Photo: Nicolas Rénac · CC BY-SA 2.0 · https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63219684
Includes Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon and experiences in Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco—a city located at 3,400 meters above sea level—it is normal to feel the air a little lighter. Our team will be waiting to take you to the hotel, where you can try traditional coca tea, an infusion that helps in the acclimatization process (not recommended for people with hypertension). Then, our team will assist you with check-in and give you a map of the city, explaining the main tourist spots and providing recommendations for restaurants, exchange offices, shops and other places of interest. We suggest resting a few hours to make the most of your free afternoon and evening in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 9:00 to 11:00 (approximately) — We will take a tour of the Historic Center with our local guide. Our starting point will be Plaza Regocijo, located near the Plaza de Armas of Cusco (exclusive courtesy service for our clients). From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (approximately) — We will take the Archaeological City Tour. For this start, our reference point will be in front of the Church of Santo Domingo, located next to the Coricancha, whose name means Golden Wall or Temple of the Sun. Here will be our first stop. We will continue with the visit to four other archaeological sites: the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for the celebration of the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun); then Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, famous for its Inca fountain system. Before finishing the tour, we will make a special stop to interact with Peruvian llamas and alpacas. Our return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m. Upon return, our team can drop you off at the hotel or in the main square of the city. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 8:00 to 14:00 (approximately) — We will begin the tour towards the northeast of the city of Cusco; During the journey it will be possible to appreciate impressive landscapes. In this section, a box lunch with a light snack will be delivered. The first stop will be at a textile center, where the production process of different types of wool will be presented, such as llama, alpaca and other animals. After this experience, we will continue to the archaeological site of Moray. In Moray, the Incas experimented with various cultivation techniques and adapted plants to different microclimates. Its circular terraces – which reach approximately 150 meters deep between the highest and lowest levels – demonstrate the extraordinary agricultural knowledge of the time. Then we will go to the town of Maras to see its colonial architecture and, finally, the tour will conclude in the Salineras de Maras, a place where the population still extracts salt in the same way that the Incas did. The area has some 3,000 salt pools and has become a unique tourist attraction. The return will be to the city of Cusco, thus ending the day's tour. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. From 8:00 to 17:00 (approximately) — The long-awaited day of the pre-tour to Machu Picchu has arrived. In the morning we will leave for the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once there, we will make our first stop at the Taray viewpoint to appreciate the impressive view of the valley. Following the itinerary, we will visit the Pisac Archaeological Center, accompanied by our guide. We will also visit a jewelry store in Pisac to learn about the symbolism and mysticism present in each handmade piece. Then we will continue to Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch. Later, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best examples of Inca urban planning. At the end of the tour, we will board the train at the Ollantaytambo station bound for Aguas Calientes, a trip of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, our team will be waiting for you in the main square of Aguas Calientes – a picturesque town located at approximately 2040 meters above sea level –, with a sign identifying your name, to assist you to the hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The most anticipated day finally arrived. On this day we will visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the impressive Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Our team will be at your disposal from early in the morning, assisting your transfer from the hotel to boarding the bus (the schedule will be adjusted according to your entry ticket). During the tour, our professional guide will share the secrets, stories and mysteries of the place in a guided tour of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. After the guided tour, you will have free time to leisurely explore the site. At the end, the guide will inform you of the exact time to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, from where you will board the train again to the Poroy or Wanchaq stations, located near the city of Cusco. Our team will be waiting upon your arrival to transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
The wait is over! From 4:00 to 18:00 (approximately) — Our day begins very early, with the transportation that will take us to the town of Soraypampa. The journey lasts about three hours and crosses the towns of Izcuchaca, Ancahuasi, Limatambo and Mollepata. We will make a brief stop in Mollepata to enjoy breakfast and purchase supplies for the hike, such as water and energy foods (cereal bars, peanuts, or chocolate are recommended). Then we will continue the trip to Soraypampa. Upon arrival at Soraypampa, the guide will provide instructions on the hike and explain the possibility of renting horses (not included in the package) for those who prefer not to complete the ascent on foot to the top of the mountain. The most notable point of the tour is the Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. There will be time to catch your breath, rest and take unforgettable photographs from a vantage point. After this experience, we will begin the descent towards transportation, with a new stop in Mollepata, this time for lunch. After the meal, we will return to Cusco for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the coordinated time, we will transfer from the hotel to the airport for check-in for your return flight. We ask you to be ready at least two hours before boarding time, thus guaranteeing a punctual transfer. Note: at hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, check-in time is 1:00 p.m. and check-out time is 10:00 a.m. Early check-in and late check-out options are subject to availability and may incur additional costs.
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