Ancient and Colonial Cusco

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6 Days

From

~~$958~~

$931

Ancient and Colonial Cusco

6 Days Starting and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley

Tour operator:

Lima Tours

Tour code:

159278

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

Min age:10

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Interests:

Cultural

From:

$958

$931 (USD) WINTER SALE @ Tourhub Discount: $27

Tour Overview

We invite you to experience the very best attractions Cusco has to offer on this six-day trip through the Imperial City and surrounding areas. Discover Inca heritage as you travel through the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire, and learn about the pre-Inca cultures in a tour of the Southern Valley. Witness the blend of Incan and Colonial heritage as you stroll around the cobbled streets of the Cusco and enter the cloud forest for an unforgettable experience in search of the Inca jewel, Machu Picchu.

Highlights

: Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of a pre-Columbian past and Spanish architecture
Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills that hide fantastic archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay
Sacsayhuaman: An immense Inca fortress erected on top of a hill above Cusco in the 15th century
Its gigantic stone walls remain today as a testimony to the skills of Inca architects, and the grandeur of the complex continues to amaze visitors 500 years later
Andahuaylillas: Get into art in the heart of the Peruvian Andes
Visit the San Pedro Apóstol Church, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas' because of its Renaissance-Baroque style and the fascinating frescoes that decorate its interior
Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ is what draws thousands of people to Peru each year
Hidden among the vegetation, this mountain-top citadel, built in complete harmony with the landscape, hosts a wealth of rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites that offer the visitor a chance to get closer to Peru’s fascinating past

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Cusco – Sacred Valley (50 Km – 1.5 Hrs)

Location:

Cusco

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your Sacred Valley hotel. If you are arriving on a domestic flight from Lima, ensure that your arrival time is no later than 10:30 , later arrival times will be too late. En route to the hotel, following the road to Pisac, you will make a stop at the Inkariy Museum where you will learn about the pre-Columbian history and traditions of Peru. This museum features a chronological circuit of exhibits that will not only give you an insight into the impressive Inca Empire, but will also introduce you to the lesser-known peoples of Peru, including the Caral, Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nasca, Wari, Malbayeque and Chimú cultures. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will be assisted with check-in and then you can enjoy some free time to make use of the hotel facilities or to relax and re-charge your batteries ready for the exciting trip ahead.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 2 : Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (90 Km - 2 Hrs)

Location:

Sacred Valley

Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a visit to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery, and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but you also have the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo. After eating, explore the streets of Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. On Sundays, you may also visit the local market. At the end of the day, return to your hotel to rest full of the spirit of the Incas.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Day 3 : Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco (1.5 Hr By Train / 75 Km - 2.5 Hrs By Land )

Location:

Cusco

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the Ollanta station to begin your trip to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the approximately two-hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’, the last stop before entering the most important archaeological site in Peru. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in a thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments, such as the main square, the royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, the circular towers, the Sacred Clock and cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at the famous Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant hemmed in between the railway and a mountain. In the afternoon, back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 4 : Cusco

Location:

Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historical records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning “red fortress” in Quechua. Puka Pukara is an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel to rest or take part one of the traditional pottery workshops: Glazed Ceramics or Colonial Gold Leaf application.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 5 : Cusco – South Valley - Cusco (80 Km - 2 Hrs)

Location:

Cusco

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey through pre-Inca times to the Colonial era in the Southern Valley. You will start your journey in Tipón, a perfectly preserved archaeological site just 27 kilometers away from the city of Cusco. This site is considered a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering and the fully-functioning irrigation systems are still in use by the local population today. Then visit an impressive colonial mansion that dates back to 1650. Continue to Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities in Peru. Pikillacta was built by the Wari people around 800 AD and used for approximately 2000 years. The site covers more than 3,000 hectares and contains 700 structures including stone and mud buildings of two and three floors, terraces and a rock carving of a condor. Finally, visit Andahuaylillas, a town located around 40 kilometers away from Cusco. The main attraction here is the local Church, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ owing to the high quality of art found inside. The church was built in the sixteenth century on the site of what are believed to have been Wari buildings. From here, we will return to Cusco for the evening.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6 : Departure Cusco

Location:

Cusco

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport. Although this is the last day of your journey around Cusco and surrounding areas, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:Operated with an English- and Spanish-speaking local guide on a shared basisACCOMMODATION:5 nights' accommodation ACCOMMODATION OPTIONSDay 1-2 Sacred Valley:Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado or similar 4*Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*Day 3-5 Cusco:Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*OPTIONAL EXTRAPre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*MEALS:5 breakfasts.2 lunches on days 2, 3 TRANSPORT:Private transfers from and to the airportShared transfers from and to the train stationsRoundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe categoryBus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:All the activities mentioned in the programme: Coricancha Temple, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay in Cusco; Inkariy Museum, Living Museum of Yucay, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas in the Valle Sagrado; Machu Picchu on day 3; Cusco Tourist Entrance (BTC ticket) included.OTHER:Meet & greet on day 1

What's Not Included

Personal expenses, drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programmeTips for guide and driver.International flights to PeruDomestic flights (it is advised to book the first flights in the morning)Domestic and foreign airport taxes.

Please Note

Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, a sales tax (18%) will be collected by our local operator.

Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30 hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.

Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby.

If your trip includes the visit to high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres, do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.

Upon arrival it is recommended you rest for a few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference, Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 metres.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU

The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) he/she will have 3 hours for this in addition to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale point in the archaeological zone.

The following objects are forbidden within the premises: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or are equipped with telephoto lenses weighing more than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorisation and an additional fee is required), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks that surpass the following measurements: 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

INSTRUCTIONS

Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, as the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.

In all train services to Machu Picchu, passenger can carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5 kg. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 157 cm (height + length + width)

NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:

After the prohibition of bringing single-use plastic items into the 76 natural reserves, including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Sacred Valley:

Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Day 3-5 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Jose M.

Muy recomendable

12-Jul-2023

Nuestro guía Elías es extraordinario... excelente... amable, servicial... paciente y conocedor de su oficio... de la historia y la cultura... felicidades y muy recomendable …

LLeydis

Excelente servicio

08-Mar-2023

La puntualidad en todo: Buenos guías, buen servicio,

Dates & Availability

Dec
2023 Jan
2024 Feb
2024 Mar
2024 Apr
2024 May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 15, 2023 - Dec 20, 2023

~~$958~~ $931 (USD)