PERU – CUSCO CITY TOUR – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS – MARAS & MORAY – MACHUPICCHU – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

I.- MAGICAL CUSCO 5D/4N

DAY 1.- CUSCO CITY TOUR

The city of Cusco has a rich history that cannot be easily summarized. The Inca civilization founded the city of Cusco around 1200 AD. According to the legends, the founders of the city were the mythical figures of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo. The legend tells that they were born from the waters of Lake Titicaca. During the reign of Inca Pachakuteq, the Incas began a fast expansion process that created the Inca Empire. This empire was known as “Tawantinsuyu”, a Quechua term that means “four regions”. The Incas managed to conquer most of the western side of South America. Their territory covered lands that nowadays are part of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The Inca civilization continued its expansion during the reign of Tupac Inca Yupanqui and Huayna Capac. During our day tour in Cusco, you will explore incredibleInca archaeological sites. These sites include Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. You will also visit the Convent of Santo Domingo.  A city tour in Cusco is something that cannot be skipped during a trip to Peru. 

QORIKANCHA

Our Cusco city tour is designed to explore the most important landmarks of Cusco. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at coordinate time. Then our city tour will start. The first place we will visit is the Convent of Santo Domingo. This church was built on top of the Inca temple of Qorikancha. However, some sections of the Qorikancha are still visible. Some of them are the Sun Temple, the Moon Temple, the Intipampa, the Solar Garden.

SACSAYHUAMAN

Then, we will visit Sacsayhuaman, which is located north of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman has huge stone walls that surround a hill. They are arranged in a zig zag layout that resembles a fortress. The Incas used Sacsayhuaman as a temple dedicated to the sun and thunder gods. 

QENQO

After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will explore the nearby Inca site of Qenqo. To this day, the real purpose of Qenqo is still unknown. Some sections of Qenqo are decorated with complex stone carvings that resemble snakes. 

TAMBOMACHAY

Our next stop will be the archaeological site of Tambomachay. Tambomachay was a temple dedicated to the water. It also served as a resting place for the Inca nobility. Tambomachay has some Inca water fountains that still function to this day. 

PUCA PUCARA

Our final stop will be the fortress of Puca Pucara. Puca Pucara is a Quechua term that means “red fortress”. This name was given due to the red stones used to build it. Puca Pucara is located on the outskirts of Cusco, and was used by the Incas as a military outpost and administrative center. After visiting Puca Pucara, we will return to Cusco city.

DAY 2.- SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am. Then we will drive to the archaeological site of Pisac. Pisac is located on the east side of the Sacred Valley, at an altitude of 3300 m.s.a.l. Pisac was built in the XV century, during the reign of Inca Pachakuteq. After the Spanish conquest, most of the buildings of Pisac were sacked and the original population escaped the area. The Inca ruins of Pisac comprises numerous stone structures. These include theterraces, the Pucaras, and the neighborhoods of Intiwatana, Tianayuc, K’alla Q’asa, Pisaq’a, and Qanchis Raqay. After exploring Pisac, we will go to Urubamba town. Urubamba is located in the lowest and warmest section of the Sacred Valley. Here we will have a buffet lunch that is not included in the tour. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was a ceremonial center and Inca royal state. It also served as a temporal capital for the Inca resistance during the Spanish conquest. We will have a guided tour of Ollantaytambo. After explore Ollantaytambo we will go to the nearby train station. There, we will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The train trip takes around 1.5 hours. Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 3.- MACHUPICCHU

You will wake up early to have breakfast. Then, we will take a bus to Machu Picchu. After passing the security checkpoints, you will enter the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will be visiting the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and much more. If you have booked a tour to the Huayna Picchu mountain, your guide will take you to the respective entrance. After visiting Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes town. Here you will have free time to have lunch at a local restaurant. The price of the lunch is not included in the tour. In the afternoon, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo. Once there, we will return to Cusco city.

DAY 4.- MARAS AND MORAY

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. Then, we will drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Maras town. Maras is a picturesque place surrounded by beautiful landscapes. We will go to a nearby lookout to appreciate the Maras Salt Mines. An additional entrance ticket is necessary to enter the Maras Salt Mines. Maras is not a salt flat. It is a group of thousands of salt ponds. Once the pond is exposed to the sunlight, the water evaporates, leaving behind the precious pink salt of Maras (“Sal Rosada de Maras”). This mineral is highly appreciated for its unique color and flavor. After exploring Maras, we will go to the archaeological center of Moray. Moray resembles an amphitheater due to its concentric terraces. However, this place was used as a sort of ancient agricultural laboratory by the Inca civilization. According to some studies, the Incas used Moray to grow crops from warm climates. These crops included coca leaves, which are considered sacred in the Andean world. The terraces of Moray are located at different levels. Thus, each level creates a different microclimate. After exploring Maras and Moray, we will return to Cusco.

DAY 5.- VINICUNCA RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 am. Then, we will drive for 2 hours to Cusipata town. Once there, we will continue our journey through the Red Valley to Pampa Chiri town. From there, the road becomes quite steep. After trekking for around 1.5 hours, we will finally arrive at Vinicunca. Once in Vinicunca, your tour guide will explain to you the history and cultural importance of the place. After admiring the landscapes and taking photographs, we will hike back to Cusipata, where we will have lunch. Finally, we will drive back to Cusco city. We will be arriving there around 5:00 pm. The Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is located 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco. It stands out because of its vibrant colors. Vinicunca is situated in the Vilcanota mountain range, at a height of 5036 meters above sea level. The unique colors of Vinicunca have a geological origin. Its blue, green and reddish tones are the result of mineral accumulation caused by the nearby glaciers. Vinicunca used to be covered in snow during most of the year. However, due to global warming the snow disappeared and the mountain became visible. The climate on Vinicunca is cold and dry. It is recommended to visit this mountain during the dry season, from April to October. During the rainy season, the road to Vinicunca becomes slippery. Also, it is difficult to appreciate the landscapes because they get covered in mist. Be aware that the trip to rainbow mountain is a high altitude trek. A lot of people suffer from altitude sickness if they do not prepare beforehand. We recommend you to spend some days in Cusco city before visiting the Rainbow Mountain Peru.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees to All the places you will visit

Train tickets to Machupicchu

Bus tickets to Machupicchu

Hotel in Machupicchu

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDES

Meals during the tours.

Hotels in Cusco

Extra ticket for Waynapicchu

Gratitude for the Guide.

PRICES

• 1 PERSON 1375 US DOLLARS

• 2 PEOPLE 902 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

• 4 PEOPLE 713 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

• 6 PEOPLE 615 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

• 8 PEOPLE 594 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

PERU – CUSCO – HUACAYUPANA – SANTA TERESA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO

II.- COFFEE EXPERIENCE HIKE 3D/2N

DAY 1.- CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – HUACAYUPANA   

You will be picked up by your guide from your hotel in Cusco at 7.00 am and taken on private transportation to Santa Maria, from where we will take other transportation to the trailhead of the hike leading to the local house. You can choose the most beautiful hike (2 to 2,5 hours with some steep parts) or a shorter hike of about 1 hour and 15 minutes (only if you are afraid of heights). Upon arrival, our hosts will serve you a delicious lunch. In the afternoon you will learn all about the coffee-making process from one of Peru’s best specialists: from harvesting the beans to your own cup of coffee. Overnight stay at nice accommodation. Some rooms share a bathroom with a hot shower; other rooms have these facilities. The total distance of hiking is 3.8 km.

DAY 2.- HUACAYUPANA – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your hosts. From the house, you will take a four-hour walk following the road to Santa Teresa, and enjoying a multitude of flowers along the way. You can even walk the adventurous path along the river bank if the river level allows it. On the way, you will have the chance to cross the river in a kind of cable car: not for people with a fear of heights. Upon arrival at the hot springs of Cocalmayo, you can sit, relax, and enjoy the three swimming pools. Finally, we will take public transport to the train station called “Hidroeléctrica”, and from there you will continue to Aguas Calientes. You can continue your way on foot alongside the train tracks for 2.5 to 3.5 hours (flat terrain), or take the train. We need to know in advance if you want to take the train since you cannot buy tickets at the train station in Hidroeléctrica on the day of its departure. The train ticket can be added throughout the booking process and costs USD 38 p.p. In Aguas Calientes, you could do a little walk around town and have dinner in one of the many restaurants. The total distance of hiking is 7.9 km but If you walk instead of taking the train, is 10 km more of flat terrain.

DAY 3.- AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO 

We will wake up early in the morning to have breakfast. Then, we will board a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu. After passing the security checkpoints, our trip to Machu Picchu will start. You will have a guided tour of the most important monuments of the citadel. You will explore the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, and much more. If you have booked a ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain, your guide will take you to the respective entrance. After the guided tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes. You can have lunch at a local restaurant, however the lunch is not included in the tour price. In the afternoon, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo. There, your will be transfer to Cusco city. We will be arriving in Cusco around 7:00 pm.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation. 

Lunch and dinner 1 day

Breakfast 2 day

Activities at the local house

Hotel in Machupicchu

Entrance fee to Machupicchu

Train back to Ollantaytambo

Bus ticket to Machupicchu

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDED

Breakfast 1 day

Lunch and dinner 2 day

Lunch 3 day

Extra ticket for Waynapicchu

Ticket for Cocalmayo hot spring

Gratitude for the Guide.

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 870 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 626 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 492 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 462 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 435 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

NOTE, IN THIS TOUR NO MORE THAN 8 PEOPLE BECAUSE IS ONLY ONE HOUSE IN THIS ROUTE AND NOT MANY ROOMS, BASIC PLACE TO SLEEP BUT WITH NICE FAMILY.

DAY TOURS IN CUSCO

1.- CUSCO CITY TOUR

QORICANCHA

Pick up from your hotel at 8:00 am, then next stop will be the Convent of Santo Domingo. This church was built on top of the Inca temple of Qorikancha. However, some sections of the Qorikancha are still visible. Some of them are the Sun Temple, the Moon Temple, the Intipampa, the Solar Garden, among other Inca ruins.

SACSAYWAMAN

Then, we will visit Sacsayhuaman, which is located north of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman has huge stone walls that surround a hill. They are arranged in a zig zag layout that resembles a fortress. The Incas used Sacsayhuaman as a temple dedicated to the sun and thunder gods. 

QENQO

After visiting Sacsayhuaman, we will explore the nearby Inca site of Qenqo. To this day, the real purpose of Qenqo is still unknown. Some sections of Qenqo are decorated with complex stone carvings that resemble snakes. 

TAMBOMACHAY

Our next stop will be the archaeological site of Tambomachay. Tambomachay was a temple dedicated to the water. It also served as a resting place for the Inca nobility. Tambomachay has some Inca water fountains that still function to this day. 

PUCA PUCARA

Our final stop will be the fortress of Puca Pucara. Puca Pucara is a Quechua term that means “red fortress”. This name was given due to the red stones used to build it. Puca Pucara is located on the outskirts of Cusco, and was used by the Incas as a military outpost. After visiting Puca Pucara, we will return to Cusco city.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDES

Meals

Extra expenses

Gratitude for the Guide.

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 145 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 85 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 65 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 55 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 45 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

CUSCO WALKING TOUR

Explore Cusco on foot!! This walking tour (downhill only) offers a great introduction to the Inca capital. Combining a visit to the city itself with the discovery of the most important archaeological sites around it, this experience offers you a very complete insight into Cusco. To start this tour, please meet up with your local guide at your hotel, in the center of Cusco at 8.00 am. In his company, you will first discover two of the most impressive ruins situated above the city: Qenqo and Sacsaywaman (“Sexy Woman”). You will be amazed by the views. Then you will descend into the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, full of restaurants and charming shops, where you will enjoy a break in a local cafe. Then it is time to visit the famous Qoricancha (Sun Temple). It’s incredible to see how the Incas built this city.Learn some basic words in Quechua, try them out on the street, and ask anything you want to know about Cuzco. If you like, you can share lunch with your guide as well before ending this tour at around 1 pm at the Sun Temple.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Snacks

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDES

Meals

Extra expenses

Gratitude for the Guide.

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 140 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 85 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 65 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 55 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 45 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

CHINCHERO

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then, we will drive to the picturesque town of Chinchero. Chinchero has a beautiful colonial church. It was built in the XVII century and its complete name is the “Temple of Our Lady of the Nativity”. This church combines Inca and Spanish architecture styles. Chinchero also has relatively unknown Inca ruins. These ruins are located in the middle of the town. They comprise the foundations of the Royal Palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. This palace was destroyed in 1536, during the Spanish conquest of Peru.

OLLANTAYTAMBO

After exploring Chinchero, we will drive to Ollantaytambo. The archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo is located near a town of the same name. We will visit the most important areas of Ollantaytambo, including the agricultural terraces, the Choqana Fort, the MañayRaqay square, the Ñusta’s bath, among others. 

PISAC

Our final stop will be Pisac. Like Ollantaytambo, Pisac is located near a town of the same name. Pisac comprises several Inca ruins. They include terraces, aqueducts, roads, and walls. The main section of Pisac is located on a hill, overseeing the Urubamba river.  We will visit the Acchapata terraces, the Pucara watch towers, and the Inca neighborhoods. After visiting Pisac, we will return to Cusco city. 

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDED

Meals

Extra expenses

Gratitude for the Guide

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 220 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 120 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 88 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 70 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 58 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

SALINERAS MARAS AND MORAY

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. Then, we will drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Maras town. Maras is a picturesque place surrounded by beautiful landscapes. We will go to a nearby lookout to appreciate the Maras Salt Mines. An additional entrance ticket is necessary to enter the Maras Salt Mines. Maras is not a salt flat. It is a group of thousands of salt ponds. Once the pond is exposed to the sunlight, the water evaporates, leaving behind the precious pink salt of Maras (“Sal Rosada de Maras”). This mineral is highly appreciated for its unique color and flavor. After exploring Maras, we will go to the archaeological center of Moray. Moray resembles an amphitheater due to its concentric terraces. However, this place was used as a sort of ancient agricultural laboratory by the Inca civilization. According to some studies, the Incas used Moray to grow crops from warm climates. These crops included coca leaves, which are considered sacred in the Andean world. The terraces of Moray are located at different levels. Thus, each level creates a different microclimate. After exploring Maras and Moray, we will drive back to Cusco city.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDES

Meals

Extra expenses

Hotel in Cusco

Gratitude for the Guide

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 190 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 106 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 80 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 66 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 57 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

MARAS AND MORAY ON QUAD BIKING ATV

Visiting the top tourist destinations of Cusco is always a great adventure. Imagine an ATV tour through the beautiful Andean postcard-like landscape that will leave you speechless. You will be able to do this and more during this tour while riding a 4-wheel metal beast: an ATV (quad bike).We will pick up from your hotel at 7:00 am. Then, we will drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Maras town. Maras is a picturesque place surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Arrival at Maras salt mines by van (not ATV) to visit the site without large tourist groups around. We’ll only go to the viewpoint; it’s forbidden to enter the salt mines. After that we Heading to the ATV base camp, ATV instruction, security briefing and start of the ATV tour. As soon as we are ready, start our adventure to Moray andapprox. 30 minutes on the site. We have to Return to the ATV base camp and return to your hotel.

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDED

Meals

Extra expenses

Gratitude for the Guide

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 220 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 142 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 113 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 99 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 87 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

PIKILLAQTA – TIPON – ANDAHUAYLILLAS 

We will pick you up from your hotel, for the Southern Valley Cusco Tour. We will drive approximately 15 miles (24 km) east to the archeological site of Tipon. Truly, it’s one of the most important sites in the area and an ancient location where the Incas worshipped water, one of their sacred natural elements. To clarify, even today, water still flows through Tipon’s impressive series of canals and terraces, which you’ll explore with your expert guide. then, from Tipon you carry on to the extensive Pre-Inca site of Pikillaqta which was constructed by the Wari culture. As a result, they occupied the Cusco region before the arrival of the Inca. After that, we are going to visit the church of Andahuayillas which is known as the Sixtine Chapel of the Americas due to its ornate decorations. You’ll be back in Cusco and have plenty of time to enjoy a full evening!

INCLUDES

English speaking guide.

Private transportation.

Entrance fees 

Pick up and drop off from the hotel.

NOT INCLUDES

Meals

Extra expenses

Gratitude for the Guide

PRICES

•​1 PERSON 215 US DOLLARS

•​2 PEOPLE 115 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​4 PEOPLE 80 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​6 PEOPLE 65 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

•​8 PEOPLE 55 US DOLLARS PER PERSON

MACHUPICCHU TOUR

Leaving from your hotel very early in the morning (around 04:00am!) we’ll travel by car (2 hours depend of location) to the village of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley where we’ll board our train (aproximately 06:15)

Orlando Ugarte’s story