Cusco – Machu Picchu Inkaico

Day 1: Airport Reception – Afternoon Cusco City Tour

Upon arrival, Cusco Inkaico will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have time to rest, explore the city on your own, and enjoy lunch before our exciting first excursion in the afternoon (approximately at 1:15 pm; we will provide the exact pickup time the day before at your hotel’s reception). Our guide and vehicle will be waiting to start the tour, which will include the majestic Cusco Cathedral, the revered Qoricancha (temple of the sun), and the imposing archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán. We’ll conclude around 6:00 pm near the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll have time for dinner.

Day 2: Cusco – Pisaq – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Cusco Inkaico will pick you up from your hotel around 8:00 am to start our journey to the remarkable archaeological complex of Pisaq, known for its impressive agricultural terraces, the largest in South America. During the journey, you’ll enjoy views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make stops for landscape photography. After exploring Pisaq and learning about its terraces, we’ll head to the Traditional Village and Market of Pisaq, where you’ll have free time to explore and purchase local crafts. We’ll continue to the Village of Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch at one of the best restaurants in the Sacred Valley. Then, we’ll visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, famous for its unique architectural style and the Temple of the Sun. Finally, we’ll drop you off near the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the exciting visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Today is the long-awaited day! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head early to the bus station to board the transportation that will take us to the main entrance of Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll explore the lost city of the Incas for about 2 and a half hours. During the tour, we’ll make strategic stops at the most highlighted and energetic points, allowing you to relax and capture the best images of this magical place. Once the guided tour is concluded, you’ll have free time to marvel at the astonishing landscape.

When you decide, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our transport will take you back to your hotel in the city of Cusco. It’s important to mention that there’s no time limit for your stay at Machu Picchu. However, once you exit the citadel, you won’t be able to re-enter unless you have an additional entry ticket for Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both included in this tour for you to enjoy at your own pace.

Day 4: Cusco – Tipon – Piquillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco

Our journey starts early, around 8:00 am, when Cusco Inkaico picks you up from your hotel. We’ll head to the captivating South Valley of Cusco, taking the route to Tipon. On the way, you’ll delight in the scenic beauty of the southern valley and arrive at the impressive archaeological complex of Tipon. There, you’ll have enough time to explore this marvel of Inca hydraulic engineering. Afterward, we’ll visit the archaeological complex of Pikillacta, a testament to the pre-Inca era that maintains the grandest urban layout of the region. Our next stop is the picturesque town of Andahuaylillas, where you’ll encounter the famous Sistine Chapel of America. Finally, we’ll return to the city of Cusco, concluding around 2:30 pm.

Day 5: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

The fifth day promises to be exceptional. Our Cusco Inkaico guide will be waiting for you around 4:40 am at your hotel in the city of Cusco. From there, we’ll head in our private tourist vehicle to Chillihuani, a picturesque village along the way. The journey, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, will take us through the stunning foothills of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, a scene of natural beauty.

In Chillihuani, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast to fuel up for the day.

The ascent to the 7-Color Mountain takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes (short route). During this journey, we’ll have the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including South American camelids, sheep, birds, and more. Additionally, we’ll witness lagoons, plateaus, streams, and snow-capped peaks, enriching our experience. Around 10:30 am, we’ll reach our desired destination: the 7-Color Mountain. This unique place, which seems to have been hand-painted by the geography itself, will welcome us with its marvelous beauty.

After enjoying a comforting buffet lunch, we’ll board our vehicle to return to the city of Cusco. We estimate to arrive around 6:00 pm, and the tour’s endpoint will be at Plaza Regocijos, near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 6: Cusco – ATV Tour in Maras Salt Mines, Huaypo Lake, and Piuray Lake – Cusco

Our starting point is the fountain in the Plaza de Armas or hotels near the square. From here, we’ll head to the base in MARAS, with an approximately one-hour journey in our tourist transportation.

Once at the base, an informative session and driving instructions will be provided by our guides. Then, you’ll have a 15-minute practice. Afterward, we’ll start our ATV expedition.

Following the practices, we’ll head to the Piuray Lake, where you’ll have 20 minutes to explore on your own. Continuing the tour, we’ll go to the Huaypo Lake, where we’ll enjoy 20 minutes appreciating the surroundings. Then, we’ll continue on ATVs to Moray for a 20-minute visit.

After concluding our visits, we’ll return on ATVs to our base, and then we’ll board the vehicle that will take us to the MARAS SALT MINES. Once the visit is finished, we’ll head back to the city of Cusco.

Day 7: Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco

The team from Cusco Inkaico will pick you up from your hotel at around 4:30 am. From there, we’ll start our journey to the northeast of the city of Cusco. Along the route, we’ll pass through towns and hamlets until we reach Limatambo, a charming valley. From there, we ascend to Mollepata, stopping at the Markahuasi Viewpoint to enjoy the views and the archaeological remains of the same name. In Mollepata, at the Casa Hacienda Salkantay, we’ll have an American breakfast with panoramic views.

Continuing to Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike to Humantay Lake, our guide will provide instructions on walking at high altitudes, and a light snack and walking sticks will be provided for your comfort. The hike, lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes, will take you to the beautiful Humantay Lake, where you can enjoy panoramic views and the Humantay and Salkantay snow-capped peaks. After a short rest, we’ll head back and have lunch at Casa Hacienda Salkantay in Mollepata. We’ll conclude the day by visiting the Salkantay House-Museum before returning to Cusco, ending around 6:00 pm at Plaza Regocijos.

Day 8: Hotel Cusco – Airport

On this eighth day, Cusco Inkaico will be at your service for the transfer from your hotel to the airport and/or terminal. We recommend that you be ready about 2 hours before your flight departure, a advisable practice. Make the most of this day to enjoy some free time before departing, allowing you to reflect on the invaluable experiences you’ve had during your stay.