Cusco, a Story to Tell – Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Vinicunca y Q’eswachaca

Day 01: Cusco, Capital of the Empire, and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

Ascent to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park and start of the journey visiting the fortress of the same name, a beautiful place that radiates peace and tranquility, we will also admire the huge rocks of up to 4 meters high, that were used in its construction. Continue to Q’enqo, antique temple of the Cougar where we can appreciate an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of a huge rock and then to Tambomachay, sacred fountains of life and health. On the way, enjoy a panoramic view of Puca Pucará, a watchtower that guarded the entrance to the city. Later, tour of the Temple of the Sun Qorikancha, over which the Santo Domingo Convent was built, the legend says that this Temple was completely gold plated, which amazed the conquerors when they first arrived. To end our journey, become familiar with the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and enter the Cathedral, which amasses invaluable colonial art works and paintings, as for example the Cross that arrived with the first conquerors.

Day 02: Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo

This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca Plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

Day 03: Machu Picchu, the Lost City

The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba River which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites, and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Day 04: Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain.

Embark on a great adventure when going to the Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca. Very early in the morning, departure by van along Valle Sur till we arrive at the village of Cusipata. Breakfast. Afterwards start of the ascent through a community dirt road till we arrive at 4,800 m.a.s.l. Start of our hike along a path of 4 km observing far away the snowcapped mountain range of Ausangate. Our guide will come with us and teach us how to walk properly in altitude. The chain of mountains striped with colors will appear little by little, until we reach the observation point at 5000 m.a.s.l. Its geological formations will reveal all its great splendor. Vinicunca is one of the great attractions that you should not miss in your trip to Peru. Free time for taking pictures. Later we will descend by the same path to board our vehicle and descend to Cusipata. Lunch. Return to Cusco.

Day 05: the last Inca Bridge, Q’eswachaca.

In the morning, we will be going to the district of Quehue, Canas province, over the Apurimac River. Along the way we will go across the area of the four lakes and Andean villages. Get to know Q’eswachaka, the last Inca bridge, a fascinating experience. This suspension bridge that hangs over the Apurímac River is unique in its type, handmade and renewed every single year through a ritual that lasts four days carried out by local communities. We will now have the opportunity to cross this impressive Inca construction of 28 meters in length. Following the steps of the Inca army. Return to the hostel. Lunch. Return to Cusco.

Day 06:  Farewell Day

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima to connect with your return flight home.

Languages:

• Shared Tours: English, Spanish.
• Private Tours: Portuguese, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, English, Spanish.

Included:

• Private transfers from airport to hotels.
• Shared transfer to the train station.
• All admission tickets on tours.
• Shared Tours with English / Spanish speaking guide.
• Round trip railway ticket to Machu Picchu according with selected hotel category.
• 4 lunches.
• 4 nights of accommodation in Cusco in selected hotels.
• 1 night of accommodation in Sacred Valley in selected hotels.
• Daily breakfast.

Not Included:

• Air Tickets (On Request)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What should travelers know:

• Machu Picchu has limited capacity. It is required to give the full name, identification document, nationality, date of birth at the time of the reservation. The access to Machu Picchu is taking turns. We are allowed to only remain 4 hours in the citadel. The paths are delimited. We will follow the high-long path. Not permitted: to climb the walls, rest on the steps or terraces, or use walking sticks and drones.
• Operated exclusively by our Representative in the city of Cusco. We offer an experience of visiting the city and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman in two half days to discover interesting spots of the city of Cusco that the traditional visitor does not cover. Our operation takes the visitor away from the crowd and gives each archaeologic site and church the necessary time to get to know it.
• Vinicunca, is located at 5,000 m.a.s.l., it is one of Cusco’s great attractions. Within our service we include horses and walking sticks to help the hike. Our guides carry oxygen cylinders. This excursion is not recommended if the traveler has blood pressure, cardiac or spine problems.

Altitudes:

Cusco                                          3,400 m.a.s.l.

Sacsayhuaman                       3,700 m.a.s.l.

Sacred Valley                          2,871 m.a.s.l.

Machu Picchu                         2.440 m.a.s.l.

Vinicunca                                  5,000 m.a.s.l.

Q’eswachaca                           3,700 m.a.s.l.

What to bring:

• Long sleeve shirt. The solar radiation is high at high altitudes. Protect your skin.
• Cap or hat. You can also get them in the artisan markets and contribute to the local economy.
• Warm clothing for the night. Scarf.
• Comfortable shoes for walking. Trekking sneakers.
• Raincoat, in the November to March season. Avoid purchasing single use raincoats.
• Reusable water bottle. Several hotels have water filters available to refill your reusable water bottles. We support the reduction of the single use plastic water Bottle