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Classic Cultural Cusco – 6 Days Tour

Cusco, Peru ES / EN
Duration
6 Days
Max. Altitude
4,100 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Moderate

Overview

Embark on an epic journey through Inca history and culture!

Discover the fascinating Inca ruins on the City Tour, the magic of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the grandeur of Machu Picchu, and the indescribable beauty of Lake Humantay.

To top it all off, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring vibrant markets filled with colors, aromas, and traditions.

Itinerary

1 DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO AND ACCLIMATIZATION

🛬 Arrival in Cusco!

When you arrive at the Cusco Airport, our team will be waiting to warmly welcome you and accompany you on the transfer to your selected hotel.

🌄 Located at an altitude of 3,400 meters!

Cusco requires travelers to take a short period to acclimate, which is essential to fully enjoy the charms the city has to offer.

✨ For a smooth acclimatization, we recommend:

• 😴 Rest for 2 to 3 hours immediately after arrival.
• 🍵 Try traditional coca tea, a natural remedy for altitude sickness.
• 💧 Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• 🥗 Opt for light meals to help your body adjust.

💃 Additionally, if you have the General Tourist Ticket, you can take advantage of the evening to attend, at no additional cost, the traditional dance show held at 6:00 p.m.—a special opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture.

📍 Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

2 DAY 02: ARCHAEOLOGICAL CITY TOUR

🏛️ Embark on a fascinating 5-hour tour through the heart of the Inca Empire!

⏰ We’ll pick you up at your hotel around 8:45 a.m., depending on its location.

✨ ITINERARY:

🌞 QORICANCHA – Temple of the Sun:
An ancient Inca treasure dedicated to the god Inti, upon which the Church of Santo Domingo was built.

🏔️ SACSAYHUAMÁN:
Impressive cyclopean walls and viewpoints offering spectacular views of Cusco.

🪨 QENKO:
A sacred site featuring an amphitheater, rock carvings, and ceremonial canals.

🏰 PUCA PUCARA:
A red fortress and strategic point for defending and controlling access to Cusco.

💧 TAMBOMACHAY:
Temple of Water, with fountains and canals that reveal the sophistication of Inca engineering.

🌙 RETURN to Downtown Cusco:
We end the tour at Plaza Regozijo, next to the Plaza de Armas, so you can continue exploring the city on your own.

📍 Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

3 DAY 3: THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

🚐 Departure from Cusco

At 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for the transfer to the charming Ollantaytambo train station.

🚆 Train ride to Aguas Calientes

At 6:10 a.m., we’ll board a scenic train bound for Aguas Calientes. During the ride, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley.

🤝 Arrival in Aguas Calientes

As you exit the station, a host will be waiting to escort you to the bus stop for the bus heading up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

🏞️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Get ready to be amazed! On a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours, we’ll explore the terraces, temples, and plazas of this Inca city, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Our guide will reveal fascinating stories, trivia, and secrets of Inca engineering that make Machu Picchu a true global icon.

🍽️ Lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes

After the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch (not included) and relax, taking in the local hospitality and cuisine.

🚆 Return trip to Cusco

You must arrive at the Aguas Calientes station at least 30 minutes early to board the return train. During the journey, take in the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

🚐 Arrival in Ollantaytambo

Our shuttle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

🏡 End of the Day in Cusco

Arrival at your hotel, where we’ll wrap up a day full of unforgettable memories.

📍 Overnight Stay: Hotel in Cusco

4 DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU

🚐 Departure from Cusco

At 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for the transfer to the charming Ollantaytambo train station.

🚆 Train ride to Aguas Calientes

At 6:10 a.m., we’ll board a panoramic train bound for Aguas Calientes. During the ride, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the Andes and the Sacred Valley.

🤝 Arrival in Aguas Calientes

As you exit the station, a host will be waiting to escort you to the bus stop for the bus heading up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

🏞️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Get ready to be amazed! On a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours, we’ll explore the terraces, temples, and plazas of this Inca city, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.
Our guide will reveal fascinating stories, trivia, and secrets of Inca engineering that make Machu Picchu a true global icon.

🍽️ Lunch on your own in Aguas Calientes

After the tour, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch (not included) and relax, taking in the local hospitality and cuisine.

🚆 Return trip to Cusco

You must arrive at the Aguas Calientes station at least 30 minutes early to board the return train. During the journey, take in the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

🚐 Arrival in Ollantaytambo

Our shuttle will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

🏡 End of the Day in Cusco

Arrival at your hotel, where we wrap up a day full of unforgettable memories.

📍 Overnight Stay: Hotel in Cusco

💡 Special Tip

For an even more comfortable experience, we recommend spending the night in Aguas Calientes the night before your visit to Machu Picchu.

5 DAY 05: HUMANTAY LAKE

🚐 Departure from Cusco

At 5:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin our journey to one of Peru’s most enchanting natural destinations.

☕ Breakfast in Mollepata

After about a 2-hour drive, we’ll arrive at the picturesque village of Mollepata, where we’ll stop to enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast. Refreshed, we’ll continue the journey for another hour to Soraypampa (3,900 m).

🥾 Hike to Lake Humantay

From Soraypampa, we’ll begin a roughly 2-hour ascent to the breathtaking Lake Humantay, a natural wonder nestled at the foot of the mountain range, with its turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.✨
We’ll have free time to take in the view, soak up the mountain’s energy, and capture unforgettable memories.

⬇️ Descent and Return

After the visit, we’ll descend for about 1 hour back to Soraypampa, where our transportation will be waiting.

🍽️ Lunch in Mollepata

On the way back, we’ll stop in the town of Mollepata to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.

🏙️ Arrival in Cusco

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 6:30 p.m.

Our van will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue exploring this historic and charming city.

📍 Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

6 DAY 06: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

☀️ After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your last few hours in this magical city to say goodbye at your own pace and capture unforgettable memories 📸.

If time allows, you can explore some charming, free tourist attractions in the historic center, such as:

🏛️ Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of Cusco.
🪨 The 12-Angled Stone, on Hatun Rumiyoc Street.
🌿 Plaza de San Blas and the San Blas Viewpoint, with beautiful views of the city.
⛪ San Cristóbal Church, with its bells and panoramic viewpoint.
💧 The Sapantiana Colonial Aqueduct, a hidden treasure.
🌸 Siete Borreguitos Street, charming and lined with flowers.
⛲ Tricentenario Square, steeped in history.
🛍️ San Pedro Market, perfect for shopping and sampling local flavors.

✨ And, for those with extra time before their flight, it’s worth taking a taxi to the outskirts of the city to visit:

✝️ Cristo Blanco, which blesses Cusco from above.
🌲 Eucalyptus Forest, perfect for breathing fresh air and enjoying nature.

🚌 At the agreed-upon time, our team will be ready to accompany you to the airport, ensuring you arrive 2 hours and 30 minutes before your flight ✈️.

More than just suitcases, you’ll be taking home unforgettable moments, unique experiences, and the vibrant energy of the Andes—all of which will remain forever in your memory and in your heart 💫.

Cusco isn’t just a destination—it’s a transformative experience! 🌄✨

What's Included

Included

  • Airport–Hotel–Airport Transfer
  • Tour transportation for each tour
  • Professional guides for each tour
  • Archaeological City Tour
  • Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Tour of Machu Picchu
  • Tour to Lake Humantay
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu National Park
  • Round-trip train service Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (TOURIST CLASS)
  • Shuttle bus to and from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
  • Transfer Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Not Included

  • Lunch and Dinner
  • All-inclusive tourist pass: $45 (Grants access to the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley and the Archaeological City Tour)
  • Flights: Domestic and international
  • Personal expenses

Recommendations

  • Bring personal documents (passport or national ID)
  • Students must bring a current university student ID
  • Sunscreen during sunny weather
  • Insect repellent for Machu Picchu
  • Raincoat during the rainy season
  • Appropriate clothing for cold weather
  • An extra battery for your camera
  • Purchase your travel insurance here

Optional

  • Portuguese-language guide service
  • Private service
  • Other hotels to choose from
  • VISTADOME OBSERVATORY TRAIN (additional): For an even more immersive experience, featuring panoramic windows, background music, live dancing, and traditional performances. It also features an observatory bar car and a balcony with spectacular views.
    • Additional round trip: US$ 94
    • Or additional one-way: US$ 79
  • HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN (additional): One of Machu Picchu’s most iconic attractions, offering a challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views. Must be requested in advance, as spots are limited. Additional cost: US$ 70

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