Sacred Valley, Inka Trail, Machu Picchu

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inka Trail, Machu Picchu

Even this short trip allows for some acclimatization before you start the hike which we consider to be important as it will make you stronger on the trek and make the whole experience more enjoyable; add more days if you wish to be even better prepared and see more of the surrounding area.

• Day 1 – Lima to Cusco – Cusco City Tour.
• Day 2 – Sacred Valley Tour.
• Day 3 – Inca Trail – First trek day need more details.
• Day 4 – Inca Trail – Second trek day.
• Day 5 – Inca Trail – Third Trek Day.
• Day 6 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu tour.
• Day 7 – End of Tour.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inka Trail, Machu Picchu 7 Days – 6 Night

Day 1 – Lima to Cusco – Cusco City Tour.

Upon arrival in Cusco we will meet you and transfer you to you chosen hotel. In the afternoon we will pick you up from your hotel and we will start by visiting Cusco Cathedral which is one of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Latinamerica. Building has started in 1560 and was completed in 1664. More than 90 years of sacrifice and effort Situated on the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral owes many treasures, history and mysteries. Qoricancha from the Quechua word Qori Qancha meaning (‘Temple of the Sun’).one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, it was built to the Sun the father of the INCAS in the 17th century when Spanish arrived every temple was destroyed to the ground but QORICANCHA has survived and still stands to the eye of the world on the side of Qoricancha you will see a catholic church of Santo Domingo which covers all the Qoricancha construction.

Tambomachay.

Situated at 3.700 m of sea level a Quechua word ( Tampu machay ) the place where people can rest a short period of time. it could also be the bath of the Ñusta ( the Inca princess) it is also believed the sanctuary to the cult of water. Next stop will be Puka Pukara Quechua word ( red fortress).

This is an Inca archaeological site it was a military and administrative site it was built to control, provide security and defend the Cusco city, as well as the control of the route to Calca that led to the sacred valley and Machu-picchu Qenqo is believed to be a multifunctional religious site it was also a place of Andean worldview where nature and the space converges this is also astrological observatory commissioned by people specifically looking for the seasons the wise INKAS. this archaeological site is unique here the carving of many animals can be seen in high relief they were considered secondary gods in the time of the Incas, and consists of rests formed by rocks with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats.

You then move onto one of the most important Inca sites in South America, the enormous fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Scene of epic battles between Conquistadores and Incas, brave inka warriors protecting the citadel against the Spaniards, an ancient Inca story of Captain Cahuide he remained more than three days fighting and he had killed to one of the pizarro brothers, after having been alone and no one else around, Cahuide bravely threw himself from one of the towers to avoid being killed by the hands of the Spaniards. this cannot fail to impress.

While the high towers that once dominated the skyline were long since razed to the ground, the sheer scale of the zigzag stone walls is a sight to behold. Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of approximately 20,000 men. The stone was dragged from 20 miles away and still today we are not quite sure how they moved the huge megaliths into place. Some of its external walls exceed 30 feet in height and the largest stone weighs over 350 tonnes.

From Sacsayhuaman we will head down to Cusco leaving you some time to wander these ancient streets, explore some more of the sites or just sit in a café on the Plaza de Armas and watch the world goes by.

Accommodation based in 3 star hotel -casa andina,maytaq wasin ,   san blas boutique

Day 2 – Sacred Valley Tour.

This tour begins at approximately 08:00 hrs. and ends at 19:00 hrs, to take a guided tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, over the Vilcanota river, for a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Pisac and visit a typical Andean market Pisac where we will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of the inhabitants and bargain with vendors, Pisac Archaeological Complex.

The archaeological complex of Pisac

Is situated on top of a mountain from where much of the sacred valley. This wonderful place is made up of groups of platforms and architectural structures scattered on the slopes and at the top of the mountain, Pisac is one of the most beautiful monumental centers it combines landscape with impeccable finish of their buildings.

Pisac Market Located 30 km from the city of Cusco, the main square of Pisac market houses, colorful and cheerful place, where the most famous Cusco Andean handicrafts made by hands are exhibited, including crafts, projecting pieces textiles, ponchos bags, etc. handicrafts and ceramics, which are reproductions of Inca archaeologies parts like stocks ( ceremonial glasses ), necklaces, etc. To this fair traders and artisans of many indigenous peoples, dressed in their costumes.

Ollantaytambo

Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In the afternoon we visit the fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes of the jungle. We will have the opportunity to walk the streets of the town and have a clear idea of what this military, religious and agricultural center during the Inca Empire. We strongly recommend to spend the night down on the valley as you are closer for the next treek day.

accommodation based in 3 star hotel -pakaritampu,el albergue

Day 3 – Inca Trail – First trek day need more details.

You will be starting off early today from Cusco or Ollantaytambo depending on the preference necessity from the previous day you will be transferred from your hotel to the trail head where you will begin walking with your guide and porters. The trail begins by first crossing the river Vilcanota, then leads up to the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay.

After 6 or 7 hours (13km) of hiking, with a good lunch en route, we will make camp near the rustic village of Huayllabamba.

Day 4 – Inca Trail – Second trek day

We will set off after a hearty breakfast and climb up from the Huayllabamba village campsite until we reach the high meadow of Llulluchapampa located at 3680 meters above sea level. After a quick tea break we head up the hardest but equally stunning part of the hike to the Abra de Huarmihuañusca known locally as Dead Woman’s Pass.

This is the highest point of the trail at 4200m. After a quick, hard-breathing celebration and relief of having completed this feat, there is a sharp descent from the pass which is moderately steep but not difficult! Once we reach the valley floor we will spend our second night camping at a campsite called Pacamayo.

Day 5 – Inca Trail – Third Trek Day

Today we climb to and past the ruins of Runkuracay.

From the pass at these ruins the view of the Pacamayo valley is spectacular and the great feeling of accomplishment will help lessen the pain in the legs. From here we continue our trek over the second pass of the Runkuracay ascent at a breathless 4000 meters above sea level. Now, walking along a cobbled path, we again begin a steep descent until we reach the mysterious ruins of Sayacmarca (meaning “Inaccessible Town”).

Before reaching the 3rd pass of the day we walk through a lovely cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, flowers plus an Inca tunnel. The third pass measures 3700m, then as we descend, you will see the most spectacular ruin so far; Phuyupatamarca (meaning Town in the Clouds). After this long day of walking we will camp the night at Wiñay Wayna where you will have access to a semi-warm shower and some alcoholic drinks, hurray!

Day 6 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu tour

It is a very early start today, actually while it is dark, so we can get to the Sun Gate for when it starts to get light to see Machu Picchu. Don’t forget your flashlight. The trail today contours a mountainside and winds through the lovely cloud forest allowing us to witness the sunrise (or plenty of clouds!) at the Sun Gate from where you will see the great ruins for the first time. Once we have reached Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour then you are free to wander the site taking photos.

Finally we will make our way to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus and prepare for the train journey back to the Inca capital of Cusco.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a last night out.

Day 7 – End of Tour