7 Days: Machupicchu, Cusco and Sacred Valley

DAY 1: FLIGHT FROM U.S. TO LIMA, PERU.

Usually you will arrive in Lima around midnight. Your guide Washi will transfer you to the Hotel for overnight in Lima. Dinner on your own (usually you will have eaten on the plane.) Welcome to Peru.

DAY 2: LIMA TO CUSCO

Morning/Afternoon departure for flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Magical Tours Peru guides pick you up at the airport for a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza De Armas. From there, you will be taken to the Hotel, where you will be free for the remainder of the night and relax and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft). Diner on you own. www.aranwahotels.com/hotel-cusco

DAY 3: CUSCO – CITY SURROUNDS

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco Today you will spend learning about the region’s rich cultural history. The day starts with a guided walking tour through Cusco’s craft markets. You will visit the colonial cathedral and Koricancha http://www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/cusco-koricancha, the Inca’s Temple of the Sun, before enjoying a delectable lunch of regional cuisine. The afternoon will be spent visiting by private transportation the other significant Inca ruins in the vicinity of Cusco including: the mammoth fortress of Saqsayhuaman above the city, noted for its megalithic stone terraces http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_9.htm; Kenko with its distinctive zig zag – patterned carved stone and subterranean altars https://www.google.com/search?q=kenko+peru&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=t_MSUruuMcLOyAGEvYEg&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1038&bih=636 ; the hillside outpost of Puka Pukara, a small fortress that formerly protected the royal capital; and the Tambo Machay water temple that served as royal baths. You will be returned to you hotel for another evening in colonial Cusco, dinner on your own. (B, L)

DAY 4: CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY

Embark upon a day-long guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley, as majestic today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Along the way, Inca terracing climbs the steep valley walls and the beautiful temples of Pisac inspire panoramic views of the jagged granite mountains. Pisac is the location for one of the best textile markets in the Andes. There, your bargaining skills and enjoy the local culture. After lunch, reach Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress, with princess baths and more. Tour the ruins and enjoy this small traditional town. Overnight at Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo. www.pakaritampu.com (B, L)
DAY 5: SACRED VALLEY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – MACHU PICCHU

Begin today with walk to the train station at Ollantaytambo. The train travels along the scenic the Urubamba River before gaining elevation and mountain views and passing through a magnificent cloud forest before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch and making connections for the last leg of the trip by bus. Spend the entire day exploring the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.), returning in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes for a soak in the hot springs before a delicious dinner of regional cuisine. Spend a restful night at Hatuchay Tower Hotel. (B,L) www.casa-andina.com/casa-andina-classic-machu-picchu

DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU – CHINCHEROS TEXTILE MARKET – CUSCO

The morning is dedicated to exploring extraordinary Machu Picchu for about 4 hours. You have various opportunities for your own exploration, including a climb to the sacred Gate of the Sun. For those looking for the picture perfect view of the ruins, getting up early is essential as sunrise is not to be missed! The afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will meet your private driver and travel to the Chincheros Market. This traditional weaving community is known for is impressive textile works and artisan products. Here the local artisans will give you an introduction to their handy work including their processes for shearing, dyeing, spooling, and weaving from alpaca. Take advantage of last minute shopping before you are transferred to your Hotel www.aranwahotels.com (B, L)

DAY 7: Lima –USA.

Morning free to relax and after Lunch transfer to the Cusco Airport to flight to Lima and flight Home.
End of the service by Magical Tours Peru.
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

*Please note that exact pick up times and tour start times will be reconfirmed daily with your local guides.

HOTELES: Are listed in each day, you can get more information by entering to their Web page; all of them have Wi-Fi in room.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

  1. Internal flights (Lima – Arequipa, Cusco – Lima) and airport taxes.
  2. Private ground transportation the entire trip
  3. Beautiful Hotels.
  4. Private boat and entrance fees to Lake Titicaca
  5. Entrance fees to Inca Trail, Machu Picchu (2), Sacred Valley, Cusco, Colca Canyon, Lima Museum and Parks.
  6. All breakfasts and lunches and 1 Farewell dinner in Lima. (Vegetarian option available)
  7. Shaman-trained Guide the entire trip.
  8. Train fares ( Vista Dome )
  9. Bus to Machu Picchu round trip (2).
  10. Bottled water and energy bars daily.
  11. All listed activities.
  12. Service for children (Solar Lights)

Not Included:

  • International airfares.
  • Most Dinners.
  • Extra beverages.
  • Tips. (bellmen, waiters, guides, cooks, drivers)

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes and shoes you can hike in.
  • Waterproof Jacket and pants
  • Wind proof jacket, mostly clothes for mild weather 60-70 degrees F. Warm jacket, hat and gloves for high altitude evenings.
  • Good camera and extra battery and memory card
  • Good flash light
  • 220/ 110V ( plug) adaptor
  • Insect repellent (you can buy it there if needed)
  • Sun block, sunglasses, hat
  • Some school supplies to share with the children while visiting communities. (Pencils, Pens, notebooks etc.)

PRICE: is according to number of participants and accommodations to be used.