Choquequirao Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

Cusco, Peru 5.0 (9,685 reviews)
  • Duration 5 Days
  • Type Group or private
  • Group Size Up to 8 people
  • Languages English, Spanish

From $650.00 / Person

Overview

Discover one of Peru’s most spectacular and unspoiled trekking routes on the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek. Hidden deep within the rugged Apurímac Canyon, this journey takes you to the legendary citadel often called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu. Clinging to a mountain ridge high above the thundering Apurímac River, Choquequirao (Quechua for “Cradle of Gold”) covers an area three times the size of Machu Picchu, and yet only around 30% of it has been uncovered. With no road or train leading to the site, the only way in is on foot, so just a small number of travelers make it here each year. The result is a genuine, crowd-free experience among sacred temples, royal palaces, deep stone water channels, and enormous farming terraces.

Guided by experienced local experts and backed by a committed team of mountain chefs and horsemen, this 5-day adventure combines tough canyon ascents with fascinating Inca history, ever-changing microclimates, and sweeping Andean scenery. Our crew takes care of pitching camp and preparing every meal, and pack horses carry up to 8 kg (16 lbs) of your personal belongings. Because you camp right below the archaeological complex, you get rare, uninterrupted views of sunrise and sunset over the ancient stone ruins.

Trek Highlights

  • An Inca City Without the Crowds: Wander through a vast 15th-century Inca settlement, bigger than Machu Picchu, with no tourist crowds and no lines.
  • A Full Day at the Ruins: Dedicate an entire day to exploring the main plaza, ceremonial altars, the priests’ quarters, and the iconic Llama Terraces decorated with white quartz stones.
  • Breathtaking Canyon Landscapes: Trek across the immense Apurímac Canyon, past sugarcane fields, cloud forest, cactus-covered slopes, and towering mountain walls.
  • Camping at the Foot of the Ruins: Spend your nights just below the citadel and enjoy quiet sunsets from the Usno, the Inca ceremonial platform.
  • Complete Trek Support: Hike with ease thanks to your English-speaking guide, mountain chef, pack horses that carry your main duffel, and private eco-friendly toilet tents.
  • Andean Wildlife & Plants: Keep an eye out for Andean condors gliding on warm air currents, hummingbirds, rare mountain orchids, and even spectacled bears in the wild.

Why Choose Choquequirao Instead of Machu Picchu?

  1. Explore at Your Own Pace: Stroll through royal palaces, priests’ quarters, and terraced complexes with no queues and no strict timed-entry schedules.
  2. The Unique “Llama Terraces”: See 29 llama figures made of white quartz set into huge dark stone terrace walls, a design found nowhere else but Choquequirao.
  3. Real Wilderness Hiking: Pass through striking Andean microclimates, from the dry canyon floor to high cloud forests full of orchids and soaring condors.

Trip Details


Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco • Capuliyoc • La Playa

Early Hotel Pickup & Drive to Capuliyoc

Our team collects you from your Cusco hotel at 4:00 AM for a 3-hour private drive across the Andean highlands to Capuliyoc (3,200 m / 10,499 ft), where the trail officially starts. This is where you meet the rest of your crew: the horsemen, their pack horses, and your mountain chef. Breakfast is cooked fresh on the spot, followed by a short safety talk while you get your first look at the snowy summit of Padreyoc and the plunging Apurímac Canyon below.

Descent into the Apurímac Canyon

From the viewpoint, a zigzagging path drops for 3 hours into the canyon. With every switchback the air grows warmer and the vegetation changes around you. Your chef serves a hot lunch along the way, and then another 3 hours of downhill walking bring you to the valley floor and La Playa campsite (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), where your tent is already pitched and waiting.

  • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate (long, continuous descent)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Premium campsite at La Playa

Day 2: La Playa • Marampata • Choquequirao

The Big Climb Out of the Valley

Today brings the toughest ascent of the entire trek, so we set off right after an early breakfast. A footbridge carries you over the Apurímac River, and from there the trail climbs without a break for about 4 hours up a long series of steep switchbacks. As you gain height, valley scrub gradually gives way to sugarcane fields and, higher still, to misty cloud forest.

Lunch with a View in Marampata

You reach the small village of Marampata (3,350 m / 10,990 ft) around midday, just in time to refuel with a hearty lunch while the whole canyon stretches out beneath you.

First Glimpse of Choquequirao

The afternoon section is much kinder, a gradual 2-hour trail that contours toward Choquequirao. Little by little, the stone walls and terraces of the citadel start to appear between the trees on the slopes ahead. Tonight’s camp sits just beneath the ruins, and if you still have energy, an optional 30-minute walk lets you watch the sunset over the ancient site.

  • Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging (long, sustained uphill)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Campsite just below the Choquequirao Citadel

Day 3: Full Day at the Choquequirao Citadel

Guided Tour of the Main Complex

The whole day belongs to the vast Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, located just a short walk from camp. Your guide brings the city’s history to life as you move through the Upper and Lower Plazas, the royal residences, the old storehouses, the water fountains, and the astronomical shrines used by the Incas.

The Llama Terraces & Sunset at the Usno

After a hot lunch and a midday break back at camp, the afternoon is devoted to the famous Llama Terraces. Built into a steep slope below the main plaza, these farming terraces display 29 llama figures made of white quartz set into the dark stone walls. The visit wraps up on the Usno, an elevated ceremonial platform, where you watch the sun sink behind the surrounding peaks before returning to camp for dinner.

  • Hiking Time: Full day of guided exploration
  • Difficulty: Moderate (stone stairways and uneven terrace levels)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Campsite just below the Choquequirao Citadel

Day 4: Choquequirao • Marampata • La Playa • Chikiska

Back Along the Canyon Rim

We start the return leg by following the canyon edge back to Marampata, with soft morning light spilling across the valley. From there, a 4-hour descent takes you all the way down to the river at La Playa. We strongly advise using trekking poles on this stretch, as they take pressure off your knees and help you keep your footing.

Fresh Fruit & the Climb to Chikiska

On the way down, we pause to sample fresh fruit grown by the families who live in the canyon. After a hot lunch at La Playa, we cross the river and hike uphill for 2 to 3 hours to Chikiska Camp (1,900 m / 6,233 ft), set on a quiet family homestead in the valley. It is a lovely place for birdwatching, and on clear nights the sky fills with stars, a fitting end to your last evening on the trail.

  • Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging (long descent followed by an afternoon climb)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Snacks, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Campsite at Chikiska

Day 5: Chikiska • Capuliyoc • Cusco

Final Ascent to Capuliyoc

Your last day starts early with a 4-hour climb up and out of the canyon to the Capuliyoc viewpoint. Reaching the top is a proud moment: from here you can look back over the immense canyon you have crossed on foot over the past four days.

Farewell Lunch & Return to Cusco

To celebrate the end of the expedition, we share a farewell lunch with your guide, chef, and horsemen. Your private vehicle then drives you 3 hours back to Cusco, passing through the farming town of Curahuasi along the way. You will be dropped off at your hotel at around 6:00 PM.

  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (steady uphill climb)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Snacks, Farewell Lunch
  • Arrival in Cusco: Around 6:00 PM


Inclusions

What Does the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek Include?

  • Pre-Trek Briefing: Required orientation meeting at 6:00 PM the evening before departure, held at your hotel or at our office in central Cusco.
  • Private Ground Transport: Every transfer is made in a private vehicle, from your Cusco hotel pickup on Day 1 to your hotel drop-off on Day 5.
  • Expert Local Guide: Native, English-speaking guide with a university degree in Tourism and History, trained in mountain safety and high-altitude emergency response.
  • Dedicated Trek Crew: A professional mountain chef and an experienced team of horsemen.
  • Horse-Supported Luggage: Pack horses carry the camping equipment, food supplies, and the 8 kg (16 lbs) duffel bag we provide for your personal gear.
  • Emergency Riding Horse: One extra saddle horse travels with every group, ready for anyone who needs a break on the steepest sections.
  • Premium Camping Equipment: Roomy 4-person Eureka Timberline all-weather tents shared by only 2 trekkers, foam sleeping pads, a dining tent with tables and chairs, and a separate kitchen tent.
  • Private Toilet Tents: Eco-friendly chemical toilets set up in tents reserved only for our group at every campsite and lunch stop.
  • Freshly Prepared Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, daily afternoon tea, and trail snacks, all cooked on site by our chef. Boiled and filtered drinking water is supplied from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5.
  • Entrance Fee & Safety Gear: Admission ticket to the Choquequirao Archaeological Complex, a first-aid kit, an emergency oxygen cylinder, and satellite communication support.

What Is Not Included in the Choquequirao Trek?

  • Final Dinner: Dinner on Day 5 after you arrive back in Cusco.
  • Rental Equipment: Four-season down sleeping bag, inflatable air mattress, and trekking poles (all available to rent, see the Price tab).
  • Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide, chef, and horsemen.
  • Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical coverage (highly recommended).


Price

Choquequirao Trek Prices & Optional Extras

The 5-Day Choquequirao Trek departs on any date you choose, with a minimum of 2 trekkers. All prices are per person in US dollars, and the rate goes down as your group gets bigger.

Group SizePrice per Person (USD)Service Type
2 to 3 Trekkers$650 USDAll-inclusive small group / private departure
4 to 5 Trekkers$600 USDAll-inclusive small group / private departure
6 or More Trekkers (Best Value)$550 USDAll-inclusive small group / private departure

Optional Gear Rentals & Upgrades

ItemRate (USD)Details
Four-Season Down Sleeping Bag$20 per personRated to -15°C / 5°F, supplied with a clean, freshly washed sheet liner
Therm-a-Rest Inflatable Air Mattress$15 per person3-inch inflatable pad for extra comfort and warmth at night
Trekking Poles$15 per pairAdjustable Black Diamond poles fitted with rubber tips
Single Tent Supplement$30 totalYour own 4-person Eureka tent, ideal for solo travelers


Why Us

Why Trek Choquequirao with Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu?

Choquequirao is one of the most remote and least-visited Inca sites in Peru, and reaching it on foot takes planning, experience, and a reliable team. Our local crew has the know-how to make this demanding canyon expedition safe, comfortable, and truly memorable.

Flexible Departures on Your Dates: There are no fixed group calendars. You pick the start date, and we run the trek with as few as 2 trekkers, so your group travels at its own pace.

Highly Qualified Local Guides: Our guides were born in the region, speak fluent English, and hold university degrees in Tourism and History. They are also trained in mountain safety and high-altitude emergency care.

Camping with Extra Comfort: Every pair of trekkers gets a spacious 4-person all-weather tent, and our group travels with its own private toilet tents, a dining tent, and a full camp kitchen.

Safety on Every Departure: Each group carries a first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication equipment, and an extra riding horse is always on hand for tired legs.

Responsible, Community-Based Tourism: We follow Leave No Trace principles, pay fair wages to our chefs and horsemen, and buy fresh produce directly from Andean farming families.

Packing List

What to Pack for the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek

Temperatures shift dramatically between the hot canyon floor and the chilly upper campsites, so a layered clothing system is the key to staying comfortable. At your pre-trek briefing you will receive an 8 kg (16 lbs) duffel bag for extra clothes and gear, which our pack horses carry from camp to camp.

Documents & Money

  • Original Passport: Required at trail checkpoints and for registration.
  • Cash in Peruvian Soles: For tips, extra drinks, and souvenirs. There are no ATMs anywhere on the trail.

Boots & Clothing

  • Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with a deep tread and solid ankle support. Make sure they are well broken in before the trek.
  • Camp Shoes: Light sneakers or sandals to give your feet a rest in the evenings.
  • Hiking Shirts: 3 to 4 quick-dry shirts, both short- and long-sleeved. Leave cotton at home.
  • Hiking Pants: 2 pairs of tough trekking pants. Zip-off convertible styles are ideal.
  • Thermal Layers: A warm base-layer top and bottom for cold nights at camp.
  • Warm Mid-Layer: A fleece or a light, packable down jacket.
  • Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket or Gore-Tex shell. A rain poncho is also a smart addition.
  • Cold-Weather Accessories: Wool hat, warm gloves, a scarf, and 4 to 5 pairs of thick wool hiking socks.
  • Sun Hat: A wide-brimmed hat or a cap.

Daypack & Trail Gear

  • Daypack (25L to 30L): With a rain cover, for the things you need during the day (water, rain layer, camera, sunscreen).
  • Water Containers: Reusable bottles or a hydration bladder holding 2 to 3 liters in total.
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable poles with rubber tips, very helpful on the long climbs and descents.
  • Headlamp: With spare batteries, for moving around camp after dark.
  • Sun Protection: Polarized UV sunglasses, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF.

Health & Hygiene

  • Personal First-Aid Kit: Your prescription medicines, blister plasters (such as Compeed), oral rehydration salts, ibuprofen, and altitude medication like Diamox (ask your doctor first).
  • Insect Repellent: A high-DEET spray is a must in the warm canyon areas around La Playa and Choquequirao.
  • Toiletries: Biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer, travel toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a small quick-dry towel.

Electronics & Extras

  • Power Bank: A high-capacity portable charger, since the campsites have no power outlets.
  • Camera & Spare Batteries: Cold nights drain batteries faster than usual.
  • Energy Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate for an extra boost on the steep sections.


Important Info

Is the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek hard?

Yes, the Choquequirao Trek is classed as challenging. It is not a gentle valley walk: the route is defined by huge changes in elevation. On Day 1 you descend roughly 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) into the Apurímac Canyon, and on Day 2 you face a steep, 4-hour switchback climb up to Marampata. You should be in good physical shape, have solid cardiovascular endurance, and ideally some previous hiking experience.

What is the altitude of Choquequirao, and how can I avoid altitude sickness?

The highest points of the trek are Marampata and the Choquequirao campsite, at about 3,350 meters (10,990 ft). That is lower than the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Pass, but the steep climbs can still bring on altitude symptoms. We suggest spending 2 to 3 days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) or the Sacred Valley before the trek to acclimatize. Stay well hydrated, drink coca tea, keep your meals light, and talk to your doctor about altitude medication such as Diamox. Every departure carries emergency oxygen.

Do you offer free airport pickup in Cusco?

Yes. Airport pickup is complimentary for all confirmed guests landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Just send us your full flight information at least 14 days before you arrive. A member of our team will be waiting outside the terminal with a Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu sign and will take you straight to your hotel.

When and where is the pre-trek briefing held?

The briefing starts at 6:00 PM the evening before your trek. It takes place either at our office in central Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201) or at your hotel. Your guide will walk you through the route, run a quick safety check, and hand over your personal 8 kg duffel bag.

Can I leave my extra luggage in Cusco during the trek?

Yes. Any bags you do not need on the trail can be stored for free at our secure Cusco office, or you can leave them at your hotel until you return on Day 5.

How do I book the Choquequirao Trek, and is a deposit needed?

You can book online in just a few minutes. Send us your contact details and preferred start date through our website. A deposit is required to secure your private transport, mountain chef, and horsemen. Since Choquequirao has no strict daily permit quotas like the Inca Trail, you can start the trek on almost any date throughout the year.

How can I pay the remaining balance?

You have two options. Pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at your pre-trek briefing in Cusco and avoid any card fees, or pay online by VISA or PayPal, which adds a 5.5% processing fee.

Can I change my start date after booking?

Yes, in most cases at no extra cost. Date changes requested at least 7 days before departure are usually free, depending on the availability of guides and transport. This flexibility is possible because the Choquequirao entrance ticket is not a fixed-date, non-transferable government permit like the one required for the Classic Inca Trail.

Do I need my original passport on the trail?

Yes. You must show your original physical passport at the entrance checkpoint to Choquequirao. The details on it must match the information you gave us when booking.

How much can my duffel bag weigh, and who carries it?

Each trekker gets a duffel bag with an 8 kg (16 lbs) limit, and that weight includes your sleeping bag and air mattress. Our pack horses move the duffels from one campsite to the next, so during the day you only carry a small 25L to 30L daypack.

What weather can I expect on the Choquequirao Trek?

Expect big temperature swings. Because the Apurímac Canyon is so deep, the trail passes through several microclimates. Down at La Playa it is warm to hot (20°C to 28°C / 68°F to 82°F), humid, and buggy, while nights at Marampata and Choquequirao can fall close to freezing (0°C to 5°C / 32°F to 41°F). Bring clothing you can easily layer on and off.

What are the toilets like at the campsites?

You will have private toilets throughout the trek. Rather than relying on public restrooms, which are often poorly maintained, Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu sets up eco-friendly chemical toilet tents for our group only at every campsite and lunch stop, and keeps them clean for the entire journey.

What food is served, and can you cater to special diets?

Our mountain chefs cook fresh, hot meals every day with local Peruvian ingredients. Each day includes three multi-course meals, an afternoon tea with hot drinks and snacks, and treats for the trail. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free diets are available at no extra cost, as long as you let us know when you book.

What if I get injured or cannot complete the trek?

Your safety always comes first. Every guide carries a full first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite communication equipment, and an emergency riding horse travels with each group in case someone becomes exhausted. If you fall ill or get hurt, your guide will arrange a safe escort off the trail to the nearest medical center.

Does the 5-Day Choquequirao Trek include Machu Picchu?

No. The standard 5-day itinerary is entirely focused on Choquequirao and the Apurímac Canyon. If you would also like to see Machu Picchu, we can add a post-trek extension, with a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel on Day 6.

Will you drop me off at my hotel after the trek?

Yes. On Day 5, our private vehicle takes you right to your hotel door in Cusco, arriving at around 6:00 PM.

Should I tip the guide, chef, and horsemen?

Tipping is optional, but it is a common practice on Andean treks. If you are happy with the service, a tip is a direct way to thank the local guides, chefs, and horsemen who work hard behind the scenes to keep your expedition safe and comfortable.

How does Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu support sustainable tourism?

We take our responsibility to the canyon and its people seriously. We follow strict Leave No Trace principles, and all group waste is carried out of the canyon and brought back to Cusco to be recycled or disposed of properly. We use biodegradable soaps and eco-friendly portable toilets to protect local rivers and streams, pay fair living wages to our local staff, and buy fresh ingredients from highland farming families.


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The Journey

What You'll Experience on the Trail

From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.

  1. Wiñay Wayna
    Stop 01 / 03

    Wiñay Wayna

    Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.

    • 2,650m altitude
    • 2.5km from Machu Picchu
  2. Inti Punku
    Stop 02 / 03

    Inti Punku

    The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.

    • Sun Gate viewpoint
    • Exclusive to trekkers
  3. Machu Picchu
    Stop 03 / 03

    Machu Picchu

    By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.

    • UNESCO World Heritage
    • #1 Wonder of South America
Clients Feedback

Lovely Words From Our Travelers

Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.

Tripadvisor Reviews

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Passport47616819993

Germany • 4 contributions

One day trip Sacred Valley

The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.

Sep 2026 • Couples

Harry W

2 contributions

Amazing experience with Sam travels

I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.

Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.

Sep 2026 • Solo

Carolin

2 contributions

Great experience at short Inca trail

We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.

The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!

Sep 2026 • Couples

Robyn

24 contributions

Great experience because of the team!

Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.

Sep 2026 • Couples

ANDRE m

2 contributions

Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel

We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!

Sep 2026 • Couples

Hamish G

1 contribution

SAM travel

Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers

Sep 2026 • Solo

Theresa Z

1 contribution

Best trek ever!

It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍

Sep 2026 • Couples

Google Reviews

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Sarah Small

Local Guide • 19 reviews • 15 photos

We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…

3 weeks ago

PY LAU

5 reviews • 4 photos

I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…

A month ago

Chris Handley

1 review • 4 photos

We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…

2 months ago

Sam Pauwels

Local Guide • 20 reviews • 109 photos

We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…

2 months ago

Philipp Luthardt

Local Guide • 7 reviews • 11 photos

We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…

2 months ago

H.Y. Lin

Local Guide • 18 reviews • 12 photos

We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…

2 months ago

Jeff Jimerson

Local Guide • 9 reviews • 22 photos

We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…

2 months ago

Trustpilot Reviews

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Ann McNamara

PE • 1 review

Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…

Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.

Sep 9, 2026

Carolyn

US • 7 reviews

Rainbow Mt and Lake Titikaka

For the second part of our Classic Inca Trail package, we hiked Rainbow Mountain and then toured the islands of Lake Titikaka. On this portion of our trip package, we were able to spend a day/night/morning with a local family on Isla Amantaní. What an incredible experience to really got to understand the culture! Our guide Christian (Chris) from Sam’s Travel was an incredible resource helping us to not only navigate where to be, but also helped us converse with the local community. In addition to being an excellent guide and very knowledgeable, Christian was an AMAZING photographer for our group so we are all in all of the photos!

Jun 29, 2026

Joann Campos

US • 1 review

The Ultimate Birthday Bucket List Experience – The Dream Team of Liz and Abdul!

I recently checked a major dream off my birthday bucket list with an incredible 3-day tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. This experience was everything I hoped for and more, largely because of the outstanding duo of Liz Montesinos and Abdul. If you are booking with SAM Travel, I cannot recommend this pair enough—they work so perfectly together as a team that it made our entire journey feel seamless and special.

Liz Montesinos is an absolutely wonderful guide who brought so much heart to our experience. What stood out most was her intense passion for her culture and her country; she doesn’t just share facts, she shares her heritage with a deep pride that makes the history of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu truly come alive. She was also incredibly attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and helping us capture the most stunning photos of our milestone trip.

While Liz provided the incredible storytelling and cultural depth, Abdul was the perfect partner behind the wheel. He is a fantastic driver who made us feel completely safe and relaxed, even on the winding mountain roads. Seeing them work in tandem allowed us to just focus on the magic of Peru. They truly operate as a "dream team," and their combined energy and professionalism made this a birthday I will never forget. If you want the best experience possible, be sure to ask for Liz and Abdul together!

Apr 24, 2026

Susan

PE • 2 reviews

The Inca Trail with the best guide.

We did the 3 night, 4 day Inca Trail with Sam Travel Peru and our guide and organiser was Josep Quiñonez Alvarez. It was a fantastic experience and Josep made it extra special. He is extremely experienced so was able to read the group very well and make adjustments to the route when necessary. His knowledge of the Incan civilisation was excellent and he was able to convey it in superb English with passion and enthusiasm. Despite the ardours of the trail we had a great 4 days, which undoubtedly was definitely down to Josef.

Oct 9, 2025

Jen Thomas

GB • 2 reviews

An amazing adventure

Sam Travel Peru were brilliant from start to finish on the 4 day classic Inca Trail. They were well organised which made for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The guides Henry and Jimmy were amazing, so fun and helpful. They were informative about Inca history and really knew how to keep the group energised and having a good time. The chef (Mario) came up with some delicious food, pretty incredible at such remote locations. So thankful for the porters too, who made the experience so much more enjoyable by carrying everything to make camp each night (as well as our duffle bags). An all round spectacular experience, so grateful to a wonderful team.

Oct 3, 2024

Anna Mozumdar

US • 1 review

We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…

We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!

Jul 12, 2024

Jon Tam

PE • 1 review

Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy

We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.

Jul 3, 2024
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