TOUR DETAILS
Cusco is a unique and fascinating destination that will captivate you during five days filled with adventure. On this journey, you will discover the Imperial City, explore impressive archaeological sites, and enjoy some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes. You will also follow the routes leading to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic wonders, while discovering the fascinating archaeological sites of Maras and Moray.
ITINERARY
DESTINATIONS
BREAKFAST: Days 2, 3, 4, and 5.
LUNCH: Days 2 and 3.
AVAILABLE AS: Shared or Private Service.
HIGHLIGHTS
Cusco: The former capital of the Inca Empire is a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Temple of Qorikancha, the Cathedral, and the nearby archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Maras: The famous salt mines of Maras are located along the slopes of a beautiful canyon and create a spectacular contrast with the surrounding landscapes of the Sacred Valley. The thousands of traditional salt pools have been used for salt production for centuries.
Moray: A fascinating Inca archaeological site featuring concentric terraces built into a natural depression. The different levels create distinct microclimates, making Moray one of the most remarkable examples of Inca agricultural engineering.
Machu Picchu: The legendary Lost City of the Incas is hidden high in the Andes and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious history of the Inca civilization.
Pisac and Ollantaytambo: Discover the traditional town of Pisac and the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, along with other fascinating sites in this historic region along the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival at Cusco International Airport, our staff will be waiting to assist you and transfer you to your hotel. Afterward, you will enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with a visit to the Cathedral, the most imposing monument on the Plaza de Armas. Next, you will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Inca temple of Coricancha—one of the most important sites dedicated to sun worship. Ancient chronicles state that its walls were covered in gold leaf and adorned with golden representations of nature. You will then head to the hills overlooking Cusco to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán; its massive walls offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The tour continues to Qenqo, a religious archaeological complex where the Incas are believed to have performed agricultural rituals. Your tour concludes at Puca Pucará—meaning “Red Fort” in Quechua—an architectural complex likely used for military purposes, featuring various chambers, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed to have served the Inca entourage while their leader rested at nearby Tambomachay. After the visit, you will return to Cusco’s historic center to conclude the day.
• Overnight stay in Cusco at your selected hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at the scheduled time. You will begin this great adventure by heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; along the way, you will make stops at scenic viewpoints to admire the area’s beauty—a perfect opportunity to take unique and incredible photos. You will then continue to the Inca and Colonial sites of Pisac. Visit one of the most beautiful Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, located atop the mountain overlooking the colonial town of Pisac. Take a walking tour of the colonial town and enjoy some shopping time at the artisan market. Afterward, the tour continues to Urubamba for a lunch break—time to recharge! In the afternoon, visit the magnificent archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, a site of great military, religious, and agricultural importance to the Incas. You will visit the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Ñusta’s Baths, and the Temple of the Sun, among other points of interest. The stunning views from the heights of Ollantaytambo will cap off this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will then continue to the archaeological site of Chinchero, featuring impressive agricultural terraces and a colonial church built atop an Inca structure.
• Overnight stay in Cusco at the selected hotel.
The long-awaited day has arrived. At the scheduled time, you will be taken to the Ollantaytambo train station to depart for a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes station, our staff will assist you in boarding the shuttle that winds up the mountain road, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River as it carves out the famous canyon. The “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, awaits with its incredible terraces, stairways, ceremonial enclosures, and urban sectors—a place radiating powerful energy. After a guided tour, you will have lunch at a local restaurant. At the scheduled time, you will return by train to the Ollantaytambo station, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Cusco at the selected hotel.
After breakfast at the scheduled time, you will enjoy a guided tour of some of the Sacred Valley of the Incas’ lesser-visited treasures. We begin in Maras, where the salt pools create a dazzling landscape; the contrast between the white pools and the green valley is striking—a perfect spot for a spectacular photo of the Sacred Valley. Next, you will head to Moray, where the view is breathtaking thanks to colossal concentric terraces resembling a vast amphitheater. Their purpose was to recreate 20 different microclimates, a method that ensured the empire’s agricultural productivity. After the tour, you will return to your hotel in Cusco and have the afternoon free to enjoy the magical city and its Andean streets.
• Overnight stay in Cusco at your selected hotel.
Today marks the time to say goodbye to Peru. Before heading to the airport, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out process. Afterward, our team will be ready to take you to Cusco International Airport for your flight home. We hope you have spent incredible days filled with adventure, good times, and new experiences, and that you return home with souvenirs, plenty of photos, and amazing stories to tell and remember from this journey through magical Peru.
