The Incas were without a doubt one of the world’s most interesting and mysterious ancient civilizations. Discover what this fascinating civilization embodied during its glorious heyday with this customized tour on Peru’s Incan heritage.This tour allows you to learn about Incan achievements, from the triumphal constructions of Machu Picchu and the intricate stonework of the old Inca capital Cusco, to the clever agricultural terraces that you will be able to appreciate in the Sacred Valley.
Trip Overview
Tour type: See the highlights of Cusco region and learn what made the Incas so remarkable. This tour visits all the highlights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before making your way by train to the Lost Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. By the end of the 4 days, you will be knowledgeable about Inca History. Let us make you enjoy this beautiful city.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Highlights to visit: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, Machu Picchu, the four ruins (Sachsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo, Pucapucara), the Cathedral, and Koricancha the temple of the sun.
Inclusions: Hotels, tours, meals, entrance tickets, and ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight Lima to Cusco – Visit Pisaq – Transfer to the Hotel in the Sacred Valley
Transfer on your own to the counter of the airline to take your flight Lima – Cusco (arriving in the morning). At your arrival, pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley (2,750 m/ 9022ft). On route you will visit Pisaq archeological site and see hundreds of agriculture terraces, where the Incas farmed corn, potatoes, and different variety of grains and seeds. The religious and astronomical side of the Incas will be visible, at this sight. Then, we will descend into Pisaq indigenous handicraft market. After this visit, you will get lunch and finally transfer to your hotel. Evening free to better acclimate to the altitude.
Meals included: Lunch
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Day 2: Chinchero – Maras – Moray – Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel and transfer to Chinchero town (3,772m / 12375ft) where we will see some Inca terracing, used as the perfect location to farm potatoes, and see a unique colonial temple located in the highest part of the sacred Valley . Chinchero’s people are expert weavers who make beautiful Textiles. Then, we drive to the Salt Mines (3,380m / 11090ft) to enjoy the spectacular view of the salt ponds and get a chance to buy one of the best quality of pink salt on Earth with a composition of 84 minerals very good for human being. Continue driving through Maras town will visit Moray Inka Archeological Site used as an experimental farming terraces.
Then, we head to a restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. Right after, we continue our trip to Ollantaytambo archeological Inka site, one of the amazing religious and defensive place. Return to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Machu Picchu One Of The Seven Wonders Of The World!
Early wake up call to enjoy of an amazing and unique day. After breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board our train (leaving in the morning). Once arrived in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, together with your tour guide transfer by foot to the bus station (5 minutes) to take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu Citadel (2,500m / 8,202 ft.). Upon arrival, we walk up to the best spot overlooking the ruins and have an amazing view of the Lost City of the Inkas. You will start with your guided tour for 2.5 hours. Then, you will have some time to explore around on your own and take some photos.
Enjoy delicious buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant in Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel. After lunch, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and relax on your free time. Finally, meet your guide at the train station to board your train back to Ollantaytambo (leaving in the afternoon). Pick up from Ollantaytambo train station (2 hours from the City of Cusco) and transfer to your hotel in Cusco (3,300m / 11,150ft).
Overnight: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: City Tour Cusco – Transfer to the Airport
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at your hotel to start with your tour. Transfer by foot to the main square “Cusco’s Plaza de Armas”, and visit the famous Cathedral, one of the 10 top most beautiful in South America and Koricancha the “Temple of the Sun”. After that, we drive to the four Inka remains: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Return to your hotel.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport to take your flight Cusco – Lima (departing in the afternoon) to then take your international flight back home (departing in the evening – booked on your own).
Meals included: Breakfast
End of our services!
Included
- Hotel as stated in itinerary
- Meals as stated in itinerary
- Guided excursions in English in private service
- Entrance tickets for tours described
- Expedition Tourist Class Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome Superior Class Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Airport transfers from and to the airport in Cusco
- Domestic flights (LATAM): LIMA – CUSCO – LIMA
- Airport taxes in Lima and Cusco
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas required to enter Peru
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Is this trip right for you?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will have some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. The elevation of Cusco (3,300m / 11,150ft), may be a consideration for people who have heart conditions, or are affected by altitude. We suggest you to check with your healthcare provider before booking this tour. Some hotels in Cusco and Urubamba are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning.