Visit Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas – 3 Days

ITINERARY

Dia 1: ARRIVE TO CUSCO AND CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by a representative from our agency who will take you to your hotel. There, you will receive a brief orientation, after which you will have the morning free to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco, including its charming streets, the Plaza de Armas, and a glimpse of the well-preserved Inca architecture, alongside the fascinating blend of Spanish and Andean culture.

Next, we will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Inca temple of Qoricancha, the main temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Afterward, we will continue to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive site where you can admire remarkable Inca architecture and engineering, as well as panoramic views of Cusco and its surroundings.

Finally, we will explore other sacred sites, including Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambo Machay, Head back to the hotel in Cusco by early evening.

• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals Included: there no meals included on this day

Dia 2: SACRED VALLEY EXPERIENCE: Pisac, Moray, Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo

We will travel in our private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, heading toward Pisac. Before arriving, we will make our first stop at the Taray viewpoint, where you will enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley, its ancient agricultural fields dating back to Inca times, and the Urubamba River winding between the mountains.

We will then continue to Pisac, an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring extensive agricultural terraces that are centuries old, ceremonial water fountains, and a remarkable hillside cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. We will explore ancient dwellings, narrow stone passageways, and several sacred areas. We will spend approximately two hours here learning about the site and taking in its beauty.

Afterward, we will visit the vibrant Pisac market before driving to the town of Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch.

Our journey continues to Moray, a fascinating site consisting of large circular terraces built within a natural depression. These terraces created various microclimates that the Incas used to experiment with crops, modify seeds, and adapt plants to different altitudes.

Next, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular complex of thousands of evaporation pools in the Sacred Valley. Here, salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times from a naturally salty spring. The water is directed through channels into the ponds, where it evaporates under the sun and leaves behind salt crystals that local families still harvest using traditional methods.

Finally, we will drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming town that preserves many original Inca houses and is home to an impressive Sun Temple perched on the upper terraces an outstanding example of Inca architecture and engineering.

After that we Will go to the train stations where we Will wait for the departure of our train that takes us to Aguas Calientes. ( please note that depending on the time of our train , if we departure time is later then we have some time to explore the town).

A 1.5 hourstrain ride through to winding Urubamba valley takes us to Aguas Calientes, nestled in the cloud forest (2040m above sea level) at the foot of the magnificent Machu Picchu. Upon  arrival the guide Will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel and give you the last instructions for your tour the very next day.

• Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel Tara Machu Picchu,
• There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo

DAY 3: 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: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: : Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels