Magical Cusco Journey (7D/6N)

Magical Cusco Journey (7D/6N)

Overview

Embark on a 7-day adventure through the heart of the Inca Empire, starting with the vibrant city of Cusco. Explore its historic sites, including the bustling San Pedro Market and the iconic Qorikancha temple. Visit the Sacred Valley's ancient sites, like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, before traveling to Aguas Calientes for the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Discover the mystical Rainbow Mountain, explore the Maras Salt Mines and Moray terraces, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Peru. This journey is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes.

Daily Summary

  • DAY 1 CUSCO: Arrival and Exploration of Cusco!
  • DAY 2 CUSCO: Colorful Cusco Walking Tour (PRIVATE SERVICE)
  • DAY 3 CUSCO: Pisac & Ollantaytambo With conection to Aguas Calientes!
  • DAY 4 CUSCO: Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
  • DAY 5 CUSCO: Maras & Moray Terraces of Salt
  • DAY 6 CUSCO: Visit Rainbow Mountain (PRIVATE SERVICE)
  • DAY 7 CUSCO: GOODBYE CUSCO!
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WELCOME TO THE AMAZING INCA CITY! (PRIVATE – 7D/6N)

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploration of Cusco!

  • Upon your arrival at Cusco International Airport, our courteous driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate.

  • Transfer to your hotel in Cusco: We will escort you directly to your hotel, where you can check in and get settled, marking the beginning of your exciting journey through this historic city.

  • Hotel Check-in and Leisure: After checking in, you’ll have free time to relax, adjust to the altitude, or explore the nearby area at your own pace. Enjoy the breathtaking views and embrace the charm of Cusco, often referred to as the “City of the Incas.”

Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco by your own.
Meals: None

Day 2 – Colorful Cusco Walking Tour (PRIVATE SERVICE)

  • 9:00 AM – Hotel Pickup: Your walking tour begins at the vibrant San Pedro Market, a truly authentic spot to experience the daily life of Cusco’s residents, far from the typical tourist sights. Wander through the narrow aisles filled with colorful fabrics, fresh produce, fruit juices, bread, and traditional shamanic stalls, while your guide shares the fascinating history of this bustling market.

  • Next, we visit Cusco’s main square, a lively and picturesque space that marks the heart of the city’s colonial center. The square is adorned with wide stone walkways and beautifully maintained gardens.

  • Following this, we head to Qorikancha, where the Santo Domingo Convent stands atop the ruins of the ancient temple. This site is renowned for its historical significance, and early invaders were reportedly struck by the temple’s remarkable splendor, especially since, according to tradition, it was completely covered in gold.

  • After the tour, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel around 12:30 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.

Meals Included: None
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco by your own.


Day 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 by your own


Day 6 – 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 7 – GOODBYE CUSCO

Our professional driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima.


Meals Included: None

PRICE BASED ON A GROUP OF 2 PEOPLE OR MORE:

  • 2-3 pax: 950 USD each
  • 4-6 pax: 870 USD each
  • 7-10 pax: 800 USD each

 

  • Professional guide in English or Spanish
  • Private service, except for trains and buses to Machu Picchu
  • All entrances included – including the BTI (Comprehensive Tourist Ticket)
  • Trains in Expedition class
  • Lunch according to the itinerary
  • Bus up and down
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Hotel
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Flights
  • Anything not specified in the itinerary description
  • Tips

On Summer season:

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

On Winter season

  • All named items plus wind jacket