At 1 p.m., we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.
From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your bus 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths, you will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.
From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following, you will take another five minute drive to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca for bathing. We’ll then drive back down to Cusco where the tour ends in the main square, unless you are taking a private tour, in which case, we will return you to your hotel.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Cusco, at 8 a.m. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. On the way, we will stop at a famous point known as El Mirador (Lookout Point). From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley and gain some insight into the Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled. There is an unusual abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.
Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about Inca culture. You will see amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we will drive back to the lower town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. After you spend some time walking around the market bargain hunting, we will meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant. This meal is not included in the tour, so if you prefer a different restaurant, just let your tour guide know.
After lunch, will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will visit the ruins, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.
Afterwards, you will board your train for the two hour ride to Aguas Calientes. During your breathtaking train ride, you will see glaciers, snow-capped peaks, lush, green valleys and Incan farming terraces and ruins. Before your arrive in Aguas Clients (2000m/6000ft above sea level), you will enter the subtropical areas with bromiliads and ferns. Our representative will meet you just outside the train station and take you to your hotel.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will take a 25 minute bus to the ruins. The buses run as a shuttle system, starting at 5:30 a.m. If you prefer, you may hike along the Inca trail instead of taking the bus. This trail will take about one hour and 30 minutes. For further instructions on the hike, be sure to consult your tour guide.
Once in Machu Picchu, you will have a two hour private, guided tour, followed by some time for you to explore on your own. If you choose to book a permit to climb Huayna Picchu (or Machu Picchu Mountain), that will be your next adventure. The Sun Gate one hour climb is also available and free to all. Usual train departure to Ollantaytambo is in the afternoon, followed by a bus to your hotel in Cusco.
Note:
If you prefer to climb Huayna Picchu for an extra $75, this needs to be booked in advance. It is a challenging 45 minutes to the top. The other option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain (this is different than Machu Picchu citadel). This is an extremely challenging, steep, yet beautiful hike. It costs $75 per person for the 90 minute hike.
From April to June, this itinerary will change due to the possibility of landslides. Pick up time will be at 6:30 a.m., from your hotel, to take you to the bus station in Cusco. You will then, take a two hour bus to the Sacred Valley. Here, you will ride a two hour train to Aguas Calientes. This same itinerary will be followed on your return to Cusco.
