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Essential Cusco Trip

5 reviews

7 days

From

2.505.072 ARS

Cusco, often referred to as the navel of the world, stands as a remarkable testament to Inca architecture, rich with history and enigma surrounding the lifestyle and traditions of the Inca Empire.

This comprehensive one-week tour package to Cusco invites you to explore the most iconic archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Koricancha, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the stunning Sistine Chapel of America situated in Andahuaylillas.

Immerse yourself in these renowned locations and uncover the secrets of the Lost City of the Incas.

Tour Description

Arrival in Cusco

DAY 1. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred from the airport or bus station to your hotel situated in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, with an overnight stay at the hotel.

City Tour Cusco and 4 Nearby Ruins

DAY 2. We will collect you from your hotel to kick off our tour at the Temple of the Sun, known as Koricancha. This iconic site showcases the blend of Incan and Spanish cultures, with its foundation used for constructing Santo Domingo’s Church and its renowned convent.

Next, we'll explore the Cathedral on the Main Square, home to exquisite religious artworks from the Cusco School. The Cusco City Tour progresses to Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable archaeological site characterized by massive stones intricately fit together, reportedly constructed by over 20,000 workers over 70 years.

We'll then visit Qenqo, a sacred temple where the Incas revered deities such as the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Experience its underground galleries and admire the semicircular amphitheater. Our exciting excursion continues to the military site of Puca Pucara, meaning “Red Fortress” for its distinctive hue.

Our final stop is the water temple of Tambomachay, featuring aqueducts and waterfalls fed by nearby springs. We will conclude the tour by dropping you off at El Regocijo Square, just a block from Plaza de Armas.

Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray Ruins

DAY 3. In the early morning, we will pick you up from the hotel for an enthralling tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first destination is the town of Chinchero, 17 miles from Cusco, where we’ll visit a local workshop to witness traditional textile-making techniques.

Next, we head to the Maras salt mines, perched on an open hill in the Urubamba Valley. Here, an Incan-engineered process allows a subterranean stream to evaporate into saltwater, flowing into a complex network of channels that guide it onto terraced ponds. Sun exposure leaves a salt residue.

After exploring Maras, we proceed to the Moray ruins, consisting of three arenas believed to have been used by the Incas as an open-air agricultural lab. These terraces, arranged in concentric circles, evoke an ancient Greek theater.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is rich with fertile lands ideal for farming and boasts impressive archaeological sites, revealing the Inca Empire's lifestyle and advanced building methods. Post-tour, you’ll return to El Regocijo Square, near Plaza de Armas.

Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo Ruins, and Expedition Train to Machu Picchu

DAY 4. Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll pick you up in Cusco for a 30 km journey to Pisac, known for its vibrant market and stone-built archaeological temples, offering stunning valley views and magnificent Inca platforms.

We’ll continue to Urubamba for a delightful buffet lunch before reaching Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub. It features breathtaking views, over a hundred Inca platforms, and an advanced irrigation system for its time.

Afterward, you’ll transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, followed by a briefing with the guide before visiting the citadel. Overnight stay.

Machu Picchu

DAY 5. Breakfast at the hotel. In the early morning, board a bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will captivate you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps, and urban areas.

Feel the energy that surrounds you. After a guided tour, you’ll have ample time to explore further or return to Aguas Calientes Town by bus for lunch (Optional).

At the designated time, we will travel back to Cusco from Ollantaytambo train station by tourist bus, dropping you off at your hotel in Cusco. Overnight stay.

South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas

DAY 6. Breakfast at the hotel. After pickup from the hotel, we will explore Cusco’s South Valley, beginning with the water temple of Tipón, featuring 12 remarkable terraces. The irrigation system here is still operational and continues to irrigate crops today.

Our next stop is Pikillaqta, a significant pre-Inca urban center crucial to the Huari Empire. We’ll then proceed to Andahuaylillas, a charming Andean town with a remarkable chapel dubbed “The Sistine Chapel of America.” After our visit, we will return to El Regocijo Square, near Plaza de Armas.

Departure from Cusco

DAY 7. Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the bus station or airport in Cusco.

** END OF SERVICES **

What’s included?

What’s included:

* Private arrival and departure transfers with only driver * Hotels with breakfast included * Lunch on the tour to the Sacred Valley of Pisac and Ollantaytambo * Group service with tour guide in Spanish / English * Ticket entrances * Train Expedition to Machu Picchu

What’s NOT included:

* Local and international flights, can be quoted additionally * Food and drinks * Tips * Entrance to Huayna Picchu * Second entry to Machu Picchu * Assistance during arrival and departure transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

The Essential Cusco tour package typically includes: airport-hotel transfers, accommodation with breakfast, a Cusco City Tour (Qoricancha and nearby archaeological sites), an excursion to the Sacred Valley, the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the bus up to Machu Picchu, entrance fees as per the itinerary, a bilingual official guide, and ongoing assistance. It usually does not include: domestic/international flights, lunches and dinners not specified, personal expenses, tips, or travel insurance. Some operators offer train upgrades (Vistadome), superior hotels, or additional experiences. Always review the tour operator's terms and conditions before booking to confirm exactly which services, schedules, and rates are included in your trip.

The Essential Cusco tour is typically scheduled as a 4-day/3-night or 5-day/4-night trip. Suggested itinerary: Day 1, arrival and city tour of the Historic Center, Qoricancha, and nearby Inca fortresses (Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay). Day 2, excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac, artisan markets, and Ollantaytambo). Day 3, train journey to Aguas Calientes and guided visit to Machu Picchu, with time for photos and an archaeological tour. Day 4, free time or optional activities (Maras and Moray) and return. The order and times may vary depending on ticket and train availability; please request your detailed itinerary confirmed in writing.

To make the most of your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, bring: a valid passport, travel insurance, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, UV sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, energy snacks, and hiking boots. Keep cash in soles and a credit card for unexpected expenses. Due to the altitude (Cusco is approximately 3,400 m), acclimatize for 24–48 hours, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, eat light meals, and consider coca tea. Consult your doctor about medication for altitude sickness if needed. At Machu Picchu (2,430 m), there are steps and trails; walk at a moderate pace and follow the site's rules for responsible tourism.

The best time to travel to Cusco is during the dry season, from May to September: sunny days, cool nights, and a lower chance of rain, ideal for tours to Machu Picchu and trekking. The rainy season runs from November to March; the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists, but rain is possible. April and October are attractive shoulder seasons. June–August is peak season (Inti Raymi and holidays), so it's advisable to book trains and Machu Picchu tickets in advance. The destination is open year-round; choose according to your travel style, preferred weather, and availability to ensure the best tourist experience.

You can book the Essential Cusco tour online with a trusted local operator. A deposit is usually required to secure train seats and Machu Picchu entrance tickets; the balance can be paid before your trip or upon arrival, depending on the tour operator's policy. Credit cards and bank transfers are accepted, sometimes with a fee. Full names and passport numbers are required to issue tickets. Changes and cancellations depend on how far in advance you book and the operator's policy; some tickets and train tickets are non-refundable. Review terms and conditions, request an invoice, and consider purchasing travel insurance with cancellation coverage.

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