Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

  We scheduled a private 10 tour with two other couples (6 people) in total. Sun Gate Tours provided excellent customer service through out the complete process. (Initial engagement,... read more developing the tour package, hotel recommendations, execution of tour, etc.)

Emi (Sales office) was excellent to work with and extremely professional. Upon arrival to Cusco, we we met with our guide Richard, who was extremely helpful and very service oriented. The vehicles and drivers were excellent, the restaurants/meals provided by Sun Gate tours were of the highest quality and provided an excellent dining experiences.

Unfortunately, our group was held up in Machu Picchu area four days during the December Peru protests. Sun Gate Tours did an excellent job communicating with us during this difficult and fluid time. In the end we chose to hike the 29 km to back to Ollantaytambo. Our guide Richard not only ensured our safety, but walked behind our group to make sure no one was left behind. During our hike out, we saw other tour groups with their guides impatiently waiting for them to catch up to them.

Sun Gate Tours made our group's safety their highest priority and was extremely flexible during remaining time in Cusco. In the end, we were unable to complete our planned itinerary due to political situation. Sun Gate Tours promptly proposed a fair refund for the unused portion of our remaining itinerary.

I would highly recommend Sun Tours and would use them again in the future.

  UK Couple - Private Tour With Sungate - 100% just do it! - My wife and I travelled from England to Peru for a 10 day tour that we booked directly with Sungate. This included the 4 day Inca Trail trek to Machu... read more Pichu.

Sungate were not a company that we were aware of in the UK, but they came highly recommend by a family friend. We took the plunge and booked a private tour with Sungate who are a locally owned (Cusco) for the duration of our stay.

Firstly I would like to give recognition to Doris and her team below and then I will describe the tour that we undertook.

It’s hard to qualify how good the experience has been from an organisational and operations perspective, from my initial communications with Ximmena to the care and attention provided by Doris (one of the owners) during our stay. Doris and her team were available from pick-up until drop off back at the airport, where Doris even ensured we made it to departures before leaving us on our own. The transportation provided was always of a good standard, on time and there was regular communication to check-in on our progress throughout.

We were assigned Richard as our guide and he was with us for all our tours including the Inca Trail. Richard was an absolute pleasure to have as our guide and his knowledge, passion and good humour inspired us on the easier days and sustained us during the more challenging treks. Richard is an avid historian and such an intelligent and kind person. We really can’t thank him enough for enriching our experience. He also speaks English, German and Spanish for anyone who is thinking of booking.

Our tour was split between 4 nights in Cusco and 3 nights in The Scared Valley and we decided to book our own hotels, although Sungate do provide this service and we did book the hotels they recommended. I would also comment that the price charged was reasonable and extremely competitive compared to a couple of others tour operators that we considered.

Doris met us at the airport in Cusco and dropped us off at our hotel. Our tour started with a half day (you need this to adjust to the altitude - we did find this hard initially) at Inca sites in and around Cusco, flowed by full days in the Sacred Valley (Pisac was great), Moray and the Salt Mines (highly recommended). They also arranged a cycling tour four us that we requested, but we would only recommend this if you are a serious cyclist or very fit because it was harder than we expected.

We also booked the Skylodge via feratta climb which is a 1200 ft climb to the lodges where you have lunch and zip line down. My wife and I are not climbers and whilst we initially found this terrifying, it was one of the most enjoyable and challenging things we have ever done, and I would recommend this to anyone whilst in Peru.

We also walked up Rainbow Mountain, which is over 5000m. The scenery is stunning with eagles circling at the top and the glaciers in the distance. The climb (despite starting at 4600m) is challenging due to the altitude, but it is 100% worth it when you get to the top.

Our tour ended with a 4 day trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu which again was organised through Sungate. Anyone who is thinking of doing the Inca Trail will know how challenging it is and how hard the porters work. Seeing this first hand is quite humbling and the team provided by Sungate were a credit to the company. In particular we would like to give a shout out to Marcelino (the chef) who I still suspect my wife might of hidden in her suitcase for the restaurant quality food he creates in the most rudimentary conditions. We couldn’t believe it on the first day when he came out wearing his chef whites on a mountainside campsite.

Richard, the porters and the rest of the team ensured that we made it Machu Pichu and despite it being an exhausting holiday, it will be one that we look back on with the fondest of memories. Peru really is a bucket list destination and I would encourage anyone to book, and if you do book to choose Sungate as your tour provider. By the end of the trip Doris, Richard and the team felt more like good friends and we have the upmost respect to your work ethic, approach to sustainable tourism and the care they have for their community and the environment. Thank you.

  We traveled with Sun Gate Tours in August 2022 - Lima & Machu Picchu Quick 5 Days. We have been on many tours and some are just OK, but... read more Sun Gate tours is top of the line. Since we were already traveling in Peru prior to taking the tour, we had to make changes to the itinerary. Ximenia was amazing - she was able to make all additional arrangements and was quick to reply to emails - at all hours of the day! Our tour guides Wilfredo and Eddy (Machu Picchu) were great and really made the trip - They were knowledgeable and fun! Our guide Doris took care of all hotel arrangements and transfers - she stayed in constant contact with us. We always knew where we were to go next. It was a great tour and was so easy having all details taken care of for us. We could relax and just enjoy yourselves. The tour is activity filled, but if you are short of time - it is definitely the way to go to see some amazing sights!

  The team was very helpful and flexible - made a personal itinerary for us and everything was executed very well. They were very kind and made sure our trip to... read more Peru was a lot of fun!

  Sungate tours is amazing. It’s always nerve wracking choosing a travel agency, but you’re in good hands here. I’ve been in contact with them since 2018 planning my 18 day... read more itinerary that was then delayed due to COVID. When the time was right, I picked up the conversation again with them. The office was extremely helpful and patient in answering all of my many questions in a timely manner. I was traveling to Peru solo and it made me feel really comfortable that someone was available at all times on WhatsApp while I was in the country in case I needed anything or simply a recommendation. Airport and hotel transfers were seamless and there was always someone waiting for me without fail. A few times I even wanted to add private transport kind of last minute and they were always happy to accommodate. The tour guides, drivers and everyone the company partnered with were professional and friendly. My brother traveled with Sungate in 2016 and had a great experience which is why I decided to go with them. Totally personalized, customizable and flexible itineraries that are reasonably priced. Plus they are locally owned in Peru, so always great to support a local company. Thanks for a lovely experience Sungate team!

  My friend and I had a wonderful experience with Sungate tours. We did 3 days in Cusco for Machu Picchu and 3 days in Puerto Maldonado for the Amazon. Prior... read more to our trip, they were quick to respond to our initial inquiry/followup questions and were helpful in tailoring the trip to fit our schedule constraints and tour interests. The tour guides and transportation assistants were organized, always on time, friendly, and informative. The housing arrangements were clean and in good locations. One thing to note is that the Amazon portion appeared to be run by another company so our guess is that Sungate arranged the booking with Inotawa lodge on our behalf. Regardless, we had a fantastic time, felt very taken care of, and were glad to not have to organize all the logistics ourselves.

  I saw Lima, Nazca, Cuzco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu. A friendly & knowledgeable guide in each city! A new adventure each day.

  It was my 2nd time getting Sun Gate to plan my Peru Trip.

Much likebthe first tume, they were vwr very professional, responsive and flexible.

They... read more were able to tailor our trip and made it easy for me to plan.

I highly recommend to plan your trip with Sun Gate.

  Sungate Tours was amazing at setting up the logistics of our trip! We arrived in Cusco and Doris was waiting for us to escort us to our hotel. Cusco is... read more an amazing city. The night life was great! After our stay in Cusco we started our trek on the Inca Trail. I have to say this far exceeded all expectations I had. Our tour guide Monica spoke great English and did a wonderful job explaining historical sites and answered all our questions. One of the best parts was the food. I would have never expected to receive such high quality fresh food camping. If you can request Marcelino as your cook I highly recommend him. Once we reached Machu Picchu Monica gave us a tour. I was so amazed. We had some extra time in Lima on the way back and booked a last minute Lima tour. Sungate Tours set everything up for us. It was the best trip I have ever taken!

  The 4 day Machu Picchu trek with Sun Gate was an unforgettable experience. Working with Sun Gate was perfect from end to end. Ximena was extremely helpful and responsive in... read more setting up the tour. She went above and beyond in helping us schedule transportation for our tight travel needs. We felt completed prepared for the trek because Sun Gate provided packing lists and provided an in person pre-trip prep meeting. Jose, our guide, was extremely knowledgable about the landscape as well as Incan history. He made sure we were prepared each day for what was to come. The porters and cooks were also excellent. They were kind, encouraging and made sure everything was taken care of for us. It was definitely a 5 star experience and I would recommend it anyone.

  My friend and I did 10 days in Lima. We visited pachacamac, caral and much food tours. It was spectacular and a desired future trip. Highly recommend this trip... read more to anyone who wants to be educated in a different culture, taste something you never had or just experience life in a new way. The history of the people is amazing and we found that the people are very humble.
Peru is a must see.

  A friend and I signed up for this tour and were extremely pleased with how the trip went. We opted to rent sleeping bags/pads from the company, and they were... read more in great condition and very comfortable- similar to the pads we have at home for camping. I suggest bringing a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth- we had our own with us. Our guide, Jose, was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and extremely helpful and encouraging. The porters and chef were very attentive and extremely helpful and kind. I would 100% recommend this company.

  I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Sun Gate tours. From my initial inquiry, to booking, to landing in Peru, and all the way to me departing... read more to come home everyone was very helpful and made my trip one of the best experiences I have ever had in life.
I contacted the company via email and told them what I wanted to do and they sent me a few options to consider, I took a few tours from each of the ideas and they custom made an itinerary to fit my wants and needs. I was a solo, non Spanish speaker traveler and I did not have any issues whatsoever during my 7 day trip. I was constantly updated from the time that I booked to the time I landed in Peru.

From the time I arrived in Peru to getting back home to the US Sun Gate made sure that I understood all of the details of my trip. Each day I was briefed on when and where I needed to be to meet my guide and what items to bring (clothing/water etc). I knew what meals would be provided (they were all amazing!) and what my time schedule would be. I was able to visit places that I have dreamed of for years.

At the time of my visit the world was still in a transition from Covid to post Covid. I knew what all of the requirements were in Peru as they were different than the US and Sun Gate even scheduled a necessary Covid test for my return to the US.

Literally this was the best travel decision I have made. I highly recommend this company and I am already planning to use them for my return trip next year!

There are many that helped me along the way (sorry, I forget some of their names) and I want to personally thank Ximena and Emi for all of there help with putting together my tour package and their great communication throughout my experience. Doris Gonzales for everything she did for me- she was the one that I saw everyday and made sure that I was well taken care of and informed. Emma for her help during the trip to check on me to make sure that I linked up with my tour guides. Edy, my tour guide at Machu Picchu- he taught me so much during my tour and was more than happy to make sure that I had some great photos of my experience.

If you are looking for a worry free company to make a trip to Peru a life lasting experience please reach out to Sun Gate. As a solo traveller I typically expect delays, miscommunication, and mishaps as that has been my experience in traveling in 23 countries but none of that happened in Peru.

I think you can contact me or comment on my review-if you want some pro tips or advice for visiting Peru please reach out.

Thank you again Sun Gate!!!

  Sun Gate Tours did excellent job in coordinating our tour. Friendly staff, great service. Right from picking us up at the airport, hotel transfer, entire experience of 4-day Inca trail... read more was amazing. Local company that values customers. Highly recommend

  Awesome Experience with Sungate Tours ...We did 6 night - 7-day package with local Cusco tour, Rainbow mountain Palcoya and 4 days Inca Trail.
Before trip. - Excellent support... read more considering covid situation/lockdown etc and hiking in another country .. Ximena and Aitne were exceptional in answering every question with patience :-)

On Arrival. - Pickup on time .. Awesome out-of-the-way support from Sun Tours especially Dorris as someone else took my baggage ( Amazonbasic bags ) .. Accompanied me to the airport.. explained airport official as my Spanglish. did not work with them, helped me in paperwork, checked on airport staff as she was picking up other guests etc ., Finally able to connect with the person who took it .. Thanks to Facebook able to get my baggage from the airport ..

During the Trip - A very knowledgeable and Awesome guide Mr. Lenny accompanied us during the local Cusco tour, rainbow mtn, and Inca trail -

Rainbow mtn trip was great .. Glad we did Palcoyo as altitude walking was difficult

While on the Inca trail - Great Camping facility, Great Food ( i am a Vegetarian so i was skeptical but every meal was great ) ..FINALLY. !!!Thx to PORTERS and cooks without them impossible to do this trip so Full Credit to you all

Definitely recommend SunTours

  It was an incredible experience, thank you so much to Sungate tours! We loved our guide Monica, our chef Marcelino, and our porters - Martin, Ciprian, Roberto, and Santiago. The... read more Sungate team was a highlight equal to Machu Picchu. We always felt safe and well cared for. The food blew away our expectations - Marcelino made lasagna and, somehow, even baked a cake on the mountain! Monica was incredibly knowledgeable, fun, kind, and high energy. The porters were so kind and thoughtful and helpful and never seemed to get tired despite carrying so much for our group. My wife and I would highly, highly recommend Sungate tours and we’d recommend asking for the same team we had - you’ll have an amazing time!

  Very good service by tour company and also by porters and guide. Very helpful and energetic people. Nice hot food served in trail.

  Excellent service, food and good customer service
On time for pick up and drop off
Informative
We did rainbow mountain and Inca trail

  Sun Gate Tours went above and beyond to make this an unforgettable trip to Peru! We booked all our own accommodations and then asked Sun Gate to figure out the... read more rest. They picked us up, dropped us off, planned our excursions and were always quick to respond to any questions or issues (before/during/after). We loved the short Inca trail hike with our amazing guide, Richard and would recommend him to anyone. His love for the Incan culture, friendly personality and knowledge about everything we were seeing was top notch. He also took us to the “newer” Rainbow mountain Palcoyo which was incredible. Every part of our trip was perfectly planned which made it easy for us to enjoy. Thank you Sun Gate for an incredible 8 days in Peru!

  Sun Gate were (are) extremely helpful. Especially considering this was planned from Saudi Arabia. The Guide met me in my hotel in Cusco and talked me through the next few... read more days, where I would be met etc. Larry, the guide for my solo tour met me at the station in Aguas Calientes and proceeded to fill me with fascinating information. I enjoyed all my time with him.

After Machu Pichu, which I had arranged as a two day visit, which was a really good idea by the way, Sun Gate also organised a very good day tour of Lima with Mabel, who was also excellent. It really is a very interesting and busy city with a great deal of history. Sun Gate had offered to show me round Cusco and in retrospect that would have been a good idea because as it turns out Cusco is a very busy town with a great deal going on, and history too !!

  I only had a few days to go to Cusco and my friend recommended Sun Gate Tours. They sent me a proposal within a day and it was very... read more detailed. Originally, I looked at a regular tour but I was traveling with 2 teenagers and I wanted to do something different. Ximena provided a customized tour with quad bikes, horseback riding, zip lining and stand up paddle. It was so much fun and the teens were tired by the end of each day.
Richard was very organized, fun and always punctual. He kept me informed at all times.
I highly recommend Sun Gate Tours and will call them again for future trips.
Thank you for making our trip to Cusco so memorable!