Duration:
7 days / 6 nights
Locations:
Cusco Machu Picchu
Rating:
★★★★★
Category:
Cultural
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimun Required:
02 Passengers
Overview
Journey through Peru’s most fascinating ancient Incan wonders, along with its blend of traditional and contemporary culture. Many centuries ago, the Incas governed this vast empire, which was connected by thousands of miles of stone-paved highways, from their cultural and religious center in Cusco. Many fine carved stone monuments stand today, a testament to the skill of their master architects. Take in the spirit of Cusco as you walk on its cobble stoned streets admiring its combined culture of the Incas and Spaniards. Tour the amazing archeological site of Pisac with many terraces and its colorful Indian Market, visit the Moray agricultural circles, Maras Salt Mines, watch a weaving demonstration with natural dyes in Chinchero, and be in awe with the huge carved stones in Ollantaytambo. Take a spectacular train ride to the town of Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes) and visit one of the Seven Wonders in the World, Machupicchu. Finally, enjoy a day visiting Lima the city of Kings.
Day 1 Arrive in Cusco – City Walking tour
Reception in the Cusco airport (3400m/11155ft) and transfer to your hotel where you will have time to relax. You will be taken to a restaurant to have an early lunch before the start of your tour. After lunch your guide will meet you at the Restaurant to start your tour. Our first visit will take us to the large lively San Pedro Market where all the locals shop. Here you will see the preparation of a fruit juice, Andean cheeses, taste an exotic fruit such as the cherimoya and granadia, walk and see the different meats, Andean grains, fresh vegetables, healing medicinal stands and more. Then we walk towards the Plaza de Armas the heart of Cusco from the time of the Incas, passing through the lovely Arch of Santa Clara. We will stop by the fountain surrounded by beautiful flowers and benches. Walk through Calle Triunfo to the street Hatun Rumiyoq, to see the twelve angle stone, that is considered one of the most unique in the world. We will take a steep walk up to the Bohemian district of San Blas that has many artists ‘studios, artisan workshops, sculptors, small bars, restaurants, hotels and a small Temple of San Blas, in the main plaza. After an exciting time return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
No meals
Optional extra cost: Add the Cathedral, Qoricancha and ruins above Cusco.
Day 2 Sacred Valley Tour
This morning your guide will meet you in your hotel to start the tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Drive passing the town of Pisac and up a winding road to the impressive Inca archaeological site of Pisac (2972m/9751ft), overlooking the town and country side, with numerous agricultural terraces. We will walk and visit the Intihuatana (sun temple) only in private service, a solar clock among a group of temples, ceremonial baths, and the military zone called “Q’Allaqasa”. After a fabulous time we will drive down to the town of Pisac. Visit the artisan market which has numerous stalls selling many handicrafts to choose from. Thereafter, we drive to Urubamba (2870m/9415ft) to eat a delicious buffet lunch of Peruvian Cuisine.
After lunch drive along the 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 and the Intihuatana. Thereafter, you will go to your hotel in the same town and check in and relax for the rest of the evening.
Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 3 Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Town)
This morning after breakfast, we will drive up to the highlands, taking in spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains of Veronica and Pitusiray-both over 18,000 feet high . We will visit the town of Chinchero (3772m/12375ft) which has 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 the traditional textile arts using natural dyes and ancient techniques. Afterwards, drive up a dirt road to Moray located on a high plateau at about (3500m/11500ft) and just west of the village of Maras located below. These are the most stunning agricultural circles which are in a large bowl depression with many terraces. This archeological site is believed (in theory) to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural experiment center. Enjoy the energy from the center of the circle and then climb up the small steps on the sides of the terraces. From here we drive down a dirt road passing the old colonial town of Maras (3380m/11090ft.) until reaching the Salt mines. 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. Walk along the beautiful salt pans and taste the salty waters while taking in the serene views. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes. There you will be met by our staff and walk to your hotel where you will receive a briefing on your next day´s tour.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and lunch included
Day 4 Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early rise and enjoy 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 06:00) 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 the village and feast on a delicious lunch. Afterwards, board your train to the Poroy trains station where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch included
Optional extra cost: Huayna Picchu(book 3 months in advance) or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak.
Day 5 Free Day in Cusco
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city of the Incas.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included
Optional extra cost: Hands on cooking class with a gourmet chef and learn how to prepare at least 3 delicious Peruvian dishes and the famous Peruvian Pisco.
Day 6 Cusco – Lima
This morning say farewell to the Inca City of Cusco and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. You will be collected in the afternoon to commence the city tour of the cultural town of Lima, also known as the City of Kings. We will visit 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 where you’ll be able to visit the “Huaca Pucllana” and “Huaca Huallamarca”, two famous ceremonial centers built before the Spaniards arrived. Tour 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 Lima Cathedral to visit the tomb of the Spanish Conqueror Francisco Pizarro. After, 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.
Overnight in Lima
Breakfast included
Optional extra cost: Larco Museum
Day 7 Lima – International Flight
Today at your designated time we will transfer you to the airport for your international flight.
Breakfast included
End of Services
Services Included:
- Bilingual English/Spanish Guide
- Transfers IN/OUT
- Tranfers for tours as per itinerary
- Walking tour has no entrance fees
- Standard hotels in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Lima
- Tours listed on the program
- All meals on the itinerary. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free meals on request at no extra cost.
- Entrance to ruins for tours on program
- Bus round trip Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Expediton train round trip
Services NOT Included:
- Domestic flights. (we can book for you)
- Hotel in Lima (we can book for you)
- Entrance Huayna Picchu
- 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.
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities.