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Essential Cusco Trip

5 reviews

7 days

From

2.505.072 ARS

Cusco, often referred to as the navel of the world, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Incas, rich with history and shrouded in the mysteries of the Inca Empire's lifestyle and traditions.

This comprehensive one-week tour package to Cusco invites you to explore the most iconic archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Koricancha, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the magnificent Sistine Chapel of America in Andahuaylillas.

Discover all the key landmarks and immerse yourself in the history of the Lost City of the Incas.

Tour Description

Arrival in Cusco

DAY 1. Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred from the airport or bus station to your hotel located in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

City Tour Cusco and 4 nearby ruins

DAY 2. We will pick you up from your hotel to begin the tour by visiting the Temple of the Sun, known as Koricancha. This iconic site exemplifies the blend of Incan and Spanish cultures, with its base serving as the foundation for the Church of Santo Domingo and its renowned convent.

Next, we will visit the Cathedral on the Main Square to admire beautiful religious paintings from the Cusco School. The Cusco City Tour proceeds to Sacsayhuaman, an extraordinary archaeological site featuring massive, precisely fitted stones, believed to have been constructed by over 20,000 men over 70 years.

We will then explore Qenqo, a religious temple where the Incas worshipped deities like the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Experience its underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater. Our journey continues to the military stronghold of Puca Pucara, meaning “Red Fortress” due to its reddish hue.

Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, the site dedicated to water worship, featuring aqueducts and waterfalls fed by nearby springs. We will conclude the tour at El Regocijo Square, just a block away from Plaza de Armas.

Chinchero, Maras salt mines and Moray ruins

DAY 3. We will pick you up early from your hotel to embark on an exciting tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first destination is the town of Chinchero, located 17 miles from Cusco. Here, we will visit a local workshop to witness traditional textile making techniques.

We then head to the salt mines of Maras, nestled on an open hill in the Urubamba Valley. This site showcases an ingenious Incan process where a subterranean stream evaporates, resulting in salt that emerges at a spring. The saltwater is channeled into hundreds of ancient terraced ponds, leaving salt deposits as it evaporates under the sun.

After exploring the Maras salt mines, we proceed to the Moray ruins, comprising three coliseums used by the Incas as open-air agricultural laboratories. These impressive circular terraces are reminiscent of an ancient Greek theater.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is rich in fertile lands and archaeological wonders, offering insights into the lifestyle and advanced construction techniques of the Inca Empire. The tour concludes with a return to El Regocijo Square, near Plaza de Armas.

Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Ruins and Expedition Train to Machu Picchu

DAY 4. Breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up from your Cusco hotel for a 30 km journey to Pisac. This enchanting location features a vibrant market and stone-built archaeological temples with stunning views of the valley and impressive Inca terraces.

We continue to Urubamba for a delightful buffet lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo. This site served as a military, religious, and agricultural hub for the Incas, boasting breathtaking views and an intricate irrigation system across its numerous terraces.

Later, you will be transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. There will be a short briefing with the guide before the Machu Picchu excursion. Overnight at the hotel.

Machu Picchu

DAY 5. Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, board the bus for a scenic journey up the winding road to Machu Picchu, enjoying breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and its canyon along the way. The awe-inspiring Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will captivate you with its terraces, ceremonial sites, steps, and urban areas.

Feel the energy surrounding you. After a guided tour, you will have ample time to explore further or take the bus back to Aguas Calientes Town for an optional lunch.

At the designated time, we will travel back to Cusco from the Ollantaytambo train station by tourist bus, and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco. Overnight stay.

South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas

DAY 6. Breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up from your hotel to explore Cusco’s South Valley, beginning with the water temple of Tipón, featuring 12 remarkable terraces. The irrigation system here is particularly impressive, as it continues to irrigate crops to this day.

Our next destination is Pikillaqta, a significant pre-Inca urban center and a crucial site for the Huari Empire. We then visit Andahuaylillas, a charming Andean town known for its stunning chapel, often referred to as “The Sistine Chapel of America.” After the visit, we will return to El Regocijo Square, near Plaza de Armas.

Departure from Cusco

DAY 7. Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, you will be picked up and transferred to the bus station or airport in Cusco for your departure.

** END OF SERVICES **

What’s included?

What’s included:

* Private arrival and departure transfers with only driver * Hotels with breakfast included * Lunch on the tour to the Sacred Valley of Pisac and Ollantaytambo * Group service with tour guide in Spanish / English * Ticket entrances * Train Expedition to Machu Picchu

What’s NOT included:

* Local and international flights, can be quoted additionally * Food and drinks * Tips * Entrance to Huayna Picchu * Second entry to Machu Picchu * Assistance during arrival and departure transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

The Essential Cusco tour package typically includes key services for a comfortable and safe trip: airport-hotel transfers, accommodation with breakfast, a city tour of Cusco, visits to nearby temples and archaeological parks (for example, Qorikancha and Sacsayhuaman, depending on the program), tourist transportation, a bilingual official guide, entrance fees when specified, and traveler assistance. It usually does not include flights, lunches or dinners not mentioned, tips, personal expenses, or travel insurance. Some departures may offer hotel upgrades, extensions to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, and private services. Check the tour details to confirm current inclusions, schedules, and any seasonal restrictions.

The Essential Cusco experience is typically designed for 3 to 5 days, ideal for a first trip to Peru. A common itinerary includes: Day 1, arrival, transfer, and acclimatization time at 3,400 meters above sea level; in the afternoon, a city tour of the Historic Center, the Cathedral, Qorikancha, and nearby archaeological sites. Day 2, an excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with viewpoints, artisan markets, and sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Day 3, free time or optional activities (for example, Machu Picchu, Maras, and Moray). Day 4, return or extension. Schedules and order may change due to weather, availability, and regulations; please consult the updated official program.

For tourism in Cusco, the dry season (May to September) offers sunny days, clear skies, and better conditions for tours and hikes; it's high demand, so it's advisable to book hotels and tickets in advance. The rainy season (November to March) offers lush green landscapes, lower prices, and fewer crowds, but possible afternoon showers and itinerary adjustments. April and October are shoulder seasons. Temperatures range approximately from 5°C at night to 20°C during the day. Pack layers, a raincoat, sunscreen, a hat, and hiking boots. Check the forecast before your trip, especially if you plan to visit archaeological sites or extend your trip to Machu Picchu.

Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level; some travelers may experience altitude sickness (soroche). It is recommended to arrive early to acclimatize, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol on the first day. Consult your doctor if you have a history of heart or respiratory problems, or if you require preventative medication. Visits include stone staircases, slopes, and uneven terrain; basic physical fitness and comfortable footwear are required. Not all archaeological sites are fully accessible due to the region's geography. Bring your personal medications, travel insurance with medical and cancellation coverage, and your identification. Inform the tour operator of any allergies, dietary restrictions, or special needs.

To ensure availability on the Essential Cusco tour, it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season and holidays. The operator typically requires a deposit to confirm your booking and the balance due before departure; credit cards and bank transfers are generally accepted. Change and cancellation policies vary depending on the fare, hotels, trains, and entrance fees; charges may apply, or cancellations may be non-refundable during peak periods. Review terms and conditions, refund periods, and penalties before paying. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations due to medical, weather-related, or logistical reasons. Keep confirmations, vouchers, and 24/7 assistance contact information for any issues that may arise during your tour.

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