Cusco highlights & Machu Picchu

Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met by our staff and transferred to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the route, stop at a Llamafarm and admire the South American camelids such as Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Huanacos, visit the picturesque town of Pisaq, including the Inca archaeological site, appreciate the fine masonry, residential quarters, Peru’s largest Inca cemetery and the magnificent Inca terraces, Visit The vibrant Artisan market, a great opportunity to interact with the locals, some dressed in their traditional colorful costumes. Try the best “EMPANADAS” in the area. Stop along the way to take pictures of the impressive Andes mountain range and its snow-capped mountains.

* A few thousand feet lower in elevation 2850 m / 9405 ft than Cusco city makes it an ideal place to enjoy your first days here as you adjust with the high altitude.

Start the day by visiting Moray, the “Inca agricultural greenhouse” that was an Inca experimental place to study the adaptation of plants into new ecosystems. Next, you’ll visit the Maras “Salt Mines”, an ancient Pre-Inca site of evaporation ponds used to mine pink salt. Continue the journey to Ollantaytambo for a traditional Pachamanca lunch — a town built around an Inca fortress.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Morning transfer to Ollantaytambo town, explore the Inca fortress that once was part of the Royal Estate of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, admire the sophisticated Inca architecture and town planning, temples, astronomical centers, fountains, etc. After, transfer to train station to board the tourist train to Machu Picchu. During the 1.5-hr journey, a light snack is provided. You will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes and will be transferred to Machu Picchu archaeological site by shuttle bus.

Here you’ll take the 2.5-hr (approx.) tour of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Explore the enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu accompanied by a professional tour guide, who leads the way through the site providing varied information on key areas of interest — a perfect time to take those classic photos!

Meals: Breakfast.

This morning you have the option to visit Machu Picchu for a second time to enjoy a beautiful sunrise and explore another circuit of the Inca complex accompanied by your guide. For the most adventurous travelers, we suggest hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain known as “Montaña” (advance reservation required). It’s an exciting adventure for the travelers who want to see Machu Picchu from a new and different perspective. Less demanding and beautiful hikes are also available such as the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge (advance reservation required). After this, you’ll travel back to Cusco.

* Machu Picchu is best experienced over 2 days so you have ample time to see everything and allow for weather changes.

* There is a limited number of permits to climb up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain “Montaña”, and must be purchased in advance along with your Machu Picchu entrance. ⇒ Check with our travel agents for suggestions and availability.

Meals: Breakfast.

Enjoy a morning tour of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire “Cusco city” – UNESCO World Heritage City, it takes you to Pre-Hispanic Inca temples, impressive Inca complexes on the outskirts of the city such as Saqsayhuaman, an Inca complex with megalithic constructions; Q’enqo, an ancient Inca ceremonial site; the Cathedral which is one of South America’s nicest Catholic churches, and finally proceed to San Pedro Market, a local farmers’ market where you can see fresh local produce and delicacies. You’ll discover historic plazas, quaint local coffee shops and the true magic of this historical city.

Afternoon at your own leisure.

* What to do and see in your spare time: Admire the marvelous city’s Inca-Colonial architecture, visit the Inca Museum which houses magnificent ancient artifacts and Colonial art, visit a silver workshop and learn all about the process and designs of the high-quality Peruvian jewelry or enjoy learning how to cook the most popular Peruvian dishes at a cooking class, if feeling adventurous! Try Cusco’s most traditional dish “CUY” (Baked Guinea pig) or Alpaca skewers quite popular at present.

Meals: Breakfast.

Transfer to Cusco airport for your outbound flight.

Meals: Breakfast.