Magic in Cusco five essential days

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

Each of the 5 days combines route, history and rest. This is the complete program, step by step.

1. DAY 1

   Welcome To The Imperial City Of Cusco

   Start of the adventure with Peru America Tours! Airport - Hotel Transfer: Our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Upon your arrival at the hotel, we will welcome you with a traditional coca leaf tea to help mitigate the effects of altitude. City Tour (10:00 am – 2:30 pm): In the afternoon, we will begin our first tour of the archaeological capital of the Americas. You will visit the heart of the city, the Plaza de Armas, and the impressive Temple of the Sun, or Qoricancha. Then, we will venture to the outskirts of the city to explore four notable Inca ruins: Sacsayhuamán: The ceremonial fortress with its megalithic stone walls. Qenko: An amphitheater and ritual center with underground labyrinths. Puca Pucara: A reddish fortress that functioned as a checkpoint. Tambomachay: Known as "The Inca Baths," a temple dedicated to the cult of water.

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2. DAY 2

   Exploration Of The Sacred Valley Of The Incas (vip)

   A journey through landscapes and living traditions. 7:00 am: We will pick you up from your hotel to begin a day full of discoveries. Chinchero: Known as the "City of the Rainbow." We will visit the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat (1607 AD), built on the palace of Túpac Yupanqui, and explore its agricultural terraces and vibrant craft market. Maras and Moray: We will discover Moray, a fascinating Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces that created microclimates. Then, we will descend to the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of salt pools in operation since pre-Inca times, harnessing a natural saltwater spring. Urubamba: We will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley, tasting the best of Peruvian cuisine. Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, we will visit the imposing Fortress of Ollantaytambo, a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center that controlled the valley. You will admire its enormous terraces and the fine stone blocks of its upper temple. Pisac: We will end the day at this impressive archaeological complex, considered a "royal estate" of Inca Pachacútec. Its terraces, aqueducts, and ceremonial structures will give you a glimpse of the advanced Inca knowledge. You will also have the opportunity to explore its famous craft market in search of unique souvenirs. 6:30 pm: Return to the city of Cusco.

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3. DAY 3

   The Great Adventure To Machu Picchu

   The encounter with the lost city of the Incas. 4:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel and private transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo (1.5-hour journey). 5:30 am: We will board the train bound for Aguas Calientes (2-hour journey), enjoying the views of the Urubamba River canyon. Arrival at Machu Picchu: Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, our guide will be waiting to take you to the bus station. After a 30-minute zigzag ascent (400 m), we will reach the entrance to the Inca citadel. Guided Visit: After passing the checkpoint, you will begin a tour of approximately 2.5 hours through the most emblematic places of Machu Picchu: the Plaza de Armas, the Circular Tower, the Intihuatana (Solar Clock), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and more. With Peru America Tours, you will discover the history and mysteries of this sanctuary. Free Time: After the guided tour, you will have free time to stroll through the citadel on your own, take photographs, and absorb the energy of the place. Return: We will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we will board the return train (approx. 2:55 pm) to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be waiting for you for the final transfer back to Cusco (1.5 hours by vehicle).

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4. DAY 4

   Trekking To The Seven-color Mountain - Vinicunca

   A high-altitude challenge with otherworldly landscapes. 4:30 am: Pick-up from your hotel and start of the journey south of the Sacred Valley. We will pass through picturesque Andean villages before reaching the town of Pitumarca. Breakfast and Preparation: We will make a stop to enjoy a comforting breakfast and stock up before starting the hike. Start of the Trek: We will arrive at the starting point in the town of Chillca (3,700 m a.s.l.). From here, we will begin a hike of approximately 3 hours uphill, surrounded by imposing Andean landscapes. Goal Achieved!: Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca Mountain (5,100 m a.s.l.), you will witness a unique natural spectacle: the mountain slopes dyed in vibrant shades of turquoise, lavender, gold, and red, resulting from the mineral composition of its soils. The views of the valleys and surrounding snow-capped peaks are simply unforgettable. You will have ample time to capture the best photographs. Return and Lunch: We will begin the return journey (2 hours downhill) to the starting point, where a delicious lunch awaits us. Cultural Experience: After lunch, we will have the option to visit a local family home to learn about their customs and lifestyle, which still preserve ancestral traditions. 4:00 pm: Return to the city of Cusco and transfer to your hotel, concluding an unforgettable day.

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   • 5,100 m

   
5. DAY 5

   Farewell To The Imperial City

   See you soon, Cusco. At the indicated time, our Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your hotel for the departure transfer to the airport. You will carry with you the memories and magic of a unique land.

   

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS