ESSENTIAL CUSCO JOURNEY

DAY BY DAY ESSENTIAL CUSCO JOURNEY 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS

Day 1| Explore the city of Cusco

The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated.

Day 2| Cusco–Pisac & Ollantaytambo

We will pick you up early from your hotel to head to our first stop in Pisaq, a beautiful place known not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for the quality of its textile art. Here, we will visit the home of a local family, where we will learn some of the leading textile techniques that have been preserved from generation to generation.In this place you can find ancient Inca settlements along the valley, such as, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.The town of Ollantaytambo is a typical example of urban planning of the Incas still inhabited as in the past. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered the village, destroyed it and built a new one by absorbing it as part of its empire considered today as one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes of the Incanate.Enjoy this magical place full of beautiful mountains, rivers, landscapes full of history. At the end of your tour you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 3| Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu-Cusco

Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train journey departing from the Ollantaytambo station, through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Perú

You will feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as soon as you enter. Happiness will flood you as you observe how the golden sunlight gradually covers every corner of Machu Picchu. You will learn all its secrets and mysteries during a guided tour in which you will also learn a lot about its history and the local flora and fauna. Our guide will take you for three hours through the most significant parts.

If you choose to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional entrance fees required), you should do so by 10:00 am. Otherwise, you can explore further or walk to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. Around noon, you will return to Aguas Calientes by bus.In Aguas Calientes, you will find a place to have lunch and then board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo; from there, you will travel to Cusco in our private transportation, and we will drop you off at the door of your accommodation. Your arrival time will depend on the time of your train ticket.

Day 4 | Cusco-Maras-Moray-Cusco

Our half-day tour to Maras and Moray begins when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 08:00am. First we’ll head to magnificent Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory. It takes about 1.5 hours to get there, but we’ll be driving through spectacular Andean scenery, passing by wheat fields, picturesque traditional villages and snow-capped mountains.

Arriving at Moray, your guide will show you around the four amphitheater-like terraced structures. These terraces, which are carved in a circular series to create a bowl shape, are believed to have been used as a testing ground for different crops, to find the most optimal growing conditions.

After exploring Moray we’ll head on to Maras, which is just two miles away. Here we’ll see the amazing salt evaporation ponds, which were used by the Incas and quite possibly by pre-Inca civilizations.

More than 5,000 salt pools are carved into the mountainside, which catch highly salty water as it emerges from a spring in the mountain. The ponds catch this water, where it slowly evaporates, leaving just the salt behind. This is collected via a communal process, and is most famously used to make salt de Maras, the famous pink table salt. It’s an incredible sight looking down across the salt ponds, which look like they are covered in snow or ice. After spending time at Maras, we’ll head back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel.

Day 5 | Rainbow Mountain Of Vinicunca

The adventure begins at 05:00 am. Along the way, we will observe picturesque Andean villages, Inca-era agricultural terraces, fertile valleys and beautiful mountain gorges. We will stop to appreciate the herds of llamas and alpacas that will entertain you while enjoying a delicious continental breakfast that will give you the nutritional boost you need to start the trek.

We will continue our journey until we reach the starting point of the trek, from there, we will follow a beautiful stream and go along a winding path in the middle of the Andean mountains. As we ascend, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of Ausangate Mountain (6,372m / 20,905 ft). Take a few minutes to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.

This remote region is home to many people, and you will have the opportunity to see them working the land. Also, you will be amazed to see the traditional clothing they wear and make thanks to the artistic textile talents they have inherited from their ancestors. By keeping these traditions alive, an ancestral culture is preserved.

After an hour and a half hike, we will arrive at the incredible Colored Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take your time to admire the astonishing beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You will explore the surroundings and admire the breathtaking scenery while the guide explains the theories that exist about the origin of this mountain that looks like something out of a colorful dream. Take this opportunity to take some amazing pictures or simply immerse yourself in the scenery. We will spend about 40 minutes at the top, depending on how fast you have walked and the weather conditions. If you want to stay there longer, let your expert guide know.