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Cusco and Machu Picchu ToursCusco lies in a region of exceptionally beautiful Andean scenery at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Most of central streets are lined with massive stone walls built by the Incas and now form the foundations of the Colonial Cusco. There are many places to visit; the Plaza de Armas, The Cathedral, numerous colonial churches much more ornate and better preserved than in other cities, museums, workshops and numerous Inca sites. Cusco is also the starting point for many adventure tours, like treks, multipsort tours, bike tours and rafting tours.
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Sample Traditional Packages With Small Group Day Tours:
(can mix and match or request other hotels, such as
Explora Valle Sagrado)
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Basic
Day 1 - arrive Cusco, transfer to hotel, afternoon small group city and nearby ruins tour - Visit the Cathedral built from 1560 to 1654 at the site of Viracocha Inca palace. It is the best example of the European art done by natives of Cusco and has the high altar plated with silver, contains masterpieces of woodcarvings and painting. The Koricancha, which displays the best Inca stonework in Cusco. Explore the ancient Indian sanctuary of Sacsayhuaman with magnificent Inca walls with massive rocks weighing up to 130 tons fitted together with absolute perfection. The amphitheatre of Qenqo, the fortress of Pukapukara and the spring-shrine of Tambomachay where water still flows by a hidden channel out of the masonry wall are also visited. Day 2 - breakfast, then full day tour to Machu Picchu, including lunch - guided tour of the complete city set on the mountain with terraced slopes falling away to the Urubamba river. This place for centuries was buried in jungle, until Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911. The tour includes visit to the, temples, palaces, towers fountains and after the tour you will have free time to explore on your own before returning to Cusco. The visit requires at least one day, but we highly recommend two or more days. Includes transfers in Cusco, vistadome train tickets (departs Cusco at 6am and departs Machu Picchu at 330pm), bus services in Machu Picchu up/down, lunch, guide, entrance fee. Day 3 - breakfast, then transfer to airport Price per person in US$ for 2021: (Marriott rates quoted for high season. Rate can be reduced with Expedition train instead of Vistadome, by deleting lunch at the Sanctuary lodge at Machu Picchu or by using larger group tours)
Basic with Overnight in Sacred Valley
(this would require some private tours) Day 1 Cuzco - Sacred Valley - Suggested Flight should arrive to Cusco around 0900am in order to make all the visits. Upon your arrival in Cusco, we will meet you at the airport to transfer you to the Sacred Valley. Private half day tour to nearby ruins: Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, Qenqo Archaeological Complex, Puca Pucara Fortress and Tambomachay Archaeological Complex. We will visit the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. But, in addition, it proves the undeniable firmness of the great administrative capacity of the empire and its powerful logistic system capable of mobilizing and organizing such a work. As of the Spaniards arrival its aspect has changed a lot, since this fortress was used as a hewn stone to build the colonial Cusco. Then we will visit the ancient amphitheater of Quenqo, the so-called ‘Red Fortress’, Puca Pucara and the aqueducts ancient baths of Tambomachay. Transfer to Sacred Valley Visit Pisac Market We will continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley, a few miles farther along, we will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork. Overnight at selected hotel Day 2 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco Breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and go to the train Station. The comfortable train ride from there to the station at Aguas Calientes is packed full of spectacular vistas. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the admission fee to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes train station and catch the train back. Upon arrival, private transfer to the selected hotel. Lunch at Café Inkaterra Vistadome Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Vistadome Train from Machu Picchu to Poroy Overnight at Selected Hotel in Cusco Day 3 Cuzco Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will discover the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas, home to many renowned artists. We, will discover the San Blas Church, built in 1563 on top of an Inca Sanctuary. Then, we will walk through Hatun Rumiyoq, a narrow Inca Street famous for its precise assembly of large stones believed to be the palace of the sixth Inca king, Inca Roca. Admire one well-known stone in particular that has twelve perfectly fitted angles. Afterward, explore the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s main street market, inundated with aromas, tastes, sights, and colors of the local products of the Cusco region. Next, visit the Qoricancha (which means room of gold in Quechua), a temple dedicated to the Sun god. Legend has it that its inner walls were once completely lined with gold. Finally, will head to Cusco Cathedral to discover the mysteries of it and admire its lovely atria and priceless 17th and 18th century paintings of the Cusco school. Overnight at Selected Hotel Day 4 Cuzco Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. NOTES: -The hotels in the Valley are located 60 km/37 miles from, and 500 meters/1,700 feet below the city of Cuzco. This lower elevation, plus the Valley humidity and warm climate are easier to adapt to in the high altitude. Can add overnight at Machu Picchu. We can also put together any kind of a package that you want with the 2 or 4 day Inca Trail trek, jungle extensions, etc. 2021 rates per person in US$:
INCLUDES - Professional local English-speaking guide - Transfers and excursions in private or regular services - All meals mentioned in the itinerary - Entrances fee to Machu Picchu and bus tickets (round trip) - Train Vistadome to / from Machu Picchu RT NOT INCLUDED - Air tickets - Health and travel insurances - Tips at hotels and restaurants - Meals not mentioned in the program - Other services not specified in the itinerary - Early check in or Late check out NOTES Trains to Machu Picchu : Carry-on Baggage Allowance Each passenger may take : 1 bag or back pack – 05 kg/11 lb – 62 inches/157 cm (length + height + width) * Baggage that exceed the measures will not be allowed =
Other Interesting sites:
Moray - Inca Sophistication Challenges Nature. To the south of the Urubamba River, between Chincheros and Ollantaytambo, lies the plain of Maras, some 3500 meters above sea level. Here, just 6 Km from the village of Maras, and 33 Km from Cusco, one finds a group of earthworks built on different levels, which together resemble an amphitheater. Each of these circular structures has a diameter of 150 meters, and is built from concentric agricultural terraces which diminish in size from each level to the one below. The largest structure at Moray is 150 meters deep, and is formed by seven of the above-mentioned concentric rings. These are help in place by retaining walls linked by stone steps. Irrigation channels cross the site at different levels. Moray was a center for agricultural experimentation and control for the Incas who built it. Recent scientific experiments have shown that Moray's terraces are organized into sectors, each representing a characteristic microclimate. Investigations have confirmed that widely differing temperatures are found on each platform. The difference of average annual temperature between the top and the bottom reaches about 15C. (59F) in the main depression that is about 30 m. (100 feet) deep. Due climate conditions and many other characteristics, Moray was an important center of domestication, acclimatization and hybridization of wild vegetable species that were modified or adapted for human consumption. It is clear that Moray was used as a sort of experimental research station to study the performance of different crops planed in different microclimates, enabling the Incas to develop new strains to improve crop yield. Maras The Maras "salt works" to which some people call "salt mines" are constituted by about 3000 small pools with an average area of 5 square meters, constructed in a slope of the Qaqawiñay mountain. People fill up or irrigate the pools during the dry season every 3 days, with salty water emanating from the natural spring located on the top of the complex, so that when water evaporates the salt contained in it will slowly solidify. That process will be carried out approximately during one month, until a considerable volume of solid salt is obtained, about 10 cms. (4 inches) high from the floor. That solid salt is beaten thus granulated, then packed is plastic sacks and send to the region's markets; today that salt began being treated with iodine, thus, its consumption is not harmful. |
Basic + Sacred Valley
Day 1 - arrive Cusco, transfer to hotel, afternoon small group city and nearby ruins tour (as on Basic Tour) Day 2 - breakfast, then full day small group Sacred Valley tour, including lunch. (on Sun Tue and Thu) Colorful morning markets are open, where you can purchase Peruvian weavings, jewelry, and pottery, and see a traditional Indian market where goods are traded and get an introductory view of the local diet. The Inca town of Ollantaytambo is clearly seen as a fine example of the traditional Inca City planning of Canchas or blocks, which are almost entirely intact and still occupied. The tour includes a visit to the village, terraces, temples, irrigation systems, granaries, the fortress and the temple of the Sun built by Pachacuti Inca, using Colla Indians from Lake Titicaca. We may visit the village of Chinchero if time permits. You will return at about 6-630pm Day 3 - breakfast, then full day tour to Machu Picchu, including lunch (as on Basic Tour) Day 4 - breakfast, then transfer to airport Price per person in US$ for 2021: (Marriott rates quoted for high season. Rate can be reduced with Expedition train instead of Vistadome and by deleting lunch at the Sanctuary lodge at Machu Picchu. Can quote with hotel in Sacred Valley on day 2)
Basic + Overnight at Machu Picchu
Day 1 Cuzco - Suggested Flight should arrive to Cusco around 1100am in order to make all the visits. Upon your arrival in Cusco, we will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your acommodation. Small group half day Cusco city tour: Visit to Cusco city highlights and the nearby archaeological sites. Today we will visit to one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Then, we will discover the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Afterward, we begin the exploration to the nearby ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision; Qenqo, the religious center; we will enjoy a panoramic view of Puca-Pucara, the red fortress and then we will visit Tambomachay with their water fountains. Overnight at Selected Hotel Day 2 Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and go to the train Station. The comfortable train ride from there to the station at Aguas Calientes is packed full of spectacular vistas. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes train station and catch the train back. Upon arrival, private transfer to the selected hotel. Lunch at Café Inkaterra Vistadome Train from Poroy to Machu Picchu Day 3 Machu Picchu - Cuzco - Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning wake-up is highly recommended to appreciate the sunrise and also to explore these magnificent ruins practically by yourself. Afternoon train back to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. (includes 2nd day entrance fee and round trip bus up to ruins) Day 4 Cuzco - Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport or station. Price per person in US$ for 2021: (Marriott rates quoted for high season. Rate can be reduced with Expedition train instead of Vistadome and by deleting lunch at the Sanctuary lodge at Machu Picchu. )
INCLUDES
- Professional local English-speaking guide - Transfers and excursions in private & regular services - all meals mentioned in the itinerary - Entrances fee to Machu Picchu and bus tickets (round trip) - Second entrance fee to the ruins and bus ticket (round trip) without guide - Train Vistadome to / from Machu Picchu RT NOT INCLUDED - Air tickets - Health and travel insurances -Accomodation - Tips at hotels and restaurants - Meals not mentioned in the program - Other services not specified in the itinerary NOTES Trains to Machu Picchu : Carry-on Baggage Allowance Each passenger may take : 1 bag or back pack – 05 kg/11 lb – 62 inches/157 cm (length + height + width) * Baggage that exceed the measures will not be allowed * pack an overnight bag for Aguas Calientes due to the limited space on the trains for big luggage. The hotel will store your other luggage. 
Piquillacta / Andahuaylillas This is the only major pre-Inca ruin in the Cusco area. It was built by the Wari culture. There are several square kilometers of ruins to explore, a group of Adobe walls with some reconstruction in progress that looks like an ancient religious complex can be visited. We continue to Andahuaylillas to visit one of the most extraordinary temples of Cusco region. Inside the one-nave church there are two different sections corresponding to the two stages of its construction; the present interior main arch separates them. The oldest and most adorned of Mudejar style (architectonic style mixing Arab and Christian elements, developed between the XIII to XVI centuries) is found deeper inside. The baptistery has a unique writing " I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen"; in five languages spoken at the time when the church was built: Latin, Spanish, Quechua, Pukina (an extinct language)and Aymara Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha) It is 125 Km. from Cusco on road towards Puno. At and altitude of 3500 m. Raqchi is found on the right Bank of the Vilcanota River. Raqchi was a complex village with multiple constructions for various purposes; including farming terraces, Qanchas (groups of houses), Wayranas (building having only 3 walls) Colcas (storehouses), shrines, religious water fountains and other buildings, Raqchi was the most important Tambo on route to Collasuyo (today Bolivia). The main building is the Wiracocha temple is a grandiose construction for its era. Architecturally it is classified as Kallanka; that is, a large building completely covered with a thatched roofing (wood and ichu or grass); it is outwardly 92 m. (302 ft) long and 25.25 m. (83 ft) wide. Its central wall is made with very well carved stones in the base for a height of about 3 m. And adobes (sun died mud-bricks) on upwards. Today the wall has 12 m. of height but originally must have reached 16.60 |
