Day 1: Arrival in Cusco & City Tour
Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, where you will have time to acclimatize to the altitude before starting your 8-day Cusco tour.
At 1:30 p.m., we will begin the Cusco City Tour, starting from Cusco’s Main Square. During the tour, we will visit the most important historical and archaeological sites in and around the city.
Our first stop will be the Qoricancha Temple, built on the original Inca foundations where the Sun God (Inti) was worshipped. Here, you will see the impressive Inca stonework that still remains inside the colonial convent of Santo Domingo.
We will then visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, a ceremonial site dedicated to the Sun God, famous for its enormous polished stone blocks, some of which reach up to 9 meters (30 feet) in height and weigh more than 300 tons.
Next, we will visit Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial center where the Incas performed religious rituals and sacrifices.
Our tour continues to Puca Pucara, an archaeological site believed to have been a military control center or resting place for Inca travelers.
Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, known as the “Bath of the Inca” or “Bath of the Ñusta,” famous for its aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that still flow with crystal-clear water year-round.
After the tour, we will return to Cusco. Evening at leisure to rest or explore the city on your own.
Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Tour
Between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin our journey to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most impressive natural attractions in Peru.
We will travel for approximately two hours by road to the town of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to start the day with energy and prepare for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey for about another hour and a half until we reach the starting point of the hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. From here, we will begin a scenic hike through the Andes Mountains, surrounded by traditional villages, herds of alpacas, and breathtaking landscapes.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours at a moderate pace, reaching the highest point at 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level. From the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the famous Mountain of Seven Colors, known for its vibrant mineral layers and unique natural formations.
After enjoying the views, taking photos, and learning about the geology of the area from your guide, we will hike back to the starting point and return to Cusipata, where a delicious buffet lunch will be waiting for us.
Finally, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m., where you will have the evening free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas
At 7:20 a.m., our transfer will pick you up from your hotel to begin our exciting journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
By 8:00 a.m., we will depart toward the Sacred Valley. Our first stop will be the Corao craft center, where you will have approximately 10 minutes to explore and appreciate local textiles and traditional handicrafts.
We will then continue through the town of Pisac to the Pisac Archaeological Park. This impressive site features Inca agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside, forming a unique landscape. After exploring the archaeological site, we will return to the town of Pisac for a brief visit to a local silver workshop, where you can observe the traditional techniques used to create Andean silver jewelry.
Next, we will follow the scenic route along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba, where a delicious buffet lunch prepared with local ingredients awaits us. You will have time to relax and enjoy the meal.
Our adventure continues as we head to the town of Ollantaytambo. Here, we will visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress, an important Inca archaeological site that served as a military, agricultural, and religious center during the Inca Empire.
Train Ride to Machu Picchu
At approximately 4:00 p.m., after our visit to Ollantaytambo, we will head to the train station for our journey to Machu Picchu. During the train ride, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the Vilcanota Valley and views of archaeological remains along the route.
Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu train station in Aguas Calientes, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, our guide will meet you at the hotel to provide important information and instructions for your visit to the Machu Picchu citadel the following day.
You will then have a free evening to explore and relax in the charming town of Machu Picchu at your own pace.
Day 4: Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas
At 8:30 a.m., our transfer will pick you up from your hotel to begin our exciting adventure exploring the South Valley of Cusco.
Our first stop will be the impressive archaeological site of Tipón. This site features an extensive network of 12 meticulously built agricultural terraces constructed with finely carved stones. The highlight of Tipón is its sophisticated irrigation system, which has been in use since ancient times and continues to function today, especially during the rainy season when water flow is at its peak.
Next, we will travel to Pikillaqta, an extensive pre-Inca urban center from the Wari Empire. This site contains more than a thousand structures, including courtyards, houses, temples, and long narrow streets lined with buildings that once reached up to four stories high. Pikillaqta offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexity and scale of Wari urban planning and architecture.
Our final visit will be to Andahuaylillas, a charming Andean village with a rich colonial heritage. The main attraction here is the Andahuaylillas Church, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to its stunning colonial decorations and mural paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The church’s intricate artwork and historical significance make it a must-see destination.
We will return to Cusco around 3:30 p.m., giving you time in the evening to relax and enjoy the city at your leisure.
Day 5: Departure from Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. If your departure from Cusco is later in the evening, you may take the day to explore the Imperial City at your own pace or visit the traditional San Pedro Market, where you can discover local products, handicrafts, and traditional Andean foods. Optional tours can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to Cusco Airport or the bus terminal, marking the end of our services and your unforgettable journey through Peru.
