Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour – 6 Days and 5 Nights
6 days and 5 nights.
3,700 m.s.n.m
Moderate
8 to 12 people
Este itinerario de 6 días y 5 noches está diseñado para brindar una experiencia inmersiva en la cultura inca y los impresionantes paisajes de Cusco y sus alrededores. Explore ruinas arqueológicas, mercados tradicionales, entornos naturales únicos y culmine su aventura con una visita a Machu Picchu, una de las maravillas modernas del mundo.
ITINERARY
Airport reception and hotel transfer:
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. This day is free to help you acclimatize to the 3,400-meter altitude. It’s recommended to rest, drink coca tea, and explore the historic city center if you feel well.
Optional activity:
A short walk around the Plaza de Armas to visit Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
Visits:
Begin with a tour of the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire. Continue to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive fortress with stunning views of Cusco. The tour also includes Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Afternoon at leisure:
Explore San Pedro Market or the artisan district of San Blas, known for its workshops and craft shops.
Sacred Valley Tour:
Travel to the Sacred Valley, famous for its fertile lands and significant Inca settlements. Visit Pisac, renowned for its artisanal market and archaeological site perched atop a mountain. Then, explore Ollantaytambo, a strategically built Inca fortress and one of the last strongholds of the Inca resistance.
Overnight in Ollantaytambo:
Stay near the train station, ensuring an early start for the next day’s journey to Machu Picchu.
Excursion to Moray and Maras Salt Mines:
Visit Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural research center with concentric terraces creating microclimates. Continue to the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive network of salt ponds dating back to pre-Inca times, still in use today.
Train journey to Aguas Calientes:
In the afternoon, board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes:
Enjoy a free evening to explore the local market or relax in the hot springs.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu:
Take an early bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the citadel, exploring its temples, terraces, plazas, and iconic structures. Learn about the history and mysteries of this remarkable site.
Free time and return to Cusco:
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu (with prior reservation). In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by private transport to Cusco.
Transfer to Cusco airport:
At the scheduled time, you’ll be taken from your hotel to the airport for your return flight. End of the tour.
INCLUDES
- Full transportation during the tour (transfers, trains, and buses).
- Entry tickets to all mentioned archaeological sites (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Moray, and Maras).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Accommodation in hotels for 5 nights.
- Daily breakfasts and lunches during excursions.
- Roundtrip train tickets to Machu Picchu.
NOT INCLUDED
- International or domestic flights to Cusco.
- Tips for guides, porters, or drivers (optional).
- Dinners and some free lunches.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks).
RECOMMENDATIONS
What to bring:
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures (light clothing for the day, warm for the evening).
- Waterproof jacket for rainy or cold weather.
- Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip for uneven terrain.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Reusable water bottle and energy snacks for hikes.
Acclimatization:
Spend your first day resting and acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals.
Local and pharmaceutical remedies:
- Coca tea or coca candies are excellent for preventing altitude sickness.
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) can aid acclimatization (consult a doctor before use).
- Pain relievers for potential headaches.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Moderate fitness is sufficient, but activities like visiting Pisac and Machu Picchu require a moderate level of endurance.
Arriving one day before the tour is usually sufficient for acclimatization, especially for first-time travelers to the Andean region.
Yes, activities can be adjusted based on your preferences and needs.
Daily breakfasts and lunches during excursions are included. Dinners and some free lunches allow you to enjoy local cuisine independently.
Activities are planned to minimize weather-related risks, and adjustments will be made to ensure participants’ safety and comfort in case of extreme conditions.
Gallery
