Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43180577
Cusco, one of the most emblematic sites in South America, invites you to discover its most impressive treasures, and we are pleased to present you the main attractions of the Imperial City and its surroundings, in a tour carefully designed so that you live a unique experience. For 9 days, you will immerse yourself in the history and culture of this fascinating region, visiting iconic places such as the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, Maras and Moray. In addition, you will enjoy a private tour of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Additionally, to complete your adventure, we have included two exciting trekking activities: the stunning Humantay Lagoon and the famous 7 Colors Mountain.
Upon arrival in Cusco—a city located at 3,400 meters above sea level—it is normal to feel the air a little lighter. Our team will be waiting to take you to the hotel, where you can try traditional coca tea, an infusion that helps in the acclimatization process (not recommended for people with hypertension). Afterwards, we will assist you with check-in and give you a map of the city to explain the main tourist spots, in addition to providing recommendations for restaurants, exchange offices, shops and other places of interest. We suggest resting a few hours to make the most of your free afternoon and evening in Cusco. Optional visit If you feel good about the altitude, you can attend a performance of Andean music and dance at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo (from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). It is recommended to arrive 45 minutes in advance to ensure entry. Admission is included in the package (check this detail with your travel advisor). Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 9:00 to 11:00 (approximately) — We will take a tour of the Historic Center with our local guide. The starting point will be Plaza Regocijo, located a few steps from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco (exclusive courtesy service for our clients). From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (approximately) — We will begin the Archaeological City Tour. The point of reference will be the façade of the Church of Santo Domingo, located next to the Coricancha, whose name means “Golden Wall” or “Temple of the Sun”. This will be our first stop. Then we will continue to four archaeological sites: the imposing Sacsayhuamán Fortress, recognized for the celebration of the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun); later Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, famous for its Inca fountain system. Before finishing the tour, we will make a special stop to interact with Peruvian llamas and alpacas. The return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival, our team will be able to drop you off at your hotel or in the main square of the city. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (approximately) — Our transportation will pick up your hotel to begin the tour. Accompanied by our guide, we will travel for about 40 minutes in a southwest direction until we reach Tipón, recognized for its impressive agricultural terraces, advanced irrigation systems and its Inca architecture, key elements within the Qhapaq Ñan route. Then we will continue to Pikillacta, considered one of the best preserved pre-Inca cities in all of Peru. We will end the tour in the town of Andahuaylillas, where we will visit its church, known worldwide as the “Sistine Chapel of America” thanks to the richness of its mural paintings, decorated ceilings and works of sacred art that cover practically all its internal walls, with a beauty comparable to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. At the end of the visit, we will return to your hotel. You will have the afternoon and evening free to continue enjoying the city of Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (approximately) — We will begin the tour heading northeast from the city of Cusco. During the journey you will be able to appreciate impressive landscapes. In this section, a box lunch with a light snack will be delivered. Our first stop will be at a textile center, where the production process of different types of wool—such as llama, alpaca, and other Andean fibers—will be explained through a demonstration by local artisans. After this visit, we will continue to the archaeological site of Moray. In Moray, the Incas experimented with cultivation techniques and adapted plants to different microclimates. Its circular terraces—which reach around 150 meters of difference between the upper and lower levels—reveal the notable agricultural dominance of this civilization. Then we will go to the town of Maras, known for its colonial architecture, and we will end the tour in the Salineras de Maras, where the inhabitants continue to extract salt with traditional methods inherited from the Inca era. This complex has approximately 3,000 pools, making it one of the most unique attractions in the valley. At the end of the visit we will return to the city of Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
The wait is over! From 4:00 to 18:00 (approximately) — Our day begins very early, with the transportation that will take us to the town of Soraypampa. The journey lasts about three hours and crosses the towns of Izcuchaca, Ancahuasi, Limatambo and Mollepata. We will make a brief stop in Mollepata to enjoy breakfast and purchase supplies for the hike, such as water and energy foods (cereal bars, peanuts, or chocolate are recommended). Then we will continue the trip to Soraypampa. Upon arrival at Soraypampa, the guide will provide the necessary instructions for the hike and explain the option of renting horses (not included in the package) for those who prefer to avoid the entire ascent on foot. The most notable point of the tour is the Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. There you will have time to catch your breath, rest and take unforgettable photographs from a vantage point. After this experience, we will begin the descent towards transportation, with a new stop in Mollepata, this time for lunch. At the end, we will return to Cusco to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Remark: At the beginning of the tour we offer a bottle of water and provide a trekking pole and a small blanket to protect yourself from the cold during the bus trip. Optional: South Valley Tour (private service). For those who cannot make the hike, it is recommended to contact your travel agent. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (approximately) — The long-awaited day of the pre-tour to Machu Picchu has arrived. In the morning we will leave for the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the Taray viewpoint, from where we will appreciate the impressive view of the valley. Following the itinerary, we will visit the Pisac Archaeological Center with our guide. We will also visit a jewelry store in Pisac to learn about the symbolism and mysticism present in each handmade piece. Then we will continue to Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch. Later, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best examples of Inca urban planning. At the end of the tour, we will board the train at the Ollantaytambo station bound for Aguas Calientes, a trip of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting for you in the main square of Aguas Calientes – a picturesque town located at about 2,040 meters above sea level – with a sign that identifies your name, to assist you to the hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The most anticipated day has finally arrived. On this day we will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the impressive Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Our team will be available early to assist you in the transfer from the hotel to boarding the bus (the schedule will be adjusted according to your entry ticket). During the tour, our professional guide will share the secrets, stories and mysteries of the place in a guided tour of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. After the guided tour, you will have free time to leisurely explore the site. At the end, the guide will tell you the exact time to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, from where you will board the train again to the Poroy or Wanchaq stations, located near the city of Cusco. Our team will be waiting for you upon arrival to transfer you back to the hotel. If you want to make your experience even more special, check out our exclusive services below: Optional services: ♦ Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel — Located near the gates of the Inca citadel. ♦ Return by train in the “Vistadome” car — An unforgettable panoramic experience, with large windows that allow you to appreciate all the beauty of the Sacred Valley. ♦ Return by train in the Premium car “Vistadome Observatory” or Inca Rail 360° — With on-board service, observation car and live cultural presentations. ♦ Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain — An impressive hike with a privileged view of the entire Machu Picchu complex. Overnight in Cusco.
Our adventure will begin very early in the morning, heading to the iconic 7 Colors Mountain, located at more than 5,200 meters above sea level. Before leaving you will receive a box lunch to enjoy along the way and maintain energy during the day. The hike to Rainbow Mountain begins in Chillihuani Cusipata (4,200 m), the starting point of the tour. From there we will begin an ascent of between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the physical condition of each visitor. The trail opens between Andean mountains and valleys, with plantations, streams and small towns where traditions are still preserved. With some luck, we will be able to see alpacas and llamas grazing freely. Those looking for greater comfort can rent a horse for much of the journey, although the last 15 minutes to the top must be done on foot. This service is not included in the package. At the top of Rainbow Mountain we will enjoy around 1 hour to rest, admire the landscape and capture photographs of this unique setting. The mineral tones that color the mountain, in contrast with the high sky, make this destination one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Andes. The descent will be lighter, lasting approximately 2 hours, one less than the climb. At the end of the walk, our private van will be ready for the return to Cusco, where we will arrive in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest. Remark: At the beginning of the tour, we offer a bottle of water to hydrate yourself throughout the tour. Physical condition: It is essential to be in good physical condition to carry out this excursion, which lasts a total of about two hours and takes place between 4,200 and 5,200 meters of altitude. It is not recommended to do it during the first days in Cusco, since it is necessary to acclimatize to the altitude and thin air. Drinking coca tea during your stay in Cusco is very useful to facilitate adaptation. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the airport. We will pick you up well in advance, approximately 2 hours before your flight departure. This will be the last of our services. Quick Tip: If your flight from Cusco to Lima is scheduled in the afternoon, we recommend taking advantage of the time to visit some of the museums in the Historic Center, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Regional Museum, the Qorikancha Museum and the Museum of Popular Art. And don't worry about the tickets, since they are included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket! Check-In and Check-Out Times: - Cusco: Check-In - 10:00 a.m. | Check-Out - 9:00 a.m. - Aguas Calientes: Check-In - 9:00 a.m. | Check-Out - 10:00 a.m.
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