Itinerary

1. Day 1 : Arrival & First Impressions of Cusco

   • Warm Welcome & Hotel Transfer: Upon arrival at Cusco’s airport, one of our representatives will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will have the rest of the day free to relax and acclimatise to the altitude, taking it easy to allow your body to adjust to the higher elevation.

   • Gentle Introduction to the City: Cusco, brimming with history and charm, invites you to explore at your own pace. You might enjoy a leisurely walk through the Plaza de Armas, visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán, or stroll through the cobbled streets of the San Blas neighbourhood, where local art, culture, and stunning mountain views await.

   • If you feel up to it, stop at one of the many excellent restaurants or cafés to sample Peruvian specialities, or ask our team for recommendations and reservation assistance.

2. Day 2 : Discovering Cusco’s Heritage

   • Guided Exploration of the Inca Capital: Our team will collect you from your hotel in the morning or afternoon for a half-day tour of Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, it now blends ancient pre-Inca and Inca architecture with Spanish colonial influences, offering a captivating journey through history.

   • Highlights of the Tour: Visit the Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas to admire its striking architecture and masterpieces from the Cusco School of art. Continue to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple dedicated to Inti, later topped by the Santo Domingo Convent, with much original stonework still intact.

   • Explore Sacsayhuamán, the megalithic ceremonial fortress with panoramic city views, then move on to Q’enqo with its underground passageways, Puca Pucara with its military architecture, and Tambomachay, a beautiful site featuring aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls showcasing Inca water engineering.

   • Conclude the day back at your hotel with free time to relax or explore further.
     

3. Day 3 : The Sacred Valley Experience

   • Journey Through Fertile Lands: Begin the day travelling through the Sacred Valley, once the heart of the Inca Empire and an important agricultural centre for thousands of years, with archaeological sites stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

   • Immersive Cultural Stops: Visit Pisac, famous for its vast agricultural terraces and role as the southern gateway to the valley, followed by a stroll through the artisan market. Continue to Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress guarding the valley’s northern entrance, where you can climb its terraces and walk narrow streets to understand its military, religious, and agricultural significance.

   •  End the day in Chinchero, a traditional Andean village with the Royal Hacienda Ruins of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, a well-preserved Inca wall, and a colonial church built atop Inca foundations. Return to Cusco in the evening.

4. Day 4 : A Day at Machu Picchu

   • Scenic Rail Journey to Aguas Calientes: Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the train station for a picturesque journey through lush mountains and valleys.

   • On arrival in Aguas Calientes, meet your guide for the short trip to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

   • Exploring the Lost City: Perched high in the Andes, this awe-inspiring citadel showcases the Inca civilisation’s architectural brilliance and engineering mastery. Wander among temples, plazas, and terraces that have stood for centuries despite earthquakes and harsh weather, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.

   • Relaxation Before Returning: After your guided exploration, enjoy free time in Aguas Calientes to relax, have lunch, browse souvenir shops, or visit the hot springs (optional, not included).

   • Later, board your return train, and after arriving at the station, transfer back to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

5. Day 5 : Farewell to Cusco

   • Smooth Departure Arrangements: At the designated time, our representative will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. You will have ample time to check in for your flight and prepare for your onward journey.

   • Parting Wishes: We hope your time in Cusco has been filled with memorable moments and cultural treasures.

   • As you bid farewell to the Inca imperial capital, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure.