7Days
Cusco
Up to 8 People
Adventure
Challenging
Everyday
We have the best 7 days Package for exploring Sacred Valley, hiking the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and enjoy the Rainbow mountain trek. The Inca Trail is one of the best hikes in the world for its exquisite natural beauty and different ecological niches ranging from high deserts to tropical forests. During their epoch, the Incas created a vast network of roads that go throughout the Andes from Argentina to Colombia and from the coast to the Amazon rainforest. The 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most important section of that trail system, which takes you from from the Andes to the Amazon.
Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing and then have the rest of the morning for resting and acclimatizing. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore Cusco by yourself, enjoying 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 beautiful 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 the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little 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 it 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 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. Thousands of salt pans 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 formidable 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 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 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 in books as Veronica.
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.
After waking up at 5 to 5:30am and 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). On this day, you will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top! 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.
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 taking some time to visit this site, 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’). Even if you are feeling tired after your day’s trek, its a moment you cannot miss, the most impressive site on the Inca trail.
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 on time. This is the final part of your journey, arriving by 6:00am to reach The Sun Gate. At that point, the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel is in front of us with its intense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The reality of what the Inca people must 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 the 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 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.
***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). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, and high Andean peaks.
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 will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.
At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes 1 hour, then we enjoy our lunch which will prepare 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.
Then you can take your flight back home by the early evening.
***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 here the link 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
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
Witness the magnificent ruins and natural landscapes of Peru with the most snapshot-worthy locations in all of Peru. Feel the adrenaline of adventure with the short hike to Machu Picchu and the next day’s walk to Rainbow Mountain. On this tour, your heart will surely fall for the staggering beauty that is within Peru.
Travel to Peru and experience ancient ruins, ancient traditions, and ancient jungle! Plan your Peru tour to trek the Raimbow Mountain, wander the charming Cusco markets, and explore the steamy Amazon rainforest. If Machu Picchu tours sound too arduous on foot, no problem! Machu Picchu travel can also be done by train. These Peru tours present the dramatic visage of the Inca ruins and the friendly faces of the Inca descendants. You’ll be confronted with exotic flora and fauna in the verdant cloudforest, as well as the snowcapped mountains that tower like the ancients of old over the Sacred Valley. Your Peru travel experience will illuminate the dynamic culture, history, and landscape of the Andes and Amazone
Travel to Peru and experience ancient ruins, ancient traditions, and ancient jungle! Plan your Peru tour to trek the Inca Trail, wander the charming Cusco markets, and explore the steamy Amazon rainforest. If Machu Picchu tours sound too arduous on foot, no problem! Machu Picchu travel can also be done by train. These Peru tours present the dramatic visage of the Inca ruins and the friendly faces of the Inca descendants. You’ll be confronted with exotic flora and fauna in the verdant cloudforest, as well as the snowcapped mountains that tower like the ancients of old over the Sacred Valley. Your Peru travel experience will illuminate the dynamic culture, history, and landscape of the Andes and Amazone
Explore our selection of Peru tours and find your perfect itinerary. Come to Peru to discover a mystical land with ancient citadels, coastal metropolises, enchanted lakes, bellowing Colca canyon, the Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, top-notch hotels, and world-renowned gastronomy. You can see the Amazon Rainforest, the Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains, and some of the most revered ruins in the world like Machu Picchu all in one trip. Visit one of the most fascinating countries on the planet with local guides and first-rate accommodations, and cross some top destinations off your bucket list!
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!
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