Day 01: Welcome to the city of Cusco – airport transfer and City Tour
Welcome to the Inca imperial capital of Cusco, also known as the cultural capital of Peru! Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, we will wait for you with a sign with the name of the main traveler, we will take you to your hotel to check in, leave your luggage and freshen up.
After your lunch, our guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and take you to the first stop where you can see two buildings from different eras (Incas and Spanish) this place is Coricancha. (the temple of the Sun). Here you will see the clash between the Inca culture and Catholicism as you notice the difference in construction methods. The Inca architecture here is quite amazing, particularly a high altar made of bronze, as this was the key spiritual center of the Incas, to which all roads led from the four quarters of the Inca Empire. After visiting this impressive place, we will board our transport and drive to the outskirts of the city for about 20 minutes to the majestic Inca site of Sacsayhuamán with its enigmatic monoliths weighing up to 200 tons. We will make a stop at the viewpoint of Cristo Blanco, this is a place to see Cusco for the first time from the top. We will then continue our visit to Qenqo, home to fascinating Inca altars and then drive another 5 minutes to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site known as the checkpoint to enter Cusco. Finally, we will have our last stop in Tambomachay, a temple with water sources, thought to be used as baths by the Incas. After enjoying this amazing Cusco city tour, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. At 7:00 p.m. we have an appointment to enjoy a delicious dinner show with typical music and dances.
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour & Train Tour to Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 am. We will pick you up from your hotel and start by visiting the archaeological center of Pisac located 45 minutes from Cusco. Pisac will give you an idea of the advanced knowledge that the Incas achieved in architecture. As in other Inca constructions, some studies reveal that it was not a fortress, but a kind of “royal hacienda” owned by the Inca Pachacutec, made up of platforms, domestic and ceremonial structures, and aqueducts that provided water for agriculture. Another good reason to visit Pisac is its craft market, where you can find some unique and authentic souvenirs.
At noon we will go to the town of Urubamba where we will have a buffet lunch which will allow you to enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine. Urubamba was one of the main agricultural centers of the Inca Empire. Currently, the best corn in the world is harvested here and in the rainy season, the Valley’s own fruits abound, such as peaches, capulí, quince, and top quality strawberries, among others.
In the afternoon we will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo which constituted a strategic military, agricultural and religious center to administer and control the Sacred Valley; This is deduced from the constructions that are presumed to be for agricultural deposits and for military use such as walls and watchtowers (probably to protect themselves from the jungle ethnic groups). This archaeological site comprises a series of overlapping terraces, showing the impressive and large blocks of finely carved stone located on the upper terrace. It is in Ollantaytambo that we will board the train to Aguas Calientes so that we can visit Machu Picchu early the next day.
Day 03: Full day guided tour of Machu Picchu
We will wake you up very early so that you can enjoy your breakfast without rushing at 6:00 am. In this way, we can board one of the first buses that leave for Machu Picchu. This means that you will beat the big crowds and be able to enjoy the complex in peace as the sun rises and casts a stunning orange glow on the massive stones. (Optional, you will have to get up early to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu or continue resting a little more).
Along with your guide, board the bus for a 30-minute tour before arriving at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. You will feel the happiness of observing how the golden light of the sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu. Discover all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour where you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for 2 hours through the most significant areas and then you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. After having finished visiting Machu Picchu we will descend to Aguas Caliente.
In Aguas Calientes, you will find a place to have lunch and then you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will travel to Cusco in our private transportation. We will leave you at the door of your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 18:10 PM.
Day 04: Visit to the Maras Salt Mines – Moray Archaeological Complex
After breakfast at your hotel we pick you up in Cusco around 8:00 am. We will head for the small town of Chinchero. The trip takes around an hour and is a beautiful drive through the mountains giving you the most spectacular views. You will discover immense snow-capped mountains, vast cornfields and beautiful villages.
When we arrive, you will enjoy a demonstration of handmade textiles by local women. They are experts in the art, and it is a tradition that has existed for hundreds of years with totally natural dyes.
Soon we will be on the road again and we will take our transport to Moray. You are sure to be amazed by the unique formation of the place that many compare to an amphitheater. However, it was actually a gigantic Inca agricultural laboratory. Your guide will explain more about the history of the site and you will have plenty of time to explore and take some photos.
the Salineras de Maras (Salt flats) are very often combined wiith a trip to Moray as they’re located very close.. It is only another 3km away and will surprise you once again with views that you have probably never seen before. The place has been producing salt since ancient times and there are more than 3,000 salt pools that are filled daily with groundwater.You will have at your disposal a surreal landscape to take the most incredible photographs with the salt flats in the foreground. We will then return to Cusco, arriving in the city just in time so you can find a good place for lunch.
Day 05: Transfer to Cusco Airport and Farewell to the agency
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, we will pick you up to transfer you to the airport to board your return flight, thus concluding our tour.
Day 01: Welcome to the city of Cusco – airport transfer and City Tour
Welcome to the Inca imperial capital of Cusco, also known as the cultural capital of Peru! Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, we will wait for you with a sign with the name of the main traveler, we will take you to your hotel to check in, leave your luggage and freshen up.
After your lunch, our guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel and take you to the first stop where you can see two buildings from different eras (Incas and Spanish) this place is Coricancha. (the temple of the Sun). Here you will see the clash between the Inca culture and Catholicism as you notice the difference in construction methods. The Inca architecture here is quite amazing, particularly a high altar made of bronze, as this was the key spiritual center of the Incas, to which all roads led from the four quarters of the Inca Empire. After visiting this impressive place, we will board our transport and drive to the outskirts of the city for about 20 minutes to the majestic Inca site of Sacsayhuamán with its enigmatic monoliths weighing up to 200 tons. We will make a stop at the viewpoint of Cristo Blanco, this is a place to see Cusco for the first time from the top. We will then continue our visit to Qenqo, home to fascinating Inca altars and then drive another 5 minutes to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site known as the checkpoint to enter Cusco. Finally, we will have our last stop in Tambomachay, a temple with water sources, thought to be used as baths by the Incas. After enjoying this amazing Cusco city tour, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco. At 7:00 p.m. we have an appointment to enjoy a delicious dinner show with typical music and dances.
Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour & Train Tour to Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 am. We will pick you up from your hotel and start by visiting the archaeological center of Pisac located 45 minutes from Cusco. Pisac will give you an idea of the advanced knowledge that the Incas achieved in architecture. As in other Inca constructions, some studies reveal that it was not a fortress, but a kind of “royal hacienda” owned by the Inca Pachacutec, made up of platforms, domestic and ceremonial structures, and aqueducts that provided water for agriculture. Another good reason to visit Pisac is its craft market, where you can find some unique and authentic souvenirs.
At noon we will go to the town of Urubamba where we will have a buffet lunch which will allow you to enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine. Urubamba was one of the main agricultural centers of the Inca Empire. Currently, the best corn in the world is harvested here and in the rainy season, the Valley’s own fruits abound, such as peaches, capulí, quince, and top quality strawberries, among others.
In the afternoon we will visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo which constituted a strategic military, agricultural and religious center to administer and control the Sacred Valley; This is deduced from the constructions that are presumed to be for agricultural deposits and for military use such as walls and watchtowers (probably to protect themselves from the jungle ethnic groups). This archaeological site comprises a series of overlapping terraces, showing the impressive and large blocks of finely carved stone located on the upper terrace. It is in Ollantaytambo that we will board the train to Aguas Calientes so that we can visit Machu Picchu early the next day.
Day 03: Full day guided tour of Machu Picchu
We will wake you up very early so that you can enjoy your breakfast without rushing at 6:00 am. In this way, we can board one of the first buses that leave for Machu Picchu. This means that you will beat the big crowds and be able to enjoy the complex in peace as the sun rises and casts a stunning orange glow on the massive stones. (Optional, you will have to get up early to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu or continue resting a little more).
Along with your guide, board the bus for a 30-minute tour before arriving at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. You will feel the happiness of observing how the golden light of the sun gradually covers all the corners of Machu Picchu. Discover all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour where you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for 2 hours through the most significant areas and then you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. After having finished visiting Machu Picchu we will descend to Aguas Caliente.
In Aguas Calientes, you will find a place to have lunch and then you will board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will travel to Cusco in our private transportation. We will leave you at the door of your accommodation in Cusco at approximately 18:10 PM.
Day 04: Visit to the Maras Salt Mines – Moray Archaeological Complex
After breakfast at your hotel we pick you up in Cusco around 8:00 am. We will head for the small town of Chinchero. The trip takes around an hour and is a beautiful drive through the mountains giving you the most spectacular views. You will discover immense snow-capped mountains, vast cornfields and beautiful villages.
When we arrive, you will enjoy a demonstration of handmade textiles by local women. They are experts in the art, and it is a tradition that has existed for hundreds of years with totally natural dyes.
Soon we will be on the road again and we will take our transport to Moray. You are sure to be amazed by the unique formation of the place that many compare to an amphitheater. However, it was actually a gigantic Inca agricultural laboratory. Your guide will explain more about the history of the site and you will have plenty of time to explore and take some photos.
the Salineras de Maras (Salt flats) are very often combined wiith a trip to Moray as they’re located very close.. It is only another 3km away and will surprise you once again with views that you have probably never seen before. The place has been producing salt since ancient times and there are more than 3,000 salt pools that are filled daily with groundwater.You will have at your disposal a surreal landscape to take the most incredible photographs with the salt flats in the foreground. We will then return to Cusco, arriving in the city just in time so you can find a good place for lunch.
Day 05: Transfer to Cusco Airport and Farewell to the agency
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, we will pick you up to transfer you to the airport to board your return flight, thus concluding our tour.