Come to Cusco and visit the “navel of the world”, its archeological jewels and the ones of the Sacred valley. Then you will get the great pleasure and privilege to walk on the trail of the Incas and see the most important sacred place in South America, one of the new seven Wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.The scenery to get there is spectacular, with wonderful views of the snow peaks of the Andes and the tropical cloud forest.
Titicaca Lake is considered as the highest navigable lake in the world, and today, it is the second main tourist attraction in Peru.Titicaca Lake is a dazzling sight; its deep azure waters seemingly extend forever across the altiplano, under the profound and wide sky at an elevation of 3800mt/11400ft. Also you will visit the islands and get to know the ancestral traditions that the inhabitants still respect.
GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5…), a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention from the whole team, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.
DAY 1: CUSCO – SACSAYHUAMAN – Q´ENQO – PUKAPUKARA – TAMBOMACHAY
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY – PISAC – OLLANTAYTAMBO
DAY 3: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM82 – INCA TRAIL – WAYLLABAMBA
DAY 4: WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA – PAQAYMAYU
DAY 5: PAQAYMAYU – CHAQ´ICOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA – WIÑAYWAYNA
DAY 6:WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
DAY 7: CUSCO – LA RAYA – RAQCHI – ANDAHUAYLILLAS – PUNO
DAY 8: PUNO – UROS FLOATING ISLANDS – AMANTANI ISLAND
DAY 9: AMANTANI ISLAND – TAQUILE ISLAND – PUNO
History, magic, and fun mix in the city of Cusco, sometimes written Cuzco or Qosco, the capital of the incan Empire called Tawantinsuyo. At that time it was considered as the “Navel of the World”; its foundation by the Spanish date back to 1532 and today it is considered the archaeological capital of America and a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Without a doubt, it is the most important tourist destination in Peru and possibly in South America, as is the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
The history of our country can be summed up in the streets of this city. One only has to see it to appreciate the mixture of culture, people, customs and architecture that are testimonies of the passage of the different periods of time
Cusco is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu, the most refined expression of the Incas’ technology in stone. In addition to a great variety of archaeological sites, history and culture, Cusco is one of the best places to do all kinds of tours such as:trekking, rafting, biking, cultural tour and much more
Upon your arrival at Cusco you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel and we will start visiting the Imperial Cusco City, a living example of the mix of andean and spanish cultures. We then continue our tour by the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights. Afterwards we proceed by visiting the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman which dominates the city. Finally we go round the vestiges of Qenqo,Pucapucara and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city before returning to your hotel in Cusco in early evening. After time to refresh you will experience Cusco by night in one of the many terrific restaurants surrounding the Main Square.
Meal: Evening Dinner
Hostel: Overnight in Cusco Best Western, Maytaq Wasin or Los Suenos del Inca
On the second day we are going to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas with an overnight at Ollantaytambo.
The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement for the Incas. Its agreeable climate and fertile plains make a rare and fruitful combination for the high Andes. It was also the route to the jungle and therefore an area with access to the fruits and plants of the tropical lowlands. The Sacred Valley served as a buffer zone, protecting Cusco from incursions of the Antis, the fierce jungle tribes who raided the highlands from time to time.
Today the Sacred Valley remains a lush agricultural region supplying the city of Cusco with much of its products such as corn, fruits and vegetables. Then we will visit the Pisac Market and the remains. The town of Pisac is an important archaeological site in the region of Cusco. There is a colourful market on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning. Here we experience a vibrant atmosphere of communities, traditions and bartering. There are many handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style to purchase. Every Sunday there is also a procession of the mayors who, at around 9.30pm, go to church to attend the traditional Mass held in Quechua.
Then we proceed to Ollantaytambo. It is here in this beautiful and strategic spot, 60 kilometers from Cusco, that the Inca Pachacutec built his fortress of Ollantaytambo. It is a gorgeous setting and the hills that surround it hide some of the most impressive vestiges in the Valley. It contains structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Incahuatana and the Princess Baths. This site is one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a battle during the conquest.
We pick you up early in the morning at your hotel (5:00 – 5:30), and travel by bus, passing the picturesque villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo for two hours of scenic trip towards the start of the trail with opportunity to take breakfast on the way.
Having arrived at kilometer 82, we cross the bridge to initiate our trek along the left bank of the Urubamba river, that follows to the North-east of the Urubamba valley. After a three hour walk, we visit the first stunning Inca site of Llatallacta (2,650m/8,747ft). Then we continue our hike for 30 minutes to Tarayoc for lunch. Afterwards we follow the Kusichaca valley for two hours to reach our first camp at Wayllabamba (3,000m/9,900ft) where we will have a high tea, dinner and spend the night. During the tour we will be able to enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains such as Veronica (5,860m/19,337ft), great green valleys and myriad of flora and fauna along the trail.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.
Maximum Altitude: 3,000m/9,900ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2,650m/8,747ft.
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.
Today is the toughest day on the trek .After a healthy breakfast, we start walking up a moderate hill for five hours through the cloud forest to reach the highest point of our trek, the Warmiwañusca pass (Dead Woman pass) located at 4,215m/13,907ft. From here we may enjoy the gorgeous view of different micro-climates and magnificent mountains After time to enjoy this beautiful sight, we descend for two hours to our second camp at Paqaymayo (3,600m/11,877ft), where we have our lunch, high tea, dinner and spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodación: Camping facilities.
Maximum Altitude: 4,215m/13,907ft.
Minimum Altitude: 3,600m/11,877ft.
Distance: 11km
Difficulty: Moderate/challenge.
Today is the longest day of our trek but the most beautiful as well. After a delicious breakfast we walk uphill for one hour to the archaeological site of Runcurakay (3,800m/12,540ft) to explore it. Then we ascend to the second Runcurakay pass (3,977m/13,127ft) From here we can enjoy the breathtaking surrounding mountains and stunning lakes. After time to enjoy all the beautiful sight, we descend for one hour to the next archaeological site of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,877ft), then we walk 30 more minutes to Chaquicocha for lunch. Afterwards we continue through an easy path to the third pass of Phuyupatamarca (3,650m/12,047ft); from here we enjoy the impressive view of Machu Pichu mountain, the Urubamba canyon and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Then we descend through the cloud forest for three hours, all downstairs to the third camp at Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,747ft) where we spend the night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping facilities.
Máximum Altitude: 3,977m/13,127ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2,650m/8,747ft.
Distance: 15km
Difficulty: Moderate.
This day is the most expected of our trek. We wake up very early and have breakfast. Afterwards we walk for one hour towards the Sun Gate (2,720m/8,977ft) from where we enjoy the first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance and majestic monumentality. Then we descend for an hour towards the wonder of the world: the Machu Picchu citadel (2400m/7,920ft). Afterwards we are provided with a 3 hour guided tour, visiting all the important places such as: the temples, sundials, sun temple, cemeteries and enclosures. Then we have plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Pichu Mountains. In the afternoon we head back to Aguas Calientes and we take our return train to Ollantaytambo with bus connection to Cusco.
Meal: Breakfast.
Distance: 6km
Difficulty: Easy
We pick you up at your hotel at 6.pm to take you to the bus station ( Inca express or first class ) both provide royal class service with English speaking tour guide and a waiter who is ready to assist you with hot and cold drinks on board. During the trip we stop to visit some Inca vestiges, museum and churches such as the ANDAHUAYLILLAS CHURCH (which is considered to be the Sixtine Chapel of South America and the remains of RACCHI which was a religious monument dedicated to Viracocha and a resting place for the Incan travellers. Then we pass by LA RAYA, the border between Cusco and Puno which offers a unique landscape and where we can see the traditional animals such as lamas and alpacas along the altiplano.After that we arrive at PUCARA which has a museum where it is possible to see some pre-Inca remains. Finally by 5.30 pm we arrive in Puno and we take you to your hotel.
Breakfast is provided by the hotel then we will pick you up to take you to the port where you meet your group. Afterwards you will embark the boat and drive for 30 minutes; there are spectacular views of the lake. Then you will arrive at the floating islands (Uros) where you will be welcomed by the locals who will guide you and show you the island and their products. You will observe how the local families live on these unique islands. Then we have a 3 hour boat ride to get to the Amantani island. By 2.30 pm we arrive at our destination where our guide will introduce us to the local families who are going to share their house with us. After lunch we will hike for one hour up to the archeological site of Pachatata where you can get an amazing view of the sunset over the lake and a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Afterwards we come back to the house for dinner and you have the opportunity to dress in traditional clothes provided by the locals and go to a party with them.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We will have an early breakfast with our local family then we take the boat for two hours to arrive to the Taquile island. Our guide will teach us about the textiles and we will have some time to learn about farming. Then we have time to get nice pictures of the lake and the island and we will have lunch with a fresh fish from the lake. Afterwards we will take the boat back to Puno and return to your hotel by bus.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
******This price includes the extra porter who will carry your thing up to 7 kilos, for that we will provide you a duffle bag, in which you may put your things.
NO HIDDEN FEES: The prices INCLUDES the combined Inca Trail trek permit and Machu Picchu entrance fee of 296 Peruvian Soles (S/.251 + S/.45 sales tax) which is about US$90, EXTRA PORTER which is about US$70, bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (US$12), return on tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Expedition Service 84 (US$80), Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (US$15) and all local sales taxes (18%).
ADDED VALUES for FREE
Inflatable mattress for every single hiker, pair of walking sticks, small pillow and transfer from the airport to your hotel, boiled water for drinking purposes will be provided, personal porter included, duffle bags and trash plastic bags.…. Most of our treks are a bit cold because of the high altitude, so we will provide you with a thick warm blanket to put over the sleeping bag, even we will give you some hot water bottles to put into your sleeping bag to sleep like a baby……… SAM Travel Peru includes the extra porter for your belongings, we mean, he will be carrying your things and for that we will provide you the duffle bags at the briefing time!!
SAM Travel Peru is 1000% Cusquenian Company & Direct Local Tour Operator
It is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco, we do not used “1000% cusquenian Company” only for marketing… We are a real cusquenian Company without any share-holder or office in and outside Peru.
All our tours & treks are only and strictly operated by SAM Travel Peru with our professional staff. We have a high quality service and good reputation ensuring that only SAM Travel Peru staff operates these unique treks and tours.
We are a very RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator caring about our TEAM (family), given the best salaries to them and treating them like part of my family. I am proud of my team because, thanks to them, we are growing in a responsible way, making sure that our clients have the best life-time experience.
I am very proud of my guides! Highly professional, speaking a 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 recognized theories about the Inca Andean culture. Fun loving, great sportsmen and well educated crew, some of them are great entertainers and the best “Salsa Dancers” on this side of Machu Picchu as well as having a degree in Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology.
We provide the following items to our porters and cooks for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, confortable duffle bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattress and insurance.
Hiking the Inca Trail with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience, fully portered trek where your comfort and enjoyment are our first responsibility. We make sure that you get the best experience of your holidays in Peru while you interact with locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns and buildings, speaking some Quechua words and learning the fascinating Inka history. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and simply feel the magic of Mother Nature (Pachamama) and the Andes, while we carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents avoiding crowded campsites and taking care of all your requirements and details.
Fabulous Cooks… The food on the trek has been highlighted by all our clients and they said that it was better than in the restaurants. Delicious and abundant Buffet style meals, peruvian and international Cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic products. If you are vegetarian or have food allergies of any kind, please do not worry because we will comply with your requests.
What a great pleasure to take a warm / hot shower after 3 days of long hiking at Wiñaywayna which is the third camp site on the Inca Trail! Then enjoy the guided tour of this beautiful Inca City of Wiñawayna that you could explore by yourself later on.
The toilets which are provided by the Government along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are totally DIRTY and CONTAMINATED because 500 people per day are using the few toilets that there are in each camp site. This is when our biochemical seated CAMPING TOILETS become very important for all our Inca Trail hikers. Of course it has been highlighted by them also because our toilets are located close to our camp site. These toilets are used only by our clients.
We are very proud to be such an innovative company, providing all the facilities for our demanding clients. SAM Travel Peru, as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator, provides the right gear like: gloves and mask for the person who has the responsibility for cleaning the toilets.
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“Please have a look at the following informations; it will help you clarify all your queries and questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”