Magic in Cusco 6 Days & 5 Nights six essential days

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

Each of the 6 days combines route, history and rest. This is the complete program, step by step.

1. DAY 1

   Welcome & City Tour

   Once we pick you up from your hotel, we will visit: KORICANCHA – It was the main and central temple of the entire Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God. It stands out for the engineering used in its construction; its walls were covered with gold plates and contained life-size animals made of precious metal. The remains of the Incas and their wives, who ruled these lands, were also kept here, embalmed in such a way that, according to the chronicles, they seemed to be alive. SACSAYHUAMAN – Known as «The Head of the Great Puma», Cusco had the shape of a puma, and Sacsayhuaman represented its head. Located 3 km from the city, this imposing fortress of monumental stones is an example of excellent architecture. It is also known as «The House of the Sun», and every June 24 the ancestral ritual of Inti Raymi is celebrated here. This site also keeps the memory of the last battle between the invaders and the Incas. QUENQO – Temple of the Pachamama or Mother Earth, it was a ceremonial and ritual center. In its amphitheater, black llamas were sacrificed every winter solstice (June 21). On this day, the shadows cast by the carved stones formed a phenomenon known as «The Awakening of the Puma», which marked the beginning of the great Inti Raymi festival. PUCAPUCARA – Inca fortress that worked as a watchtower. This tambo controlled the entry and exit of those traveling to or from the sacred city. TAMBOMACHAY – Known as the «Royal Baths of the Inca and the Ñusta», located 7 km from the city of Cusco, it was a ceremonial center for water worship, with springs that still flow today. It is believed to have been a resting place for the Inca. 6:30 pm: Return to the city of Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel or, if you prefer, at the beautiful Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

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2. DAY 2

   Sacred Valley of the Incas

   07:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in CuscoOur Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your accommodation to board our comfortable tourist bus, equipped with all safety measures and mandatory insurance (SOAT). We will begin the journey to the heart of the Sacred Valley, leaving the city of Cusco behind to venture into a landscape of mountains and valleys of incredible beauty. 08:30 am | Visit to Chinchero – The City of the RainbowOur first stop will be the picturesque village of Chinchero, known as the "City of the Rainbow." Here we will visit the Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, a colonial gem built in 1607 on the foundations of the palace of Túpac Yupanqui. We will explore its impressive Inca agricultural terraces and have the opportunity to visit its traditional craft market, where you can appreciate and purchase high-quality textiles made with ancestral techniques. The local residents, dressed in their traditional costumes, offer a living sample of Quechua culture. 10:00 am | Exploration of Moray and Maras – Agricultural Laboratories and Salt MinesWe will continue our tour to the fascinating archaeological complex of Moray. This unique site consists of several levels of concentric circular terraces that functioned as an experimental agricultural laboratory. The Incas created different microclimates at each level to study the adaptation of crops from various regions of the empire. The acoustics and views of the place are simply spectacular. A short distance away, we will descend to the ancient Maras Salt Mines. This impressive set of thousands of salt pools, which harness a natural saltwater spring, has been exploited since pre-Inca times. The white terraces embedded in the mountainside create a dreamlike landscape you will not forget. You can walk among the pools and observe the community members working to extract salt, just as their ancestors did. 01:00 pm | Buffet Lunch in UrubambaWe will head to the picturesque village of Urubamba, the agricultural heart of the valley, to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a cozy local restaurant. You will taste the best of Peruvian cuisine, with a wide variety of typical dishes. We especially invite you to try the famous Sacred Valley corn, recognized for its large size and unique flavor. 03:00 pm | Visit to Ollantaytambo – The Living FortressIn the afternoon, we will visit the imposing archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important military, religious, and agricultural complexes of the Inca empire. Its enormous stone terraces rise majestically over the valley, and at the top you can admire the six giant monoliths of the "Sacred Rock" and the Temple of the Sun. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to walk through the cobblestone streets of the town of Ollantaytambo, considered one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in Peru, where its inhabitants still maintain the original urban layout and many ancestral customs. 05:00 pm | Exploration of Pisac – Market and FortressOur last stop will be the impressive archaeological complex of Pisac, strategically located on a mountaintop overlooking the valley. Its agricultural terraces, tunnels, aqueducts, and ceremonial enclosures are a testament to the advanced architectural knowledge of the Incas. From the summit, the panoramic views of the valley are simply unforgettable. Upon descending, we will have time to explore the famous Pisac artisan market, one of the largest and most colorful in the region. Here you can find ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. Do not forget to try the delicious traditional empanaditas sold in the square. 07:00 pm | Return to the City of CuscoWe will board our transport to begin the return journey to the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an unforgettable day exploring the treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

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3. DAY 3

   Machu Picchu — full day

   Morning: Beginning of the Adventure Pick-up from your hotel: Our Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo at the previously agreed time, to comfortably transfer you to the train station. Train journey to Aguas Calientes: Board the train and prepare for a scenic journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. During the trip, you will enjoy impressive views of the Sacred Valley, mountains covered in vegetation, and the mighty Urubamba River. The train will drop you off in the welcoming town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the gateway to the citadel. Arrival at Machu Picchu Bus ascent: Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, our guide will be waiting for you to accompany you to the bus station. You will board one of the buses that, in an exciting 25-minute ascent along a winding road (400-meter elevation gain), will take you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Guided visit to the citadel: Once inside Machu Picchu, you will begin a tour of approximately 2 hours led by an expert guide from Peru America Tours. You will discover the best-kept secrets of this Inca masterpiece: The Main Plaza The Circular Tower The Intihuatana (Solar Clock) The Temple of the Sun The Temple of the Three Windows The urban and ceremonial complexes that make up this enigmatic city. Free time to explore: After the guided visit, you will have free time to continue exploring the citadel on your own, take the most iconic photographs, or simply sit and contemplate the mystical energy that envelops the place. Afternoon: Return and Farewell Descent and lunch: You will descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes, where a delicious included lunch awaits you at a cozy local restaurant. You can enjoy Peruvian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Return train to Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. We recommend arriving at the station 20 minutes in advance. During the return trip, you can review your photos and relive the moments experienced as the train takes you back to the valley. Transfer to your hotel: Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo station, our Peru America Tours team will be waiting for you to transfer you back to your hotel, concluding a perfect day.

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4. DAY 4

   Seven Colors Mountain (Vinicunca)

   04:00 am – 04:30 am | Pick-up from your hotel in CuscoThe adventure begins before dawn. The Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your accommodation to board our comfortable tourist transport, equipped with portable oxygen and a first aid kit. We will begin the journey south of the region, venturing into the Andean valleys and crossing picturesque traditional villages. 06:30 am | Energizing Breakfast in CusipataAfter approximately 2 hours of travel, we will arrive at the district of Cusipata. Here we will enjoy an energizing breakfast prepared with local products, ideal to fuel up before starting the hike. We will also take a short break to rest and prepare for the day. 08:00 am | Arrival at Chillihuani and Start of the HikeWe will continue our journey for approximately 1 hour until we reach the community of Chillihuani, the starting point of our hike. From here, with trekking poles in hand (included) and accompanied by our professional guide, we will begin the ascent to the 7-Color Mountain. 09:30 am | Ascent to VinicuncaThe hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill. The trail is at high altitude, offering spectacular scenery at every moment: the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain (6,372 m a.s.l.) stands as guardian of the valley, while llamas and alpacas graze freely around us. For those who wish, there is the option to rent a horse from local villagers to ease the physical effort (service not included, direct payment on site). 11:00 am | Arrival at the 7-Color Mountain (Vinicunca)Upon reaching the summit, at over 5,200 meters above sea level, the spectacle is simply breathtaking. The natural stripes of color covering the mountain — red, green, purple, yellow, pink, and ocher — are the result of mineral accumulation over millions of years. We will have ample time to take the best photographs, rest, and listen to our guide's fascinating explanations about the geological origin of this phenomenon and its profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Andean communities. 12:30 pm | Descent to ChillihuaniWe will begin the descent back to Chillihuani, a more relaxed path that will allow us to say goodbye to the landscape from different perspectives and continue enjoying the local fauna and flora. 02:00 pm | Traditional Andean Lunch in CusipataUpon arriving at Chillihuani, we will board our transport to return to Cusipata. There, a delicious traditional Andean lunch awaits us, prepared with local ingredients and ancestral recipes, perfect for regaining energy after the hike. 03:00 pm | Return to the City of CuscoWe will begin the return trip to the city. During the journey, you can relax and relive the moments experienced as the vehicle once again travels through the Andean valleys. 05:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in CuscoWe will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an unforgettable day at one of Peru's most impressive natural destinations.

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5. DAY 5

   Humantay Lagoon

   04:30 am – 05:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in CuscoOur adventure begins very early. The Peru America Tours team will pick you up from your accommodation to board our comfortable tourist bus. We will begin the journey south of the Sacred Valley, venturing into the imposing Andean geography. 07:00 am | Andean Breakfast in MollepataAfter a journey of approximately 2 hours, during which we will pass through picturesque villages such as Poroy and Limatambo, we will arrive at the welcoming town of Mollepata (2,900 m a.s.l.). Here we will enjoy a delicious typical breakfast, prepared with local products to fuel up before starting the hike. 08:30 am | Arrival at Soraypampa and Start of the TrekWe will continue our journey along a winding road until we reach Soraypampa (3,900 m a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike. From here, with trekking poles in hand (recommended) and accompanied by our professional guide, we will begin an uphill hike of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The trail offers panoramic views of the valley and the imposing Vilcabamba mountain range. 10:00 am | Arrival at Humantay LagoonUpon reaching the summit, the reward is simply magical: Humantay Lagoon (4,200 m a.s.l.) opens up before our eyes with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, reflecting the imposing Humantay snow-capped peak (5,450 m a.s.l.) that stands as a guardian of the place. We will have ample time to explore its shores, take the most impressive photographs, breathe in the peace of the surroundings, and listen to our guide's fascinating explanations about the formation of the lagoon and its spiritual significance for the Andean communities. 11:30 am | Descent to SoraypampaWe will begin the descent back to Soraypampa, a much more relaxed path that will allow us to say goodbye to the landscape from new perspectives. 12:30 pm | Lunch and Exploration of the Salkantay TrailIn Soraypampa, a restorative lunch awaits us to replenish our energy. We will also take the opportunity to explore the surroundings and enjoy the views of Salkantay Snow-Capped Peak (6,271 m a.s.l.), the second highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most venerated apus (sacred mountains). 02:00 pm | Return to the City of CuscoWe will board our transport to begin the return journey. During the trip, you can relax and relive the moments experienced as the bus winds its way back through the Andean valleys. 05:00 pm (approx.) | Arrival in CuscoWe will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an unforgettable day at one of the most beautiful natural destinations in the Peruvian Andes.

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   • 4,200 m

   
6. DAY 6

   Farewell to the Imperial City

   At the agreed 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 the magic of a unique land. End of our services.

   • Breakfast

   

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS