till the Sun gate, from where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu. The exact time depends on the group.
You will explore amazing Inca cities along the Inca Trail, especially the Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins.
You will have Box lunch after exploring the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, usually around noon.
An hour or so after lunch you will arrive at the Sun Gate where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu!
By 2:00pm you will start exploring Machu Picchu Citadel. Your guide will explain all the history of this amazing and mysterious Incan city.
In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset and take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu when it is empty of tourists.
By 5:00pm take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, with time for a quick dinner in a restaurant, or to buy a take out dinner to eat on the train. (Dinner is not included).
The Expedition Train departs at 6:20pm take the train back to Cusco then we will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. If you choose the Vistadome, your train will depart at 6:10pm.

***It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints.

***If you choose, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes but you need to make your own hotel reservation; we will book your return train for the next day at no extra cost.

*** You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo.

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

The guide will pick you up at the hotel at 4am in Cusco for the journey with our private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo. (If you prefer to begin in Ollantaytambo, we will pick you up at the hotel at 5:30am).

Before boarding the train in Ollantaytambo, the guide will provide you a box lunch, which you carry in your daypack. After an hour and 15 minutes train ride, get off the train at the famous Km104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle hike upward. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper, with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos, you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.

Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, though the hour long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, know as the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last stretch to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site,“House of the Guardians” where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20pm you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van to Cusco and your hotel. You will arrive around 10:00pm. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.

Meals: Picnic lunch
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

****It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

Included

Transfer from the airport to your hotel
Pick up at your hotel by your guide
Private transport from your hotel to the train station
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking
Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo at 104 kilometers and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archeological site
Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit 3)
Box lunch
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Taxes

Not Included

It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
First breakfast & Dinner at Aguas Calientes
Tips for the staff (Sam Travel Peru staff receives a fair payment immediately after they end their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated by them)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (Return only)

ADDED VALUES for FREE:

TRANSFER IN: from the airport to hotel included (Airport to hotel in Cusco only)

BEST PRICE FOR THIS UNIQUE TREK!

The 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that suits you! We just require a minimum of 2 participants!

GROUP PRICES:

$447 USD per person

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:

$547 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$527 USD per person – 4 or more persons

PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:

$647 USD per person – 1 persons only private trek

We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. If you are a solo traveler- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek so you can join an existing group.

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return only)
Stay the night in Aguas Calientes 2*3*or 4* hotel. (We will arrange your return train back to Cusco for the next day, however you need to book your own hotel)

**** The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days & 1 night is almost always available year round except when 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 Inca City.

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.

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

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

SAM Travel Peru has 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 employing them but going back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look out for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the arrival terminal. Please note that you will have to exit the airport first, drivers are not allowed to enter the airport. This can be done on any date that works best for you!

THE BRIEFING

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 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Only pack items you will need for your trek.

HOW TO BOOK

FIRST, to book your 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here the link BOOK NOW.

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

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

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu. You can make your 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.

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 DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Inca Trail Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL?

OF COURSE! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number. Please send us the new passport number as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to quickly changing weather.

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

The 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a 12km (7.5 miles) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 2700mt.

In preparation: try walking 15kms/ 9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

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 while on the train. The Expedition train departs at 18:20.

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. The Vistadome departs at 18:10.

ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL?

Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

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 takes about 24 hours to 2 days.

The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are 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.

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 more or less 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 local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.

Packing List for the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The One Day Inca Trail Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek

Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water: 2L in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Toilet paper
Jacket
Dress in layers
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Personal medications
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Wool hat (only in the cold season)
Rain gear if rainy season
Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits)
Rain plastic poncho
Camera
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

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Hotel Andenes del Inca

Comfortable lodging near the ruins of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

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Perfect for beginning your adventure to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu

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Cusco to Machu Picchu

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Why Travel with SAM travel Peru?

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Independent reviews from guests who explored Peru with our local team.

slamice

Aug 2026, 2026 · Solo

Excellent experience on 2 day tour

A friend recommended me to Sam’s. It was a great experience. After making it to Cusco they walked me through everything at the office. We were a small group which was great for faster pacing the tour guide Israel was a very nice and knowledgeable guy. He is also very patient and relaxed, which helped a lot. I think he knows every tour guide in Machu Pichu. Everything Sam’s provided, including the food and accommodations was much appreciated. I took the two day Machu Pichu tour. The weather was bad for the 4 -5 day Inca trail but Sam’s made our tour work. 100% would recommend.

Posted on Tripadvisor

DianaFran72

Apr 2026 · Couples

Great 3-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour

Henry shared a wealth of historical and cultural information during our first day in the Sacred Valley. Cristian then guided us patiently and cheerfully on the hike to the Sun Gate and around Machu Picchu. His love for his heritage made two long days especially memorable.

Posted on Tripadvisor

Elisa Yaeger

Aug 2026 · Solo

Salkantay Trek 4 days

SAME Travel is an incredible tour group. Saul responded to me immediately & took a phone call to answer any questions I had. Jose was my guide & wow was he amazing. The best smile, the most positive attitude, & the most encouraging (especially during the 9 hours of hiking in the snow & rain). I could not have asked for a better guide! The chefs were great & accommodated my vegan needs. & the horseman made sure our luggage arrived safely & dry! & another great aspect of this tour group is that the groups themselves are small, making it feel more personalized. I would definitely book another tour with SAM!

Posted on Tripadvisor

19_traveler15

Aug 2026· Couples

Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

I contacted SAM Travel directly approx 8 months in advance to book the short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu for my 50th birthday. The typical tour is a return from Cusco, but we were staying in Ollantaytambo so I requested to join the tour from Ollayantambo and finish in Cusco. Booking went very smoothly and over the coming months both Nicole and Edison were very responsive to any questions I had such as how my main luggage would be collected from Ollantaytambo and be ready for our return to cusco. The night before our tour, our guide Juan contacted me to discuss the logistics for the following day. Upon arrival at the train station Juan recognised us immediately (I sent him a picture of us) and ensured that we were comfortable with the itinerary. We were booked onto a group trip but to it turned out to be just my husband and I. Juan was absolutely amazing, He made our trip an unforgettable experience and we could not have asked for a better guide. During the trek, Juan allowed us to walk at our own pace so that we could enjoy the scenery and manage the altitude. He explained the history of the Incan ruins and Machu Picchu in great detail and was very attentive to our needs. He made sure that our overnight bags were waiting at the hotel in Aguas Calientes for our arrival after the trek and he also ensured that our main luggage was collected from Ollantaytambo and was on the bus with us back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, Juan even made sure that we got checked into our hotel ok before eventually we had to say our sad goodbyes. We cannot thank Juan enough for giving us the best experience and we would highly recommend him as a guide. “Tupananchiskama, Juan! Sulpayki por todo” .

Posted on Tripadvisor

Eleonora T

Aug 2026 • Couples

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

We did the 3-day and 2-night tour, the first day tour of the Sacred Valley (truly incredible places) with explanations of the various sites of interest, day 2 short Inca Trail, the guide (Israel) was excellent with us, he set a good pace and breaks to explain some little curiosities. Lunch is included and is very good. Finally, the last day visit to Machu Picchu, exhaustive and interesting. The transportation is excellently organized, and the luggage delivery system was also very convenient for us! We highly recommend Sam Travel :)

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Daniel A

Aug 2026 • Friends

Classic Inca Trail

We booked the 4 day Inca Trail during which we unfortunately encountered freak weather with torrential rain meaning parts of the trail were closed by the government due to mud slides after our first day forcing us to turn back the next day. Despite this our guides Ray and Jimmy immediately contacted the office and organised alternative routes, trains, busses, and accommodation allowing us to then complete the alternative trek starting from km 104 on day 3, enter Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and return on Day 4 for a brilliant guide through Machu Picchu itself by which point the weather was brilliant again.

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Daniel Austin

Aug 2026

What an experience of a lifetime. Our travel guide, Joseph, and our chef, Andres, both went above and beyond to make our trek incredible. Joseph is a true master of the mountain trails. He is articulate, friendly, and encouraging to hikers on his care. He always makes sure you know the plan. A truly fun guy to hang out with, too. When a couple hikers in our group got sick, one of them on Sankaltay Pass trail, he put many extra steps in going back and forth to make sure the fellow hiker got to safety by horse, and he was in total confidence the whole time. You're in good hands with Joseph. Now, regarding food, I am 20+ years vegan, and I fully expected to have a hard time when it came to the catering on the trail. Chef Andres not only fully understood what vegan means, he made every meal a culinary work of art, and the fellow hikers in my group were in awe of the dishes Andres made just for me. And he never made a mistake on vegan ingredients, always confident in what he made. Keep in mind, Andres and his crew made the hike with us every day, which usually kicked our asses, but Andres and his team made incredible dishes 3 times a day after hiking. It was just unbelievable how hard this crew works and how passionate they are about their work. It was a great fortune to have booked through Sam Travel and to have gotten Joseph and Andres taking care of us out there.

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Yasamin Vafai

Aug, 2026

Elias Usca was an amazing guide for our 4 day hike for our honeymoon. Originally we were going to do the Inca Trail, but then we had to reschedule into this trek because there was a landslide on the Inca Trail. Elias make sure that this experience was unforgettable, even if it wasn’t what we had originally planned for, we were happy that we ended up doing the Salkantay with him! When I was struggling with the altitude, he helped me, and even helped carry my bag and arrange a horse for me. He was great at thinking on his feet and even helped our group with having different schedules for the third day based off of everybody’s preferences and abilities. Every night the accommodations were so comfortable and even had hot showers! I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the food, with multiple delicious dishes for every meal prepared by our chef Evereth. Elias was very knowledgeable and shared great facts about the nature and the history of the Inca people during our time with him. He and our group were also super fun, and I was so sad when the trip was over! The vibes were the best. This was definitely worth the money, with everything smoothly planned from the first hotel pickup to the final meal! I can’t recommend it enough!.

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Omid Boozarpour

Aug 24, 2026

We had an amazing time on our salkantay trek with Elias Usca as our guide! We actually were supposed to be doing an inca trail trek with SAM travels, but a landslide caused the trail to be closed! They contacted us promptly and helped us find an alternate trek immediately that would still get us to machu picchu. We were worried about the difficulty, and although it was certainly tough, our guide went above and beyond to help us all the way. Got us horses for the harder bits, even offered to carry our packs when things got tough. The whole while he was encouraging and so friendly. Cracking jokes and keeping our spirits up. He knew so much about the sites and was always offering information and pointing out interesting things. Cant say enough good things about him. We wouldnt have made it without him as well as Eberth and our cook/porter team who kept us well fed and happy! Another thing was sam travels as a whole was always looking for ways to tailor the trek to us and they helped find alternate paths when some in our group were unable to continue as planned. Definitely will be recommending to others!.

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Alice

Aug 21, 2026

amazing hike, amazing guides, amazing group, amazing everything !! despite the rain and the closing of the trail, our great guides Jimmy and Ray still found a way to let us safely experience this hike while enjoying the food Edison cooked for us. we’ll never forget this experience and the stunning inka trail :) (and also a special thanks to the team of porters who hiked and set up camp in the rain, you’ve been amazing)

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Elisa Yaeger

Aug 20, 2026

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Cecilia Castelli

Aug 19, 2026

We had an absolutely amazing time with Chris and Daniel during our three-day Sacred Valley experience, including the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, followed by a trip to Pallay Punchu. Every single place we visited was absolutely stunning, and the service throughout the entire trip was exceptional. Everything was perfectly organized, which allowed us to simply enjoy the experience and take in the incredible scenery. Chris was absolutely the best! He is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about what he does. He had an answer to every question we asked and shared so much interesting information along the way. Beyond his knowledge, he is simply a wonderful person who made the experience even more special. Daniel, our driver, was also fantastic. He was so kind, warm, and professional, and always made us feel comfortable and well taken care of. Honestly, it felt less like touring with guides and more like traveling with close friends or family. Both Chris and Daniel were incredibly sweet, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making our trip memorable. I cannot recommend this company highly enough, and I would especially recommend Chris and Daniel to anyone visiting Peru. They made an already incredible trip truly unforgettable!

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Carolyn

Jun 29, 2026

Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka

For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!.

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Joann Campos

Apr 24, 2026

The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!

I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special. Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip. While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!.

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Susan

Oct 9, 2025

The Inca Trail with the best guide.

We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.

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Jen Thomas

Oct 3, 2024

An amazing adventure

Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.

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Isabel Batteria

Apr 17, 2024

Patient and supportive guide

Raymier respected my pace on the Short Inca Trail, never rushed me and supported me throughout. He was knowledgeable, funny and knew the best places for photos.

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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.