Cusco 360° – Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Living Culture (6D/5N)

Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport, our team will greet you in the arrivals area with a sign bearing your name to provide a warm welcome. You will be immediately transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel, taking advantage of the ride to offer key tips about the altitude and Andean climate. Once settled in, you will have the morning free to rest and enjoy lunch on your own, allowing your body to acclimatize properly.

In the afternoon, we will begin our cultural adventure gathering at the main fountain of the Plaza de Armas. Alongside our expert guide, we will take our first steps through the historic center toward Qorikancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun. In this sacred precinct, we will observe the astonishing precision of Inca engineering upon which the colonial temple of Santo Domingo rests, a visual testament to the fusion of two cultures.

The tour will continue toward the upper sectors of the city to explore the monumental Sacsayhuaman fortress, famous for its massive stone walls that defy gravity. Next, we will visit Q’enqo, an ancient sanctuary carved into rock with subterranean passages filled with mysticism, and Puca Pucara, a military structure that served as a watchtower and control point for the entrance to the Imperial Capital.

Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, an archaeological gem dedicated to the worship of water, where the Inca aqueducts still function with total perfection. After this immersion in Andean history, we will return to the historic center of the city, concluding the service at Plaza Regocijo, located just steps from the main plaza.

Our journey begins at 7:00 AM with pickup from your hotel, heading toward the highlands of the Chinchero community. At approximately 8:30 AM, we will be welcomed at the Tikllaywarmi cultural center in Cuper Bajo, where local families will open the doors of their homes and traditions. We will begin with an authentic textile workshop, participating from the gathering of natural materials to learning ancient weaving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Mid-morning, we will join in the preparation of the Pachamanca, a sacred feast cooked underground with hot stones heated by fire, where we will learn about the agricultural products of the region. While the food reaches its perfect cooking point, we will take a connecting walk to the natural viewpoints of the area or the Piuray Lagoon, where we will participate in a Pago a la Tierra ceremony, a ritual of gratitude to Pachamama guided by community members.

After sharing this communal lunch full of identity and flavor, we will spend the afternoon exchanging legends and knowledge with local residents. At the end of the day, around 4:00 PM, our transport will take us on a descending journey to the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Instead of returning to Cusco, we will head to the city of Urubamba to drop you off at the exclusive Wifala Harmony Hotel. This accommodation is known for its organic design, very different from all other hotels, integrating perfectly with nature and offering a magical and welcoming environment for a restorative rest surrounded by mountains.

This day is designed to enjoy the peace of the Sacred Valley without rushing. After a restorative rest at the unique facilities of your hotel in Urubamba, you can enjoy a quiet morning and breakfast surrounded by nature. At the coordinated time, our private transport will pick you up for a brief and scenic 30-minute ride to the town of Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city.

Before boarding the train, you will have time to walk through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo and observe its Inca canal system that still functions today. With a relaxed-pace itinerary, we will board the train bound for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). During the approximately one-and-a-half-hour train journey, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic views as the Urubamba River guides us toward the cloud forest.

Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, our staff will meet you at the station to accompany you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the town’s amenities, such as the hot springs, or simply rest listening to the sound of the river. This overnight stay in Aguas Calientes is key, as it will allow you to be at the foot of the world wonder, rested and ready for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Today is the most anticipated day of your trip. After enjoying an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we will prepare for the ascent. According to your ticket entry time, we will head to the bus station to board the Consettur transport, which will take us on a 25-minute ride along the winding Hiram Bingham road to the main entrance of the citadel.

At the entrance to Machu Picchu, you will meet with our professional guide to begin an unforgettable tour through the most iconic areas of the sanctuary. We will explore the agricultural zone, the sacred plazas, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal residences, discovering the engineering and mysticism that surround this jewel of Inca architecture. Having spent the night in the town, you will enter with renewed energy to capture the best photographs and enjoy the peace emanating from this sacred place.

At the end of the guided tour, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch and to make your final handicraft purchases at the local market.

In the afternoon, you will arrive at the station to board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival, our transport will be waiting at the station exit to transfer you back to your hotel in the city of Cusco, thus culminating this great expedition to the heart of the Inca Empire.

To cap off your trip on a high note, we offer two spectacular options for connecting with nature and high mountain landscapes. Both options begin with pickup from your hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 AM, allowing us to take advantage of the early morning hours and the tranquility of the Andean landscapes.

OPTION A: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (SEVEN COLORS MOUNTAIN)

This journey takes us toward the Vilcanota mountain range. After a fortifying breakfast in Cusipata, we will begin an ascent of approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour (moderate level) until reaching 16,519 ft / 5,036 m.a.s.l. Upon reaching the summit, you will be amazed by the natural pigmentation of the mountain and the imposing presence of the Ausangate snow-capped peak. It is the preferred destination for those seeking one of the most photogenic and vibrant landscapes in the world. The day concludes with a buffet lunch and return to Cusco around 5:00 PM.

OPTION B: HUMANTAY LAKE

If your interest leans toward glaciers and crystal-clear waters, this expedition is ideal. We will travel to Mollepata for breakfast and then to Soraypampa, the starting point for an ascending hike of 1.5 hours. The effort will be rewarded with the appearance of an intense turquoise lagoon, fed by the Humantay glacier. Here you can connect with the energy of the Apus and make the traditional stone offering (apachetas). Includes a regional lunch and return to the city of Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM.

After having lived a week full of history, community-based cultural experiences, and adventure, you will have your final hours in Cusco to rest or make last-minute purchases. In strict coordination with your flight or bus departure time, our private transport will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you comfortably to the airport or bus terminal. We will ensure your arrival is punctual for a hassle-free boarding process, bidding farewell with the satisfaction of having provided you an unforgettable experience.