Cultural and Living Route to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Pisaq – Pachamanca participativa – Ollantaytambo
5 stops
1
Cusco
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to start the journey towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way you can enjoy the Andean landscapes, traditional communities and panoramic views of the valley.
Admission ticket free
2
First stop at the Mirador de Taray, from where you get one of the most spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, with its agricultural terraces and the Vilcanota River winding between the mountains. Your guide will give you an introduction to the Andean worldview and the importance of the valley in Inca times.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Parque Arqueologico Pisac
Explore the stunning archaeological site of Pisaq, a jewel of the Sacred Valley that harmoniously combines Inca architecture with mountain topography. It runs through its extensive agricultural terraces that descend in the form of an amphitheater over the valley, admiring the precision of its stone walls and the irrigation canals that still work. Your guide will reveal the spiritual and astronomical symbolism of the temples dedicated to Inti (Sun) and Pachamama (Mother Earth), as well as explain how Pisaq was part of the sacred network that connected Cusco with Machu Picchu. After the tour, we continue to a local community where we will be received by the members and we will start the scheduled activities
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
4
Pisac
Painting workshop of Toritos de Pucará We continue to a local artisan workshop, where you will know the history and meaning of the Torito de Pucará, symbol of prosperity and protection in Andean homes. Guided by a local artisan, you will paint your own Torito using traditional techniques. Experience of Pachamanca participatory Arrival in an Andean community to enjoy a traditional Pachamanca, an ancestral method of cooking underground that uses hot stones. You will participate in the preparation, and share a typical lunch with a local family.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
After lunch, we continue to the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo, where you will walk its stone alleys and its imposing archaeological site, with temples, platforms and ceremonial fountains. Overnight in Ollantaytambo, if you want to continue the train journey to Machu Picchu confirm in advance.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 2
Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
4 stops
6
Ollantaytambo
Start your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo, as you prepare for one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: the visit to Machu Picchu. We will head to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. This route is considered one of the most spectacular in South America. During the approximately 1 hour and 45 minute journey, the train follows the Urubamba River, entering a landscape that transitions from the Andean valley to the lush high forest. Through the panoramic windows you can appreciate tropical vegetation, mist-covered mountains and hidden archaeological remains on the slopes.
Admission ticket free
7
Machu Picchu
Upon arrival at Machu Picchhu Pueblo (Hot Waters), our staff will meet you at the exit of the train station, to give you directions and drive you to the bus that will take us to Machu Picchu Archaeological Park.
Admission ticket free
8
Machu Picchu
Accompanied by your local guide, you will enter the historic shrine of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a tour of approximately 21⁄2 hours, you will know the main sectors of the archaeological site: the Temple of the Sun, the Casa del Inca, the Intihuatana (sun clock), and the agricultural terraces. Your guide will explain the history, architecture and spiritual significance of the place, helping you understand how the Incas integrated their sacred city in perfect harmony with nature. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, enjoy the views from the viewpoints or perform optional activities such as ascending Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability and additional entrance).
1 day • Admission ticket included
9
Machu Picchu
Free lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) Descent by bus to the village and free time for lunch in one of the local restaurants that offer Peruvian cuisine and Andean fusion. In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Estimated arrival in Cusco: between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• the Entrance to Machu Picchu is subject to availability of schedules, therefore it is recommended to make reservations in advance

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