Detailed Itinerary
Day One: Cusco City Tour
The Incas believed Cusco was the navel of the world. Because of this, the city flourished during their reign. The remnant of the empire can be found in magnificent Q'oricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. Tour the place and move on to Cusco's Cathedral, a 16th century church filled with original artwork and an amazing main altar made of silver. After that, you'll tour the four primary ruins surrounding Cusco, including Sacsaywaman, Q'enko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara. You will also receive "Tourist Ticket" which can be used in your free time to visit a number of museums and other attractions in and around Cusco.
Near wonderful Plaza de Armas, spend the evening in a great little hotel.
Day Two: Sacred Valley Tour and Overnight at Machu Picchu
Continue with fascinating tour of ancient Inca kingdom. Travel from Cusco on a bus down into the lush, green Sacred Valley. You will see traditional Peruvian arts center and private zoo along the way. Witness also Peru's ancient weaving tradition. Feed animals like alpaca and vicuņa after getting very close.
In the Sacred Valley, you will make your way to the village of Pisac and tour ancient archeological complex, then make your way to Pisac market. Travel further along the Valley and arrive at the city of Urubamba, where you will enjoy lunch. Urubamba is known as the 'Pearl of the Vilcanota'.
At the end of the valley, arrive in the tiny village of Ollantaytambo and take a brief tour of the ruins of the fortress town. From there, you will arrive in the Ollantaytambo train station and catch a ride to Aguas Caliente, a village right on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest and literally at the foot of the mystical Machu Picchu Mountain. You will arrive in Aguas Caliente at around 4:30pm. Check into our hotel and enjoy the evening walking around the village. The village has many restaurants. Venture into one of them and enjoy dinner. You can also take a hot water bath in the local hot springs.
Day Three: Machu Picchu
Today, the tour culminates with a visit to see the glorious Machu Picchu. Get up early for that and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will then ride to Machu Picchu, about 20 minutes on a bus. You will begin the tour with the Inca Guard House to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the ancient ruins. At the end of the tour, there'll be time for those wanting to climb the top of Huayna Picchu - the pointy mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can hike to Inti Punktu ('Sun Gate'), which is the last point on the Inca Trail. There is also a hike to the Temple of the Moon, or you can go back down to Aguas Calients to do some shopping and relax in the hot springs.
At 3:30, take a train back to Cusco and arrive at 7:30 pm to finish the tour.
