Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, dazzles with its cobblestone streets and architecture that blends Inca and colonial history. In the Super Sacred Valley of the Incas, discover impressive landscapes and archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray, where ancestral agricultural techniques are still preserved and its famous salt mines of Maras. Finally, Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, will amaze you with its mystique and beauty in the middle of the mountains. This tour reveals the best of Peru’s culture, history and nature, offering an unforgettable experience among unique landscapes and vestiges of an ancient civilization.
CUSCO CITY TOUR
Cusco, one of the most visited cities in the world, is renowned for its archaeological sites, Inca walls, vibrant traditional attire, and colonial churches built atop ancient Inca palaces. Nestled high in the Andes, Cusco is a treasure trove of legendary paths, lost citadels, and the rich heritage of a glorious past that captivates every visitor. Known as the sacred city of the Incas and the Archaeological Capital of the Americas, it is a must-see destination.
This afternoon tour takes you to some of the most iconic landmarks of the ancient Inca capital:
SUPER SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Chinchero: 40 minutes from the city of Cusco we will stop to visit Chinchero and its small chapel, which like the town of Pisac, is known for its Indian market, however, this is a little smaller, but richer in tradition and offers a greater variety in terms of textiles.
Town of Maras: This pleasant town still conserves a good part of its colonial architectural beauty. You can appreciate extraordinary doorways with fine stone carvings, as well as structures with sculptures in low relief.
The salt mines of Maras: It is a small brine spring worked with very elementary means by a fraction of the population of “Maras” and “Pichingoto”. These archaeological remains reveal that this resource was already known and used in pre-Hispanic times, and may have been one of the many sources of salt supply for the Inca population. The technique for salt extraction is very similar to the one used nine hundred years ago or more. During all these centuries, this technology has been preserved, which consists of a true work of hydraulic engineering but in miniature, since the ponds have relatively small dimensions, built as platforms on one of the slopes of the ravine.
Moray: at first glance it looks like a kind of amphitheater, made up of several circular terraces, but it is actually a center of agricultural experimentation of the Inca period. Next to Moray we have the impressive complex of salt exploitation. From Maras we will visit the salt mines by a bridle path where animals are found carrying the sacks of salt.
Ruins of Moray: Located at 3,450 meters above sea level, where we can find evidence of pre-Hispanic settlements, such as the Inca vestiges, consisting of circular terraces that correspond to agricultural terraces with a complex irrigation system that reached the three sectors, which were discovered in 1930. The Quechuas call the area “muyus”, in the largest pit, the depth is 150 meters, the average height of the terraces is 1.80 meters from each other. These correspond to the Inca period, and constituted a center of agricultural experimentation, in which several micro climates were obtained.
Urubamba: Traveling through picturesque villages like Coya, Lamay, Calca, and Yucay, you’ll enjoy stunning flora and fauna before arriving in Urubamba, a fertile and peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Here, you can savor a traditional Andean lunch in a cozy local restaurant.
Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, visit Ollantaytambo, also called the “Valley of Tambo” the only inhabited Inca town. Its iconic fortress dominates the valley, showcasing one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements of the Inca Empire.
MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu, the most iconic symbol of Peru and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is an archaeological jewel perched 2,430 meters above sea level (7,970 feet) in the Andean mountains. This stunning historical sanctuary was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, although its existence was already known to local inhabitants. Built during the height of the Inca Empire, it is believed to have been a retreat for Emperor Pachacutec and an important religious, political, and cultural center.
Known as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors: the agricultural sector, featuring terraces ingeniously designed for crop production, and the urban sector, where the main ceremonial and residential buildings are located. Iconic structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (a sacred solar clock), the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sacred Plaza.
In addition to its impressive architecture, Machu Picchu stands out for its privileged location amidst lush mountainous jungles, surrounded by peaks such as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, offering breathtaking landscapes. This natural setting, combined with its design in harmony with the geography, reflects the Incas’ deep connection with nature and the cosmos.
Machu Picchu is accessible from the city of Cusco via a scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride or a hike. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a must-see destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the history, spirituality, and natural beauty of Peru. A visit to this wonder guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with culture, mystery, and grandeur.
OPTIONAL
PRICE PER PERSON WITH HOTELS (REGULAR OR SHARED SERVICE)
PRICE PER PERSON WITHOUT HOTELS (REGULAR OR SHARED SERVICE)
Private Tour Pricing
For details on our private tour prices, contact us at sales@incaperutravel.com or reach us via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.
We will visit the Qoricancha temple, and emblematic archaeological sites of Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
It includes visits to archaeological and cultural sites such as Chinchero, the agricultural experimentation center of Moray, the salt mines of Maras, lunch in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
The visit to Machu Picchu includes a guided tour according to the circuit that corresponds to you, it can last between 2 to 3 hours.
The best time is from May to November, when the weather is drier and the views are clear.
The package includes transportation, tour guide service, entrance fees, trains and lunch in the Sacred Valley. It is recommended to bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water and passport.
Yes, especially in high season, it is recommended to book in advance especially to ensure availability of spaces for Machupicchu.
It is recommended to have a moderate level of fitness, as the tour involves short hikes and be prepared to counteract altitude sickness.
Some meals are included, although it depends on the specific package. Generally, lunch is provided in the Sacred Valley.
From Ollantaytambo, the train to Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It is advisable to arrive at least one day earlier to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the tour; however you can arrive early the same day and rest in the morning to acclimatize before starting the Cusco city tour in the afternoon.