Cusco is one of the most interesting Peruvian destinations, as you will discover during this five-day fascinating tour around the city’s main attractions. Visit the Imperial City’s stunning archaeological ruins, explore some of the most spectacular sceneries on the planet, and admire the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Cusco: Visit this ancient Inca capital, admiring the mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture.
Coricancha: One of the most famous temples in the city of Cusco, the Convent of Santo Domingo, was built on top of this Inca temple.
Cathedral: Visit the most imposing monument of the Plaza de Armas, admiring the Gothic-Renaissance style which is inherited from the Spanish cathedrals of the XVI century.
Sacsayhuaman: This emblematic Inca construction was built by the Inca ruler Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress made up of large, hard to carry stones. How the stones were perfectly put together is still a mystery.
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas is hidden on top of a mysterious Andean peak and offers views of the mountain range and a glimpse into the Inca’s enigmatic past.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CUSCO
Arrive at Cusco Airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. A representative will accompany you, offering useful information about the city attractions and assisting you along the way. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in one of Peru´s most vibrant cities. Alternatively, you can book our optional Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas:
Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (private basis):
Unique tour that includes visits to the most important attractions between Cusco and Puno. Being the first to explore breath-taking archeological sites Tipón and its impressive rural colonial mansion where the Incas constructed an impressive irrigation system in harmony with nature that is still perceived by the surrounding population. In Pikillacta, the best-preserved pre-Inca cities we´ll follow the remains of the Wari culture, ancestor of the Incas, and in the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, also called "The Sistine Chapel of America” we´ll see the Wari´s marvelous original pipe organ. Take the most advantage of our tour and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Notes: Private service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 4.5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Andahuaylillas and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2: CUSCO
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel and have the morning free to walk around and explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, the tour begins in Coricancha, also known as the ‘Temple of the Sun’, which was built by order of Inca ruler Pachacuti and became the basis for the Santo Domingo Convent construction at the arrival of the Spaniards. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square, and head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the emblematic buildings of the Incas, erected by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large, hard to carry stones. How these were put together is still a mystery! Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where agricultural rituals were held. To conclude, visit Puka Pukara, seven kilometres from the city. Puka Pukara, which means ‘red fort’, was an architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. Once the tour ends, return to the selected hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3: CUSCO – CHINCHERO - SACRED VALLEY (100 km – 2.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred from Ollantaytambo to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! . Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. Later, have lunch in Ollantaytambo and live a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere. At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel. *On Sundays, also visit the local market.After your visit, return to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 4: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (170 km – 4 hrs)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, before your transfer to the Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, taking approximately two hours. The town is also nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’ and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, one can find a craft market, restaurants and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early in the morning. Finally, after a short transfer by bus, reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti. Machu Picchu, which means ‘Old Mountain’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once in the citadel, you may optionally also visit the Intipunku (Sun Gate), the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability) and the Inca Bridge. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra, followed by your return trip to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5: DEPART CUSCO
Start the day with a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport to catch your onward flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
