Cusco City Tour

Sacsayhuaman - Sacsayhuamán is renowned as one of the most remarkable structures globally. It is believed to have been initiated during the reign of Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. Over 20,000 men are thought to have extracted stones from nearby quarries and transported them 20 kilometers to the hill in Cusco.

Currently, it is estimated that Sacsayhuaman retains only 40% of its original structure. Nevertheless, the site features structures weighing up to 125 tons. The method by which the Incas constructed Sacsayhuaman with such massive structures remains a mystery, adding to the allure of this archaeological site.

Q’enqo - The Incan Empire was completely dismantled by European forces in the 16th century. Many of their grand temples, fortresses, and cities remained, but their purposes were lost. Qenqo Temple, located fifteen minutes from Cusco, is similarly enigmatic, with a dark narrative filling the historical void.

In Quechua, Qenqo means labyrinth or zig-zag, named for the crooked canal carved into its rock. While it is evident the canal carried some liquid, researchers can only speculate about its purpose and the liquid it transported. Theories suggest it carried holy water, chicha (corn beer), or blood, indicating Qenqo was used for death rituals, possibly for embalming bodies or determining a person’s virtue by the liquid’s path.

Qenqo is uniquely constructed, entirely carved from a massive monolith. Spanning a hillside, the temple integrates man-made tunnels with natural chambers. One chamber, featuring 19 small niches, is arranged as an amphitheater. The theater’s purpose is lost to time, but it is widely believed to have been used for sacrifices to the sun, moon, and star gods worshipped at the site.

Available information suggests Qenqo Temple was a sacred site for the Incas. The deceased were judged and possibly embalmed in Qenqo’s winding tunnels, and blood sacrifices were made to the celestial gods. Despite the temple’s likely grim purpose, its carved tunnels and chambers are a testament to ancient architecture, and a visit to Qenqo is sure to intrigue every visitor.

Puka Pukara - The complex features numerous halls, inner plazas, aqueducts, watchtowers, and paths. It likely served as a “tambo,” a place for rest and lodging. According to legend, whenever the Inca visited Tambomachay, he was accompanied by a large entourage that stayed in Puka Pukara. Its fortified appearance earned it the name of a fortress.

Tambomachay - Located 4.5 miles northeast of Cusco, Tambomachay stands at 12,350 feet above sea level. This Inca bath’s architecture consists of structures built with precisely cut stones. Water from nearby streams flows through the site in aqueducts and small cascades.

Tambomachay was associated with the veneration of water, a significant element in the Andean worldview. For this reason, it has two aqueducts with artistic rock engravings that transport and supply a constant flow of clean water year-round. Its name, meaning “place of rest,” suggests the Inca visited this bath to relax.

Today, it is one of the best hiking routes, offering tourists an adventure amid captivating natural scenery.

Cusco - Sacred Valley of Incas - Aguas Calientes

Maras - The town of Maras is situated 40km (25 miles) northwest of Cusco. It is renowned for its nearby salt evaporation pools, located less than a kilometer north. The salt pans are a unique attraction, unlike anything else. They date back to pre-Inca times and are still in use today. Warm salty water emerges from a natural spring in the mountain and is skillfully directed into hundreds of shallow terraced ponds via an intricate system of narrow channels. The flow in and out of these ponds is carefully managed by the workers. When the water becomes supersaturated with salt, the flow is stopped, and the pond is allowed to dry in the sun, leaving behind salt crystals. The salt is then collected by hand into sacks. Each salt pond is managed by a separate family from the local community, but the salt is sold cooperatively.

Moray - Moray is a captivating archaeological site approximately 45km (28 miles) northwest of Cusco and about 6km (4 miles) west of Maras. The site features several enormous circular depressions made from concentric stone terraces that decrease in size towards the center, resembling an amphitheater. The largest depression is nearly 30m deep. The purpose of these structures is uncertain, but their design and orientation create a range of micro-climates with temperature differences of up to 15°C (27°F) between the top and bottom terraces. Experts suggest Moray may have been an Inca agricultural experimental station to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops, possibly aiding in the domestication and acclimatization of certain crops for high-altitude use. Crops from warmer climates could have been planted in the lower terraces, which are warmer and more protected from cold winds and frosts.

Urubamba - A stop here for lunch is planned.

Ollantaytambo - Ollantaytambo is a charming town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley, about two and a half hours by bus from Cusco. The town is built on original Inca foundations and is the best-preserved example of Inca town planning. The town is divided into canchas (blocks), which are almost entirely intact. Each cancha has only one entrance, usually a large stone doorway, leading into a central courtyard. The houses surround the courtyard. Good examples of this construction can be found behind the main plaza.

From Ollantaytambo, the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) will be taken.

Aguas Calientes - Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a representative will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the hotel.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Machu Picchu - After breakfast, an early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu is planned, entering in the first turn. A guided tour will last for two hours, after which you can explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, then take the return train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride to Cusco, and finally to the hotel.

Cusco - Manu National Park

Manu National Park - Departing Cusco in a mini-van, the journey ascends to the folkloric town of Paucartambo. Along the way, the pre-Incan funeral towers of Ninamarca will be visited. The drive continues through the impressive cloud forest, rich with plants and beautiful orchids. Here, the first hike will take place, offering the chance to see the national bird, the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola Peruvana), monkeys, and various bird species. In the evening, arrival at the Bambu lodge is planned, where accommodation in a typical ensuite room will be provided.

Saga De Oro Lodge

Manu National Park - In the morning, after breakfast, a bus ride to the port of Atalaya is planned, followed by a motorboat journey to Soga de Oro Lodge, up the Madre de Dios river (40 minutes). Swimming in the river is possible. The journey offers stunning landscapes and the warm climate of the tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, a walk around the jungle is planned to spot caimans (Caiman Crocodiles), birds, and medicinal plants. The night will be spent at the lodge, with accommodation in an ensuite room.

Machuwasi Lake

Manu National Park - The day begins with a morning walk to see giant trees, medicinal plants, orchids, and large mammals like tapirs. In the afternoon, a river crossing and a 30-minute walk to Lake Machuwasi are planned, where the largest rodent in the world, the Capybara (Hidrochaeris), caymans, and birds can be spotted. At night, a walk into the lush forest is planned to spot frogs, toads, insects, bats, and snakes. The night will be spent in a typical lodge, with accommodation in an ensuite room.

Manu National Reserve - Cusco

Cusco - After breakfast, belongings will be packed, and the mini-van will be boarded for the return to Cusco.

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain - Pickup is scheduled between 03:00 – 03:15 am, followed by a drive through the South Valley. The drive takes around 3 hours to reach the Hanchipacha community, where breakfast will be served. A 15-minute drive to the Quesiuno community (4,326 m / 14,189 ft.) follows, where the trek to the Rainbow Mountain begins, lasting approximately 3 hours (mostly uphill). Along the way, breathtaking views of alpacas, llamas, the Ausangate Mountain, red mountains, and traditional local houses will be enjoyed.

Upon reaching the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft.), time will be available to explore and take pictures. Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour will be spent there, depending on trekking speed and weather conditions. After enjoying the spectacular views, the descent to the starting point will take approximately 2 hours (Quesiuno community), from where transport to the Hanchipacha community for lunch will be provided. The journey back to Cusco will then commence.

• Airport Transfer
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• BTL tourist ticket (30 to 40 USD)
• Does not include hotel in Cusco, day 1, day 3, day 7

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.