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 5 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 & Transfer to 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 (2,750m/ 9022ft). On route, you will see beautiful landscapes, will see amazing rugged mountains rising in the distance and will make some stops on strategical viewpoints. Afterwards, we will stop at the Animal Rescued Zoo where you will be able to see Condors, pumas and others animals and birds. Then, we continue to Awanacancha weaving center and will see the different south American camelids such us llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. Next, we go to a restaurant to enjoy lunch and transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure to better acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals included: Lunch
Day 2: Chinchero – Maras & Moray
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel and transfer to Chinchero (3,772m / 12375ft) town 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 because this salt contains eighty four minerals very good for human being. Continue driving through Maras town will visit Moray Inca Archeological Site used as an experimental farming terraces. We enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant. Return to the hotel.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Sacred Valley – Pisaq & Ollantaytambo
You will visit Pisaq archeological site where we will 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 for shopping opportunities. After this visit, you will enjoy lunch. Then, after lunch we continue our trip to Ollantaytambo (2,700m / 8858ft) archeological site which is one of the amazing religious and defensive place.
Then, transfer to the train station to board the Vistadome train towards Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. At your arrival, transfer by foot to your hotel located to a walking distance.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Machu Picchu One Of The Seven Wonders Of The World!
Early wake up call to enjoy of an amazing and unique day!. Then, 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 Incas. You will start with your guided tour for 2.5 hours and then have free time to explore around on your own and take some photos.
Then, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant in Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel (located just next to the entrance to Machu Picchu). 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 Vistadome train. 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 5: City Tour Cusco – Transfer to the Airport
After enjoying 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 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
- Vistadome (Superior) 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 for domestic flights only
Not Included
- International flights
- Visas required to enter Peru
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain 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 Cuzco (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.