Machu Picchu Express
DAY 1
CUSCO – CITY TOUR
WELCOME TO THE CITY OF CUSCO
As soon as you arrive in the land of the Incas, Cusco, located in the highlands of Peru at 11,200 feet above sea level, our agency staff will meet you at the airport arrival gate. Then, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, our tour of the city of Cusco will begin between 13:30h and 14:00h. First, we will visit Qorikancha, «The Temple of the Sun,» one of the most impressive constructions of Inca Cusco. Next, we will explore an impressive Inca archaeological complex, including Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, PukaPukara, and Tambomachay. Finally, our tour will end near the historic center of the city. Afterward, you may wish to enjoy a nice dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, or we can arrange a transfer back to your hotel—just let your assigned advisor know your preference.
MEALS: Breakfast.
OVERNIGHT: Cusco
DAY 2
TOUR OF THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Between 06:30 and 07:00, your transportation will pick you up for a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. To begin, visit Chinchero, an impressive Inca archaeological site with terraces, crops including hundreds of potato varieties, a colonial church, and local textile centers.
Afterwards, explore the Moray archaeological site, known as an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the salt mines of Maras. Then, travel to Urubamba for a buffet lunch surrounded by the Andes Mountains.
Following lunch, visit the Inca village and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where many original Inca buildings remain. Finally, enjoy free time at the citadel before heading to the train station to travel to Aguas Calientes, where our staff will escort you to your hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch.
OVERNIGHT: Aguas Calientes
DAY 3
TOUR MACHU PICCHU
Today is the day! In the early morning, we will start our tour of the sacred Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The 2-hour tour covers the Main Square, Circular Tower, Sacred Sundial, Royal Quarter, Temple of the Three Windows, and several cemeteries. Optionally, you can climb Wayna Picchu if you purchased a ticket in advance (only 400 tickets per day). After the tour, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes or near the citadel entrance. Later, take the train back to Cusco, where our staff will escort you to your hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast.
OVERNIGHT: Cusco.
DAY 4
MOUNTAIN OF COLORS
ASCENT TO THE AMAZING MOUNTAIN OF 7 COLORS
Early in the morning, around 04:30 am, transportation will pick you up for a 3-hour trip to the village of Cusipata. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a light breakfast before ascending the Rainbow Mountain. Then, the hike takes about 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down, with the option to ride a horse for an additional cost. Once at the Vinicunca viewpoint, you’ll have 30 minutes to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and relax. After descending, the group will return to Cusipata for a typical lunch. Finally, the tour ends around 6:00 pm near Cusco’s main square.
MEALS: Breakfast and lunch.
OVERNIGHT: Cusco.
DAY 5
FAREWELL
Today you will leave Cusco, so, depending on the departure time of your plane, our transfer drivers will take you to the airport. Once you arrive at the airport, thankful for your confidence and your visit in our country, the program will conclude.
MEALS: Breakfast.
