Highlights
Since Inca times, the whole region around Cusco was considered as the most important sacred site in the Tawantinsuyu (Inca State), because of its importance in many aspects, such as the economy, politics, as well as social and cultural facets of Inca society.
This is a program designed in order to visit the area´s highlights which include the City Tour, Sacred Valley, Moray and Chinchero and above all, the visit to the impressive Modern World´s Wonder: Machu Picchu.
Includes
Day 1
City tour of Cusco and nearby archaeological sites
In the morning, reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m./11,152 ft.) and once there, you will have the rest of the morning to relax and acclimatize to the altitude.
In the afternoon, we´ll visit Santo Domingo´s Monastery which shelters the remains of the Qoricancha and Temple of the Sun considered as the most beautiful Inca architecture in Cusco; the Incas´ ancient capital city. Later on, we will stop by the Main Square and visit the Cathedral, to enjoy the beautiful colonial art in its architecture, paintings and stone and wood carvings dating back to the Spanish Colonial Period. Then, we´ll leave the city, to discover amazing megalithic architectural structures in the Ceremonial Complex of Sacsayhuaman, as well as more Incan archaeological sites in Qenko. Breakfast.
Day 2
Pisac to Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley
Now, you will leave Cusco for two days, as we´ll be going northeast to the Sacred Valley. On the way, we will stop to have an overview of the first part of the valley, with the Urubamba River running along it. Then, we´ll have a stroll around Pisac´s Inca archaeological site, to later on head to the local handicraft market and interact with inhabitants and vendors, while shopping for handicraft. Afterwards, we´ll travel along the valley, going by many localities such as Coya, Lamay, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba and stopping in Ollantaytambo, where we´ll visit the archaeological site of the Inca fortress and finally stay at a local hotel. Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 3
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Leaving Ollantaytambo behind, we´ll take a one and a half hour train journey to the village of Aguas Calientes, where we´ll stay for one night. After a quick check-in at the hotel, to drop our bags, we´ll board a shuttle bus bound to Machu Picchu which is the main highlight of the entire trip. Before our afternoon tour we will enjoy lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge restaurant. Having the remain of afternoon, entirely to sightsee Machu Picchu in a guided tour. Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 4
Leisure at Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
Optional second visit of Machu Picchu at sunrise, to take pictures of the site, have a stroll to the Sun´s Gate and Incan Bridge or climb up Huayna Picchu mountain.
From Aguas Calientes, it is possible to walk downstream along the Urubamba River, to the Puente Ruinas Bridge and visit Machu Picchu´s Museum or go further down to Mandor, as we´ll observe on the way, a wide variety of birds living among the vegetation. We´ll also have the option of visiting the hot springs located in the immediate vicinity of Aguas Calientes and later on in the afternoon, we´ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will stay for overnight. Breakfast.
Day 5
Return to Cusco – Moray, Maras and Chinchero
In the morning, we´ll take our van or bus to Cusco and on the way, we will appreciate beautiful landscapes, as well as the visit of Moray´s Incan Experimental Agricultural Center and the Salineras (Salt pools) in Maras, to later on stop in Chinchero and look at its colonial church built on ancient Incan terraces. In the evening, in Cusco, we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a folk dance show restaurant in town.
Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6
End of our services
In the morning, transfer to Cusco’s airport to take your flight back to Lima.
Breakfast.
Includes
Aquí lo que incluye y no incluye en el tour
