Quintessential Cusco

Discover why the Incas named this incredible city their capital

Towering, snow-capped mountains rise over green valleys and small mountain towns. Cusco’s location in the Andes and proximity to the jungle make it one of the most ecologically unique spots in the world. Whether it’s the landscape, the culture, or the Inca archaeological sites, there are almost endless reasons to fall in love with Cusco. Remarkable temples and mysterious structures dot Cusco and the Sacred Valley, allowing for impressive exploration when you travel to Peru. Allow Kallpa Travel to show you the quintessential sights that Cusco has to offer on this 5-day customized Peru trip!

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1	LIMA: Arrival to Lima, private transfer to your hotel, overnight in Lima
Day 2	CUSCO: Flight to Cusco, City Tour and local ruins
Day 3	SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Tour including the Patacancha native community
Day 4	MACHU PICCHU in all its glory
Day 5	LIMA: Flight to Lima, for your international flight back home

DAY 1: Arrival to LIMA

Today is arrival day at the international airport of Lima. At the pre-arranged time, we will be waiting for you at the airport, to assist you with your luggage and take you to your Lima hotel. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy the cosmopolitan capital of Peru and depending on the time of your arrival, we suggest trying the nation dish of Peru, ceviche!

DAY 2: CUSCO – City Tour

After breakfast, you will take an early flight to Cusco to make the most of your time in Peru! On arrive to the Cusco airport, we will be waiting to help you with your luggage and transfer you to your Cusco hotel. At the pre-arranged time, you will head out on a city tour of the charming Cusco city, that was once the capital of The Inca Empire. The tour will begin at the Santo Domingo convent, which was constructed on the foundations of the Inca Temple of the Sun, The Coricancha is one of the most important Inca temples. The ancient chronicles stated that the walls of this temple were gold-plated, with golden decorations of natural images. We will then visit the cathedral, the most imposing building on the Plaza de Armas. Next, we will then head into the hills of Cusco to the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, who´s enormous walls, offer a spectacular view over the Cusco panorama. We will next head to the close-by Qenqo ruins, a religious archaeological site, where it is believed that the Incas performed rituals for agricultural purposes. Our next visit will be to Puca Pucará, which means “red fortress”, in the native Inca language of Quechua. This archaeological site was a military fortress with many buildings, plazas, aqueducts, towers and baths. It is believed that the site was used to house the Inca´s entourage, while he rested in Tambomachay, our final archaeological site. It is thought that Tambomachay was the special resting place of the Inca where he could bathe and relax in the soothing waters. After this visit, we will take you back to your hotel.

DAY 3: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel, after which we will pass by your hotel, for a visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will head to the Inca town of Pisaq, where we will head up to one of the most stunning archaeological sites in The Sacred Valley, on the top of the mountain overlooking the town of Pisac. We will then wander around the town, where we will have time to visit the famous handicraft market. We will visit a traditional Andean community in Patacancha where we will be able meet llamas and alpacas, as well as local weavers who will show us their weaving techniques and preparation of natural dyes for their traditional textiles. we meet the local shepherds and learn about the alpacas, the rituals before shearing them and the importance of thanking the mountains (Apus), and mother earth (Pachamama) for providing the clothes and food from the Alpaca. This is an extremely special moment of connection with the spirituality of the Quechua people. We can enjoy our lunch in a typical restaurant of the Sacred Valley, before we head to our final sight on our tour, the fabulous archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. This site was important for the Incas as a military, religious and agricultural centre. We will visit the temple of the ten windows, the Ñusta bath, the temple of the sun and other important sights of interest. The magnificent views from the top of the ruins of Ollantaytambo, will close this magical day in The Sacred Valley of the Incas. This evening we will spend the evening in the Sacred Valley hotel of your choice.

DAY 4: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

The most important day has arrived, when we will visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. You will need to wake up bright and early to have a hearty breakfast at the hotel. At the prearranged time, our team will collect you from the hotel to take the train to Aguas Calientes and bus to the top of the mountain. Along the way we will have privileged views over the Urubamba River which forms part of this famous canyon. The Lost City of The Incas Machu Picchu, will await us with its magnificent terraces, Inca stairways and ceremonial sites. Embrace the energy emanating from this magical citadel. After our guided tour of Machu Picchu, we will enjoy lunch in one of the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes. At the indicated time we will return by train to the train station of Poroy or Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take us to our Cusco Hotel.

DAY 5: CUSCO – LIMA

Today we say goodbye to Cusco, and we will have breakfast and check-out, before we head to the airport. Our team will be waiting to take you for your flight back to Lima. We sincerely hope that you have passed some incredible days, full of adventure, new experiences and unforgettable experiences in Peru and that you return home with Peruvian souvenirs, a lot of photos and incredible anecdotes to tell, about this journey to quintessential Cusco!

Included:

4 nights in hotels of your choice with a daily breakfast (1 x night in Lima. 2 x nights in Cusco, 1 night in the Sacred Valley).
Airport Transfer / hotel / Airport in Spanish/English.
Tourist Ticket to allow entrance into all sights
Tour of Cusco City in Spanish/English. All entrance tickets included.
Sacred Valley of The Incas Tour in Spanish/English. Entrance tickets included for the cathedral and Coricancha. Tour of the 4 Ruins in Spanish and English.
Tour to Machu Picchu in Spanish/English.
Hotel transfer/ Train Station/hotel.
Train tickets (return) Expedition Service (Peru Rail) or Voyager Service (Inca Rail).
1 bus (return trip) to Machu Picchu.
1 Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with guided tour (Local Guide in Spanish/English.).
1 lunch in Aguas Calientes restaurant (drinks not included).

Services NOT Included:

Personal spending money, drinks and meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips for the driver and guide.
Additional, optional visits such as Huayna Picchu/ Machu Picchu Mountain
Supplements for bank holidays/ special dates, such as Easter week, Inti Raymi, Independence Day, Christmas and New Year (Please ask for more information).
Domestic or International airport taxes.
Drinks and meals, other than breakfast.
Travel Insurance