City Tour and Sacsayhuaman:
During this tour we will visit the following places:
The Cathedral: Constructed between 1560 and 1654 upon the foundations of the Inca Wiracocha palace. This immense building includes the chapel of Jesus, Joseph and Mary, and the church of the Triumph. While the construction lasted for over a century, the decoration went on for 300 years and today more than 400 paintings of the Cusco School can be seen amidst beautifully carved altars and a magnificent choir. Qoricancha: Meaning "cloister of gold", is located within the monastery of Santo Domingo, where the remains of the former sun temple of the Incas are found. Inside one can admire some astonishing slanted Inca walls, windows and niches in trapezoidal shapes that have withstood several earthquakes due to anti-seismic construction by extremely close-fitting stones. Sacsayhuaman: This quechua word (the still widely spoken language of the Incas) literally translates to "decorated head of puma." It was the ruling palace of the Inca, a temple, and a place from where the descendant of the sun directed his people. The Europeans called it a fortress, because of the immense blocks of rock that were used in its construction. Cusco tradition claims that around 70,000 people worked here for 50 years. Qenqo: This name translates labyrinth and probably is derived from two caves under a large rock with carved platforms or “altars,” representing the so-called "sacrificial rock". There is also an “amphitheater” with 19 offering niches and a large rock sculpture (that is said to represent a puma, the deity of the site). Interesting zigzag channels and a great variety of carved stones are also found on top of the huge rock formation. Puca Pucara: Meaning “red fortress,” this massive construction was used for food storage and also as a control garrison for travellers that visited Cusco in Inca times. Tambo Machay: A beautiful ceremonial site, literally on a hillside spring, where water was worshipped. Still today the permanently flowing water is associated with long life and fertility by the “cuzqueños” (the people from Cusco).
Departure: Every day.
Duration: 4 hours (from 2 pm to 6 pm).
Cost: US$ 34 per person in group services.
Included:
Guide services
Transport
Entrances fees
Sacred Valley: (Full day)
Urubamba or Vilcanota Valley:The river that runs trough the region refered to as the “Sacred Valley,” has its source high up in the mountains southeast of Cusco, and was venerated by the Incas as a sacred river that represented the cycle of water. Several important archaeological sites, like Pisaq and Ollantaytambo, are found in this extremely fertile valley where the famous white Inca corn originated. Pisaq: The village is located 20 mi / 31 km from Cusco. High above the river, on extensive ancient trails, one can observe an incredible sequence of Inca terraces, housing areas, and a red andesite temple complex. At the bottom of the valley lies the colonial town were every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday the renowned and most colorful Pisaq market is held. Ollantaytambo: At a distance of 47 mi / 76 km from Cusco, it is a very interesting town with well preserved Inca patterns, from were we will visit the unfinished temples high above the village. It is one of the most impressive complexes built at imperial times, with the assistance of the Callaguaya and other nations of the Lake Titicaca region, which supported the attempt of General Ollanta to challenge the power of the Inca Pachacutec.
Departure: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Duration: Full day (from: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm).
Cost: U$ 37 per person in group services
Included:
Guide services
Transport
Entrances fees
Lunch (Restaurant Tunupa or Posada del Inca)
Excursion to Machu Picchu by train
Early in the morning, we will take you to the San Pedro station. Immediately after leaving Cusco, the train ascends to the Arch pass from where you can admire the beauty of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. The most impressive mountain in the large Andean range is the pyramidal snow peak of Salcantay (20,500 ft. / 6270 m). The pass is located at 11,800 ft. / 3600 m, and over the next 70 mi / 110 km we will gradually descend to 6,500 ft. / 2000 m, while observing continuous change in flora and fauna. From the Anta plateau, the bread-basket of the Cusco region, the train runs into the Pomatales gorge, and then zigzags down to Pachar in the Sacred Valley. Before reaching the Ollantaytambo station, several Inca terraces, lookout posts and ancient river bank reinforcements can be seen. As we pass the well Known-town of living Inca culture, we will get a glimpse of some of the finest temples and other archaeological remains. Later on, there are good chances to see the white peaks of the Vilcabamba Range, among them the beautiful Mount Veronica (18,800 ft. / 5750 m). After passing 8 tunnels, the train journey comes to an end at the busy town of Aguas Calientes, where we take a bus for a 30 minute scenic ride up the mountains to the sacred center of Machu Picchu (7,800 ft / 2400 m) the awe inspiring "Lost City of the Inca Empire." Our guide will show you the most important monuments as well as explain the history and the mythology of this magnificent place.
In the afternoon return to Cusco by train.
Departure: Every day
Duration: From 5:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Cost: U$ 241 per person in group services
Included:
Guide services
Transfers: Hotel / train station / hotel.
Train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu.
Entrances fees
Lunch |









|