Embark on an exciting 6-day journey that will take you to explore the cultural richness of Cusco and the majesty of Machu Picchu. From a City Tour in historic Cusco, through the charming Sacred Valley, to the stunning views of the salt mines in Maras and the agricultural circle of Moray, this tour will immerse you in Inca history and the breathtaking landscapes of the region. An unforgettable experience awaits you in the Andes!
Short Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.
- Time to acclimatize.
- Guided tour of the Cathedral of Cusco, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
- Night in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit to the Taray viewpoint, Pisaq, and artisan market.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Visit to Ollantaytambo.
- Train to Aguas Calientes.
- Night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Machu Picchu and 2-hour guided tour.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
- Night in Cusco.
Day 4: Tour of the South Valley of Cusco
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visits to Tipon, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.
- Return to Cusco.
Day 5: Tour of Maras and Moray
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visits to Chinchero, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines.
- Return to Cusco.
- Free afternoon for unscheduled activities.
Day 6: End of the Trip
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day until transfer to the airport.
- Farewell.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Upon arrival at the airport in Cusco, the staff of Andes Explore Peru will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to your hotel in the city.
- After arriving at your hotel, you will have a few hours to acclimatize to the altitude of the city.
- In the afternoon, we will start the City Tour in Cusco organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- The tour in the city begins with our transportation to take you to the city center.
- Our first stop will be the Cathedral of Cusco, located in the main square of the city.
- After a guided tour of the cathedral, we will walk to Qoricancha.
- Qoricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, is a place where Inca and Spanish cultures blend.
- After touring Qoricancha, we will head outside the city of Cusco.
- Our first stop will be the Archaeological Center of Saqsayhuamán, where our guide from Andes Explore Peru will explain the significance of its imposing walls.
- After Saqsayhuamán, we will continue a few more minutes outside of Cusco and arrive at Qenqo, where we will explore this mysterious place.
- To conclude our tour, we will head to Pucapucara and Tambomachay to learn more about the Incas.
- After completing our tour, we will return to the city of Cusco in our transportation.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, Andes Explore Peru will take you back to your hotel.
Day 2
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Our transportation from Andes Explore Peru will pick you up at your hotel (your hotel must be in the center of Cusco; if your hotel is outside the center, we recommend coordinating additional transportation with our travel agency).
- During the tour, we will make a stop at the Taray viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and take some memorable photos.
- Continuing with our journey, we will visit the archaeological center of Pisaq, where our guide from Andes Explore Peru will provide you with valuable information about the history of the place.
- After the visit, we will head to the Pisaq artisan market, where you will have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs from your trip.
- Next, we will move to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant selected by Andes Explore Peru (the name of the restaurant will be provided in your itinerary).
- After lunch, we will continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the archaeological center with the guidance of Andes Explore Peru.
- After the tour in Ollantaytambo, we will head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. The approximate duration of the train ride is 1 hour and 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes.
- Upon arrival at the train station in Aguas Calientes, the staff of Andes Explore Peru will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
- At the hotel, you will have a briefing with your guide from Andes Explore Peru to review all the necessary information for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
- You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, with everything organized by Andes Explore Peru to prepare for the exciting experience at Machu Picchu.
Day 3
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Next, the Andes Explore Peru team will take you to the bus station in Aguas Calientes, where you will board the bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, you will enter and begin your guided tour of approximately 2 hours. During this time, a professional guide from Andes Explore Peru will explain the history and secrets of this iconic place.
- After finishing the tour, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
- Once in Aguas Calientes, you will enjoy a delicious lunch organized by Andes Explore Peru to recharge after your visit.
- After lunch, we will head to the train station in Aguas Calientes, where you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, the private transportation from Andes Explore Peru will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco.
- When you arrive in Cusco, Andes Explore Peru will transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest after a day full of adventures at Machu Picchu.
Day 4
Day 4: Tour of the South Valley of Cusco
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Our tour of the South Valley of Cusco begins by picking up participants at their hotel.
- We will board our private transportation from Andes Explore Peru and head south of the city of Cusco.
- Our first stop will be at the Archaeological Center of Tipón, where we will enjoy a guided tour to learn about its beautifully constructed streets and water channels made by the Incas.
- Next, we will board our transportation again and head to Pikillaqta, where we will also have a guided visit to learn about its ancient streets and the history of this civilization.
- After our visit to Pikillaqta, we will head to Andahuaylillas.
- In Andahuaylillas, we will visit the Andahuaylillas temple, known as the Sistine Chapel of America, where we will admire its impressive frescoes and architecture.
- At the end of the tour, we will board our Andes Explore Peru transportation and return to the city of Cusco.
Day 5
Day 5: Half-Day Tour of Maras and Moray
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- Our tour to Maras Moray and the Salt Mines begins with picking up participants at their hotel in Cusco.
- We will board our private transportation from Andes Explore Peru heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- First, we will make a stop in Chinchero.
- In Chinchero, we will enjoy a guided visit to a place where the wool from animals is dyed and hundreds of garments are woven, learning about the traditional techniques of this community.
- Next, we will board our transportation again to reach Moray.
- In Moray, we will tour the archaeological center, which consists of a set of circular terraces used in ancient times to conduct agricultural experiments based on different climates.
- After visiting Moray and taking amazing photos in this place, we will head to Maras to see the salt mines.
- We will have a tour to explore the Maras salt mines, which are natural salt ponds where salt used for medicinal purposes is obtained.
- After our visit to the Maras Salt Mines, we will board our Andes Explore Peru transportation to return to the city of Cusco.
- Upon arriving in the city of Cusco, we will take you back to your hotel.
- You will have the rest of the day free for unscheduled activities, allowing you to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day 6
Day 6: End of Our Journey
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- You will have the day free for unscheduled activities, allowing you to explore Cusco at your own pace or rest before your departure.
- At the previously agreed time, the Andes Explore Peru team will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport, ensuring a comfortable and timely transfer.
- Andes Explore Peru will bid you farewell, thanking you for choosing this experience and hoping you return soon for new adventures.
Includes:
- Tourist transportation for all our excursions, provided by Andes Explore Peru to ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
- Professional guide for all excursions, offered by Andes Explore Peru, to provide you with an enriching experience with detailed information at each visit.
- Entrance fees to all places to visit, managed by Andes Explore Peru, ensuring smooth access to each tourist site.
- Tourist ticket in Cusco, provided by Andes Explore Peru, to explore the most important attractions and archaeological sites in the region.
- Tourist train tickets to Machu Picchu, reserved by Andes Explore Peru, to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey to this iconic destination.
- Constant and ongoing assistance from the staff of Andes Explore Peru, who will be available for any inquiries or needs throughout your trip.
Not include:
- International flights, which must be arranged by the traveler independently and are not included in Andes Explore Peru’ services.
- Domestic flights, which are also not included in the package unless explicitly agreed upon with Andes Explore Peru.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary, which will be the responsibility of the client, allowing you to explore local options to your liking.
- Tips and additional expenses, which are not included in the package and will be at the discretion of the traveler based on their satisfaction with the service received.
Recommendations:
- Leave your luggage at your hotel and take a small backpack for each excursion: This facilitates movement and avoids carrying unnecessary weight during activities.
- Bring snacks or small drinks: This keeps your energy up and maintains hydration during excursions, especially on longer hikes.
- Follow the guide's recommendations for clothing: This ensures you are prepared for the weather conditions and activities, guaranteeing your comfort.
- Bring cameras and extra batteries: Capture memorable moments and landscapes without worrying about running out of battery.
- Have a little cash on hand to buy souvenirs or mementos: This allows you to purchase unique items at local markets that may not accept credit cards.
