When you think about visiting Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas, the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu immediately comes to mind. It is very impressive from the first moment you step foot in this sacred sanctuary. When you take a guided tour you will feel very happy for everyone. the mysteries and curious facts that your site guide explains to you. Because it is perhaps one of the few archaeological sites that still preserves its original design that in more than 500 years has not changed its harmony and aesthetics of its temples and enclosures of the noble class of the Inca empire.
If something can be enjoyed daily in the capital of the Incas and Machu Picchu, it is its gastronomy, which enjoys the greatest global prestige. This is because Cusco is a region that has different microclimates, which facilitate the production of fine ingredients, achieving a Regional cuisine based on the preparation of tasty stews, Cusco has the best selection of fruits, vegetables, cereals and exotic Andean grains, which you should try.
Likewise, the attraction in global trend is the famous colorful mountain Vinicunca, whose origin is due to the orogenic processes of the Andes mountain chain. This place is easy to access even though it is located at more than 5,000 meters. Once there you can take some souvenir photos with the local residents and their llamas dressed in colorful wool. Explore Peru, the sacred valley of the Incas, the amazing views of red valley and Machu Picchu in your next holidays.
DAY 1:ARRIVE TO CUSCO – CITY TOUR IN THE AFTERNOON
Today you should arrive on an air flight from the city of Lima to Cusco in the morning. At the airport our staff will wait for you and will pick you up and then take you to your hotel. If the height does not affect you, a tour will be organized to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Temple of the Sun, Quenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. This tour starts at 1:00 pm and ends after 6 hours.
In case you want to rest and adapt to the altitude calmly, you will be offered a tour of the city, where you will visit the traditional streets and markets in the company of our local guide. At the end of any of the tours you will be transferred to your hotel, or you can also decide to go to a typical restaurant where you will have a glamorous dinner.
DAY 2:TOUR TO SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS – TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Today the pick up will be from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am, then we will go on a tour to the sacred valley of the Incas, the first place to visit will be the ruins of Chinchero, there you will also have the opportunity to meet the traditional weavers of Cusco textiles who use only natural dyes to make handmade alpaca wool blankets and sweaters.
Then we will visit the viewpoint of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the town of Raqchi, from where you can see the Vilcanota River and the snow-capped mountains of Veronica, Chicon and Pitusiray. Thirty minutes away are the attractions of the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. At noon you arrive in the city of Urubamba where you will have a buffet lunch.
At 1:00 pm we go to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, here you can explore the most spectacular Inca temples of the Incas, and in the afternoon you must take the train at 4:12 pm, which leaves from the Ollantaytambo station, Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes you will be received by the staff of the Retama hotel. At night you can enjoy dinner at the restaurant you like the most.
DAY 3:TOUR IN MACHU PICCHU – RETURN TO CUSCO
Today will be very special as we will visit the wonders of the world Machu Picchu, after a short time to have breakfast, we head to the Consettur bus station, the trip to the access gate to the citadel lasts approximately 30 minutes. Together with the local guide you will visit the most important sites for a period of 2 hours, then you will have to leave and descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will look for a restaurant to have your lunch. In the afternoon the return train leaves at 2:30 pm in the direction of Ollantaytambo station where you will be picked up by a bus that will arrive in the city of Cusco at approximately 7:30 pm.
Note: If you wish to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain, please consult with your travel agent when making reservations about the availability of tickets to said attraction.
DAY 4:TOUR TO MOUNTAIN OF 7 COLORS – RED VALLEY – RETURN TO CUSCO
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR MACHU PICCHU, CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
- City tour in Cusco ( Pick up from the hotel, Transport, Guide, entrance tickets)
- Sacred Valley Tour ( Pick up from the hotel, Transport, Guide, entrance tickets)
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes 1 night ( hotel retama )
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu ( round trip)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel (shedule of 6:00 am or 7:00 am)
- Tour to Vinicunca mountain of 7 colors and red valley (( Pick up from the hotel, Transport, Guide, entrance tickets)
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights
- Drinks and meals not listed
- Hotels in Cusco
- Other private expenses and voluntary tips
- Huayna Picchu Mountain ($ 80 usd per person consult before the availability to your travel agent)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide, driver
The climate in Cusco throughout the year is variable; In the mornings and evenings it is cold, it is recommended that you bring jackets, a coat, gloves, a beanie, a scarf, and clothes that keep you warm. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, it is usually mild with full sunny days between the months of April to October. The average temperature during this season is 18 C°, and at night it sometimes drops to a minimum of 2 C°. If you plan to travel in the rainy months from November to March, it is also feasible to visit these tourist attractions, but you must come equipped with rain jackets, umbrellas, and boots. The most important thing is not to forget to bring your documents such as your passport, this will be of vital importance at airport, Machu Picchu, and train controls.
CAN I GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS AT MACHU PICCHU?
The elevation of Machu Picchu is 7,970 ft (2430 m). This elevation is significantly lower than Cusco (by about 3,300 ft or 1,000 m), but altitude sickness is nonetheless a possibility when visiting Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Many people only experience mild symptoms such as headache and shortness of breath, which usually subside within a day or two.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED AT MACHU PICCHU?
Many visitors only spend one day at Machu Picchu. This is enough time to explore the archaeological complex and take a guided tour, but it’s a long day of travel when you factor in all the legs of transport to and from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. You may want to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu for a second visit. This lets you enjoy Machu Picchu more relaxed and maybe even do a hike. Planning for two days at Machu Picchu is recommended during the rainy season (December to March) in the event that the weather is especially stormy one of the days.
WHAT ARE THE HUAYNA PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAINS?
The Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The top of this mountain offers some of the most spectacular aerial views of Machu Picchu. Getting to the top of Huayna Picchu is an incredible adventure. It climbs up a steep road built on the side of the mountain. Most of the road will be between the mountain walls and the cliffs.
In the Huayna Picchu the Incas built, in addition to hundreds of stone staircases, the famous Temple of the Moon. Entrance to people under 12 years old is not allowed. It is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo. Limited to 400 visitors daily at two entrance times (7-8 am and 10 – 11 am), tickets to the Trail must be purchased at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu, the arduous vertiginous hike up a steep, narrow set of Inca-carved stairs to the Summit and back takes between 2 to 3 hours round trip.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, and serves as another viewpoint to the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain. To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance, entrance is allowed between 7 am and 8 am and between 9 and 10 am.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS FOR MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, to optimize the experience inside the archeological site, the Peruvian government has implemented the following measures:
- Permanence is limited to 2 hours per ticket.
- You won’t be able to enter the citadel without a guide.
- Only small backpacks are allowed in the archeological site.
- Alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are not allowed.
- Drones are banned from the historical sanctuary.
- Tripods, large umbrellas, selfie sticks are not allowed.
- Baby cars are not allowed.
- Professional cameras require a special permit.
HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU?
There are different ways to get to Machu Picchu. Depending on the time you may have and the experience you’re looking for, you can decide either going on a fabulous train ride or venturing out through an authentic Inca trail to the famous Inca Citadel.
Trains to Machu Picchu
- Train ride is the most in-demand way to get to Machu Picchu, not only for the time-wise efficiency but because it goes across the Peruvian highlands, transitioning to the impressive cloud forest and its imposing mountains. Likewise, there are different types of trains and routes to reach the famous Machu Picchu town.
Treks to Machu Picchu
- If you’re the adventurous traveler type, this could be the most suitable option for you! There are different treks to this wonder of the world. Whether you’d like to explore ancient Inca settlements, the imposing Andes mountain range, or going on an adventure through the jungle, there are different options for all tastes and ages.
IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE SALE OF MACHU PICCHU TICKETS?
The huge demand for tickets in Machu Picchu has caused a limit to be established for people who can enter Machu Picchu.
Here are the number of tickets available for each type of ticket:
Ticket Machu Picchu Solo: 2,500 spaces per day.
- Group 1 : admission from 6 am
- Group 2 : admission from 7 am
- Group 3 : admission from 8 am
- Group 4 : admission from 9 am
- Group 5 : admission from 10 am
- Group 6 : admission from 11 am
- Group 7 : admission from 12 pm
- Group 8 : admission from 1 pm
- Group 9 : admission from 2 pm
Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 400 spaces per day.
- Group 1 : admission from 6 am / a Waynapicchu from 7 am to 8 am
- Group 2 : admission from 7 am / a Waynapicchu from 7 am to 8 am
- Group 3 : admission from 8 am / a Waynapicchu from 10.30 am to 11.30 am
Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain:
- Group 1 : admission from 6 am / a Mountain from 7 am to 8 am
- Group 2 : admission from 7 am / a Mountain from 7 am to 8 am
- Group 3 : admission from 8 am / a Mountain from 9 am to 10 am
