Discovering Cuzco: 5 days tour to Cuzco city, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Cuzco is a very special destination, as you will discover over five fascinating days touring its main attractions. Visit the imperial city, impressive archaeological sites and explore some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet on the way to the magnificent citadel and mountain of Machu Picchu, "The Lost City of the Incas", that is hidden on top of a mysterious Andean peak and offers views of the mountain range and a glimpse into the Inca’s enigmatic past.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cuzco

Pass By: Centro Historico De Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru
Arrive at Cuzco airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer you to your selected hotel. A guide will accompany you, offering useful information about the city attractions and assisting you along the way.

Overnight in Cuzco.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cuzco.

Day 2: Cuzco: City Tour & nearby archeological site

Stop At: Centro Historico De Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel and have the morning free to walk around and explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, the tour begins in Coricancha, also known as the ‘Temple of the Sun’, which was built by order of Inca ruler Pachacuti and became the basis for the Santo Domingo Convent construction at the arrival of the Spaniards. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square, and head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the emblematic buildings of the Incas, erected by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large, hard to carry stones. How these were put together is still a mystery! Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where agricultural rituals were held. To conclude, visit Puka Pukara, seven kilometres from the city. Puka Pukara, which means ‘red fort’, was an architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. Once the tour ends, return to the selected hotel.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At the hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cuzco.

Day 3: Cuzco - Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Ollantaytambo & Living Museum of Yucay

Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, 0051 Peru
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cuzco to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cuzco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed!. Later, have lunch in Ollantaytambo and live a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere. Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain.

At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel.
*On Sundays, also visit the local market. After your visit, return to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At the hotel
• Lunch: In Sacred Valley.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Stop At: Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Peru
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, before your transfer to the Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, taking approximately two hours. The town is also nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’ and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, one can find a craft market, restaurants and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early in the morning. Finally, after a short transfer by bus, reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti. Machu Picchu, which means ‘Old Mountain’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once in the citadel, you may optionally also visit the Intipunku (Sun Gate), the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability) and the Inca Bridge. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra, followed by your return trip to Cuzco.

Overnight in Cuzco.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At the hotel
• Lunch: In Aguas calientes.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Cuzco

Day 5: Departure from Cuzco

Pass By: Centro Historico De Cusco, Cusco 08002 Peru
Start the day with a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to transfer you to Cuzco airport to catch your onward flight.

Meals included:
• Breakfast: At the hotel
No accommodation included on this day.