Andean Treasures(Private - 9D/8N)

WELCOME TO THE AMAZING INCA CITY! (PRIVATE – 7D/6N)

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploration of Cusco!

• Upon your arrival at Cusco International Airport, our friendly driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate.
• Transfer to Your Hotel in Cusco. We’ll take you straight to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll check in and settle in to begin your exciting stay in this historic city.
• You will have time to have lunch by your own and explore the city before your afternoon tour.
• 2:00 Pm Hotel pickup. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a firsthand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this Market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
• After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
• Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s conventsits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
• After the tour, you’ll be returned to your hotel around 5:30 PM.
  

Note: Not include vehicle, all the tour is walking because each attraction is close to each other in Cusco Center. For that reason, we recommend you to stay in a Cusco Center Hotel.

Suggested flight time: Lima (09:30 am) – Cusco (10:50 am)

Meals Included: None
Not include vehicle, all the tour is walking because each attraction is close to each other.
]Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco by your own.

Day 2 – Pisac & Ollantaytambo With conection to Aguas Calientes!

• Hotel Pickup from at 9:00 am: Your adventure through the Sacred Valley begins with a pickup from your hotel. The Sacred Valley circuit covers approximately 170 km, starting with a visit to Pisac, located 31 km from Cusco. This ancient archaeological site, perched atop a mountain, offers a unique opportunity to admire the remarkable stonemasonry skills of our ancient ancestors.

• Next, we continue to Ollantaytambo, a significant Incan military, religious, and agricultural center located at the summit of a mountain. Unlike many other small towns, Ollantaytambo has preserved its original Incan design, featuring impressive stone buildings, narrow streets, and water channels. It was once a fortress and an administrative and urban hub.

• You will enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant, followed by some free time to explore the area at your own pace before your train departure to Ollantaytambo at 7:04 PM.

• You will arrive in Aguas Calientes around 8:45 PM.

  Note: We will always aim to book tickets on this train. However, we may
  need to book an alternative service if the timetable changes or the
  trains are unavailable.

Meals Included: Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Aguas Calientes by your own.

EXPEDITION Train Schedule – Ollantaytambo (19:04 pm) – Aguas Calientes (20:45 pm).

Day 3 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

• 8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup:
  Begin your exciting day at Machu Picchu with a pick-up from your hotel. You’ll board a bus that will take you to the breathtaking Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). This awe-inspiring mountaintop fortress, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, guarantees an unforgettable experience.
• Around 9:00 AM:
  Your expert guide will lead you through the impressive ruins on a 2.5-hour guided tour, revealing the secrets of this ancient Inca city. As you explore the town squares, marvel at the intricate stonework, and climb the beautifully carved stairways that connect the terraces. Known as the spiritual center of the world, Machu Picchu offers a profound connection to the mystical energy of the Inca civilization
• After soaking in the extraordinary beauty and history of the site, you will have free time to relax. From 12:00 to 1:00 PM, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can unwind.
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch:
  Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day’s adventure. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to explore the city on your own before your train departure.
• 4:43 PM – Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco:
  The train will depart from Aguas Calientes station, located near Machu Picchu, and the journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Enjoy spectacular views of the Andean landscape, as you experience a comfortable ride with spacious seats and excellent service.
• 8:23 PM – Arrival at Cusco:You will arrive at the Poroy train station near Cusco around 8:23 PM. From there, a professional driver will transfer you to your accommodation in the city, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Please note that arrival times may vary slightly depending on traffic and weather conditions.Note: We will always aim to book tickets on this train. However, we may
  need to book an alternative service if the timetable changes or the
  trains are unavailable.

  Meals Included: Lunch
  Overnight at Hotel in Cusco by your own.

  Train Schedule – Aguas Calientes (4:43pm) – Cusco (8:23 pm).

   

Day 4 – Maras & Moray Terraces of Salt

• 8:30 AM – Hotel Pickup: Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel at 8:30 AM. We will then head towards the Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to the Moray archaeological site. Here, you’ll find vast circular and semicircular agricultural terraces built into natural depressions on a limestone plateau, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley. The Incas used these terraces as an agricultural experiment to study plant growth, and it is believed that over 3,000 varieties of plants, including potatoes and corn, were cultivated here.

• Next, we will visit the legendary Salineras Salt Mines, where you’ll witness more than 4,000 salt ponds. These salt mines have been in continuous operation since the time of the Inca Empire and were historically a major source of economic exchange for the region.

• Return to Hotel: After exploring these fascinating sites, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 2:30 PM.

Meals Included: None
Overnight at Hotel in Cusco

Day 5 – Visit Rainbow Mountain (PRIVATE SERVICE)

• 06:00 AM – Hotel Pickup: We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 AM for a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. On the way, we will stop in Cusipata before continuing toward Phullawasipata (4,626m/15,177ft).

• Enjoy the scenic ride as we pass herds of alpacas and llamas, with great photo opportunities, including views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. We’ll also take a stroll through rural areas, where you can meet the friendly locals.

• Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) (5,030m/16,498ft): The hike to the famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours. As we approach the red hill, we’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the vibrant, multi-colored rock formations that give the mountain its name, with layers of turquoise, orange, brown, and red sedimentary rock.

• Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy the stunning panoramic views, and savor a light meal. The break typically lasts around 30 to 45 minutes.

• Descent and Return: After soaking in the beauty of the mountain, we will begin our descent. Once back at the trailhead, we will have lunch before starting the 3-hour drive back to Cusco.

• Arrival in Cusco: We will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM.

• Hiking Information:

  Walking distance: 6 km (3.73 miles)

  Estimated hiking time: 2 to 3 hours

Meals Included: Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Cusco by your own.

Day 6 – Goodbye Cusco and Hello Arequipa! Let’s Visit City and Santa Catalina Monastery!

• Our professional driver will transfer you from your hotel to Cusco Airport for your flight to Arequipa, advising you to arrive two hours prior to departure. Upon arrival at Arequipa’s airport, another driver and our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city before your afternoon tour begins.
• At 2:00 pm, the tour starts with a visit to the Mirador de Carmen Alto, offering stunning views of the valley, Pre-Inca terraces, and the three volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. We continue to the Plaza de Yanahuara to admire its colonial church and scenic viewpoint of the city and volcanoes.
• Next, we explore the Plaza de Armas and its historic cathedral, then proceed to the Church of the Company of Jesus, known for its ornate gold-covered altarpieces. We visit the Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, which remains well-preserved from colonial times.
• The tour concludes at the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a 16th-century colonial gem, with vibrant streets, colorful flowers, and painted walls, offering a glimpse into the past through its charming alleys and cloisters.

Meals included: None

Overnight at Hotel in Arequipa by your own
Suggested flight time: Cusco (07:55 am) – Arequipa (09:05 am)

Day 7 –  Discover the Magic of Colca Valley!

• 02:45 a.m. (approx.): We’ll pick you up from your hotel and begin our scenic journey to Colca. The drive takes about 3.5 hours to reach the charming town of Chivay.
• 06:30 a.m.: Enjoy a traditional breakfast in Chivay to fuel up for the day.
• 07:00 a.m.: We’ll continue to the Cruz del Cóndor, where you can marvel at the stunning Colca Canyon and witness the majestic flight of the condors.
• 09:00 a.m.: On our return to Chivay, we’ll make several stops, including:
  Pinchollo: Visit the Wayrapunko Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the valley.
  Antahuilque: Admire ancient pre-Inca terraces and the mysterious lagoons of the valley.
  Maca: Explore the colonial church and taste the local Colca Sour.
  Yanque: Visit the picturesque town and its beautiful church.
• 11:30 a.m.: Optionally relax in the thermal baths (entrance fee not included), with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C.
• 1:00 p.m.: Lunch in Chivay (not included).
• 2:00 p.m.: On our way back, we’ll stop at:
  Mirador de los Volcanes: Enjoy panoramic views of the western mountain range.
  Toccra Bofedales: Spot migratory birds, including flamingos.
  Chachani Mountain & Salinas Aguada Blanca National Reserve: Marvel at snow-capped mountains and South American camelids like vicuñas.
• 5:00 p.m.: Return to Arequipa.

Not included: None
Overnight at Hotel in Arequipa by your own.

Day 8 – Exploring the Sillar Route!

• 8:30 a.m.: We’ll pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey to the Añashuayco quarry. On the way, we’ll share insights about the volcanic rock (ashlar) used in local construction. We’ll make a stop at the Mirador de Zamacola, where you can admire the stunning views of the three volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

• Upon reaching the quarry, you’ll witness the impressive cliff faces where the stones were once extracted.

• Next, we’ll visit the Culebrillas Ravine, where we’ll take a 20-minute walk through the narrow canyon formed by water erosion, with walls towering 15 to 20 meters high. At the end of the walk, we’ll see petroglyphs created by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago, along with apachetas—stone formations believed to bring good luck and serve as offerings to nature, evoking a mystical atmosphere.

• Return to the city after this fascinating experience.

  
  Not included: None
  Overnight at Hotel in Arequipa by your own.

   

DAY 9 – Goodbye Arequipa!

• Our professional driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you Arequipa’s airport for your Lima’s flight.

Not included: None

PRICE BASED ON A GROUP OF 2 PEOPLE OR MORE:

• 2-3 pax: 1310 USD each
• 4-6 pax: 1150 USD each
• 7-10 pax: 1050 USD each

• No Hidden Costs: Your journey comes without surprise expenses—every admission fee for Cusco and Arequipa.
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides will lead your tours.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: We provide all necessary transfers, including airport, train station, and hotel pickups and drop-offs.
• Efficient Train Travel: Journey smoothly with a train ticket for the Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Poroy Cusco route (Expedition train).
• Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering meals as per your itinerary, with unique dietary options available upon request.
• Convenient Ground Transportation: Enjoy reliable ground transportation services for your Adventure.
• Round-the-Clock Support: Our local staff is available 24/7 for any necessary assistance.

• Hotel
• Flights: Both domestic and international flights are not covered. For flight arrangements, please consult a travel agency if needed.
• Visa and Insurance: Procedures related to visas, travel insurance, and any pre- or post-tour accommodation are not included.
• Gratuities: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff are not included in the price.
• Language Guidance: If you require guidance in a language other than English (e.g., German, French), please inquire with your travel agent.
• Additional Items: Costs related to items that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary description are not included.
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are also not covered.

On Summer season:

• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes and clothes
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• Water

On Winter season

• All named items plus wind jacket