All the tour packages of SAM Travel Peru arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the 7th wonders of the world. You are transported by train through panoramic mountains, rivers and valleys as you pass by ancient cites of the Inca, eventually arriving at Aguas Calientes. There you take the shuttle bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu to begin your guided tour of the natural world and the thriving culture of the Inca people who once resided there. Be sure to allow yourself to take in the mystery and majesty of this mountain citadel. With Orange Nation Peru you get to choose from various tour packages to Machu Picchu that may include Cusco City, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, or the latest attraction of Rainbow Mountain. You can also choose as a part of you tour to hike to Machu Picchu starting at KM 104 on the last 1/3 if the Inca Trail, arriving to Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate. You get to choose your tour that best fits your needs. If needed SAM Travel can even customize your tour for you and your family
The Inca Trail Trek is known as one of the world’s ten best hikes. The trail was built by the Incas over 900 years ago to connect their capital city of Cusco to the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu. This hike offers trekkers incredible vistas of Andean glacial peaks to tropical forests as they walk this historical trail of 45Km/26 miles through the Sun Gate to the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel. Besides the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days there are additional options of 1, 2, or 5-day treks to allow all travelers the option to experience this incredible trek. The 1 and 2 day treks are the last one third of the Inca Trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
All visitors will now be limited to 4 hour visiting sessions. Tickets to Machu Picchu will be divided into three daily sessions: early morning (6AM – 9AM), late morning (9AM – 12PM) and early afternoon (12PM – 3PM). Within these sessions, visitors must choose a specific hour to visit. This is to regulate and reduce visitor traffic within the citadel– each hour will be limited to 600 visitors.
The new regulations have a direct impact on: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (not to be confused with the citadel itself). To enjoy your tour of the citadel and hike the additional mountains, you will need to purchase an extra entrance ticket to the ruins extending your time allowed inside. These tickets can sell out 2 to 4 months in advance. Plus, this means that Huayna Picchu tickets will go up from $35 per person to $75 per person.
To protect this historical trek, the Peruvian government heavily regulates it. There are only 500 permits issued per day for the short Inca Trail. In past years there were usually enough permits for the short Inca Trail trek, however due to the high demand in the months of May through September, some dates are now selling out.
It may be possible to book at the last minute in the low tourist season but in high season you will likely not get all the options you would like as a part of your trek, such as the time of day you prefer to enter Machu Picchu, or tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are sold out for your specific date. Also, you may have to take a very early or late train because the best train times are already gone. In addition, if you want to trek the Short Inca Trail as a part of your combo trek, it is possible the permits may not be available. If you book at the last minute you must be very flexible with your dates and times and in addition you may not get all your chosen options. Please do not wait until the last minute, book now if you have set dates! Feel free to talk with our expert staff and they can let you know what is possible at the time you wish to tour.
Read why to book early above
Orange Nation needs your personal details and they must match your passport. What is required is your full name as written in your passport, passport number, date of birth, nationality and gender. Once again, it must match exactly your passport! After booking, please send us a copy of your current passport or driver’s license if you are booking with that.
If you are renewing your passport, Orange Nation can book with your old passport number (or your driver’s license number) and we will update once your new passport arrives. Further details are written below.
If you are still in the process of obtaining your passport, you can still book with your driver’s license information and when you obtain your new passport then simply email Orange Nation a photo of both your new passport and your driver’s license and we will update your permit information at the government office. Please bring your drivers license and new passport when you come to Peru.
If your passport will expire before you trek, you can book the tour with your current passport and when you obtain your new passport take photos of both your old and new passports. Then email Orange Nation those photos and they will update your information. It is also wise to bring both your old passport/drivers license if you booked with that and your new passport to Peru when you come.
Yes, it is possible to do some tours without a tour provider. However, purchasing tickets and entrances have become much more complicated due to new regulations for Machu Picchu Citadel and the increased tourist traffic. It has become very complicated to coordinate all the entrance times, trains, and transfers required to be able to experience a hazzle free tour. If you wish to trek the short Inca Trail as a part of your tour, please note that the government of Peru strictly controls the Inca Trail. This hike can only be booked by a fully licensed tour operator. SAM Travel Peru Alpaca is a 100% licensed Inca Trail tour operator by the government here in Cusco, Peru. (Not all tour operators can do the Inca Trail)
Please read above all the reasons under why booking early is important to fully understand why it is difficult to be able to do a coordinated tour to Machu Picchu without a knowledgeable tour operator.
Orange Nation specializes in small intimate groups of 2 to 8 persons! We want to guarantee the best possible experience for all our clients who choose to trek with us. Small groups allow you to get to know better the individuals trekking with you and to receive lots of individual attention from your guide. We want you enjoy your hiking experience and make memories that will last a life time. Also, unlike other tour companies, if 2 persons book we guarantee you go even if no other people book. You book, pay your deposit, you go!
YES, you absolutely can book a private tour at an additional cost! The cost varies depending on the size of your private group. A private tour means that you will have your own personal guide, van, driver and only the members of your group will be part of the entire tour group. Of course there will be other tour groups from SAM Travel and other travel agencies at the sites you visit or on the Inca Trail.
Booking with Orange Nation is easy. All you need to do is click on the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have questions, please chat with us or give us a call using the phone numbers on the top of the main page for the Peru office or the USA office.
Please be sure you have all your passport information ready when you book and send us a copy of your passport via email afterwards. (see earlier instructions if you do not yet have a passport or it will expire before the trek begins. It is still possible to book now!
As soon as we receive your completed booking form and your $200 deposit per person, we will email you a confirmation.
