Cusco - Machu Picchu Tour - Sacred Valley tour

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cusco – City tour + nearby Inca ruins
We are going to pick you up from your hotel at 2:00pm. First on the itinerary is a visit to the cathedral.

The Cusco Cathedral: Located in the plaza de Armas of Cusco, the construction of this monument started in 1560. Following its completion in 1664, it is without a doubt one of the most noticeable colonial monuments in America. You’ll be absolutely amazed by the intricate paintings, handmade wood carvings, and all of the decorations bathed in gold and silver. Originating from the 16th and 17th centuries, it is most definitely a masterpiece. After the tour of this sacred place, you will continue on foot down an ancient street from the plaza to Qoricancha—the most important Sun temple of the Incas.

Qoricancha: In this temple, you’ll see firsthand the clash between Inca culture and Catholicism through the differences in building methods. The Incan construction is amazing; it is the only temple not destroyed by the Spanish and was the key spiritual center from which all roads led to the four regions of the Incas. The parts built by the Spaniards is incredible in its own embellished, ostentatious way.

Saccsayhuaman: Located 2 km from Cusco City, it is one of the most imposing architectonic complexes inherited from the Incan society. People from all over the world come to marvel at the beauty and enigmatic monoliths which weigh as much as 200 tons. It’s amazing to imagine how these people, using only hand tools, were able to move and perfectly affix these massive stones together.

Qenqo: This temple with its incredible and fascinating altars was where the Inca people used to sacrifice llamas and possibly humans to their Gods. According to some studies, it was also for astronomical purposes.

Pucapucara: This important military center was used to control people who were either arriving to or were leaving from the city of Cusco.

Tambomachay: Worship was one of the most important elments in this temple. You will see beautiful niches and water fountains that still have water running through them.

DAY 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
We are going to pick you up from your hotel at 8:00am and take you on our minivan toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First place to visit is Pisaq amazing Inca monument where you will see temples, astronomical observatories, large farming terraces and the magnificent Inca cemetery with more than 2000 tombs, afterward we are going to head down to the Pisaq colorful market, where you will have free time and interact with the local craftsmen, or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs.

Afterward we will continue to the Urubamba a lovely place to enjoy our lunch.Then we will visit Ollantaytambo, attractive Inca living museum with remarkable channels and stone streets, at high part one rises to an impressive ceremonial center of cult to the water and a fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley. Ollantaytambo was a strategic Military, Agriculture, and Religious place to control the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Afterward we are going to catch our Train to Aguas Calientes where we are going to spend the night. Along the Train journey enjoy the scenary with spectacular views.

DAY 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After a breakfast in your hotel you will board the buss up to Machu Picchu, the buss ride takes 30 minutes. Explore with a professional tour Guide, enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Machu Picchu, feel the energy and have better understanding the mystery of Machu Picchu. After 3 hours of guided tour explore by yourself this amazing monument, afterward you will take the buss back to Aguas Calientes and then train back to Cusco.
Usual train back to Cusco is in the afternoon.

Inclusions

What’s Included in the Cusco – Machu Picchu tour:

Aiport/Hotel Pick-up: Inka Trail Explorer includes an one-way pick-up from the aiport to your hotel. We only need to know your flight schedule, and upon your arrival to the Cusco Aiport, one of our representatives will be waiting outside for you holding a flag adorned with our company logo on it.

Professional Tour Guide: Inka Trail Explorer has a staff of professional tour guides with many years of experience in doing tours and treks all across Peru. All of them have studied tourism and English at a university. They’re incredibly passionate about the history, archeology, and astronomy of Peru. With smiles gracing their faces, they will happily teach you about their heritage.

Briefing: The night before you start the tour, your guide will meet with you in order to give you all of the detailed information about your tour schedule.

Transportation: When you book with Inka Trail Explorer, you do not have to concern yourself with any transportation. We include everything from airport pick-up to any transportation needed during the tour. We will even drop you back off at your hotel at the conclusion of the tour. Our train service is Expediton Class, but it can be upgraded to Vistadome Service if you’d prefer.

Entrance Fees: We include entrance fees for the following places:

The Cathedral
Qoricancha Temple
Machu Picchu

To enter in Machu Picchu we need a ticket, which should be bought at least 2/3 days prior to your entrance to this sacred city. However, it should be noted that the busy season is during July and August; therefore, tickets should be bought at least 15 days prior.

Hotel: When we travel to Aguas Calientes—the city situated at the base of Machu Picchu, we will stay in a 3-star hotel. The sleeping accommodations are based on sharing a double, matrimonial or triple room. If you would prefer a single room, then there is a surcharge of $30 USD per person. All rooms include private bathrooms with hot showers and Wi-Fi. We can also upgrade your hotel if you prefer something a little fancier. Under Optional Extras, there is a list that includes but is not limited to possible upgrade options.

Wayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mt: Wayna Picchu Mountain stands just behind Machu Picchu; the views from the top are spectacular. It takes 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes back down because it is quite steep. Machu Picchu Mt stands on the lefthand side of the citadel. The roundtrip climb takes 3 hours, and the vantage points from summit are also phenomenal.
If you’re interested in either of these adventures, then you need to book them in advance. We also highly recommend climbing Wayna Picchu with the second group which is scheduled for 10am because the views during this time are so much better.

What’s Not Included in the Cusco – Machu Picchu tour:

Tickets are not included for the City Tour and the Sacred Valley Tour. If you are traveling for over a week, we highly recommend that you buy the Boleto Turistico which is gains you entrance to 16 beautiful places including the ruins in Cusco, 4 Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, and a few located in the South Valley of Cusco. This voucher is valid for 10 days which gives you plenty of time to take advantage of the admittance to all of these wonderful places.

Lunch and Dinner are not included on this tour. During the tour, you will pass by many fabulous restaurants, and if you’d like, we’d be glad to recommend you to some really good traditional restaurants in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes.

Price

Inka Trail Explorer warmly welcomes to you to join us on this amazing journey. We would love to give you the experience of a lifetime during this trip. Our tours can depart on any day of the week during all 12 months of the year.
Group service Price from March 2019 through January 2020: $560 per person

Group service means that it is open for other people to join you on your tour. This will result in your group being bigger and possibly quite varied, but all our guides are experts on how to keep the group moving and happy.

Private tours are available and are priced by party size.

2 people: $615 USD per person
3 people: $600 USD per person
4 people: $585 USD per person
5 people: $555 USD per person
6 people: $530 USD per person
7 people: $515 USD per person
8 or more people: $500 USD per person

Discounts
Student Discount: $20 USD (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Student Discounts apply to anyone who has a valid GREEN ISIC card at the time of the tour, or is 16 years old or younger. For those using an ISIC card to receive the discount, we do need to see a copy of the card at booking time. For children who are 16 years old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send all information to info@inkatrailexplorer.com

Optional Extras

Other Options:

Transfer from your hotel to the airport: $15 USD
Maras Moray Tour: $150 USD per group of 6

Optional Upgrades

Vistadome train: $65 USD (one-way) per person
Santuario Hotel: +$45 USD pp if sharing (+$110 for a single)
Casa Andina Hotel: $55 USD pp if sharing ($110 for a single)
El Mapi Hotel: +$65 USD pp if sharing (+$170 for a single)

Packing List

Essencial

Daypacks can be any size for the tour, but we always recommend bringing something small because bags larger than 25L are not allowed inside the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Valid Passport
GREEN ISIC card (if you booked as a student)
Immigration Card (given to you on the plane as you enter Peru)
Water
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Sunhat
Rain gear
Fleece jacket
Camera
First-aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips