The Machu Picchu Experience

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco

Stop At: Cusco Transfers, Cusco 084 Peru
Transfer to your hotel with English assistance at the airport
Duration: 30 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Included: Overnight at Tariq Boutique Hotel (Cusco, Peru)

Day 2: Markets & Ruins of Cusco

Stop At: Cusco Cathedral, Portal Belen Plaza de Armas, Cusco 08002 Peru
At a glance:
- Walking city tour of Cusco with a local, private guide.
- Visit the Temple of the Sun and the Colonial Cathedral.
- Dine on local Andean dishes or toast to your vacation with a Pisco Sour!

Full Day Itinerary:

Enjoy walking around the Imperial City of the Incas. The tour starts at the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Then you will visit the Temple of the Sun, the main religious center of the Incas dedicated to the Sun Cult, where the walls were said to be covered entirely with gold.

If you still have some energy left, as this is a private tour, we recommend asking your guide to take you up to the old Inca city of Sacsayhuaman, on the outskirts of Cusco. Here you will see and learn how the Inca's were able to move and lift enormous rocks, to construct walls so strong, that the building has survived all these years as well as a few earthquakes, mudslides and erosion. You can then take a taxi back to your accommodation but, not before taking in the stunning aerial view over the terracotta rooftops of Cusco from the Inca city of Sacsayhuaman.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Included: Overnight at Tariq Boutique Hotel (Cusco, Peru)

Day 3: The Sacred Valley of the Inca

Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, 0051 Peru
At a glance:
- Small guided group tour of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins.
- Visit the traditional market and archaeological sites of Pisac.
- Lunch at a beautiful Sacred Valley riverside restaurant.

Full Day Itinerary:

Your guide will pick you up to explore the Sacred Valley where you'll stop in Pisac and visit its famed artisans' and antiques market which is considered to be one of Peru's liveliest. After exploring Pisac's market you'll visit the Inca ruins above the town which offer spectacular views over the Urubamba River, agricultural terraces and intricate Inca waterworks.

Continuing your journey through the Sacred Valley you'll reach a local restaurant situated on the banks of the Urubamba River where you'll stop to have a traditional Andean lunch. The restaurant offers delicious local dishes as well as a view of the Urubamba River which is the sacred river of the Sacred Valley.

Following lunch, your guide will take you to the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, where the Inca famously defeated the invading Spaniards. The staggered agricultural terraces and intact fortresses show the Inca history in its rawest form and its ceremonial site will treat you to uninterrupted views over the Sacred Valley. Your transfer will then take you to your accommodation in the Sacred Valley where your evening is free to spend at your leisure before your journey to the hidden ruins of Machu Picchu starts tomorrow!
Duration: 8 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.