Explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the world wonder of Machu Picchu in this exciting 5-day tour. Immerse yourself in Inca history, enjoy stunning landscapes at Humantay Lake, and experience a unique journey through the Andes.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Time to acclimatize.
- Guided tour of Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit to the Taray viewpoint, Pisaq, and the artisan market.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Visit Ollantaytambo.
- Train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Bus to Machu Picchu and a 2-hour guided tour.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes.
- Train back to Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4: Humantay Lake Tour
- Early departure to Mollepata and breakfast.
- Hike from Soraypampa to Humantay Lake.
- Lunch in Soraypampa.
- Return to Cusco and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: End of the Trip
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day and transfer to the airport at the scheduled time.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: City Tour in Cusco
- Upon arrival at Cusco airport, Andes Explore Peru staff will be waiting to greet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Cusco.
- Once at your hotel, you will have some time to rest and acclimate to the city’s altitude.
- In the afternoon, we will begin the City Tour in Cusco, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- We will take Andes Explore Peru’ transport to the city center.
- Our first stop will be Cusco Cathedral, located in the city’s main square, where you will enjoy a guided tour to discover its rich history and architecture.
- After visiting the cathedral, we will walk to Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, a place where Inca and Spanish cultures merge.
- After the Qoricancha visit, we will head outside Cusco to visit the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Site, where your Andes Explore Peru guide will explain the significance of its imposing stone walls.
- We will continue with a visit to Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial site, followed by Pucapucara and Tambomachay, where you will learn more about Inca civilization.
- After the tour, we will return to Cusco, and Andes Explore Peru will drop you off at your hotel for the night.
Day 2
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Aguas Calientes
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, provided by Andes Explore Peru.
- Our Andes Explore Peru transport will pick you up at your hotel (if your hotel is outside the city center, please coordinate additional transportation with Andes Explore Peru for your convenience).
- We will begin the tour with a stop at the Taray viewpoint, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and take some photos.
- Next, we will visit the Pisaq archaeological site, guided by our Andes Explore Peru expert, who will provide detailed information about the site's history.
- After exploring Pisaq, we will stop at the Pisaq artisan market, where you will have the chance to purchase unique souvenirs.
- We will then head to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant selected by Andes Explore Peru.
- After lunch, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, where you will explore its impressive archaeological site alongside your Andes Explore Peru guide.
- After the tour, we will go to the Ollantaytambo train station to board our train to Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, Andes Explore Peru staff will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.
- At the hotel, you will have a briefing with your guide to review the details for your Machu Picchu visit the next day.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
Day 3
Day 3: Machu Picchu Full Day
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, provided by Andes Explore Peru.
- The Andes Explore Peru team will then transfer you to the Aguas Calientes bus station to board the bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will begin a 2-hour guided tour, where your expert guide will share the fascinating history and mysteries of this majestic place.
- After exploring Machu Picchu, we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
- Once back, you will enjoy a delicious lunch organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- We will then head to the Aguas Calientes train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, Andes Explore Peru’ private transport will take you back to Cusco.
- After reaching Cusco, we will take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4
Day 4: Humantay Lake Tour
- Today, we will depart early for Humantay Lake, with everything organized by Andes Explore Peru. No breakfast at the hotel, as we will start the adventure at dawn.
- We will take Andes Explore Peru’ private transport to Mollepata, where you will enjoy breakfast to start the day with energy.
- After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Soraypampa, the starting point for our hike to Humantay Lake.
- From Soraypampa, we will begin a 1-hour hike to the lake, accompanied by your Andes Explore Peru guide, who will show you the beautiful landscapes and share insights about the natural surroundings.
- Upon reaching Humantay Lake, you will have time to take photos and enjoy a detailed explanation from your guide about the importance and beauty of this spot.
- After taking in the breathtaking views, we will hike back to Soraypampa, where a delicious lunch awaits, organized by Andes Explore Peru.
- After lunch, we will return to Cusco, where Andes Explore Peru will drop you off at your hotel for the night.
Day 5
Day 5: End of the Trip
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, provided by Andes Explore Peru.
- You will have the day free for independent activities or to relax before your departure.
- At the scheduled time, Andes Explore Peru will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport, ensuring a comfortable and timely transfer for your flight.
- Andes Explore Peru will bid you farewell, thanking you for choosing this adventure and hoping to welcome you back for future journeys.
Includes
- Tourist transportation for all excursions, organized and provided by Andes Explore Peru for your comfort and convenience throughout the trip.
- Professional guide on all excursions, offered by Andes Explore Peru, to give you an enriching experience with detailed historical and cultural information.
- Entrance fees to all sites, arranged by Andes Explore Peru, ensuring hassle-free access to top tourist attractions.
- Cusco tourist ticket, provided by Andes Explore Peru, to explore the most important archaeological and cultural sites in the city.
- Tourist train tickets to Machu Picchu, booked by Andes Explore Peru, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey to this world wonder.
- Constant support and assistance from Andes Explore Peru staff, available for any inquiries or needs throughout your trip.
Not Included
- International flights, which must be arranged independently by the client and are not covered by Andes Explore Peru.
- Domestic flights, not included in the Andes Explore Peru package unless previously agreed upon.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, which will be the client's responsibility outside of those provided by Andes Explore Peru.
- Tips or extra expenses, which are not part of the package and will be at the traveler’s discretion.
Recommendations
- Leave your luggage at the hotel and bring a small backpack for each excursion: This allows you to move easily and carry only the essentials.
- Bring snacks or small drinks: Stay energized and hydrated during the tours and hikes.
- Follow the guide’s clothing recommendations: The weather can change quickly, so being prepared is key to enjoying the experience.
- Bring cameras and extra batteries: Capture every moment without worrying about running out of battery.
- Have some cash for souvenirs or keepsakes: Some local markets may not accept cards, and you’ll find unique items to bring home.
