From the Salt Mines of Maras to the Spectacular Machu Picchu, your journey encompasses many of the “must See’ attractions in the vicinity. With an entire day able to be customized to suit your interests, this tour has something for everyone.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY
Upon arrival into Cusco you will be met by your guide then transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A vast green valley that sprawls out far below Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley´s diversity of microclimates made it an important source of food for the Incan Empire and is a place where many continue to live as they have for hundreds of years. Our first stop will be at the Archeological site of Pisaq with their spectacular views of the valley. In this place, the ingenuity of the Inca architects will help us to understand why this civilization reached the level of development and territorial expansion.
Transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure
The pinnacle of our adventutre will be the spectacular salineras that have been around for hundreds of years and are still in use today. This site amazes us with its more than 4000 salt ponds, which crystralize trough the evaporation process, thus, obtaining the salt.
After an early morning start, we arrive at the community of Totora where we find ourselves welcomed by our hosts dressed proudly in traditional clothing and accompanied by their decorated llamas and alpacas. They will remain with us for the duration of today’s tour.
Following our colourful welcome, we move on to visit the archaeological complex of Ancasmarca. 4150 m.s.n.m – 13616 ft) Inhabited by pre-Incan as well as Incan cultures, it was used for storing the agricultural products of dried meat, potatoes, corn, coca leaves, and quinoa obtained through a system of bartering, exchanging products between different regions in the empire.
After a snack, we resume our journey descending to Qapaq Ñan or Inca trail, the Main Andean Road that crosses the canyon of Totora. During this leg of our excursion, we will experience Incan tombs and the local flora and fauna, all the while accompanied by the refreshing melody of the crystal streams cascading down from snow-capped mountains.
This unique adventure takes us to enjoy a typical lunch and share the table with a local family.
Return to our hotel late afternoon.
This morning, before the crowds come, we start our exploration with a visit to Ollantaytambo known as the living Incan town, a formidable stone structure of immense terraces set into the mountain slopes – this was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the Spanish during the wars of conquest. From here we make our way to the train station. Boarding the scenic glass-top train to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy this journey which passes along the banks of the Urubamba River. This train trip is considered to be one of the most beautiful short train trips in existence so make sure your camera battery is full!
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes town we enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant before setting off to explore the breathtaking Incan city. Overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, this Ancient city was discovered hidden beneath the canopy of the trees by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire, this designated UNESCO World Heritage site continues to awe and impress those around the world.
Our experience today will give us the chance to be at this wonder of the world when the weather is more pleasant and less crowded.
After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the wonder of the world, in order to understand the spiritual, astronomical, religious and administrative meaning of Machu Picchu, this Vast Inca dwelling has a unique beauty due to its privileged location.
(Optional) Take a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. The morning is yours to explore these majestic ruins with your guide.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we say goodbye to this magical ancient city, and make our way to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to Cusco.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
A splendid day to go back in time. Today you will be collected by your guide and journey to Tipon. Located about 40 minutes from Cusco, these sites are one of the less visited sites in the region and their location leaves them tranquil and relatively tourist free. Tipon is yet another example of Incan hydraulic engineering with the well preserved inca terracing, fountains and water channels, it was clearly constructed for agricultural purposes. Not as extensive as other ruins however they are beautifully designed and show the skills of these ancient engineers. Continue on to Pikillaqta. Another site that is seldom visited, this pre Incan city was built by the Wari Civilization around 800 AD and later taken over by the Incans. Considered to be one of the main cities of ancient Peru with over 700 buildings, little is known of the Wari people. We then head to the town of Andahuaylillas where we visit San Pedro church, also known as the Sistine Chapel of American due to the quality of the art. In this religious complex you will be overwhelmed by the magnificence of wood carvings, paintings, andean baroque decoration in gold leaf. Arrival back into Cusco late afternoon.
This morning starts with a guided tour trhough the enchanting former capital Inca empire. We explore the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Qoricancha (Temple of the sun). From here we make our way to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Located on a hill that overlooks the city, these ruins are another example of an imposing display of Incan architecture. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which is thought to weigh as much as 200 tons, these immense terrace walls were cut and placed with amazing precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Afterwards we will enjoy a pleasant downhill walk leading us to San Blas traditional neighborhood which is known for sheltering the most outstanding artist in the entire region.
This tour can be tailored to suit your tastes. Perhaps explore the shops and meander through the bustling market in Cusco, where the locals buy their produce or you may want to visit the workshop of a local weaver, a wonderful way to get an overview of Andean weaving (notice required to arrange).
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight
End of travel arrangements
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDES.
EXCLUDES.
EXTENSIONS
DATES & PRICES
08 days / 07 nights.
Private Service.
Price:
Twin Share Per Person: Starting from:
.00 USD
Minimum two guests
Single supplement pricing available upon request.