Complete Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley

This 4-day Cusco tour package includes the highlights of the Inca Empire: Cusco, the scenic Urubamba Valley and the citadel of Machu Picchu. Cusco was the center of the Inca Empire, and many of the original structures are intact in the historic central plaza and along its narrow side streets. The Sacred Valley of the Incas was an important agricultural resource for maize and other important crops that fed the Cusco population center. After a scenic train ride to the pueblo of Aguas Calientes, you will experience the marvel that is the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco Arrival

We will welcome your arrival at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and transfer you to your local hotel. You can enjoy a warm cup of the local coca tea while we assist with your check in and give a short briefing to review the details of your itinerary. Depending on your arrival schedule you will have time to rest and adjust to the altitude before beginning your afternoon tour of the city.
We will begin our tour with the highlights of the historic center of Cusco.

Beginning with the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which was the cultural and ceremonial center of the Inca Empire. We will visit the Cusco Cathedral that overlooks the Plaza since its completion in 1654. After the Cathedral, we will visit the Inca Temple of Koricancha. Koricancha was the spiritual center of not only Cusco but the entire Inca Empire.

We will board our bus that will take us to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Sacsayhuaman is probably the most impressive example Inca stone masonry. Here you will see granite stones weighing up to 300 tons carved and fitted together with a precision that continues to be a modern mystery. Next up are the shrine of Qenqo, the lookout post of Puca Pucara and the private Inca baths of Tambomachay.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2: Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

We will meet you early at your hotel to begin your tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the camelid farm of Awana Kancha. Here we will see up close the pride of the Andes, llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas. We will learn about their care and history and see the dying and weaving processes that convert their fine wool into colorful textiles.

We will descend to the city of Pisac and its traditional market. The market offers a comprehensive array of Andean textile, ceramic and wood crafts for the visitors. It is also the traditional market for fruits, vegetables and dry goods for the locals. On the hill above Pisac are the namesake ruins that are believed to be one of the private estates of the Inca king Pachacuti. From Pisac, we will make our way to the city of Urubamba at the center of the Valley. Here we will stop for a buffet lunch of a variety of local dishes.

After lunch we will visit the hillside ruins of Ollantaytambo. Like Pisac and Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is believed to have been built by Pachacuti during the peak of the Empire. After our tour of the ruins, we will board the early evening train that will take us to the pueblo of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu to spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Buffet lunch

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Day 3: Machu Picchu

In the morning we will board the bus that takes us the entrance of the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will meet our local guide for a walking tour that begins at the terraced agricultural area. Our guide will explain the functional history of the site and share the legends and rituals surrounding Inca belief system. We will explore the housing and worship structures and examine the marvels of their construction.
After the tour you will have the option of enjoying a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes before boarding the train back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Cusco

Day 4: Cusco Departure

At the scheduled time we will transfer you from your hotel to the airport and assist you with your check-in and departure.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Services

Included

• All services, lodging, food, and beverages mentioned in the trip description, tourist tickets, and entrance fees.
• All excursions come with a guide in the English language.
• Our prices include entrance fees and tourist ticket costs to determined historical, natural, or religious landmarks that are managed by the local authorities in many cases.

Not included

• Early check-in, late check-out, services and food not listed in the itinerary, beverages during the meals, hotel extras and personal expenses.
• Domestic and international airfare.
• Tips for guides, drivers, and waitresses, if not specified in the description.

Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots or shoes, hat, light jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen.