4Days - 3Nights
Cusco
Up to 8 people
Adventure, Trek
Challenging
reservations needed
The Classic Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is famous for being one of the world’s ten best hikes! Walk in the footsteps of the Inca as you discover astonishing ecological diversity and a wealth of archeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers 32,952 acres and is home to a network of Inca trails,
scores of archeological sites, 10 ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds and 200 species of orchids!
Along the 42-kilometer or 26-mile trail, you’ll walk along the same path as ancient Incan kings had nearly 500 years ago. Experience altitudes of up to 4,200 meters at the dead women´s pass, various landscapes, original cobbled stoned trails and staircases built by the Incans. Passing famous archeological sites like Runcuracay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, and the majestic Machu Picchu itself.
Today begins your adventure of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail! Your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in our private van at 4:30am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is known as Kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins. Along the way, we stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo at about 6:30-7:00am to load up on energy for our first big day. (Breakfast is not included)
Arriving at KM82 (8:30am), we will have some time to organize ourselves, use the restrooms, apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Here you need to give your duffel bag to the porters, keeping only a small daypack with the essentials you need during the hike. Check our packing list for more information. Once at the Inca Trail checkpoint, be ready to show your passports and your student ID card, if you booked as a student. Your guide will have all of your permits and tickets.
At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft) you will cross the Vilcanota River and follow its scenic route. The first day is relatively easy, a warm-up along the rolling “Inca flat terrain.” There you will enjoy great views of the Inca Fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (also called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of Veronica (5,860m/19,225ft), also known as W’akay Willca. You stop for your first gourmet lunch at Hatunchaca, after which you only have about three hours of walking to camp.
Our first campsite is about 2 hours past the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) located in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night can be as low as 5ºC, depending on the season. It is generally colder in the dry season from May to September.
When you arrive at camp, your afternoon tea and appetizers will be ready for you. Enjoy a hot drink and settle into your tents, which will already be set up for you.
Your guide will wake you up with a hot mug of tea or coffee at 5:30am. Enjoy your hot drink in your sleeping bag before getting up for a delicious and hearty breakfast. With your daypacks as light as possible, you start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warmihuañusca, also known as 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 break for photos, you begin the descent towards your lunch spot, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On your way up towards the pass, you will see an array of hummingbirds and a variety of other species of birds. 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 a gourmet lunch, you begin the second two-hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass (4,000m/13,123ft). You arrive at your campsite by 5 pm, where your afternoon tea and appetizers are waiting for you. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night.
This is the most impressive day so far, so keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! Your guide will wake you up at 6 am with another hot mug of tea or coffee in your tent before you get up for breakfast. You start the day with a gentle climb toward the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, which means “Village in the Clouds”. Here, we reach the third highest point along the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The extensive Inca site of Phuyupatamarca is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, you continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive Inca site of Intipata. As you descend from the mountains, you will feel the temperature rise. You are approaching not only Machu Picchu, but also the beginning of the Amazon jungle! After taking some time to visit Intipata, you continue to your third campsite Wiñay Wayna (2,680m/8,792ft). Today, you will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. You will arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from your campsite is the famous Inca site of Wiñay Wayna which means “Forever Young” in Quechua. It is named after a special orchid that grows abundantly in the area.
Wake up time is at 3:30 AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00 AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 AM. This is the final part of your journey, and you arrive by 6:00am at the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel will be in front of you with its mystic beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. At the Sun Gate, you will watch sunlight spreading down over the citadel like melting goal, as the sun rises behind you. Finally, we walk downhill towards Machu Picchu Citadel (2,400m/7,872 ft.)
After walking about 40 minutes, we enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu from the top through the “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. From there, we proceed towards the control point, where we register and leave any large backpacks or walking poles. You are only allowed to take small bags into Machu Picchu, such as camera bags. Walking poles are not allowed because they can damage the stones.
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.
*** The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.
***IMPORTANT:
**Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu 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.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek is available on any date that is best suited to you as long as we have a minimum of 2 hikers
***Personal Porter is included in the price!
***Discount of $15 USD per person for groups of 5 or more people
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional hikes 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 your extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
SAM CORPORATIONS is a family owned travel agency and a tour operator that specializes in tours all over Peru. We are based in Cusco with many years of personal experience trekking and traveling every nook and cranny of Peru. SAM CORPORATIONS is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our focus is on creating small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. We guarantee a luxurious service and promise to never cut corners.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We support them financially and ensure long term growth by offering them a fair salary. We are proud of our team, without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM CORPORATIONS knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create an unforgettable adventure while in Peru. We stand by our word and deliver on our promises.
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, SAM CORPORATIONS has a policy that our groups will not exceed 10 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 their country. 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. They are adventure and travel enthusiasts, sharing only the best of what they have personally experienced. 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.
Trekking with SAM CORPORATIONS 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, comfortable duffel bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired locally, from isolated communities and are given the opportunity to gain employement,giving them a chance to better their economic circumstances as well as to provide their children with an education! We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family!
Our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our equipment also makes SAM CORPORATIONS stand out from all of our competitors! For all our adventurous hikes, we include the following items:
SAM CORPORATIONS 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 employ from these communities.
SAM CORPORATIONS is proud to be able to support our beautiful local people. We use a holistic approach to sustanability and community development. We participate in multiple social projects, we employ from these communities and pay them an above average wage. Self- sustainibilty and long term growth is our main focus.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help you answer most of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail 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.
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack what you will need for the trek!
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , 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 without the following information:
*** We require copies of every participant’s passport, in order, to book Inca Trail permits!
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Classic 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.
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 to complete the payment.
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once 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. If you must change the date of your trek, the fee is $100 because we have to buy you a new permit. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu , the Inca Trail and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible. Its 25$ to change name or passport. If you do not wish to pay this fee. Then we advise that you bring both old and new passport with you to Peru. Its the only way you will be able to enter.
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. The Inca trail has several micro-climates.
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 1 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. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS. Our guides cannot give you any medication for legal reasons. If you need medication for altitude sickness or anything else, please visit a local phamarcy or you local doctor before partaking on the trail.
The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. SAM CORPORATIONS Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on 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.
The evening before you start your 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. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, 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 trek, you will 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. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. 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.
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will 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/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 (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! SAM CORPORATIONS 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 dirty facilities supplied by the government.
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, SAM CORPORATIONS Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
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.
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. Therefore, you will take the train at 2:55 or 3:20pm, depending on availability.
The Vistadome train service has more comfortable seats, panoramic windows and ceilings. 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 pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
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 CORPORATIONS Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception on the quality of service 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 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.
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 2.5kg 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.
Booking an extra porter at an extra fee, will allow you another 7kg/15pounds. Please request at booking
We highly recommend that you bring a small backpack of 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 which is carried by the porters during the day. You will have access to this duffel at camp each evening.
Short Inca Trail Welcome Machu Picchu
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
Imperial City of Cusco
INCA TRAIL
Live the adventure with one of the most famous walks in Peru Inca Trail
MACHU PICCHU
One of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu the lost citadel of the Incas
Cusco
Imperial city of the ancient Inca empire
inca trail 2023 - Sam Corporations
Hike from KM 104 to the Sun Gate
Sam Corporations has flexible departure dates, willing to accommodate your needs and travel requirements as far as possible. We guarantee exclusive luxurious tours of the hidden gems of Peru, whilst providing the best quality and personalized service.
You can book confidently knowing we offer the best value for your money
Sam Corporations
Our company is 100% locally owned. We directly contribute to economic development and environmental sustainability in Peru.
The quality of our service is one of our most important values which demands all our effort, determination, and courage to be successful in what we are doing and the services we provide
We aim to have a positive impact in all the areas that we visit. Through our training sessions and social projects, we empower women, indigenous communities and children
Our groups never exceed 10 people, giving you a personalized tour in our small comfortable vans
Interested in visiting only specific destinations? No problem, all our packages can be fully customized to suit your budget and schedule. Contact our travel advisors to plan the most comprehensive trip of a lifetime.
We commit socially and culturally to the community and adapt our business strategies to the preservation of the environment
OUR LARES TREK DOES NOT ONLY FOLLOW THE MOST UNIQUE PATH THROUGH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES, BUT ALSO INCLUDES THE WORLD FAMOUS SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The Lares Valley Trek + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu gives the trekker the best of both worlds in 5 days. The first stage of your trek is a complete cultural experience in the imposing mountain peaks of the Andes. Trek through glacial peaks, stunning turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls tumbling down the mountain side and herds of llamas and Alpacas grazing lazily. Spend your nights in isolated communities, where the way of life hasn’t changed much since the time of the Ancient Incas. Your next stage is the privilege to follow in the footsteps of Incas as they made their way to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Explore the ancient Inca religious cities along the way and enter through the Sun Gate directly to Machu Picchu Citadel. Final stage is a day completely dedicated to the Citadel. You get to visit Machu Picchu twice! What more could you want?
The fast trekked 1 Day Inca trail hike is perfect for those strapped for time, but looking to experience the world-famous Inca Trail and the 7th wonder of the World Machu Picchu. Starting from KM104, hike part of the Inca trail, passing different archeological sites and unique mountain and rainforest flora and fauna. At the top of the stunning ageless archeological site if Wiñay Winay, enjoy unparalleled and panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks, the lush valley and serene Urubamba River. Get your first breath taking view of the Inca City of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Enjoy unobstructed views of Citadel and be mesmerized by the sheer size and architectural marvel that is Machu Picchu.
When you hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will see impressive Inca ruins, expansive mountain views, lush subtropical vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. The Ancient Inca Road goes through the National Park and takes you through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu! We will pass through cloud forests and finally into subtropical vegetation. People hiking the short Inca Trail Trek will have the privilege of seeing the famous Machu Picchu Citadel in the afternoon on the first day and also visiting it again the next morning! This trek was designed for those with little travel time or prefer hotel rooms to camping, but still want to experience a part of the Historic Inca Trail and walk to the New 7 Wonder of the World: Machu Picchu!
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