Schedule

Day 1: Cusco

This unique adventure Cusco-Machu Picchu, start upon arrival in the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco and transfer to the hotel to be welcomed with a hot cup of coca tea to help with acclimatization at 3,400 meters. In the afternoon, we will have a walking tour starting by visiting the main Plaza, on the way we will have a greater picture of how was this place in the Inca time: Inca palaces, streets, and how it was distributed -- what little is left of this.

Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo

After breakfast we start the excursion to the Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley of the Incas), famous for its rural landscape and lovely weather. The drive will descend until Pisaq (2,800 m)--a small town aside the Vilcanota River-- to visit the famous Archeological Site and the typical Indian market. Here we can observe men, women, and indigenous authorities displaying beautiful and elegant traditional dressing. The market still shows ancient trading traditions among people who come from other distant small villages. Lunch in Urubamba, and in the afternoon, we travel to Ollantaytambo, a former agricultural, military, and religious center, where Inca architecture is one of the finest. This center was built to protect the valley against possible invaders, and is presently considered the best preserved and the only living Inca town today. (B, L)

Day 3: Ollantaytambo- Machu Picchu-Cusco

Early transfer to the train station. The railway journey to Machu Picchu will take 2 hrs, when we reach Aguas Calientes, located below 2,000 m, we will take a 20 minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel, perched 500 mts above the Urubamba River. Our guide will explain the history and myths of this archaeological wonder built aside a cloaked granite peak, the Huayna Picchu that towers the site. We will learn why Machu Picchu is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth. This landscape shows very steep forests hills frequently shrouded in misty clouds and downhill views of the roaring Urubamba River. Later bus transfer to Aguas Calientes for lunch, and mid-afternoon train back to Cusco. Transfer to hotel (B)

Day 4: Cusco

Transfer to the airport or bus station. (B)