Cusco, Sacred valley and Machu Picchu (4 days/3 nights)
Get acquainted with the umbilical point of the world, the centre of the inca empire, Cuzco and sacred valley. You get an impressive city tour in Cuzco, visit several villages in the sacred valley such as Q'enko, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and finally you bring an unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu.
Description Cusco, sacred valley and Machu Picchu tour
Day 1: Cuzco
We assist and transfer you on arrival in Cuzco to your selected hotel (see hotels below). You have spare time to take a short rest to be acclimatized to the altitude. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Cuzco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha; take a pleasant walk in the the bohemian district of San Blas, house of the most re-known craftsmen of Cuzco, visit to its beautiful church that houses an impressive pulpit, a filigree woodcarving bearing the fruits of the region and visit some artisans workshops located in its small Main Square.
On the way back, pass by the Hatunrumiyoc Street where you can appreciate the famous Twelve-angled stone. Then, we drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on a hill overlooking Cuzco; famous for its enormous carved stones joined with astounding precision to form the outer walls. Some of these stones stand over 9m / 30ft tall and weight over 350 tons.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, we’ll have the opportunity to bargain with vendors or stroll at the Pisac's typical Indian market, with a catholic mass service on Sunday (celebrated in Quechua, the native language).
We take a lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon pass through Calca and Urubamba towns to arrive to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entry of this part of the valley and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles; consisting in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the military strategy against possible invasions.
On our way back to Cuzco we will visit the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero where the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui lies. Admire its well-preserved Inca Wall at the Main Square, visit the beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes on the portico. We return to Cuzco in the afternoon.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, transfer to Cuzco train station for a three hours train ride to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture, known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Get down the train in Aguas Calientes station for a 30-minutes drive climbing a 6km of winding road to reach the marvellous citadel. Upon arrival, guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the greatest Intihyatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and various burial grounds. Time free to stroll by the archaeological site. Late afternoon return to Cuzco. Overnight at selected hotel in Cuzco.
Day 4: Cuzco
After breakfast, transfer assistance on your departure.
Explanation
Our service includes
- Three nights in selected hotel in Cuzco (see list of hotels below)
- All transport and transfers
- All applicable taxes
- Bilingual guides
- Lunch at the sacred valley, other meals as indicated in itinerary
- Train and bus tickets Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco.
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