07 Day Andean Experience through the Living Culture of the Incas in Cusco & Machu Picchu

• Immerse yourself in the 07-day Andean Experience and explore the best cultural and natural attractions of the Cusco region and visit the most important sites that will end up making you connect with the magical and imposing Inca culture.
• Visit the archaeological sites closest to the imperial city of Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
• Discover the stunning landscapes and archaeological sites with the Sacred Valley Tour, such as Ollantaytambo fortress, the terraces of Moray, Salt Mines of Maras, Chinchero and Pisac Archaeological Site.
• Explore Machu Picchu Archaeological Site and leave you unforgettable memories. An exclusive tour to this masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture hidden deep in the mountains.
• Enjoy with the 7 day Andean Tours and Experience through the Living Culture of the Incas package. A combination of the most popular and visited archaeological Inca places of Cusco, including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY ANDEAN EXPERIENCE IN CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU 7D/6N 

DAY 1: CUSCO NAVEL OF THE WORLD

Our 7-Day Andean Tours and Experience in Cusco and Machu Picchu starts with your arrival in the City of Cusco, where an Inkayni Peru Tours member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner lodge, located in the charming historic neighborhood of San Blas. The lodge is centrally located and only a few minute’s walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center.

This day will be reserved for resting and acclimatizing to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). Meet your expedition group at 5:00 pm

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR

This trip starts at Sacsayhuaman, one of the typical buildings of the Inca Empire (just a few minutes from the center of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th Century. It is a vast fortress built from huge stones; how they were transported and worked is still a mystery. It has been calculated that what we see today is only twenty percent of the original structure because when the Spanish arrived, they used its stones for new buildings such as the cathedral.

Places that are visited:

• Sacsayhuaman.
• Qenko.
• Tambomachay.
• Puca Pucara.

In the afternoon we will travel by car to the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station to Machu Picchu awaits our transfer to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).

• Lodging: Aguas Calientes Golden Sunrise*** or similar.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU

Continuing with our 7-Day Andean Tours and Experience in Cusco and Machu Picchu, today we will rise very early for breakfast and ascend to the citadel Inka of Machu Picchu (approx 25 minutes by bus) to appreciate sunrise at this magical place, a famous masterpiece of architecture and engineering, believed to have been a sanctuary and energetic center. Today, Machu Picchu is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Optional: The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu, a rigorous climb on steep trails with impressive ruins and spectacular views, a round-trip of 2 hours.

• Lodging:  Aguas Calientes Golden Sunrise*** or similar.

DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MORAY-SALT MINES

Return to “living” Inka town of Ollantaytambo by train and continue by car to Moray, an ancient construction designed for agricultural investigations and studies of different crops in a range of altitudes. Here, the many concentric “rings” of terraces produce a fine gradient of micro-climates; the warmth of the lowest central ring slowly dissipates as the rings ascend outward and upward, creating reductions in temperatures until reaching the ground-level norm.

Places that are visited:

• Ollantaytambo
• Maras (Salt Mines)
• Moray.

          Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 5: CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)

Chinchero: the rainbow village, home of the ruins of the royal palace of the Inka Túpac Inca Yupanqui, a picturesque community located on a high plateau overlooking the many snowcapped peaks of the Cusco region. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery.

Moving on, we will participate in a beautiful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon, we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times.

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 6: ANIMAL SANCTUARY – PISAQ – PISAQ MARKET

This morning we will continue with our 7-Day Andean Tours & Experience in Cusco, Machu Picchu, first we will travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas towards the town of Pisaq. We will stop on the way to visit the animal sanctuary of Cochahuasi: here we may observe many of the native Andean species such as the puma, Andean cóndor, alpacas, and many more. Further en route, we will stop at a spectacular viewing location to observe the Urubamba river as it curves like a serpent through the mosaic-like agricultural lands as we continue towards the town of Pisaq.

In Pisaq we may also observe the construction design of the archaeological site of Pisac, which many say portrays the profile of a condor. Pisaq is known mainly for two reasons – for its famous craft market and its archaeological site. Here we will have free time to wander the market and to interact with the many local artisans. The ruins of Pisaq, high above the modern town on the mountain, is one of the most important of the Sacred Valley.

• Lodging: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

DAY 7: FREE WALKING TOUR – FLY TO LIMA

Option: Free morning to relax or free walking tour. The walking tour will visit the following places:

• Plaza de Armas / Main Plaza, which is home to the main cathedral and colonial houses
• Plaza Nazarenas
• San Blas neighborhood
• The twelve angle stone
• San Pedro local market

This afternoon transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima or another place.

(End of the package 7-Day Andean Experience in Cusco, Machu Picchu).

INCLUDED:

Our package 7-Day Andean Tours & Experience with Cusco, Machu Picchu, includes the following:

• 06 night’s accommodations in 03 stars hotels (based on double occupation)
• Small Groups anywhere between 2 – 12 people, to keep your experience unique and assure personalized attention.
• 06 breakfasts, 01 dinner
• All transportation.
• All transfers.
• Entrances to Machu Picchu.
• All entrances fee.
• Voyager (Incarail) or Expedition (Perurail) train to Machu Picchu.
• Buses to Machu Picchu. (Round trip)
• Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide during the whole trip

NOT INCLUDED:

Our package 7-Day Andean Tours & Experience with Cusco, Machu Picchu, does not include:

• International & Local Flights
• Single supplement: US$ 300.00 (03 stars hotel)
• Huayna Picchu entrance fee US$ 85.00
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellant
• Personal medication
• Camera and film

Sturdy shoes, a good raincoat, and warm layers for the evening are the only essential items. Bring comfortable and modest clothes for the time in Cusco. There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or any gear as you’ll be staying in lodges throughout the expedition.

Documents and Logistics:

• International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
• Flight information submitted
• Passport valid through the end of the trip (*Passport and entry receipt must be carried at all times during expedition!)
• Medical insurance card
• Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc. (*Note: Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills)

EXTENSIONS – THE ANDEAN EXPERIENCE

PERU AMAZON JUNGLE- FROM US$ 880.00

Head to the heart of the Amazon to spot monkeys, go star-gazing, and listen to the sounds of the jungle. This extension can be added to any of our Peru expeditions.

Day 1: Take a 45-minute flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, followed by a 30-minute motorized canoe ride to one of our partner lodges in the Tambopata National Reserve, a conservation area within the Amazon. Enjoy an afternoon walk through jungle trails where you will discover exotic birds and insects. After dinner, head back out on the boat for an evening star-gazing tour.

Day 2: Explore the jungle, home to macaws, monkeys, toucans, and caimans during the Canopy Walkway Tour. Included as well is an optional nighttime rainforest excursion to experience the nocturnal animals.

Day 3: Visit the Butterfly House before taking a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado Airport. Catch a plane to Cusco to conclude your Peru Jungle extension.

INCLUDED:

• Transportation to/from the airport in Puerto Maldonado.
• Lodging.
• Excursions.
• All food at the lodge, and domestic airfare.

*Single supplement of $85 USD applies*

NOTE: Extensions and extra nights are confirmed immediately upon receipt of payment. All extensions and extra nights are 100% non-refundable, non-transferable.

07 Day Andean Experience in Cusco, Machu Picchu