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Treasures of Cusco

  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley
  • Treasures of Cusco in 7 days, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, South Valley

The city of Cusco was the Navel of the World for the Incas and the capital of their vast Empire. The city, known as the archaeological center of the Americas, was one of the largest and most advanced cities in the New World by the time the Spanish arrived. Cusco is today a very cosmopolitan city and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its narrow cobble-stoned streets are still charged with the mysticism and energy that flowed among its people.

Just an hour drive from Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley) is home to picturesque communities, impressive terraces, and several important archaeological sites. In Inca times, the valley was the breadbasket of the Empire and is still important for agriculture, as farmers plant the same fields (with the same crops they did in Inca Times.) Its mild weather and particular geography make it the ideal place for outdoor activities.

The beautifully preserved lost city of the Incas "Machu Picchu", was a mystic place of worship, a spot for star-gazing, and the private hacienda of the Inca Pachacutec. A real jewel in architecture and engineering that amazes every visitor when walking around its different areas like the palaces, temples, and observatories.
Machu Picchu was selected by millions of online votes in 2007 as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” and it is easy to see why.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival, your friendly and knowledgeable private guide welcomes you. 
From Cusco´s airport, we will drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a tranquil oasis of cultural, historical, and agriculture richness. This day we will visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress full of colossal structures surrounded by beautiful landscapes in complete communion with nature. Our next stop will be the Taray Viewpoint, a vantage point high above the towns of Taray and Pisac. Located northeast of Cusco approximately 1 hour away, it's one of the best scenic views to be had of the Sacred Valley below and a must on the way to Pisac. From here, you can see the Vilcanota River, that means Sacred River, which flows through the Sacred Valley, mountains that hug the valley and a patchwork of farmlands and several Inca ruins including the Pisac Archeological Park in the distance. 
Finally and before to arrive to your hotel, we will visit the impressive Inkariy Museum. Here we will have a delicious lunch and then we will take a guided tour of the museum to learn more about the numerous rooms where cultural representations of pre-Hispanic civilizations of ancient Peru are exhibited.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
lunch

Our adventure continues exploring the less visited treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will start in Moray where the view is awesome due to the colossal concentric terraces simulating an amphitheater. The purpose of it: to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, a measure that guaranteed the agricultural production of the empire. After that, we will go to Maras, the famous and millenary salt mines from colonial times. The contrast of the white wells and the green valley is awesome and a must for a spectacular snapshot of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and in the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where we will be able to learn about the technique with which the Incas worked the stones.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
breakfast/lunch

Early transfer from your Hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station where we will take the train to Machupichu that ride last two hours down the Urubamba gorge, and it changes from mountain vegetation to cloud forest. Arrival at the station of Machupicchu Pueblo and a half an hour bus ride will bring you to the citadel for a guided visit which on average takes three hours as your official guide walks you through the different sector of the hill-top citadel, with astonishing views, telling you aspects of life here that will take you back in time. Lunch is included.

In the afternoon return to Machupicchu Pueblo where you will check into your hotel and use the evening to rest and relax.

Overnight in Machupicchu Pueblo.
breakfast/lunch/dinner

Early departure from your hotel for your full day guided visit to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu which takes around 8 hours. Walking through the different sectors of the hill-top citadel and learning about different aspects of Inca life and history as you admire the mist cloaked mountains. Else, you may choose from a number of short hikes like the Sun Gate or The Inka Bridge.

After lunch, we may return to Machupicchu to continue enjoying this magnificent citadel and recharge ourselves with positive energies.

Upon concluding our excursion to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, we travel back to Cusco in style aboard the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train (or the train of your preference). This is a highlight of our journey, as we unwind over a delicious gourmet meal and listen to lively Peruvian musicians. 
Once in Cusco, we will transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.
breakfast/lunch/dinner

Morning activity: Immerse yourself in the grand colonial majesty of Cusco on a half-day guided sightseeing tour of the city. Wander winding Incan streets to discover the ancient Temple of the Sun "Koricancha", the colossal Cusco Cathedral and San Pedro Market. Gain insight into the fascinating history of the city with an interesting and informative guide as you explore one of Cusco’s most treasured places on foot.

Afternoon activity: Take this chocolate-lovers workshop and learn how to make your very own chocolate from start to finish. Learn about the chocolate-making process with this hands-on experience beginning with the cocoa tree and finishing with your very own chocolate creations. Discover the history of cocoa in Peru and learn why it is one of the top chocolate producers in the world.

Overnight in Cusco.
breakfast

We will pick you up from your Hotel at 8:00 am to start visiting these incredible places in the southern of Cusco.

TIPON: is said to be a royal garden commissioned by Wiracocha. It is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. These tall terraces that run up the narrow valley, are irrigated by an aqueduct from Pachatusan, the mountain above the site. In addition to the terracing there are also, some other structures at Tipon, including baths, a temple complex, canals and aqueducts. Tipon is definitely one of the lesser visited sites in the Cusco area but it is equally as impressive as those in the Sacred Valley. Tipon Archeological Complex is located 24 km southeast of Cusco.

PIKILLAQTA: is the only pre-Inca site in the Cusco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 years AD by the Wari Culture. In the area, there is a small Inca site just a short walk from Pikillacta, known as Rumiqolca, a travel checkpoint for the Incas.

ANDAHUAYLILLAS: Here you find the "Sixtine Chapel of America", a church that is home to golden altars, paintings and many colored ceilings. The chapel is simple and unassuming on the outside, but on the inside, you will find masterpiece after masterpiece. In addition, some paintings from the famous “Escuela Cusqueña” can be appreciated.

On the return to Cusco, we will pass through Saylla Town, a typical town where people have the option to enjoy the delicious chicharron (fried pork), or a roasted Cuy (ginnea pig) - optional. We returned to Cusco at approximately 14:00 pm.

Overnight in Cusco.
breakfast/lunch

At the proper time, we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer to the airport for the flight to your next destination.

7 D / 6 N

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  • Transfers from / to the airport or train station.
  • Private luxury vehicle for tours in Cusco and Sacred Valley
  • Mineral water and snacks.
  • Accommodation based on TWIN in the selected hotel category
  • Train ticket Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Poroy
  • Round trip bus to Machupicchu.
  • Private services with a local English speaking guide.
  • All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to the sites noted in the itinerary (important: the chronological order of visits in the itinerary may change to ensure the best operation)
  • Meals as noted (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)
  • Permanent assistance.
  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
  • Tips (for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters)
  • Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
  • Early check in / late check out unless explicitly stated.
  • Personal expenses and incidentals, such as alcohol, phone calls, e-mail, and laundry
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Just Enjoy Peru

WHAT TO TAKE

  • Good walking, hiking or tennis shoes
  • Lightweight clothes during summer and warm clothes during the Andean winter months,
  • In wet season, please bring a Raincoat, or a Waterproof Jacket.
  • A Day Pack with Sunblock, Water, Camera, Hat and Sunglasses, Insect repellent
  • Passport (valid six months from your date of return to the US) for get iinto Machupicchu.
  • Photocopy of picture page of your passport (pack separately)
  • Extra Money

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