HIGHLIGHTS: City Tour, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tour to Moray & Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Pisac market and Ruins, Mountain Bike, Train Ride, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountains, Citadel of Machu Picchu in SMALL GROUPS.
Upon your arrival at Cusco you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel and we will start visiting the Imperial Cusco City, a living example of the mix of andean and spanish culture. We then continue our tour by the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights, after which we continue by visiiting the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman which dominates the city. Finally we visit the remains of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city before returning to your hotel in Cusco in early evening.
Hostel: Overnight in Cusco (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)
We will pick you up at your hotel and then we will drive in our private transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We will stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will arrive to the colourful market of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs; afterwards we will drive to the archaeological site of Pisac where we may enjoy the great and unique ancient tombs, terraces, watch towers and the religious area. After time to enjoy the stunning sight, we continue towards the village of Urubamba for lunch. Then we will go to the archaeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” which is unique and fascinating. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are, and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops. We continue with our journey to the colonial town of Maras, where we start a little hike downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for cattle licks. Finally we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner.
Hostel: Overnight in Ollantaytambo (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)
After a delicious breakfast we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and Stone Streets. In its high part one rises to an impressive ceremonial center of cult to the water and fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley. On the other mountain side part one rises to an impressive ancient storehouses. After time to explore and enjoy this great sight we take our train to Aguas Calientes; during the trip we will have an gorgeous view of the Sacred Urubamba valley. We will spend the night in a hotel.
On this day! There is the possibility to ride 42km in Mountain Bike through the Andean communities, see the video.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Hostel: Overnight in Aguas Calientes (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)
After an early breakfast we leave our hostel to take the bus, for the journey up to Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, we will visit one of the most important energetic centers of the world: Machu picchu. The guided tour will take us into the history of this mysterious and charming place. After that we will have plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain or going up to the Sun Gate. Then we will head back to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and we will return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Meal: Breakfast
PERSONAL HELP PORTER INCLUDED
The prices INCLUDES the MACHU PICCHU entrance fee of 179 Peruvian Soles (S/.152 + S/.27 sales tax) which is about US$60, bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (US$24), tourist train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Expedition Service 84 (US$140), Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (US$15), Hotel at Aguas Calientes (US$57), portable camping TOILET with SIT and all local sales taxes (18%).
SAM Travel Peru does not have hidden charges in the trek prices
“Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers”
If there are at least 4 people in your group, you will automatically get either: $30 per person group discount or a free Sacred Valley tour (Must do in Cusco). This discount or free tour is valid for the following adventure trips: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay trek, Choquekirao to Machu Picchu trek, Lares trek etc.
Please note that this discount does not apply to private treks or any other trek not mentioned here.