6 Day Discovering Cusco & Machu Picchu

Overview

Wander the winding streets of Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire, and revel in the city’s Incan and colonial heritage.
Visit the imposing ancient Inca temples of Sacsayhuaman and Koricancha, to discover the history and might of the lost empire.
Tour Cuzco’s Cathedral where you’ll learn about the fascinating Cuzco school of colonial art, and view its archaeological relics.
Tour of the key sites of the Sacred Valley, including the agricultural terraces of Moray, the salt mines at Maras and the ruins and village of Ollantaytambo.
Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes – literally “Hot Waters” – which lies at the base of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the “lost city of the Incas”. You’ll see breathtaking views and learn how the temples were built.
Enjoy free time to explore Machu Picchu and absorb the awe-inspiring surroundings at your own pace.
Flight schedule allowing, take a private tour of the main sites of Lima, including the Larco Pre-Columbian Museum, the San Francisco Monastery, Lima’s historical plazas and Miraflores.

This six-day Machu Picchu tour gives you ample opportunity to experience the Andean wonders of today and the Incan culture of yesteryear, while we take care of your every requirement and comfort. This route combines adventure with cultural exploration, taking you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities that exist alongside ancient ruins. You’ll be surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys, all while staying in picturesque mountain lodges, and soaking up centuries of history and culture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Lima, Peru

Welcome to Peru! Today is a transit day, and after a long flight you’re probably looking forward to a nice meal and some relaxation. The Costa del Sol hotel is located right across the street from the airport and is the best choice for travelers connecting to Cuzco. But if you arrive to Lima in the early afternoon, you’ll have the time to make your way to a hotel in the picturesque waterfront district of Miraflores. If you go for this option, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Day 2 - Lima to Cuzco (Half Day Cuzco City Tour)

Travelling from Lima to Cuzco you will have gone from sea level to the heady heights of 11,000 feet. To give you the chance to acclimatize, the first day you’ll have a half-day tour of the city, capital of the Inca Empire. Visit Sacsayhuaman, an immense Incan complex with impressive stonework, and Koricancha, one of the most important Inca temples (the walls were once actually coated in gold!). You’ll also stop at the Cathedral where you’ll learn about the intricacies of the Cuzco School of Art and view fascinating historical artifacts.

Day 3 - South Valley - Andahuaylillas - Tipon

Tipon is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas.
Piquillacta is the only pre-Inca site in the Cuzco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 AD by the Huari culture. You’ll also see the famous Andahuaylillas Chapel known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”; inside you’ll find stunning pieces of great value.

Day 4 - Private Sacred Valley Tour

We leave Cuzco and head to Chinchero Plateau to explore Chinchero, an important town in Inca times. The most striking remnant of this period is the massive stone wall in the main plaza which has ten trapezoidal niches. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Urubamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. You’ll then visit the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing center that dates back all the way to pre-Inca times, with over 3000 salt pools all carved into the mountain side. Discover Moray’s mysterious concentric circular terraces which, according to some scholars, was an agricultural research center. After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, then go to the hotel to relax and enjoy the beauty of the famous Sacred Valley.

Day 5 - Private Machu Picchu Tour

This is one off your bucket list. Uncover the mystical secrets of Machu Picchu during a guided private tour of this Incan citadel. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the most important parts of the ruins to wonder at how they were constructed. After the tour, you’ll have free time to further explore the ruins or just sit back and appreciate the majesty of Machu Picchu. You can also hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for a bird’s eye view of the ruins and valley beneath you. The steep path takes about an hour and a half to ascend. After a day that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, you’ll depart from Aguas Calientes by train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco.

Day 6 - International Departure

One of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Cuzco airport for your flight to Lima. Optional recommended excursion – Depending on the time of your international flight, you can take the Columbian Museum, the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs, Lima’s historic colonial plazas, and Miraflores.

Inclusions

What's included

5 nights in our preferred properties, hand-selected for comfort, convenience and quality.
Privately guided tours with your own personal guide and driver.
All private airport transfers with English speaking assistance.
Round-trip Vistadome train to Machu Picchu Pueblo and the bus to the ruins in the company of your private guide All required entrance fees.
24hr support.
All taxes.
3 lunches.