Discover Cusco
9 Days / 8 Nights
Day 1 - Arrival in Cusco, transfer to Sacred Valley with stop in Awanacancha
Upon arrival in Cusco, the capital of Inca Empire, a host will meet and assist you in transferring to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley with a stop at the Interpretation Center of Awanacancha.
Awanacancha is a project that brings together 14 communities with a total of 420 families and is the first living museum in the Andes that shows South American camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and alpacas in their native environment. We will be able to observe the elaboration of the fabrics from their origin which is the shearing of the wool, the dyeing, the spinning and the elaboration of garments, as well as we will be able to know a little more about the auquénidos that inhabit this place, touch them, spend a moment with them and even take a spectacular photo with these animals.
Day 2 - Sacred Valley (B)
Maras Salt Pools and Moray Terraces
Pass through unspoiled and picturesque Andean communities on your way to the Incan agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to fade away into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes.
Continue to the impressive Maras salt pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba Valley. An amazing view of evaporating ponds for the extraction of salt. Learn about ancestral techniques, which are still used, in agricultural, irrigation and salt-recollection tasks, as well as in Andean festivals and rites.
Day 3 - Sacred Valley (B)
Zipline and Via Ferrata
This tour has been designed to offer an amazing mountain experience for beginners. Climbing the via ferrata allows a vertical experience and the zip line is a fun and safe way to descend. This is a combination of both activities, you will climb 400 meters of via ferrata and descend the mountain using 6 zipwires (150mts to 700mts). Maximum weight of 120 kg (265 lbs) to safely climb the railway and ride the zip line. A snack is included.
It will be an experience of a lifetime.
Day 4 - Sacred Valley (B,L,D)
Pisac market and Ollantaytambo Fortress, train to Machu Picchu
Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a unique Indian Market takes place daily. The variety of products offered is overwhelming, from pottery with reproductions of archaeological pieces, to all kinds of textiles, jewelry and Peruvian handicrafts. During your visit to this bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders. Grab the items you like, you will hardly see the same one again.
Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. After lunch, continue by train to Machu Picchu town.
Day 5 - Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco (B)
Morning visit to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Free time for lunch and return by train to Cusco.
Day 6 - Cusco (B)
City tour and nearby ruins of Cusco
Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.
Day 7 - Cusco (B,L)
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
The way to see the rainbow mountains in Palccoyo is easier as it is shorter and mostly flat. It is probably more appropriate if you suffer from altitude sickness or if you are not able to hike up for a long time.
The adventure begins very early to get the start point of our trek. Take a short and gradual uphill walk (30-45 minutes) to the Palcoyo Pass (4880m/16,000ft). Here you will have spectacular panoramic views of the 3 Rainbow Mountains and the spectacular Palccoyo peaks as well, as the highest mountain in the Cusco region (Ausangate) and also the Stone Forest in the highest point. We will spend 1 hour at the pass taking pictures and enjoying the spectacular view.
On the way we will stop to visit the 4 lakes in the way.
Stop for lunch and return to Cusco
Day 8 - Cusco Free Day (B)
Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it - you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had some free time in Cusco to discover this imperial city on their own, a free morning in Cusco is a MUST!
Day 9 - Departure from Cusco (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Arrive home full of great memories of the rich tradition of Colonial Lima and the mystical Land of the Incas.
Included:
All airport and transfers needed to operate tours and excursions transfers included
All entrance fees for tours indicated in the itinerary
Daily breakfast and meals detailed in the itinerary (B for breakfast, L for lunch, D for dinner)
All train tickets, bus tickets and boat services needed to operate tours and excursions
Service of a bilingual licensed tour guide for all tours and excursions