Paradise of the Incas 7D

Paradise of the Incas 7D

Day 1 Arrive Cusco – Sacred Valley

Arrive in the Cusco Airport (3300m/10827ft) where our staff will be waiting. We board our private transportaion and drive 1 hour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas which is at least 600m/1970ft lower in elevation than Cusco. This will help you acclimatize easier. En route to Pisac, our first optional stop will be at the Animal Sanctuary Zoo where you can go inside the large cage with the mighty Condors and see other animals and bird species. We continue to the Awanacancha Weaving Center to pet the llamas, and alpacas. Afterwards, we continue to the colonial town of Pisac driving up to the impressive Inca archaeological site (2972m/9751ft), overlooking the town and country side, with numerous agricultural terraces. We will visit the Intihuatana (sun temple), a solar clock among a group of temples, ceremonial baths, and more.  Thereafter, we drive down to the town of Pisac to have lunch. After lunch, a short drive down the valley to Urubamba (2870m/9420ft), and check-in to yout hotel of your choice. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 
Note: Pisac market is optional.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Lunch included

Day 2 Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Town)

This morning after breakfast, we will drive up to the highlands, taking in fabulous vistas of the snow-capped mountains of Veronica and Pitusiray-both over 18,000 feet high. We arrive to the town of Chinchero (3772m/12375ft) with the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as a beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations. Our visit will take us to a local´s home to see a weaving demonstration of traditional textile arts using natural dyes and ancient techniques. From here we continue to the the old colonial town of Maras (3380mt/11090ft) enjoying the spectacular views as we drive up the dirt narrow road to the Salt Pans. The small salt pans are built on steep terraces along one side of a narrow valley which is nourished by the salt spring waters that surface from a subterranean stream in the mountain. There are about 3000 wells which are left to evaporate and are gathered by hand without any machinery. The first salt pans are believed to have been used by the Incas for trade. Taste the salty waters and enjoy the serenity and peaceful walk through the ponds. After, a glorious time we will hike downhill for about 1.5 hours to Urubamba where our transport will be waiting or you can choose to take transport instead. We will feast on a Peruvian buffet lunch. After lunch we will drive down the gorgeous Sacred Valley in direction to the quaint town of Ollantaytambo (2792m/9160ft) built by the Inca Pachacutec. This lovely town has many water canals running alongside the homes. Visit the archeological site which has many structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Intihuatana and more. Thereafter, we board our train to Aguas Calientes where we will relax in a comfortable hotel.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and lunch included

Note: time permitting we can visit the Chicheria (Inca corn drink) and see the Cuys (guinea pigs), the traditional Inca specialty.

Day 3 Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco

Early rise and have breakfast before taking the first bus to avoid the crowds arriving later on by train. We ascend to the ruins by shuttle bus (gates open at 06:00am) to catch the sunrise weather permitting. Take pleasure in a professional guided walking tour with your guide for about the 2.5 hours of the stunning mysterious Machu Picchu, One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the extraordinary Temple of the Sun with exceptionally carved stones, Temple of the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows, Intihuatana the solar clock which translates to the, Hitching Post of the Sun, Funerary Rock Hut believed to be a place where the Inca nobility were mummified, and the many temples, terraces, and corridors. After a glorious visit with your guide enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the mysterious grounds feeling the positive energy that abounds the area which has withstood time.  After your visit take the bus down to town and feast on a delicious lunch. Afterwards, board your train to the Poroy train station where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. 
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch included

Optional extra cost: 
Huayna Picchu if available
Machupicchu Mountain Peak

Day 4 Half Day Cusco City Tour

We will start off from your hotel to start the historical tour of the city of Cusco visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Qoricancha (Inca Sun Temple). Afterwards, drive above the city of Cusco, and be in awe with the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. Return to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

If you choose Private Service – Pick your departure time, exclusive visit to the Central San Pedro Market where the locals shop, at your pace, and drop off at your hotel.

Day 5 Free Day in Cusco

Enjoy a free day at leisure.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Optional extra cost: 
Why not visit the Chocolate Museum and take part in a class on how to make chocolate starting from the cacao bean. If you are a chocolate lover then this is something you do not want to miss.
Or visit the Southern Valley: Tipon Inca ruins, Pikillaqcta pre-Inca Wari ruins, and  Andahuaylillas with the South American Sistine Chapel.

Day 6 Cusco – Lima – City Tour

This morning say farewell to the Inca City of Cusco and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. In Lima our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores.  In the afternoon we will commence the tour of Lima, also known as the City of Kings. Tour the classic historical sights, colonial and Inca influenced architecture, residential neighborhoods, beautiful shrines and churches and incredible panoramic seascapes. Visit the Lima Historical Center, the old side of the city and the capital of the Peruvian vice Royalty. Stop at the “Kiss Park” (Parque Del Beso) built in a peculiar Gaudi style and enjoy a beautiful view of the Lima Bay. Next, you’ll head over to the residential district of San Isidro and pass the “Huaca Pucllana”, the famous ceremonial center built before the Spaniards arrived. Visit the main square and enjoy a view of the Presidential and Municipal Palaces, two immense buildings whose grandeur is sure to capture your fascination. Then, it’s on to the  Cathedral for a visit of the tomb of the Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Afterwards, we´ll visit the Monasterio San Francisco, home to the large underground catacombs said to connect the monastery with nearby churches. Finally we will visit the most traditional residential areas in the capital: The Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar for a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, the distinctive tourist Centre of contemporary Lima. Thereafter, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 
Optional extra cost: Larco Museum or Pachacamac ruins or full day Caral tour or Gourmet tour
Overnight in Lima
Breakfast included

Day 7 Lima – International Flight

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Breakfast included.

End of Services.

• Services Included:

  • Transfer IN/OUT Cusco and Lima on days 6 and 7
  • English speaking guide
  • Briefing for tours
  • Hotel in Sacred Valley – 1 night
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes – 1 night
  • Hotel in Cusco – 3 nights
  • Hotel in Lima – 1 night
  • Tours listed on the program
  • Entrance to ruins for tours on program
  • All meals on the itinerary. Vegetarian, vegan or gluten free meals on request at no extra cost.
  • 1 Entrance fee to Machu Picchu + Bus round trip Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu ruins
  • Train round trip
  • Transfer from Poroy station to your hotel in Cusco.

  Services NOT Included:

  • Domestic flights (we can book for you)
  • Entrance Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain Peak
  • Any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets or travel insurance, nor additional expenses encountered as a result of flight schedule changes, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, acts of God or war.
  • Personal items like medicines, sleeping bag, laundry service, telephone calls, etc.
  • Alcohol drinks or anything not mentioned in program.
  • Travel insurance
  •  Gratuities