Cusco & Machu Picchu Essential Tour 6 Days

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE TO CUSCO

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representative will greet you and accompany you to your hotel. After a brief orientation, enjoy the rest of the morning to relax and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, take some time to explore Cusco at your own pace perhaps visiting the San Pedro Market and wandering through some of the city’s traditional streets while discovering the fascinating blend of Inca and colonial heritage. In the evening, immerse yourself in Cusco’s vibrant nightlife and savor authentic Peruvian cuisine at one of its many local restaurants.

• .3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Hotel Marqueses
• .4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Hotel Cusco

DAY 2: CITY TOUR / LEISURE TIME

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Our tour starts at the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the foundations of Koricancha, the ancient Inca palace and main temple dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. You’ll have ample time to appreciate the beauty and history of this remarkable site. Next, we’ll visit the impressive archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, a masterpiece of Inca architecture that majestically overlooks the city. The journey continues with visits to Q’enqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay, three fascinating archaeological sites located in the northeastern outskirts of Cusco. You will return to your hotel in the early afternoon.

• .Meals included: Breakfast
• .Difficulty: Easy
• .3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Hotel Marqueses
• .4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Hotel Cusco

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Salineras and Ollantaytambo) – AGUAS CALIENTES

Today, we will begin by picking you up from your hotel at 7:30 a.m. From there, we’ll drive for approximately 50 minutes to the town of Chinchero, where we’ll visit the renowned textile center. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving techniques and see local animals such as llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. We’ll also explore the Inca archaeological site of Chinchero, a place full of mystery and impressive Inca architecture. After our visit, we’ll continue our journey to the Maras Salt Mines, which have been of great importance since pre-Inca times. Today, they are still used to extract salt from a natural spring with salty water. The water flows through a system of channels into small pools, where it evaporates under the sun, leaving crystallized salt behind. This ancient technique remains in use today, and the Maras salt is recognized for its purity and traditional value. Next, we’ll travel 25 minutes to Moray, an important Inca site known for its circular agricultural terraces. Here, we’ll learn about its historical and agricultural significance. After visiting Moray, we’ll drive about 40 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll stop at a restaurant to enjoy a pleasant lunch (not included). Following lunch, we’ll continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. We’ll spend about one hour exploring its highlights, including the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, water fountains, and other remarkable Inca structures. After the tour, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes at 3:37 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll check into our hotel and later enjoy a delicious dinner.

• .Meals included: Breakfast, & Dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• .Difficulty: Moderate
• .3* Accommodation: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
• .4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva (superior room)

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise. It’s a truly extraordinary spectacle you won’t want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour lasting approximately two hours. During the visit, you’ll explore most of the important areas of the Machu Picchu Citadel and learn how it is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious. Once you’ve enjoyed the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you may also have time to do some shopping, stroll around town, or visit the museum or hot springs. The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Near Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river offers beautiful stretches of white water. You might even spot Wiñay Wayna from the train if you look high up the steep canyon wall! Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting for you outside the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private transport. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• .Meals included: Breakfast
• .3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Hotel Marqueses
• .4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Hotel Cusco

DAY 5: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

Your incredible adventure to Rainbow Mountain begins with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel! We’ll set off on a scenic three-hour drive through the South Valley, heading toward the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Inca agricultural terraces, traditional villages, valleys, and towering Andean peaks. Our breakfast stop will make the morning even more enjoyable. You’ll savor a delicious and nutritious breakfast before continuing by van for another hour to reach the start of the Trail where will see Herds of alpacas and llamas. Our hike begins alongside a beautiful stream, offering stunning views of Mount Ausangate and its majestic glaciers. This is a perfect opportunity to interact with local villagers who still preserve their traditional Quechua culture. You’ll learn about their distinctive clothing and the meaning behind the different hats worn by men. Don’t forget to ask your guide to teach you a few words in Quechua! After about an hour and a half of hiking, we’ll finally arrive at our destination the magnificent Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m / 16,466 ft). Take in the mountain’s unique and colorful beauty as you explore, snap photos, or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring view. We’ll spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit before continuing on to the Red Valley, a short 30-minute walk away, where you’ll be amazed by the vivid red landscapes surrounding you. Afterward, we’ll hike back to the trailhead. Finally, we’ll begin our three-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:00 p.m.

• .Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• .Trekking distance: 7 km / 4,34 miles
• .Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• .Difficulty level: Moderate to Challenging
• .3* Accommodation: Maytaq Wasin or Hotel Marqueses
• .4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

Following breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your remaining time in the city of Cusco, perhaps by visiting a few museums or traditional markets. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

• .Meals: Breakfast