Cusco, the “Navel of the World,” is a truly special destination. During this four-day journey, you will explore the city, visit its most important archaeological and colonial sites, and discover some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth on your way to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco + Cusco City Tour
Day 2: Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 3: Machu Picchu → Cusco
Day 4: Cusco → Lima / Departure
DESTINATIONS
Cusco
Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu
BREAKFAST: Days 2, 3 and 4
LUNCH: Days 2 and 3
AVAILABLE AS: Shared and 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 Coricancha, the Cathedral, and the impressive archaeological sites surrounding the city, including Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay.
Machu Picchu: The legendary lost city of the Incas is hidden high in the Andes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, as well as a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious world of the Inca civilization.
Pisac and Ollantaytambo: Discover the charming town of Pisac and the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, along with other remarkable sites located in this historic area along the Urubamba River.
Upon arrival at Cusco International Airport, our staff will be waiting for you to assist you and transfer you to your hotel.
Later, enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with a visit to the Cathedral, the most impressive monument overlooking the Plaza de Armas.
You will then visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built on top of the Inca temple of Coricancha, one of the most important religious sites dedicated to the worship of the Sun. Ancient chronicles state that its walls were covered with gold and adorned with golden representations of nature.
Next, head into the hills surrounding Cusco to visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whose massive stone walls offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex believed to have served a religious purpose, where the Incas are thought to have performed rituals associated with agriculture.
The tour concludes at Puca Pucará, which means “Red Fortress” in Quechua. This architectural complex is believed to have served a military purpose and features several rooms, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is thought to have been used by the Inca’s entourage while the ruler rested at Tambomachay.
After completing the tour, return to Cusco’s historic center, bringing this day’s activities to an end.
• **Overnight in Cusco at the selected hotel.**
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin this unforgettable adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Along the way, we will make several stops at scenic viewpoints, allowing you to admire the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes. This is the perfect opportunity to capture unique and memorable photos.
Continue to **Pisac Inca and Colonial**, where you will visit one of the most beautiful Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, located high on the mountain overlooking the colonial town of Pisac. Enjoy a walking tour through the colonial town, followed by free time to explore the local handicraft market and do some shopping.
The tour then continues to **Urubamba**, where you will stop for lunch and recharge your energy for the afternoon.
In the afternoon, visit the remarkable archaeological complex of **Ollantaytambo**, an important Inca site that served military, religious, and agricultural purposes. Explore the **Temple of the Ten Niches**, the **Ñusta’s Baths**, the **Temple of the Sun**, and other fascinating sites.
The spectacular views from the heights of Ollantaytambo will bring this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a close. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the **Ollantaytambo train station** for your journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
• **Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the selected hotel.**
The most anticipated day of your journey has arrived. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the **Ollantaytambo train station**, where you will board the train for an unforgettable journey to one of the **Seven Wonders of the Modern World**.
Upon arrival at **Aguas Calientes train station**, our team of guides will be waiting to assist you and accompany you to the bus that will take you up a winding mountain road. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the **Urubamba River**, which winds through and shapes the famous canyon.
The **Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu**, will welcome you with its impressive terraces, ancient stairways, ceremonial structures, and urban areas. The unique energy and beauty of this extraordinary archaeological site can be felt throughout the entire visit.
After a guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to **Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)**, where you will have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
At the scheduled time, board the train back to **Ollantaytambo train station**, where our transportation will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco.
• **Overnight in Cusco at the selected hotel.**
Today it is time to say goodbye to Cusco. Before heading to the airport, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and complete your check-out.
Afterwards, our team will be waiting for you to transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.
We hope you have enjoyed incredible days filled with adventure, unforgettable moments, and new experiences. May you return home with souvenirs, plenty of photos, and wonderful stories to share and remember from your journey through magical Peru.
