Magic of Cusco Peru Tour

Your Tour Guide picks you up from the hotel in the morning to takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas that was an important source of food to the Incas. The Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that keeps supplying the Cusco City with lots of its production. We visit the majestic ruins of Pisaq as well as its current famous handicraft market. Then, we stop in Urubamba, considered to be the capital of the valley, to have a buffet lunch offering Andean cuisine. Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo with its Incan fortress. The town and the fortress are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. The fortress is known as the best surviving example of Inca´s urban planning and engineering! It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the fortress as well as for being one of the few places where Spaniards lost a major battle during their conquest.

In the afternoon, we take a train to Aguas Calientes. We spend the night in this small town before heading for Machu Picchu.

In the morning, we get ready for the long-awaited trip to Machu Picchu!! First off, we get on a shuttle bus that let us just in front of the entrance to this historic and spiritual centre of the Incas. There, we enter and start our guided tour, during which our Tour Guide introduces us to its history and describes us each part of the "Lost City of the Incas".
Afterwards, we are given an opportunity to hike the peak of Huayna Picchu to observe the Incan citadel from another perspective (Extra price).

In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence. However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions have remain.

Today is the last day in Cusco so we transfer you back to the Cusco´s airport. Nevertheless, you can still extend your trip. To do so, please check our tailor made section or choose another of our tours.

Please note: a return flight to Lima can be arranged upon request.

• Welcome by our Representative at arrival.
• Private transfer from/to the Cusco´s airport at arrival and departure.
• Accommodation: 3* hotel (2 nights), Hotel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
• Entrance fee to the Cathedral of Cusco and Coricancha church.
• Tourist Ticket to the City tour and Sacred Valley.
• Entry ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Professional bilingual Tour Guides as per the itinerary.
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 1x buffet lunch (during the Sacred Valley Tour).
• Tourist transport during the tours and local transfers.
• A tourist train round trip to Machu Picchu.
• A shuttle bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - a round trip.
• Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• International and local flights nor airport departure taxes,
• Meals not mentioned,
• Huayna Picchu tickets (U$ 80).
• Travel Insurance
• Tips and baggage portage (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),

Meals budget: Please allow USD 20 for meals not included.
Solo Traveller: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveller" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights.
Local flights: No flight is included in the cost of the tour! If you need the local flight from Lima to Cusco, contact us!

All Cusco & Machu Picchu group tours are accompanied by a Tierras Vivas Tour Guide, a Representative or an expedition team. The aim of our Tour Guides is to take a hassle out of our customers’ trips and to help them to have the best trip possible. The Tour Guides provide information on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and to do, recommend a good place to eat and introduce to his/her colleagues. The Guides have a broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local Tour Guides where we think that more specific knowledge could add more enjoyment to visited places.

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

 Accommodation in Cusco:

Hotel Prisma Cusco

Address: Calle Matara N 394, Cusco

Tel: (+51)  84 224466

Hotel Casa de Luz Machu Picchu

During the 4 day Machu Picchu Tour, we request our hotels to get ready your rooms for the time of your arrival, especially, if you arrive prior to standard check-in time. Nevertheless, this is not always possible. In this case, you just store your luggage in that hotel storage room and you can explore your new destination in between.

Please note! If you have purchased pre or post-trip accommodation, you might be asked to change your room during your trip.

A kind of luggage you need to take with depends on a kind of tour you plan to undertake, a part of the country you like to visit, a year season and a length of your trip. In general, you should pack as lightly as possible because you carry your own luggage during most of our tours (however, there are not long walking distances – up to 30 minutes). We recommend you to keep weight of your luggage under 10 kg (22 lb.).

Most of travelers use a suitcase. However, a big backpack would be more suitable. In any case, please do not forget a small rucksack that you will need for daily travels (to carry your bottled water, camera, snacks, etc.). It is better to avoid a wheeled luggage and use luggage with shoulder straps.

What to Bring on the Cusco & Machu Picchu Tour

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,ç
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles!
• Optional: walking sticks (please note: rubber covers are required for the Inca Trail!!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.

During the 4-day Cusco Peru tour, you will visit the following important tourist attractions in Cusco and Machu Picchu:

Cusco

Cusco or Qosqo (in the native Quechua language) was considered the capital of the Inca Empire! The Incas also called it the "navel of the world". Its constructions were based on perfectly fitted stones. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1532, they brought with them a new culture and colonial architectural style that replaced most of the amazing Incan constructions. But no worries, you can still find some Inca buildings and streets when you walk around Cusco City.

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is an ancient Inca fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco Peru. Built in the 15th century, it is renowned for its massive, intricately fitted stone walls, some of which weigh over 100 tons. The site served both military and religious purposes, showcasing the Inca's advanced engineering and architectural skills. Today, it is a popular archaeological site and a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Quenqo - Pukapukara - Tambomachay

Quenqo: An archaeological site near Cusco, Peru, Quenqo is believed to have been a ceremonial center for the Inca. It features carved rock formations, altars, and underground chambers, likely used for rituals and sacrifices. Its name means "labyrinth" in Quechua, reflecting its complex structure.

Pukapukara: A small Inca site near Cusco, Pukapukara is thought to have been a military outpost or resting place for travelers. Its name means "red fortress" in Quechua, referring to the reddish hue of its stones. The site includes walls, terraces, and rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Tambomachay: Known as the "Inca Baths," Tambomachay is an Inca site near Cusco, believed to have been a place of water worship or a royal retreat. It features finely crafted aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that still function today, showcasing the Inca's mastery of hydraulic engineering.

Pisac and Market

Pisac is a stunning Inca archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, known for its impressive terraces, temples, and panoramic views of the valley. The site showcases the Inca's advanced agricultural and architectural techniques. Below the ruins lies the vibrant Pisac Market, famous for its colorful handicrafts, textiles, and local produce. It’s a perfect blend of history and culture, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient Inca heritage and experience traditional Andean life.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a remarkable Inca archaeological site and town located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Known as a living Inca village, it features well-preserved ruins, including a massive fortress, terraces, and temples that highlight the Inca's engineering prowess. The site played a key role as a military, religious, and agricultural center. Today, Ollantaytambo is also the gateway to Machu Picchu, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and a glimpse into traditional Andean life.

Aguas Calientes town and Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes: Nestled in the lush cloud forest at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is a charming town known for its hot springs, vibrant markets, and cozy accommodations. It serves as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu, offering visitors a convenient starting point for their journey to the ancient citadel.

Machu Picchu: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a breathtaking Inca citadel perched high in the Andes Mountains. Built in the 15th century, it showcases incredible stone architecture, terraces, and temples, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the ingenuity and spirituality of the Inca civilization, making it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.