The mystery of Machu Picchu begins in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The Inca Empire, South America’s largest and most powerful civilization, was born here amid high Andean peaks and fertile valleys fed by glacial waters. Great kings built up the imperial city with grand palaces and temples and filled them with unimaginable riches. In the Sacred Valley, they built royal estates and fortresses perched on the sides of mountains.
This travel itinerary in Cusco, Peru will take you to Machu Picchu which is considered a master piece of architecture and engineering, the most representative architectural example of Peruvian culture, and one of the most important and acclaimed archeological sites in the world. Machu Picchu is one of the few places in America that was declared both Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Day 1
This day is to discover the magic of Cusco City. Also you will visit the most important archeological sites in Cusco. Including visits to Cusco’s Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and the various Inca sites found outside of the city you get to see an incredible mixture of Inca and Spanish-style and in the case of Qoricancha, the two combined. Cusco is truly a fascinating place to visit; providing a blend of the two cultures (Inca and Spanish) the city has a look and feel about it that is completely different to the rest of Peru. This tour is a must-do when visiting Cusco and is usually one of the first ports of call for all visiting tourists. Tour ends around 13:30 pm – 14:00 pm Finally you will return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 2
Early in the morning we will pick you up to leave in the Poroy Train Station to take the Train to Aguas Calientes. Arriving to Aguas Calientes the guide will help you taking the bus up to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca “Virgins of the Sun” took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. The tour takes around 2 hours visiting Machu Picchu. After that you have some free time to take pictures and enjoy the amazing panoramic view of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Then you may have lunch (not included in the quote) and take some last pictures from Machu Picchu before you catch your bus down to Aguas Calientes (on your own). At your arrival you have time to go to the Hot Springs (optional, not included). Then take the train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy The train station is located between 15 – 20 minutes away from Cusco City. Arriving to the train station a representative will be waiting for you with a sign with your name to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco City.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3
Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the airport in Cusco to take your flight back to Lima (morning or afternoon).
