CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU (04 days / 03 nights) Description: Enjoy a quick tour package of the Cusco s main tourist attractions. It was in Peru that the mighty Inca Empire flourished and the Spanish Conquistadors began their domination of Andean South America. Explore Cusco s archaeological sites, gain an understanding of ancient and present day Peruvians through their Andean villages and arqueological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and marvel at the unique legacy of Incan culture in Machu Picchu. Tour Highlights: Arrival to Cusco and transfer in for a stay of three nights Sightseeing city tour of Cusco Cusco Cathedral, Temple of the Sun and Convent of Santo Domingo Visit the famous Incan archeological sites surrounding Cusco - Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo Relax on a scenic train journey through the Urubamba River Valley to Machu Picchu Enjoy a 3-hour Machu Picchu tour led by an archeologist Train service back to Cusco Transfer out for departure flight End of services Daily Itinerary: Day 01: / CUSCO Upon arrival, reception and transfer to selected hotel. You may find the altitude a little hard to handle at first so we recommend the rest of the morning to repose and acclimatize. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a shared guided tour to the most magical city. Discover the magic and beauty of Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire. The flawlessly built Incan roads spread to all regions from the Plaza which was thought of as the center of the world. Visit the Temple of the Sun - El Koricancha - some stories claim that when the conquerors arrived, this temple was completely laminated in gold. Inside, you can admire the perfectly shaped stones and the way conquerors built what is currently the Convent of Santo Domingo, on the base
of this Inca temple On the way to the Cathedral, you ll stop by the Hatun Rumiyoc Street where the famous twelve angular stone is. In the Cathedral, you ll have the opportunity to see its beautiful woodwork and colonial paintings before heading up the mountains for 10 minutes to visit the nearby archeological sites in the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. These spectacular archeological sites that surround Cusco are a true mark of Incan heritage and culture. Your first stop will be Tambomachay, a source of spring water that is believed to be worshiped by the Incans. Although uncertain of the function of Tambomachay or The Bath of the Inca, many believe it could have served as a spa for the elite Incan leaders. The site remains spiritual and the water still flows today. Next, you ll visit the remains of Qenqo, a stone made labyrinth with a sacrificial altar in its center. Consisting of staircases and channels, the site of Qenqo is believed to have held many Incan rituals. Continue on to the famous Sacsayhuaman where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman boasts impressive Incan design and artwork with massive stones over 9 meters (30 feet) tall and weighing up to 125 tons. Many of the stones have peculiar placement and designs, such as the condor, puma and snake which represented the three Incan worlds. Your last stop will be at the Tower of Puca Pucara, where you ll admire its architectural magnificence and clear detail of rooms, water springs, waterways and aqueducts before returning to your hotel. At night we recommend visiting any restaurant or bar near the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying the delicious Peruvian cuisine with and a Pisco Sour, while listening to traditional Inca music. Overnight in Cusco. Meals Included: None
Day 02: CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY / CUSCO After breakfast, you will travel to Peru s historic Sacred Valley of the Incas, located between Cusco and Machu Picchu and enjoy a full day shared guided excursion. Go off the beaten path and visit the authentic and picturesque villages of this valley, where time seems to stand still. The Sacred Valley is known for its lush scenery, picturesque colonial towns and a magnificent Inca fortress. Your first stop is in Maras, known as a former salt-producing center that dates back all the way to colonial times. Visit the salt terraces to see and learn about an ancient pre-incan method of producing salt. Here, one of the finest salts in the world is extracted and has found its way into the kitchen of gourmet chefs around the world. Your next stop will be the nearby amazing circular terraces of Moray, an astonishing example of the agricultural skills of the Incas. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape. Learn from your knowledgeable guide how these terraces were used as an Incan laboratory to acclimatize crops. After enjoying lunch, you will head to the beautiful valley of Ollantaytambo and visit the Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the last Incan refuges during Spanish colonization. Step back in time as many of the houses and buildings continue to stand from the Incan empire and display original architecture. First you will explore the powerful fortress, ruins, temples and terraces. These sites are still very well-preserved since the Spanish conquest and provide an insight into how towns were designed during the Incan period. This historic fortress was built to guard the valley from possible invasion from the tribes in the lower jungle and
was where Spanish conquistadors lost their major battle against the Inca Empire. Then you will walk around the cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity is considered a Living Inca Town as it is the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Day 03: CUSCO / MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to enjoy a scenic rail tour to Machu Picchu Pueblo (former Aguas Calientes), the little town on the foot of Machu Picchu. You will experience an unforgettable view as you cross over the mountains from Cusco and drop down into the valley. The road follows the meandering Urubamba River and passes through rich agricultural lands and picturesque villages. This valley was the agricultural center of the Incas, ranging from Pisac to the citadel of Machu Picchu, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in all Peru. This spectacular journey through the Sacred Valley by narrow gauge railway to Machu Picchu is one of the world s great travel experiences. Enjoy this relaxing ride through the lush Urubamba River Valley. The train climbs the mountain along the swift Urubamba River, providing excellent opportunities to take photos of pristine nature, tiny towns and the ancient Inca terraces lining the river. Upon arrival, disembark and switch to a bus for the short ride to the actual site of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is widely considered the most spectacular sight on the South American continent and the most renowned examples of Incan architecture. Completed in approximately 1450 at the height of the Incan empire, it was abandoned
less than 100 years later following the Spanish conquest of Peru. Enter Machu Picchu by the main gate, admiring your first few glimpses of this incredible archaeological site. Get an insider s view of Machu Picchu as you spend time learning about the city, its history and the people who once lived there from your archaeologist guide in shared service. You will walk with your guide through the main streets of this amazing sacred citadel. Stroll through town squares and climb delicately carved stone stairways. Esoteric wisdom holds Machu Picchu as the new spiritual center of the world. Then you will have time to wander the site on your own before heading back to Machu Picchu Pueblo to enjoy lunch and board your return train service to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco. Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch Day 04: CUSCO / After breakfast, we suggest to stroll through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco; visit the San Blas district, with its narrow and very picturesque streets, which is known as the artists quarter; or just sit and sip a coca tea in one of the cafes on the balconies overlooking the Plaza de Armas. At the appointed time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Lima. End of services. Meals Included: Breakfast