Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco
Your Cusco adventure kicks off with a guided tour hitting four major Inca sites in one day. You'll start at Tambomachay, then move through Pucapucara, Qenqo, and Sacsayhuaman, where those precisely fitted stone blocks really show off the engineering skill. After that, you'll check out the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral of Cusco to see the paintings from the Cusqueñian school. By afternoon you're free to wander through the city center on your own and grab lunch whenever you're ready.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tambomachay
- Guided tour of Pucapucara
- Guided tour of Qenqo
- Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman
- Guided tour of Temple of the Sun
- Guided tour of Cathedral of Cusco
Landmarks/POIs Tambomachay Pucapucara Qenqo Sacsayhuaman Temple of the Sun Cathedral of Cusco - Day 2
Cusco (Southern sites)
This day focuses on southern Cusco's history with your guide. You'll head to Andahuylillas first, which has Spanish-era frescoes and paintings that really showcase the blend of cultures. From there, the Water Temple gives you insight into how the Incas managed their hydraulic systems. Next comes Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca site with some notable squares and royal buildings that show how earlier civilizations built here. You'll break for lunch at a local restaurant, then head back to Cusco where you'll have the afternoon free to do what you want in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant tasting local food)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Andahuylillas (Sistine Chapel of the Andes)
- Guided tour of Water Temple
- Guided tour of Pikillaqta
- Lunch at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Andahuylillas Water Temple Pikillaqta - Day 3
Cusco (Inti Raymi Festival)
You'll experience the Inti Raymi festival, an annual recreation of the ancient Inca sun ceremony. The day starts at the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) where the Inca performs the ritual, then the whole celebration processes through the Main Square. It concludes at the Sacsayhuamán fortress where thousands dress in traditional costumes and perform dances and music. Note that if you want access to Sacsayhuamán for the fortress representation, you'll need to reserve a paid ticket at registration since it requires an additional fee beyond the main event.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Inti Raymi festival attendance
- Guided tour of Inti Raymi ceremony at Koricancha
- Guided tour of Inti Raymi procession through Main Square
Optional Activities
- Sacsayhuamán fortress representation viewing (paid entry at own expense, must be reserved at registration)
Landmarks/POIs Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) Main Square (Plaza de Armas) Sacsayhuamán - Day 4
Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Your Sacred Valley journey begins at Pisaq, an archaeological complex with terraces, fountains, observatories, and a massive necropolis holding nearly 10,000 burials. You'll browse the traditional craft market in the village, then continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. Walking through the 15th-century cobbled streets there feels like stepping back in time since they've stayed largely unchanged since Inca days. Later you'll board your train to Aguas Calientes, arriving for your first night at the Machu Picchu gateway with the evening free to explore the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Pisaq archaeological complex
- Visit to traditional craft market in Pisaq
- Guided stroll through Ollantaytambo village
- Train journey Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks/POIs Pisaq Pisaq Market Ollantaytambo Urubamba River - Day 5
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu day arrives. A bus takes you to the entrance of this iconic Inca citadel that Hiram Bingham rediscovered over a century ago. Your guide leads you through the site, where the architectural design and dramatic landscapes really show why it's considered one of the Seven Wonders. You'll have lunch at a local restaurant before heading back down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you'll catch your return train to Ollantaytambo. If you're interested, Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu mountain ascents can be added, though both need advance reservation and offer different views and experiences.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bus transfer to Machu Picchu entrance
- Guided tour of Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu
- Lunch at local restaurant
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Optional Activities
- Ascent of Huaynapicchu Mountain (not included, available depending on availability, different times and entrances, reserve in advance)
- Ascent of Machupicchu Mountain (not included, available depending on availability, different times and entrances, reserve in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu Huaynapicchu Machupicchu Mountain - Day 6
Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Start by exploring the Ollantaytambo fortress with its dramatic terraces. You'll then drive to the salt works at Maras, where miners have used the same traditional methods since Inca times. Next is Moray, an agricultural lab where the Incas tested how different plants adapted to various altitudes. On your way back to Cusco, you'll stop at the Chinchero ruins. You'll arrive back in Cusco by evening with free time to rest or walk around town if you're not too tired.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Ollantaytambo fortress
- Guided tour of salt works of Maras
- Guided tour of Moray agricultural laboratory
- Guided tour of Chinchero ruins
Landmarks/POIs Ollantaytambo fortress Maras salt works Moray Chinchero ruins
