Cusco was the capital of the Inca empire called Tawantinsuyo. Cusco with its charm and beauty is the archeological capital of South America. The streets of Cusco are full of history with old majestic cathedrals and museums to explore.
Begin your connection to the natural world at the great citadel of Machu Picchu. The Inca ruins are rich in past history and experience the thriving culture of the people who once resided there.
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. Visit the islands and get to know the ancestral traditions that the inhabitants still respect.
Upon your arrival to Cusco, be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There you will receive a short briefing having the rest of the morning at your leisure to rest and acclimatise to the altitude.
In the afternoon at 1pm, pick up at your hotel and we will start our visit of the Imperial Cusco City, a fine example of the mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Then we continue our journey visiting the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship centre of the Sun God. Have time to enjoy these beautiful sights; after we proceed to visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman with its military Inca architecture which dominates the city.
Finally we go to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city. We take you back to your hotel in the early evening.
Pick up at your hotel with your guide and drive in our private transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. Stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley, with crops covering the mountains like carpet. Then arrive at the colourful market of Pisac, have free time to interact with the local craftsmen or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs. Afterwards, go to the archaeological site of Pisac where we will tour the great and unique ancient tombs, terraces, watch towers and the religious areas.
Have lunch in Urubamba and continue our journey to the archaeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas”, which is unique and fascinating. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are located used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops.
Proceed on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, start downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt. Finally we drive to Ollantaytambo, spend the night.
With a compacted 2 days of excitement ahead, pick up from your hotel at 5:30am and drive you to the Ollantaytambo train station. A 1.5 hour scenic Expedition train ride to km 104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) here we begin our trek. At this point we begin a moderate climb for three hours to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, (2,650m/8747 ft). Enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon, and the ancient Inca sites.
After being at one with this beautiful sight, continue onward towards the Sun Gate. (2,730mts/9,007ft) Following the ancient remote footpath we get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu in all its brilliance. As we move closer to the citadel of Machu Picchu you will feel her mystical presence. Then we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes, to spend the night in our hotel.
After a early breakfast we leave our hotel to take the 5:30am bus for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins in time for sunrise. Visit one of the most important energetic centres of the world: Machu Picchu. The 2 hour guided tour will take us into the history around this mysterious and charming place. If you have the time take the option to climb Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain or hike to the Sun Gate. Then we head back to Aguas Calientes, and lunch on your own.
Later in the afternoon we return by Vistadome Train at 4:43 to Poroy (Cusco) or to Ollantaytambo (depending on the season or availability); then you will be transferred by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening at about 8:45pm.
We pick you up at your hotel at 6.30am to take you to the bus station ( Inca Express or First Class ). Both companies provide royal class service with an english speaking tour guide and a waiter who is ready to assist you with hot and cold drinks on board. During the trip you will stop to visit some Inca ruins, museums and churches, the Andahuaylillas church, which is considered to be the Sixtine Chapel of South America because of its amazing frescos.
Then we stop at the Racchi Inca ruins which used to be a resting place for the Inca travellers. The next visit is at La Raya, the border between Cusco and Puno, where the most traditional animals of Peru can be seen, such as llamas and alpacas. In Pucara we will visit a museum where it is possible to see some pre-inca remains. Finally by 5.30 pm arrive to Puno where our representative will pick you up to take you to your hotel.
After having breakfast in your hotel, the tour leader will pick you up and take you to the port of Puno. From there you will have a 30 minute boat ride. There are fantastic views of the lake crossing to the floating islands. The locals will welcome and show you the island and the products they weave. Take a 3 hour boat ride to get to Amantani Island by 2.30 pm where we arrive at our destination. Our guide will introduce us to the local families who are going to share their homes with us.
After lunch we will hike for one hour up to the mountain called Pachataita (Mother Father) which is located at 4400mts above sea level. There is an amazing view of the sunset over the lake and a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Later return to the house for dinner and then have the opportunity to dress in traditional clothing provided by the locals and go to the local school to have a party.
You will have an early breakfast with your local family and then take a two hour boat ride to arrive at Taquile Island. The inhabitants still live according to their ancestral traditions and dress with gorgeous coloured traditional ropes. They are also famous for the magnificent weavings that the men do not the women. You will have some time to learn about ancestral farming techniques and try to use a few Inca tools. We will have lunch in a typical restaurant and take the boat back to Puno and your hotel for the end of the Tour.
After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Puno City, then in the late morning or afternoon we will drop off at the airport in Juliaca to take your plane back to Lima or bus station in Puno.
This unique Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca Tour Package can leave on any date, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants.
A completely private tour is $100 extra per person except for Lake Titicaca Tour where it is not possible.
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca Tour Package.
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
At anytime you prefer during the day 9am to 1pm or 3pm to 5pm, please visit us in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO.
Of course! During the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca Tour Package your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free. Please don´t pack anything you will need for your hike.
FIRST, to book your Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca Tour Package, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment method of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of samtravelperu@gmail.com
Unfortunately the answer is “No”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.
If you cancel your Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca Tour Package, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!
First I would say that the weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend you to bring a warm jacket for early morning and rain poncho in case of a rain shower. Dressing in layers is helpful.
Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too!
If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will pick you up from there.
In general if you have regular exercise and spend a couple of days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatisation to the altitude, you should be fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
We offer day tours you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many INCA TRAIL HIKE destinations. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local sustainable & responsible tourism operator, we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it´s people.
Cusco
