Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley & Cusco

Explore Machu Picchu and the main Inca sites in only seven days. Ideal for travelers with limited time. Learn about the history of the Inkas and engage with local projects, artisans, and artists and collect a multitude of colorful impressions. There will also be sufficient free time to follow your own interests. This journey leads you to Cusco in the heart of the Tawantinsuyu or Inca empire, to the sacred valley with its impressive ceremonial sites as well as Machupicchu – a highlight on every Peru trip! Roam original Inca highways at the ceremonial complexes of the Incas, learn about local projects, meet artists and musicians and maybe book a coca reading with an Andean wise woman.

Day 1
Welcome at Cusco airport by your guide. We will then drive by private transport to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, enjoying magnificent sceneries of the Cusco highlands. We may take our lunch in the Sacred Valley before continuing our journey with a visit to the impressive Inka site of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon we will check into our hotel near Urubamba. Overnight at a hotel in the Sacred Valley. D

Day 2
After a relaxed breakfast, we will drive to the train station of Ollantaytambo and take a train to Machupicchu (1.40 hours). After arriving at Machupicchu town we take a bus up to the ruins. Guided visit of the spectacular citadel of Machupicchu, the lost city of the Inkas, one of the highlights of this tour (afternoon turn).  Your guide will provide you with deep insights into the possible meaning and origins of this amazing place, based on the archaeological research done at the site over the years. In the afternoon we return to the Sacred Valley by train. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at a selected hotel in the Sacred Valley. B & BL

Day 3
Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley. We shall visit the pottery workshop and artist studio of Pablo Seminario and Marilú Béjar, who settled in Urubamba some 30 years ago and who have been creating their unique style of art and utilitarian ceramics since – now employing around 60 people and exporting their work to all parts of the planet. Later we will visit the spectacular Inka ruins of P’isaq. A two-hour hike will allow us to fully appreciate this breathtaking site, with its most fortified part perched high on the mountaintop, allowing splendid views over some of the most splendid Inca terraces known. There will also be enough time to explore the Indian market in the colonial town of Pisac in the valley below where you may find crafts from all over Peru on display. Overnight at Hotel in Sacred Valley. B & D

Day 4
Today we will explore the mysterious Inka site of Moray which most likely was an agricultural experimental station where the Inkas adapted crops to higher altitudes. We will also visit the colonial town of Maras, famous for its stone carved doorways and the spectacular salt pans of Salineras. Weather allowing we will enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch in a beauty spot with marvelous views. In the afternoon we will pass the picturesque colonial village of Chinchero with its impressive Inka terraces and finish our day with a visit to the women’s textile association. We arrive in Cusco in the afternoon. B & picnic lunch. Overnight at a comfortable apartment or hotel in Cusco.

Day 5
In the morning you will have a guided city tour, including a visit of the of the Korikancha, the main temple of the Inkas, as well as the cathedral, full of syncretic icons like the famous painting of the ‘Last Supper’. Finally, you will visit the quaint narrow streets of San Blas, known as the Bohemian and artists’ quarter because of its many traditional artisan workshops. We will visit the museum workshop of Hilario Mendivil before taking our lunch nearby.The afternoon is free to explore the streets of the charming center of Cusco, famous for its blend of Inka and colonial architecture (without the guide). Overnight at a private apartment or hotel in Cusco. B & L

Day 6
In the morning excursion to the local Inka ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará.  The afternoon is free for shopping, museum visits or strolling the streets of the historic center one more time. In the evening there will be dinner with live Quechua music. Overnight in an apartment or hotel in Cusco. B & L

Day  7
We pick you up and take you to the airport in Cusco. End of all services. B

Included:

• Transfers
• 6 nights in hotel or private apartment
• Private transport (with driver)
• Train trip to Machupicchu (roundtrip)
• Bus trip from Machupicchu village to the ruins
• Meals as described
• Excursions as described
• All entrance fees to the sites visited
• Private English speaking guide

Prices per person in USD:

1 person USD 3075.-

2 people USD 1905.-

3 people USD 1665.-

4 people USD 1425.-