Discovering Cusco

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

5 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

English, SpanishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Cusco, Peru

Ends

Cusco, Peru

Highlights

Cusco: Visit this ancient Inca capital, admiring the mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture.

Coricancha: One of the most famous temples in the city of Cusco, the Convent of Santo Domingo, was built on top of this Inca temple.

Cathedral: Visit the most imposing monument of the Plaza de Armas, admiring the Gothic-Renaissance style which is inherited from the Spanish cathedrals of the XVI century.

Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas is hidden on top of a mysterious Andean peak and offers views of the mountain range and a glimpse into the Inca’s enigmatic past.

Itinerary

Uncover the heart of the Andes on Discovering Cusco, a five-day guided art and architecture tour ideal for those who appreciate a relaxed yet culturally rich experience. Beginning and ending in Cusco, this group trip delves into the city’s fascinating archaeological sites and vibrant local life. Journey through the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking scenery, culminating with a visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic wonders. With comfortable hotels, transport, and meals included, this tour provides a seamless introduction to Peru’s rich heritage. The true highlight of this trip is the opportunity to witness the ancient Incan citadel firsthand, all within a thoughtfully curated and gentle itinerary—perfect for mature adventurers seeking inspiration without strenuous activity.

day 1 - Arrival Cusco

Arrive at Cusco Airport and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your selected hotel. A representative will accompany you, offering useful information about the city attractions and assisting you along the way. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in one of Peru´s most vibrant cities. Alternatively, you can book our optional Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas:
Half-Day South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (private basis):
Unique tour that includes visits to the most important attractions between Cusco and Puno. Being the first to explore breath-taking archeological sites Tipón and its impressive rural colonial mansion where the Incas constructed an impressive irrigation system in harmony with nature that is still perceived by the surrounding population. In Pikillacta, the best-preserved pre-Inca cities we´ll follow the remains of the Wari culture, ancestor of the Incas, and in the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, also called "The Sistine Chapel of America” we´ll see the Wari´s marvelous original pipe organ. Take the most advantage of our tour and enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Notes: Private service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 4.5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Andahuaylillas and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).
Overnight in Cusco.

day 2 - Cusco

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel and have the morning free to walk around and explore the city on your own. In the afternoon, the tour begins in Coricancha, also known as the ‘Temple of the Sun’, which was built by order of Inca ruler Pachacuti and became the basis for the Santo Domingo Convent construction at the arrival of the Spaniards. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square, and head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the emblematic buildings of the Incas, erected by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large, hard to carry stones. How these were put together is still a mystery! Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where agricultural rituals were held. To conclude, visit Puka Pukara, seven kilometres from the city. Puka Pukara, which means ‘red fort’, was an architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. Once the tour ends, return to the selected hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.

day 3 - Cusco – Chinchero - Sacred Valley (100 Km – 2.5 Hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred from Ollantaytambo to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! . Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. Later, have lunch in Ollantaytambo and live a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere. At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel. *On Sundays, also visit the local market.After your visit, return to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.

day 4 - Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco (170 Km – 4 Hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, before your transfer to the Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, taking approximately two hours. The town is also nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’ and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes, one can find a craft market, restaurants and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early in the morning. Finally, after a short transfer by bus, reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti. Machu Picchu, which means ‘Old Mountain’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra, followed by your return trip to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.

day 5 - Depart Cusco

Start the day with a tasty breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport to catch your onward flight.

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What's Included

Accommodation

4 nights' accommodationStandard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Meals

4 Breakfasts

Transport

Transfers from/ to airport in a private vehicleShared transfers from and to the train stationsRoundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail)Bus Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes.

Guide

Spanish and English-speaking local guide

Others

2 Lunches (day 3, 4)Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara in Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Living Museum of Yucay in Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu on day 4

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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