7 days in cusco

Day 1: Cusco – Walking tour

We will meet you at the airport or bus terminal at the time of your arrival and take you to your hotel in Cusco, located at 3,350 meters above sea level.

Acclimatization morning, we recommend you to rest for 2 to 3 hours to adapt to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.

In the afternoon, after lunch, we will pick you up at the hotel (13:30 hours) to start the walking tour of the historic center of the city, where we will visit the Plaza de Armas and its colonial buildings, the emblematic stone of the 12 angles.

Finally we will visit the Qoricancha, known as the temple of the sun, in the Inca season this was the most important religious temple of all the Tawantinsuyu.

Day 2: Cusco – Saqsayhuaman – Qenqo – Pisaq

We will start the tour picking you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. with a visit to the high part of Cusco, Saqsayhuaman, in this place we will have an excellent view of the city of Cusco and we can also admire the impressive Inca fortress with walls made of stones that weigh from 5 to 128 tons with the type of cyclopean construction of the Incas.

We will continue to Qenqo, the temple and ceremonial place dedicated to the Pachamama (Mother Earth), this is a natural stone formation that the Incas used carved and adapted to carry out their ceremonies, here it is easy to imagine how arduous was the effort that they carried out.

And then we will head to Pisaq, making stops at the spectacular viewpoints that offer unforgettable views of the Sacred Valley. We will visit the charming village of Pisaq and explore its archaeological site, where you can observe gigantic agricultural terraces made from the top to the foothills of the mountain, water fountains with ceremonial purposes and several Inca constructions, after visiting this place we will return to Cusco (18:30 hours).

Day 3: Cusco – Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes

Enjoy an unhurried morning, as we will depart at 8:00 a.m. from Cusco heading to the train station in Ollantaytambo, during this journey you will be able to observe landscapes and the WILCAMAYU River (Sacred River), once in Ollantaytambo you will be able to observe that this is one of the few places in Cusco and Peru where people still use Inca constructions as dwellings.

Then we head to the train station to board the luxurious Vistadome Observatory train or the Voyager Premium and Lounge (1 and 1/2 hours approx.), which will allow you to admire the scenery of the Sacred Valley as you make your way to Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival, at the door of the train station, we will pick you up and take you directly to the bus that will take you to the archaeological center of Machu Picchu (25 min approx.). We will start the tour which will be 2 hours of information (guided tour) and then you will have free time to take pictures and explore.

During this free time, you have the option to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you prefer, you can climb Waynapicchu Mountain, which involves a hike of about 2.5 hours, or Machu Picchu Hill, which takes about 3.5 hours. You can also opt for shorter treks, such as walking to Inti Punku, the last stretch of the Inca Trail, or to the Inca Bridge.

At the end of your free time, it will be necessary to descend again to the town of Aguas Calientes and spend the night in the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Moray – Salt mines of Maras – Chinchero- Cusco

We will start the day at the Aguas Calientes train station to board our train that leaves at 8:30 am, but we must be half an hour earlier. This train will take you to Ollantaytambo (1 and 1/2 hours approx.).

Once here we will start our tour visiting the religious archaeological center of Ollantaytambo which is located on the top of the mountain where the temple of the sun still projects its grandeur, once the guide finishes his explanation you will have time to explore the place and you will have free time for your pictures before most of the tourists arrive.

Then we will have free time for lunch before continuing to Moray, this site was used by the Incas as an important center of agricultural experimentation, where they tested different techniques of cultivation and adaptation of plants to different microclimates. After exploring this fascinating site, we will continue our journey to the picturesque village of Maras.

From there, we will head to the famous salt mines of Maras, a complex of more than 4,000 salt ponds, used since Inca times for the extraction of salt in a traditional way until today, keeping alive an ancestral technique that has been passed down from generation to generation.

We continue exploring the archaeological center of Chinchero where we will have the opportunity to observe the local people in their daily life. In addition, we will visit textile and handicraft centers, where you will be able to see up close the traditional work of the region before returning to Cusco at around 5:00 pm.

Day 5: Cusco – Tipon- Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco

This day, the tour is half day, and you can choose whether you want to make the sacred valley tour or make the ATV to the abode of the gods and the Piuray lagoon.

• South Valley:

We start with a trip from Cusco to the archaeological site of Tipon, a journey that takes about 1 hour and a half. This is the starting point of the tour, where you can learn about the advanced system of terraces and water channels built by the Incas.

Next, we will visit Pikillacta, also known as the City of Fleas, an ancient archaeological and ceremonial center of the Wari Empire, which preceded the Incas. This city is a complex network of streets and squares, all surrounded by defensive walls.

We then continue to Andahuaylillas, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Here we will visit the famous church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of America for its impressive frescoes and baroque decorations. You will have free time to explore the interior of the church and admire its wall paintings and gilded altars.

Afterwards, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.

• ATV to the abode of the gods and the piuray lagoon:

The ATV tour starts at the main square in Cusco, from where we will take you by car for 25 minutes to our base in Sencca, Tica Tica. Here you will receive instructions and have time to practice before starting the tour.

We will depart by ATV to the Poroy viewpoint, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the highest snow-capped mountains in Cusco. We will continue for an hour to the Piuray Lagoon in Chincheros, one of the largest lagoons in the region, with breathtaking views and local handicraft vendors.

On the way back, we will make a brief stop at an ancient colonial aqueduct and visit the Morada de los Dioses, a modern site with large rock carvings representing Andean ideology. Finally, we will return to the base to leave the ATVs and then return to Cusco, concluding the tour near the main square.

Day 6: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

We will pick you up at the hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. to start a 2-hour drive to Cusipata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, we will continue to Phullawasipata (4,626 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike.

The climb takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, during which you will admire spectacular landscapes of snow-capped mountains, locals in traditional costumes, and llama and alpaca breeders. The hike offers breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range.

Upon reaching the summit (5,036 m.a.s.l.), you will have free time to take pictures before descending the same trail, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Back in Phullawasipata, our transportation will take you to a well-deserved lunch.

Finally, we will return to Cusco, arriving between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., ending the tour near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 7: Cusco – Free time

Free time for shopping and transfer to the airport or bus terminal.

Included:

• Briefing: A day before the tour or the same day you start the tour we give you detailed information about your itinerary, where we also give you all the tickets that you will need on the trip, maps and all the relevant information that you have to know, this can be at your hotel or in our office INKA TIME.
• Tourist transportation: Minibusses in the City Tour, Maras – Moray Tour and the Sacred Valley Tour, these services are provided with minibusses of 15 or 20 people (Renault Master or Sprinter Mercedes-Benz).
• Tour Guide in the City Tour, and Sacred Valley: You will be well-informed by our expert tour guides at each place of visit.
• The Entrance Tickets: We will have ready for you all tickets you need for all the sites around the City Tour, Sacred Valley, and Salineras (General Boleto Turistico + Qoricancha + Salineras entrance fees).
• Train Tickets: We will book your round trip train tickets (Voyager Train IncaRail).
• Bus Tickets: We will give you tickets ready to go up and down in Machu Picchu (Day 2).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu: We will have your passes ready to get into this beautiful place.
• Tour guide (Machu Picchu): Our guides will make you spend an excellent time in this wonderful place.
• Transportation to come back to Cusco: Transportation in minibusses of 15 or 19 people.
• Bus Tour Cusco to Puno: We pick you up at your hotel, and we take you to the private bus station to go on this nice trip to Puno, This service has included entrance tickets, Guide, and Buffet Lunch.
• Transfer in Puno: We pick you up at Puno Bus station and take you to your Hotel, and in the same way, we take you to the airport or bus station once you finish the tour.
• Transportation in a speed boat: The navigation on Lake Titicaca will be fun and safe, the sliders have life jackets and first aid kits.
• Tour Guide and entrance fees to the Islands: You will be well-informed by the local guides, also you already have included the entrance tickets to the islands to visit.
• Permanent Assistance: Our staff will be attentive monitoring at all times during the course of your trip.

Not Included:

• Meals: Except for the lunches on the trip from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca; then you will find plenty of restaurants anywhere from US$ 8.
• Night in accommodation in Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Puno: if you want we can give you Accommodation rates from US$ 15 per person, or you can also visit www.booking.com where you have an endless number of accommodations; remember that in Aguas Calientes you will arrive in the village at 18:10 a.m. and Next day they leave early to visit Machu Picchu, so the accommodation is more for sleeping.
• Entrance fee to Waynapicchu mountain: US$ 55.00 (this is a hiking of 2 and 1/2 hours) if you want to climb up this mountain you have to tell us before, because there are only 400 spaces per day.
• Entrance fee to Machupicchu mountain: US$ 55.00 (this is hiking of 3 and 1/2 hours) if you want to climb up this mountain you have to tell us before because there are only 400 spaces per day. NOTE this is not the same entrance that you already have included for the citadel, this is an extra entrance for hiking the mountain.
• Tips: This is optional, our staff is well remunerated, this is why it is not something indispensable or expectant, any amount will be well received.

Important:

• We respect all biosecurity protocols recommended by the Ministry of Health of Perú.
• US$ 20.00 Off for people who belong to the Andean Community group (Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia).
• US$ 25.00 Off for those students with Under graduated student card, (this ID must be made in PVC material, and it must have the next requirements: university information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, its year must coincide with the year that student visits Machu Picchu, the discount until 25 years old.), the ISIC cards are not valid anymore.
• US$ 25.00 Discount for under 18 years old.
• US$ 40.00 Discount for under 8 years old children; children under 3 years old do not pay if they don’t occupy seats on the train and buses.
• According to the new regulation of Sustainable Use and Tourist Visit for the conservation of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu 2019, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is valid only for a single entry to the park (this means: The passenger enters, walk around, go out and can not re-enter again), usually, all people stay between 4 and 5 hours into Machu Picchu, if you would like to stay a longer time, you must buy another ticket (US$ 50.00 Extra), the park is open until 17:30 hrs.
• Prices are for tours in shared service (group tour), groups of 15 to 20 people, inquire for prices in a private tour.
• We have departures every day.
• To start this tour, you have to be at least one day before in Cusco.

Upgrade:

• Private Transportation: To return From Ollantaytambo to Cusco, US$ 20.00 (per person); This gives you a pleasant trip without waiting and picking up other people on the group tour.
• Private Tour Guide in Machu Picchu: Personalized service in the citadel of Machu Picchu, US$ 25.00 (Per person – At least 2 people), with this service you will not have to depend on a group.
• Train returning at 16:12 hrs. TRAIN 360° Inca Rail (From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo) US$ 48.00 (Per Person); This is another class of train with Taller and wider panoramic windows and an outdoor observatory wagon with bar, this has an excellent schedule, you will arrive in Cusco around 20:20 hrs.
• Train returning at 16:43 hrs. TRAIN VISTADOME – Peru Rail (From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo) US$ 48.00 (Per Person); This is another class of train with panoramic windows located beside and above your seat will bring you close to nature unlike anything you’ve experienced before, this has an excellent schedule, you will arrive in Cusco around 21:00 hrs.

What you need to take:

• The tickets that are given in the briefing.
• Original Passport (This is requested to take the trains, the buses and to get into Machu Picchu).
• Small rucksack (backpack) smaller than 40 liters.
• Repellent for Mosquitos.
• Sunscreen.
• Water, snacks.
• Rain Poncho (The climate is quite changeable, it is better to be forewarned).
• Comfortable clothes (somewhat warm) when you leave early and return late is a bit cold, it’s better to feel comfortable with your temperature.

TOUR IN PRIVATE SERVICE

This service is an exclusive way to make this trip, where the service is much more personalized, prices vary according to the number of people in your group, please ask for rate.

STEP 1: SEND YOUR INFORMATION“

Complete the booking form DOWN HERE or send data of all the travelers to reservas@inkatimetours.com as full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, or a copy of passports, indicating the exact date of travel; Our privacy policies are strict, INKA TIME will use this information exclusively to nominate the reservation tickets, we never share this information with third parties.

STEP 2: MAKE A DEPOSIT“

Choose the best way to pay and make a payment, for this tour the payment (deposit) is US$ 200.00 per person; There are 03 ways to pay: Payments via “PayPal”, with any debit or credit card VISA, MASTER CARD, AMEX (these last two options have an 8% fee), also Wire money by Western Union any extra commissions or fees charged must be assumed by the customer; when you send your information you have to specify the payment method you would like to use, then when we mail you back We will send you a request for payment through the platform you chose.

STEP 3: TOUR CONFIRMATION

Upon receipt of all passenger(S) data and once we received information of your payment, we will send you your receipt (VOUCHER OF RESERVATION), at this moment your reservation will be guaranteed 100%. (this will be sent at most in the next 8 hours, considering our business hours GMT – 5).

1. The tour seems perfect to me, is it enough to visit Machu Picchu?

Absolutely, by choosing this itinerary, you’ll have between 3 to 4 hours at the citadel, two hours for a guided informational tour, and then free time.

2. I want the tour, but I also want to include the ascent to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Is that possible?

Yes, it is. By choosing an early schedule and returning late, you can visit Machu Picchu and ascend one of the mountains. You just need to specify the date to check availability; this has an extra cost of US$ 25.00 per person.

3. I’m arriving in Cusco one day early. Do you think I’ll have problems with the altitude in Machu Picchu?

Since you’ll be doing other tours in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu, you’ll be fine. Machu Picchu is at a much lower altitude than Cusco, so if you have any problems in Cusco, you’ll probably feel better in Machu Picchu because the only way to avoid problems or complications with altitude is to descend. Cusco (3350 m) Machu Picchu (2450 m), Aguas Calientes – Pueblo de Machu Picchu (2050 m).

4. I’m traveling with my family, including an 8-year-old child and a senior citizen of 65. Will there be much difficulty for them?

This tour is one of the most comfortable options, although there is walking involved at the archaeological sites. It’s the only way to visit the park. If someone has difficulty walking, I recommend taking a private tour so they can do the tour at their own pace without following a group.

5. I don’t like giving out my passport information. Is there a way to reserve the tour with just names?

We understand your concern, but the requested data is exclusively to fill in the information on your tickets. These are electronic tickets, similar to taking a flight; you have to show the ticket and your original passport. Our privacy policies are very strict, and your information will be securely handled. We also hate SPAM.

6. What happens if I’m delayed and can’t make the tour?

Unfortunately, all tickets would be purchased, and the entire tour would be lost. Any change or cancellation of the tour incurs a penalty, although this rarely happens. However, if it does occur, we assure you that we will do everything in our power to assist you. We recommend reviewing our refund/cancellation policies.

7. What is the best season to do the one-day tour to Machu Picchu?

The best season for the one-day tour to Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. However, if you prefer a more lush, wooded landscape with fewer people, you can visit from October to April.

8. Can I add Waynapicchu to this tour?

Yes, you just need to request it via WhatsApp to add Waynapicchu, but keep in mind an extra cost and your physical condition.

9. Do children and students pay the same price for tickets as adults?

No, children and students pay a reduced price compared to adults to enter Machu Picchu.

10. Where are the hot springs of Machu Picchu located?

The hot springs of Machu Picchu are located in the upper part of the town, so you have to walk to reach them, as there is no public transportation in this area. The starting point of your walk will be Plaza Manco Capac, from where you will continue along Avenida Pachacutec, then Avenida Hermanos Ayar. Keep going straight on the path, and eventually, you’ll find the entrance to the hot springs.

11. From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

The sanctuary of Machu Picchu opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Please note that the last entry to the sanctuary is at 3:00 p.m.

12. How long does the visit to the Llaqta de Machu Picchu last?

The visit to the Llaqta de Machu Picchu lasts approximately 4 hours, but remember if you enter at the last time slot of 3:00 p.m., you’ll only have 2 hours to visit, as they close at 5:00 p.m.