ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO IN + CITY TOUR – QORICANCHA & 4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Arrival in the Imperial City of Cusco. Welcome, assistance, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free for rest and acclimatization.. At midday, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin our first visit at Qoricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun and the main ceremonial site of the Inca Empire, where the combination of Inca and colonial architecture—alongside the Santo Domingo Convent—creates a fascinating contrast. Then, we will head up to the impressive Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Complex, one of the Incas’ greatest architectural works, with its enormous megalithic stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. Next, we visit Qenqo, an ancient site of ceremonies and sacrifices; followed by Puka Pukara, an Inca military post that served as a checkpoint and resting place; and finally Tambomachay, a center of worship dedicated to water, where the Incas performed rituals asking the gods for rain and fertile crops. Return to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 2: FULL DAY – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Breakfast at the hotel. We start with the pick-up from your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. to head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Pisac,an important archaeological complex located atop a steep hill, featuring vast agricultural terraces and finely crafted Inca temples. We will also visit the Pisac Handicraft Market, one of the most famous in Peru.
At midday, we will enjoy a buffet lunch at a fine tourist restaurant in the town of Urubamba. Afterward, we continue to Ollantaytambo, known for its massive stone walls and ancient canals, and recognized as one of the few continuously inhabited Inca towns. You will explore the great fortress, once the scene of legendary battles and sacred ceremonies. Our last stop is Chinchero, a charming town with Inca walls, a beautiful colonial plaza, and stunning views of Andean peaks and farmlands. Return to your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
Meals: Lunch
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 3: FULL DAY – HISTORICAL SANCTUARY OF MACHU PICCHU
Early morning transfer from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we board the Tourist Train bound for Aguas Calientes. Enjoy breathtaking views of valleys and mountains as we travel
alongside the Vilcanota River. Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and take you to the Consettur bus station for a short ride up to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. During the guided tour, you will marvel at the impressive architecture as our certified guide shares fascinating insights into the history and significance of Machu Picchu for the Inca civilization. After about two hours of the guided visit, you will have free time to explore, rest, or absorb the mystical energy of this remarkable place. At the coordinated time, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a three course executive lunch, and later take the tourist train and bimodal bus back to Cusco. Upon arrival, private transportation will take you to your hotel.
Meals: Lunch
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 4: FULL DAY – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (VINICUNCA)
An extraordinary geological formation and one of the most stunning natural sights in the world, Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, displays a magical palette of colors across its surface. We depart early in the morning, between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., heading south toward the town of Cusipata (approximately 2 hours). There, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing another 40 minutes to the trailhead (4,600m.a.s.l.). We begin a 2-hour hike to reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, located at an altitude of around 5,020 m.a.s.l.. Once at the top, take in the magnificent colors and dramatic landscapes, with time to rest and take unforgettable photos. The return hike takes about 2 hours, and we’ll stop for lunch before driving back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 p.m.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 5: HALF DAY – MARAS & MORAY
Breakfast at the hotel. We will pick you up between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. and head about an hour from Cusco to Moray, believed to be an Inca agricultural research center. Each circular terrace created a unique microclimate that allowed the Incas to experiment with crops grown at different altitudes. We then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, where salty water descending from the mountains fills thousands of small pools and evaporates, leaving behind high-quality culinary salt. The scenery here is truly unique and perfect for taking beautiful photographs.
Return to Cusco around 3:00 p.m. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 6: FULL DAY – HUMANTAY LAKE
A true Andean adventure! We start early, between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., traveling toward the peaceful village of Mollepata, located northwest of Cusco, where we’ll stop for breakfast. We then continue to Soraypampa Valley, the starting point of our hike. After a short rest, we begin a 7 km round-trip hike toward the stunning Humantay Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking mountain scenery. The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on your pace. Once at the lake (4,200 m.a.s.l.), you’ll enjoy serene turquoise waters beneath the imposing Humantay Glacier, with the majestic Salkantay Mountain visible in the distance. We’ll later return to Mollepata for lunch, rest a bit, and take photos before heading back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Cusco.
DAY 7: CUSCO OUT
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Velasco Astete International Airport to board your flight to your next destination or country of origin.
