DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR
Upon your arrival to the cosmopolitan capital Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing then given the morning to acclimatize. In the afternoon, we will introduce you to the Imperial Cusco City. Cusco’s history lives in its streets, squares, valleys and towns. You will find stunning destinations and examples of fine engineering by Inca stonemasons and living examples of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing our journey, we visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace, the main worship center of the Sun God. Our discoveries continue at the unmatched and mesmerizing archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city. Finally, we are introduced to the contrasts of the indigenous ancients Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay sites, located in the north east of the city. We then head back to your hotel in Cusco by early evening.
- Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Best Western Hotel 3*
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Pisac + Moray + Salt mines + Ollantaytambo)
We will pick you up at your hotel at 7:30am, with our private van and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We drive first to the Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, which has a variety of Peruvian animals including a Peruvian Puma, and the great Condor, the national bird of Peru, and then you are off to the mirador of Taray to enjoy a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops dressing the mountains like a carpet. Onward, we drive to the archaeological site of Pisac, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs. There we can admire the incredible farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here we will spend more than 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then we head back to the colourful market of Pisac, spend some time visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
With timeless charm, we visit the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” an evolutionary bowl of ecological difference. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl. They are thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.
Expanding on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, ascending our hike downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. Thousands of saltpans have been 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 saltpans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for human and animal consumption. Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, having time to explore the age old and bustling Inca village and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Here we spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.
- Hotel in Ollantaytambo: Tunupa lodge, Iskay Hotel depending on availability
DAY 3: CUSCO – 104 kms – WIÑAYHUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead we pick you up from your hotel by 6:00am, and drive you to the train station. A two hour free flowing train ride to 104 kms (2,100m/6,927ft) will take us to the beginning our trek, where we cruise past the first checkpoint with ease. Afterwards we initiate a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana. (2,650m/8747ft). As we view out with an open mind and heart, we embrace the spectacular plunging views of the Urubamba Canyon, and the ethnic wonder of ancient Inca sites, we make our connection into the traditional four day Inca Trail. After being at one with this beautiful sight, we continue onward towards the Sun Gate (2,730mts/9,007ft). Following the ancient remote footpath, we grasp onto our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic monumentality. As we move closer to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, you will feel the reasoning of her energetic vibration. Then we take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in our hotel.
- Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner.
- Accommodation: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Bursting with excitement on your final surreal day, we take the first bus to Machu Picchu archeological site, making sure we tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu, what an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you through the energetic ruins and its diverse main streets. Finally, climb Huayna Picchu to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu and the valleys below.
If you wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own you can (not included in the price):
- Climb Huayna Picchu – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
- Climb Machu Picchu Mountain – appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there. (additional fee)
- You will be given some time to walk to the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. ( No additional fee)
- Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs. (entrance fee)
When you are ready, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, have a leisurely lunch on your own, and later on board the Expedition train at 4:22pm for the return trip to Cusco stopping at the Ollantaytambo Station, where you will catch our private van back to Cusco arriving at about 8:30pm.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Included
- City Tour
- Sacred Valley Tour
- Entrances to the Inca cities and archeological sites
- Professional English-speaking guide for four days.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Three nights hotel accommodation with private room, bathroom and breakfast included if option chosen
- Meals a indicated on the itinerary
- 3 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu -Aguas Calientes.
- Personal assistance.
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel – optional upgrades
- Huayna Picchu Tickets: US$75 per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$70 per person
- Upgrade to Vista Dome: US$67 per person (Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
- Tips for your guide
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- Transfer from the airport to hotel: (Cusco Hotel only).
- SMALL GROUPS: up to 8 hikers
- EARLY TRAIN: for the return to Cusco from Aguas Caliente
***The short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is always available (except February when it is closed for maintenance). This trek still takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE, you will get to explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñaywayna Inca city
***The fantastic tour with Inca trail included is available on any date that will suit you – Join in with our group and get the best deals.
- Price: US$900 per person with hotels
- Price: US$750 per person without hotels
***Private service is available for $100 more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!
DISCOUNTS
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$75 per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$75 per person
- Upgrade Hotel in Aguas Calientes: US$40 to 3*** (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
- Upgrade Hotel in Ollantaytambo: US$55 to 3*** (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
- Upgrade to Vista Dome: US$67 per person
- Single Supplement – US$30 2* for single travelers
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL
SAM (initials of Saul Alvarez Montalvo) Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 1oo% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders.
My dream as the owner was 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 having a reputation as being a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. My staff are my extended family. I ensure they are supported financially by paying them a good wage. I am proud of my team without them I couldn’t give the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SMALL GROUPS
In an effort to provide a more personalised service to our passengers, we in SAM Travel Peru 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 THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR & SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKAGE
I am very proud of my guides! Highly professional, speaking in fluent English and very knowledgeable. Passionate for the Inca heritage/ history, dedicated to a steady personal development and learning to ensure that you receive accurate and recognised theories about the Inca Andean culture. Fun loving, great sportsmen and well educated some having a degree in Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology. Others are great entertainers and the best “Salsa Dancers” on this side of Machu Picchu.
OUR SOCIAL PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employee from these communities.
SAM Travel Peru is proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only in hiring them for work but to bring things back to grassroots, to share in their home and families. This makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
A beautiful reflection of our attitude in everything we do, is that we wish to make life richer and more meaningful for all involved.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package
WELCOME 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 your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 207, La Casa de mi Abuelo.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE:
Of course! During the Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE HIKING PACKAGE
FIRST, to book your Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package, 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 an Inca trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu or the train 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 US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a your Inca Trail permit, entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. 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 or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in 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 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.
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, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need ISIC cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
- All students from 12 to 17 years, the discount is $40.
- For children from the age of 2 to 12 the discount is $60.
- For 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
HOW DO I GET THE STUDENT ISIC CARD DISCOUNT?
- The ISIC Student Discount is US$25.
- You must have a valid current internationally accepted ISIC card in your name.
- You can apply for the ISIC Card at https://www.isic.org/
- You must provide a copy of your ISIC card at the time of your booking.
- 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 tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE SACRED VALLEY TOUR & SHORT INCA TRAIL PACKAGE
Yes! 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 entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check 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 or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE HIKING PACKAGE
First I would say that the weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend you to bring a warm jacket for early morning and rain poncho in case of a rain shower.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you may be fine.
The recommended medicine 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 Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. 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, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. 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 for that we incorporate the 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 it´s people.
The Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package does not include extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your thing, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek.
What you have to take with you for the “Sacred Valley Tour & Short Inca Trail Package”?
- Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid, GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 litre Camelbaks are encouraged.
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet Paper
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 hiking pants at least
- 2 sets of undergarments
- 2 sets of hiking socks
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- 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.
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
- Sun Hat
- Sunscreen
- Wool Hat
- Rain gear
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Coca leaves.
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by SAM)
- Camera
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
