Explore untold Cusco with Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tours
Located 11,400ft above sea level, Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is considered the historical capital of Peru, attracting two million visitors a year - many of whom also take the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, one of the greatest achievements of South American civilization. On this six-day tour, you'll get to dive deep into the history of Cusco before seeking out the ancestral, archaeological and natural delights of the Sacred Valley, with Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes also on the itinerary.
Services
Included:
- Five nights accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary
- Five breakfasts
- Private airport & land transfers as per the itinerary
- Return expedition-class train transfer Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide on excursions
Excluded:
- International & domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Local taxes
Optional:
- Full-day visit to the Patabamba Community ($232 USD per person)
- Machu Picchu (second visit) & Huayna Picchu ($135 USD per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Cusco
Welcome to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital
Cusco
Explore the history of Cusco
Cusco - Pisaq - Ollantaytambo
Journey into the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
A day of exploring Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
At leisure in Cusco
Cusco
Farewell, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco
Day 1: Welcome to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital
Welcome to Cusco, the navel or center of the world, a sacred city populated with palaces and stone temples. Its neighborhoods and divisions reflect the organizational principles of the Inca cosmovision, such as the duality of hanan and hurin. Large houses, churches, and colonial squares have been built upon the city's old structure, on which the political hierarchies of the Inca aristocracy (panacas) were organized.
Cusco is a dramatic synthesis of cultural clashes, but it is also a place where you'll get to understand and learn about the reinvention of culture, and the cultural heritage of the mestizo Baroque. After transferring from the airport to the city center, take some time to settle down and acclimatize after your travels, enjoying a slow pace as you explore the city on foot.
Cusco
Day 2: Explore the history of Cusco
Enjoy breakfast before exploring the most important sites in the city of Cusco, starting with Hanan Qosqo (upper Cusco) and continuing on to Hurin Qosqo (lower Cusco).
Walk down the beautiful Inca Road through the San Cristobal District, where you'll see the palace of Manco Cápac, the mythical 13th-century founder of Cusco. Also take a moment to visit the Plaza de Armas, the Rimajpampa district, and Tandapata Street which leads on to Tokokachi, the artisans' neighborhood also known as San Blas.
Next, take the Qhapaq Ñan (royal road) towards the archaeological marvels of the Contisuyo, passing the San Francisco Plaza en route; the latter is home to the Glorious National School of Sciences, recognized as the first school of the Republic of Peru. Finally, continue down the Inca Road to Chaquilchaca (Barrio Almudena) and end the tour at San Pedro Market, to explore local products.
Cusco - Pisaq - Ollantaytambo
Day 3: Journey into the Sacred Valley
Start the day early with a journey to the Sacred Valley, stopping along the way at the village and archaeological site of Pisaq. It offers spectacular views, and its sophisticated system of platform terraces sheds light on the importance of agriculture in the Andes, as well as the technology used in the time of the Inca Empire.
Continue on to Ollantaytambo, stopping en-route along the banks of the Urubamba River then touring the Inkariy Museum. Break for lunch, either on your own or at the museum, where a homemade lunch can be prepared for you by the mother of the museum's owners.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are beautiful, surrounded by mountain ranges; the town itself is filled with cobbled streets and charming houses with stone facades. If time allows, explore the fortress and citadel, built to guard the valley entrance and protect it from enemies.
Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Day 4: A day of exploring Machu Picchu
Today, catch a bus or train at Ollantaytambo Train Station to Aguas Calientes, also known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. Built on a saddle between two Andean peaks, Machu Picchu was one of the greatest achievements of South American civilization.
Today's guided tour will take you to the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, and cemeteries. Once you're done exploring, descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then catch the return train to Ollantaytambo and an onward coach to Cusco.
If you're craving more outdoor adventures, you could alternatively spend the night in Aguas Calientes, for a second visit to Machu Picchu on your own the following day. Take this opportunity to also climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, or perhaps visit a Quechua Community on your way back to Cusco.
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Day 5: At leisure in Cusco
Spend the day at leisure in Cusco, relaxing at your hotel after yesterday's pursuits, or else heading out to explore at your own pace. Conveniently located close to the main tourist attractions, you'll have historical monuments, small squares, entertainment venues, and more on your doorstep. Don't miss the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Church of the Triumph, and the grandiose Cusco Cathedral.
If you'd rather stay at your hotel, you could make use of its sauna, massage services, hot tub and more. Foodies can dive into the wild and wonderful flavors of Cusqueña gastronomy, either at the hotel or further afield.
Cusco
Day 6: Farewell, Peru!
Today, you will begin your trip back home: at a suitable time, check out of your hotel for a transfer to the airport, where your onward journey will continue. Safe travels and visit again soon!
