Cusco + Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 5D/4N

DAY 1: ARRIVAL CUSCO + CITY TOUR

Welcome at the airport by our staff and transfer to the selected hotel. In the afternoon we will pick you up at the hotel at about 1.30 pm. The groups will first visit the centre of Cusco, having company of a professional guide. First he will present the Cathedral (build in a Baroque style and having paintings of the Cusqueña school) and the temple of Qoricancha, more known as the gold covered temple. A place which we will appreciate in all its enchantment, the temple of the Thunderclap, Ray, Lightning, Rainbow, Stars and the temple of Santo Domingo. These attractions are important in a time of constant cultural development in architecture, religion and policy, started in the colonial time.

In the upper part of Cusco, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where we observe an Inca construction style that leaves us out of breath. Sacsayhuaman, representing the head of a Puma (imaginary), is together with the city of Cusco the body of the Andean God Felino. We can only see 20% of the original construction, because the Spaniards took many of the materials to build there houses in Cusco, leaving the biggest rocks forming the battlements of the site. Later we visit the archaeological place of Qengo (known as Labyrinth). The immense rock with steps, carvings and zigzag channels was maybe used for the ritual sacrifice. Thereafter we visit another attraction: Pucapucara. The name means ‘Red Fort’, referring to some rocks shining pink in the light. At last we will go to the archaeological site Tambomachay, a place much visited and appreciated because of its traditional healing powers. Because of its beautiful stone bath it is also known as ‘El Bano del Incas’. Finally we return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m.

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Your journey through the Sacred Valley begins around 8:30am, when you will be picked up from your hotel. With our private transport we head for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is in Pisaq with its two distinct parts: the colonial village lying beside the river and the Inca fortress, situated above in the mountains, built with an amazing harmony with the nature. The ruins in Pisaq can be separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. Intihuatana (the Temple of the Sun) includes a number of baths, water channels and temples. Intihuatana, a volcanic outcrop carved into a “hitching post” for the sun (or Inti), forms the top of the terraces. The angles of its base suggest that it served possibly as a ceremonial centre. Q’allaqasa, which is built onto a natural spur and overlooks the valley, is known as the citadel. During the time of the Tawantinsuyo they were used in an agriculture way, so as that they possible cultivated different types of corn, which is nowadays exported. Thereafter we visit the religious sector, where we find the chacana symbol (Inca Cross), which represented the three worlds like the nether world, this world and the world above, in quechua that means el Hanaq Pachaq, Kay Pachaq y Ukju Pachaq. Then we head to the Temple of the Moon were you can admire the beautiful walls with their perfect sculpt stones. From this engaging site it was possible to guard the Urubamba valley below and also a trail heading for the jungle.

The famous market of Pisaq on its Plaza Mayor offers an endless variety of the typical Andean crafts. Oficial market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. After having lunch in Urubamba we continue our trip through a magnificant scenery of mountains and snow-capped summits. In Ollantaytambo (known to locals just as Ollanta) we visit the archaeological complex, whose construction is as old as its’ great stones. It is said to took place here, where the Spanish conquistadors lost a battle, and it was also in here where the Incas retreated after the defeat at Sacsaywaman. This history-charged fortress presents a collection of houses, temples, platforms, colcas (deposits) and several enclosures of which the function is not determined yet. The village of Ollantaytambo is considered as the last Andean village, because the houses and narrow cobblestone streets show us the Inca style of constructing and city planning. Before returning to Cusco, we will visit our last attraction, Chinchero, during a spectacular sunset. The village was known as the Incas birthplace of the rainbow. Here you find a beautiful combination between a spectacular colonial church, archaeological sights and a colourful market. After this we return to Cusco at about 6.30pm.

DAY 3: CUSCO + AGUAS CALIENTES OVERNIGHT

Very early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, so that we can take the train at about 7:00am. The journey will last approximately 4 hours, before we arrive to the beautiful scenery in the village Aguas Calientes. After check-in in your selected hotel. Free afternoon for personal activities.

At night our tour guide will go to your hotel to give you the briefing for planning the next day.

DAY 4: TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU + WAYNA PICCHU + CUSCO

The next morning at 5:30am, we will take the earliest bus shuttle up to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, having an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise above the great citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022), a place from which you have the best view over the whole site on your own.

After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take a bus shuttle down to Aguas Calientes town, where your train will return at about 6pm (from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo) and thereafter a transfer will be waiting for you to continue by bus to Cusco.

DAY 5: TRANSFER OUT
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the airport.