Cusco + Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu

Upon arrival in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), our staff will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. It is recommended to rest, drink plenty of water, and take time to acclimatize to the altitude. Your Cusco City Tour begins at 1:00 PM with hotel pick-up. The tour starts at the Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the Cusco Cathedral, a remarkable colonial masterpiece built on Inca foundations and home to impressive religious art. We then walk through original Inca streets to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, the most important religious center of the Inca Empire. Here, you will observe the fascinating contrast between perfectly carved Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture. Continuing by private transport, we visit the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, famous for its massive megalithic walls and panoramic city views; Qenqo, a ritual site with carved altars; Puca Pucara, a former military checkpoint; and Tambomachay, an elegant sanctuary dedicated to the worship of water. After the tour, we return you to your hotel.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 8:00 AM. We travel along a scenic route through the mountains north of Cusco, stopping at the famous Taray Viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley while learning about Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the most important agricultural regions of the Inca Empire due to its unusually fertile lands. We then visit the archaeological site of Pisac, where you will explore impressive stonework, ceremonial areas, and extensive agricultural terraces. Afterward, we descend to the town of Pisac to stroll through its traditional artisan market. We then continue to Urubamba for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we follow the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, known as the “Living Inca City.” Here, you will explore its magnificent archaeological complex, featuring temples, terraces, and original water channels that are still in use today. Later in the day, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes (approximately 2 hours), enjoying views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and subtropical vegetation. Upon arrival, our guide will escort you to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

After an early breakfast, you will take the bus to Machu Picchu, a 30-minute ride through winding mountain roads. Buses begin operating at 5:30 AM. If you prefer, you may hike up instead (approximately 2 hours, optional). Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you to the classic panoramic viewpoint, where you can enjoy sunrise views and take unforgettable photos. You will then enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, learning about the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this incredible Inca citadel. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance. In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Our staff will be waiting to transfer you by private vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.