7Days
Cusco
Up to 8 People
Adventure
Challenging
Everyday
Join us for a thrilling 7-day adventure in Peru! Enjoy a tour through the natural salt mines and learn their traditional methods of extraction. Hike back in time and follow the famous Inca Trail and discover ancient ruins of Machu Picchu along with the natural beauty of different ecological niches ranging from high deserts to tropical forests. Explore the Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Andean people. Take in stunning views of the Rainbow Mountain and experience first hand the recently discovered vibrant colors of this impressive hike. Our expert guides will ensure you have a safe and unforgettable journey. So don’t wait! Book your tour now and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our friendly representative and transferred to your hotel in our private van. There you will receive a short briefing and have the rest of the morning for resting and acclimatizing. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore Cusco on your own. Enjoy the sights of the capital city of the Incas, and the indigenous and colonial heritages at your leisure. At night, experience Cusco’s nightlife and sample some of its cuisine at the many traditional Peruvian restaurants.
We start this wonderful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how little the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting/shopping and afterwards drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and to experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the “pre-Inca salt mines,” called “Salineras” in Spanish. The salt pans and their methods have been passed down through countless generations and 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 salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the monumental terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the fantastic Inca Trail the next day.
Today, begins your adventure of a lifetime, the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 6:00am. From there, we travel to Piskacucho, which is called kilometer 82, where the Classic Inca Trail begins.
Upon arrival at kilometer 82 at about 8:30am, we will have some time to organize ourselves, use of the restrooms, apply sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. At the Inca Trail first control point, be ready to show your entrance tickets, passports and (if paying a student rate) your student card.
At the start of the trail (2,720m/8,923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy, a nice warm-up along the Inca flat terrain. There are great views of the Incan Fortress (‘Huillca Raccay’), the vast and incredible Inca site of Llactapata, (officially called ‘Patallacta’), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle, the Andes Mountains, and the beautiful snow-capped peak of ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m/19225ft) known to the locals as Veronica .After a thrilling morning, we’ll stop for a gourmet lunch presented by our team of porters at Hatunchaca. From there, it’s about a three hour walk to reach our beautiful campsite.
Our first campsite (Ayapata) is an hour and a half up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,842ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name. Temperatures at night are around 5ºC depending on the month.
During the day, we will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains Veronica, (5,860m/19,337ft), the lush green valley around us and a myriad of flora and fauna.
Start your day on a high as your guide brings a cup of hot coca tea to your tent door around 5 to 5:30am. Wake up sipping your warm beverage as you get ready for another incredible day. After enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warrmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at (4,200m/13,779ft). Depending on your experience with hiking high altitudes it may be wise to bring altitude pills in order to avoid altitude sickness. While this may be the most difficult part of our journey; a true sense of accomplishment and an impressive view await you at the summit! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to where we stop for lunch, which is located at Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft).
On our way up to the pass, we will be able to see an array of hummingbirds and a combination of other species of bird life. 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 lunch, begins the second two-hour steep climb to Runkuraqay pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm. Temperatures at this campsite are around 4ºC during the night so be prepared to bundle up.
This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’). Here, we reach the third highest point on the Inca trail (3,680m/12,073ft). The views of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!
The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass. After visiting this site, we continue walking down 3,000 stairs through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata. After immersing ourselves in its ancient wonders and receiving a well prepared historical tour, we continue on until we arrive at our third campsite Wiñay Wayna. (2680m/8792ft). Today, we will only walk about 4 to 5 hours. We arrive at camp by lunchtime! Temperatures during the night are about 12º C.
A short walk from our campsite, is the famous Incan site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). This exceptional site derives its name from a remarkable orchid species that thrives abundantly in this area. Take a moment to explore and marvel at the wonders of Wiñay Wayna, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty that surrounds you. Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, its a moment you cannot miss, as it is one of the most impressive site on the Inca trail. This will be our last night camping and having dinner as a group and will be a great time to thank our porters for all their hard work. During the night, temperatures hover around 12ºC or 53°F, so you can anticipate a comfortable evening.
At around 4:00am, it’s time to wake up, have breakfast and start day 4 on the Inca trail to get to Machu Picchu! By 6:00 AM, you’ll reach the iconic Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. At this very moment, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Citadel will unfold before your eyes, exuding its mystical beauty—a sight that will take your breath away and transport you back in time. This is the same sight the Inca people would have encountered on their taxing journey to this expansive temple of Machu Picchu. At this point, we walk downhill towards the Machu Picchu Citadel. (2,400m/7,872 ft.) After walking 40 minutes, we enter the citadel from the top through the “House of the Guardians”, where you can take those famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. From there we proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings.
Your guide will give you the full guided 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.
***IMPORTANT:
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley; ending up at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). The early morning drive is dark and will give you plenty of time to rest or sleep before reaching our incredible destination.
The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. As you start your hike, you will have views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. You can interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!
After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We recommend the short hike up the neighboring mount to get a better view and better angle for photos of the vibrant colors. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley, where you can see vast valleys and mountains covered in red. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came to meet our driver. Then we enjoy our lunch which will be prepared by our cook.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 5:00pm.
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does 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 Inca Trail Tour Package its available on any date that its best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people”
***This price includes the extra porter who will carry your belongings up to 7 kilos along the Inca Trail. We will provide you with a duffel bag.
**Huayna Picchu Mountain is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does 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.
SAM Travel Peru is your best choice if you truly want to enjoy your trek in Peru, especially in the Cusco region. We are specialists in creating unique trekking routes, with our customized treks to Machu Picchu which other tour operators are not offering. We have numerous Classic Inca Trail options of 1 to 7 days and many other 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 offering fair prices while providing the best possible service and personalized attention in small groups and providing the best trekking experience through our unique trekking paths. All you have to do is to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape 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 Treks are only operated by SAM Corporations: 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 and only operated by SAM Corporations. SAM Corporations 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 while in Peru. 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.
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM CORPORATIONS 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.
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 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 from isolated communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company, in regards, to better their economic circumstances as well as getting help for their children’s 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 by through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment in responsible tourism, we socially support and employ from these communities.
Please click on Social Projects for more information about what we do.
SAM CORPORATIONS Peru is proud to be able to support these people, not only in hiring them but to bring things back to grassroots, to share with their families. This makes us happy to have a holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
Please read carefully the following information. It will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Inca Trail Tour Package-.
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 Inca Trail Tour Package, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more conveinent for you. Please pack what you will need for your 4 day Inca Trail Trek.
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail Tour Package for 2023, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click the link here: BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
*** We require each participant’s passport at the time of booking as they will be needed.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $316.00 USD per person, in order to purchase a permit for the 4 day 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
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.
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
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the 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. Permits are not transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Inca Trail Tour Package, 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 copy, you sent to us to book your Inca Trail Tour Package permit. The rangers will check every day and 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, 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 us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will have many different varieties of weather as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you dress in layers and have good rain gear in your day backpack.
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends of 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.
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 15lbs 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 and 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 or you can request an extra porter for an additional fee. 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.
We highly recommend a small backpack 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 at camp.
The Best TRIP to Peru & Machu Picchu
Salt Mines cusco - Sam Corporations
Explore the sites that you will actually see along your tours.
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Cusco
Imperial city of the ancient Inca empire
Sacred Valley
Visit the incredible archaeological sites of the sacred valley
Machu Picchu
Fall in love with one of the 7 naravillas of the world
Rainbow Mountain
View, fresh air, immeasurable natural beauty
Short Inca Trail
Machu Picchu
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
UNA DE LA MEJORES
feb. de 2023 • ParejaEste Viaje es una de las mayores experiencias que tuvimos .con muchas cosas por aprender, conocer otras culturas, escapar de la rutina y romper barreras, miedos y prejuicios. Una de las de las mejores experiencias que pudimos tener es y sobre todo abrir horizontes, descubrir cosas nuevas .
Oasis de Huacachina
ene. de 2023 • AmigosEl mejor tour de mi vida, visitar el desierto de ICA y el Oasis de Huacachina fue maravilloso, fuimos un grupo de amigos para conocer el sur peruano y nos fascino, nuestro guía fue muy divertido y muy informado sobre la historia del Perú, todo estubo excelentemente organizado sin ningún error y...
David es el top!
ene. de 2023 • Familia
Esta compañía superó nuestra expectativa en el tour del Valle Sagrado y Machu Picchu, nuestro guía David fue estupendo y muy informado de la historia de los Incas.
Nuestro conductor Junior fue increíble y muy apasionado con su trabajo.
Muchas gracias.
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
This 6-day trip through Peru is a journey of a lifetime! Witness and capture remarkable photos of the magnificent ruins and natural landscapes of this gorgeous country. You’ll get to explore the Sacred Valley, hike part of the Inca Trail, and visit the iconic Machu Pichu. You’ll also get to visit the stunning Rainbow Mountain and get to learn all of Peru’s rich culture and history. From breathtaking views to a deep dive into local culture, this trip has it all. You’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will make sure you don’t miss a thing. On this tour, your heart will surely fall for the staggering beauty that is within Peru. Don’t wait, book your trip now and make unforgettable memories!
Join us on an all inclusive 17-day adventure through Peru! This tour will take you to the most iconic destinations in the country. You’ll start in Lima, where you will explore the city’s rich history and culture. Next you’ll visit Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll experience the beauty of the desert and wildlife of the pacific ocean. Enjoy a visit to the mysterious Nazca lines. Next in Arequipa, you’ll tour the city’s stunning architechture and the stunning Colca Canyon, where you will see the majestic Andean Condor. Visit Puno and the Uros islands and learn about their unique lifestyle on floating islands. The tour will then take you to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and hike through the beautiful Andes mounatins. Explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. No tour of Peru would be complete without a guided tour through Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore ancient ruins and learn the fascinating history of the Inca. Finally, you’ll visit Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon, where you will experience the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest. This 17-day tour is the perfect way to experience the best of Peru. Book your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
This tour will take you through the most famous destinations in the country. You’ll start in Lima, where you will explore the city’s rich history and culture. Next you’ll visit Huacachina and the Ballestas Islands, where you’ll experience the beauty of the desert and wildlife of the pacific ocean. Experience the mysterious Nazca lines from above in a private aircraft. Next in Arequipa, you’ll tour the city’s stunning architechture and the stunning Colca Canyon, where you will see the majestic Andean Condor. Visit Puno and the Uros islands and learn about their unique lifestyle on floating islands. The tour will then take you to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and hike through the beautiful Andes mounatins. Explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. And of course, no tour of Peru would be complete without a guided tour through Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore ancient ruins and learn the fascinating history of the Inca. This 14-day journey is perfect for anyone looking to fully experience the many adventures Peru has to offer. Book your tour now and make lifelong memories.
Find your perfect itinerary with our selection of Peru tours. Experience the best of Peru with our all-inclusive trip! Explore the vibrant city of Lima, marvel at the stunning Colca Canyon, and discover the unique culture of the Uros Islands. Take in the breathtaking views of Cusco and the Rainbow Mountain, and ride ATVs through the rugged terrain. Visit the ancient city of Machu Picchu and immerse yourself in the local history. End your adventurte in the Amazon rainforest of Puerto Maldonado. Visit one of the most fascinating countries on the planet with local guides and first-rate accommodations, and cross some top destinations of your bucket list. Book your tour now and make unforgettable memories.
This is the complete all inclusive tour package that gives you the most important cultural and archeological highlights: Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley with all of its treasures to discovery and archeological sites, and the Classic Inca Trail with Machu Picchu. Finish your journey with the unique experience of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. This adventure hiking package is the best choice for the complete Peruvian experience! Book your unforgettable tour now and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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