Aditional information
IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU
Please review the following information carefully. It will address most of your questions regarding our services and the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
BRIEFING FOR THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU
The briefing is scheduled for the evening before your trek at 6 PM, held at our office located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 213 (second floor) within the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Certainly! During your Classic Inca Trail trek, you can store your main luggage either at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please ensure to pack only what you need for your 4-day Inca Trail trek.
HOW TO BOOK THE 4-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU FOR 2025?
To reserve your 7-day Inca Trail Package to Machu Picchu for 2023, complete our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or use this link: BOOK NOW.
Prepare the following details for each participant in your group, as we cannot acquire the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit without them:
- Full name (as per passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
We require a passport copy from each participant at the time of booking.
Next, a deposit of $316.00 USD per person is required to secure the 4-day Inca Trail permit. You can make the deposit by clicking the VISA or PAYPAL icons on our homepage or booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (either USD or Peruvian soles). ATMs are available in the historical center for cash withdrawal. Alternatively, you can pay online via VISA or PAYPAL, though a 5.5% service fee applies. To pay via PAYPAL, log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address info@samtravelperu.com.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Peruvian Law requires that students be under 18 years old at the time of the trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Students aged 18 and above need to present a student ID card. For instance, if you book the trek at 17 but turn 18 before it starts, you must provide a valid university ID card to receive the student discount.
University students must show a valid ID card with a photo, university name, and expiration date. Discounts are as follows:
- Students aged 11 to 17 receive a $30 USD discount.
- Children aged 2 to 11 receive a $40 USD discount.
- Children under 2 are free.
All students must submit a passport copy when booking to obtain the student discount. Please email a copy to info@samtravelperu.com.
CAN I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PERMITS ARE PURCHASED?
No, once permits are purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow date changes. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your 4-day Inca Trail trek, the deposit is not refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, you must bring your original passport, and it must match the one used to book your permit. Rangers will check your passport daily, including at Machu Picchu, and the train company will also verify it before boarding. If you’re renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and provide a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?
The weather can be quite unpredictable due to varying microclimates. Prepare for a range of conditions by dressing in layers and bringing reliable rain gear in your day backpack.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Regular exercise and spending a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley will help with acclimatization. Recommended remedies include WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN if needed. Our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness. For more details, refer to our FAQ section.
We also offer Cusco City or Sacred Valley tours to help with acclimatization. Check our Day Tours on the homepage.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN EACH GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8, though most groups consist of 2-6 people. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups, ensuring personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS ARE IN THE GROUP?
Each group is assigned 1 cook. The number of porters varies with the group size:
- 2 trekkers = 4 porters
- 4 trekkers = 6 porters
- 6 trekkers = 9 porters
- 8 trekkers = 12 porters
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before your 4-day Inca Trail trek, you will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG for packing your clothes. The weight limit is 7kg/15lbs, as per Peruvian law, to protect porters and animals. This limit includes 2kg for your sleeping bag and 1kg for your sleeping pad, leaving about 4kg for personal items. Porters will carry your duffel bag along with food and camping gear. You will not have access to the duffel bag’s contents until the end of each day. A day backpack of 30 to 50 liters is recommended to carry essentials like a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, and water.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The 4-day Inca Trail covers 42km (24.4 miles) through the Andes, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,217m/13,907ft. The second day involves climbing two mountains. It’s a challenging trek, so being in good health and moderately fit is important. Prepare by walking 15km a day or attending a fitness club before the trek. Acclimatize by spending 2-3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Our toilet facilities are highly appreciated by our trekkers. SAM Travel Peru provides a private tent with a camping toilet. You can view our toilet setup here: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is placed a comfortable distance from the campsite, and it remains clean and accessible throughout the night, unlike government-provided facilities.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FINISH THE TRAIL?
If you cannot complete the 4-day Inca Trail due to health reasons, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for transportation. Oxygen is available for respiratory issues, and in extreme cases, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are provided if you cannot finish the trek. Typically, those requiring assistance are taken to Ollantaytambo and may continue to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu if they recover quickly (at their own cost).
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE 7-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKAGE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, our package includes hotel drop-off after the trek or tour. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there as well.
WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
Train departure times depend on availability, but we aim to provide ample time at Machu Picchu and enjoy scenic views on the return journey. Generally, trains depart at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train offers enhanced seating, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. Snacks and a dance show are included. The upgrade to the Vistadome Train costs $67 USD. Trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy, and we will drive you from Poroy to Cusco, taking approximately 25 minutes. Please request this upgrade in advance.
TIPPING
While not obligatory, tips are greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the services provided. Although tipping may not be customary in your country, it is a meaningful gesture for the staff who care for you during the trek. It fosters excellent service and is a common practice in many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Tip as much as you feel is appropriate based on the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is optional and should reflect the level of service received.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We adhere to universal tourism principles, focusing on environmental protection and community benefits while respecting local culture and religion. Our staff is trained to understand and honor the local environment and its people.
