Machu Picchu & Huchuy Qosqo 5 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival to Cusco and Cusco Walking Tour
1 stop
1
Cusco Cathedral
On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest in order to avoid ill effects due to the high altitude. Pick up from the hotel at 14:00pm – walking tour will begin at Colourfull San Pedro market, there's probably no better market to experience Cusqueñan life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how local residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide will explain the history of this market as you wander through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, breads, crafts, shaman stalls, etc. After we visit Cusco's main square, a busy and vibrant space that marks the colonial center of the city; which features wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens. Then we walked towards the street of Hatun Rumiyoc. The walls of the palace have a Snake and Puma on it. Moreover, there you can observe the well-known 12 angle stone which is a symbol of perfection in Incan Architecture. After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here! Suggested flight schedule --- Lima (09:00am) - Cusco (10:25am)
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Hike to the ancient Inca citadel of Huchuy Qosqo
1 stop
2
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Breakfast at hotel; pick up from your hotel at 07:00am, begin your journey by transferring from your hotel to the village of Patabamba (3,850m/12,631ft) that is the starting point of our hike. We start hiking uphill amidst beautiful mountain scenery. As you ascend towards the pass (4,110m/13,484ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to Andean Puna, with scant vegetation such as “ichu”; from which you enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow-capped mountains. Descend to the village of Siwa (3,900m/12,795ft); then we will continue to the archaeological remains of Pucamarca and enter the Leon Punku Canyon, where we will follow the vestiges of an Incan trail that leads to the archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (3,700m/12,139ft). Inside of the canyon we will also see the foundation of an Incan bridge. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center. Living Tourism in Qosqo Huchuy - Homestay; we have the opportunity to share, live together and stay in the house of a local family. Travelers participate in daily activities with the host family, learning about their work and their traditions. Dinner is prepared by the family also they will provide us clean and comfortable bedrooms with toilet facilities. Estimated walking distance: 10 km (6, 21 miles) - Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours.
9 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Hike to Chinchero Colorful Andean village - Train to Aguas Calientes
1 stop
3
Sacred Valley
We will wake up and enjoy a breakfast provided by the local family. After eating we visit again the Ancient Incan ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco” in Quechua). We'll start to walk through Huchuy Qosqo, taking the Inca trail and ascend to Huallata Pass (4,350m/14,272ft) before arriving at Chinchero. Huchuy Qosqo to Huallata pass it will take approx 3 hours and the descent from the pass to Taucca will take 2 ½ hours where we finish our hike. From this part you have exceptional views of the valley and its surrounding mountains; you will continue your walk to reach the town of Taucca (3,850m/12,631ft). Experience of rural tourism and lunch with the residents of Taucca; we have the opportunity to visit the community of Taucca populated by 20 families and located at an elevation of 3,700 meters. From that height, you will have a most incredible view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the surrounding landscape, and snowcapped mountains. The villagers will share with you their traditional Andean way of life through different activities you can engage in, like weaving demonstrations, plowing with Andean tools, etc. In addition, you will see them spin and dye wool thread using natural dyes as well as weave fabric following their ancient techniques. Finally, you enjoy a traditional lunch made by the community women from ingredients organically grown in their fields. After lunch our private transport drives us to Ollantaytambo, where we board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride takes you along an absolutely gorgeous route, renowned the world over for its’ beauty. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes you are transferred to your hotel. Estimated walking distance: 9 km (5, 59 miles) - Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours. Expedition train --- Ollantaytambo (19:04pm) – Aguas Calientes (20:45pm)
13 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Visit to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
1 stop
4
Machu Picchu
Breakfast at the hotel; at 06:00am you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the hilltop citadel deserved every bit of its fame. Around 07:30am the guided tour begins, the guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. The guided tour takes around two hours. From 10:30am to 12:30pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. From 12:30pm to 13:30pm take bus to Aguas Calientes. From 13:30pm to 15:00pm take lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Poroy station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco. Expedition train --- Aguas Calientes (15:20pm) – Cusco (19:05pm) Note about train tickets: We will attempt to book tickets on this train, but if there are timetable changes or trains are fully booked, we may need to book an alternative service.
14 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Departure from Cusco
1 stop
5
Cusco
Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure. Suggested flight schedule --- Cusco (10:40am) – Lima (12:05pm)
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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