Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo in Quechua was founded by the Incas, who established it as the capital and the geographical, political, strategic and military center of their territory.
Cusco has impressive landscapes characterized by a blue sky and white clouds, accompanied by imposing mountains. In addition, its Inca and colonial architectural heritage make this place a unique place in the world.
During this tour, we will be able to observe Inca constructions such as the Qoricancha and the Inca Roca Palace on the cobbled streets of Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR
We start the tour with the pick-up from the hotel at 1:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. We visit the Qoricancha Temple and 4 archaeological sites that are located 8 km from the city: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Cusco is one of the most visited places in the world. The city and its surroundings are home to important archaeological centers, Inca walls, colonial buildings built on Inca ruins, and legendary roads that lead to lost citadels in the heights of the Andes. In addition, the ancient cultures of Peru are kept alive in the local inhabitants, through its gastronomy, colorful typical attire, textile works, and all the glory and mysticism that surround the imperial city of the Incas.
Cusco is the sacred city of the Incas and the Archaeological Capital of the Americas. That is why we have prepared this one-day tour that takes place in the afternoon after lunch, during which we will visit the most representative places of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Qoricancha: We will discover the religious center known as the “Temple of the Sun”, where the impressive engineering used in its construction is highlighted.
Sacsayhuamán: We will be impressed with a fortress of monumental stones and excellent architecture, located 3 km. from the city of Cuzco.
Qenqo: We will continue our journey with a visit to this ceremonial and ritual center, where sacrifices were made and tributes were paid to ancient forces.
Puca Pucara: Formerly known as Tambo, it is a surveillance post located on the Inca trail.
Tambomachay: It is located 7 km from the city of Cusco and is a ceremonial center for the worship of water, traditionally known as the “place of the waters”. It is an unmissable stop on our tour.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must-see destination for everyone who visits the city of Cusco, due to its historic significance and the magic that envelops this ancient location. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as “Valley of the Vilcanota” is an exceptional and breathtaking place where we will find an endless variety of plants —among them, the best corn in the world: the giant white corn of Cusco. Additionally, you will be delighted by the beautiful natural landscapes and the sprawling rivers that flow down the valley, during our visit to the most emblematic archeological centers from the Inca period. We will see demonstrations of the advanced Inca engineering and architecture at the Pisaq archeological center, which was built atop a mountain and has a typical Andean market. We will also visit the great Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is currently a living Inca city with a traditional craft market. Our tour will end with a visit to the Chinchero archeological complex and its beautiful colonial church. Finally, we will return to Cusco, captivated by the magical places we visited.
Pisaq: Located at the very entrance of the Urubamba Valley is Pisaq, a picturesque little town where the old town (archeological site) and the modern part, with colonial characteristics, meet to give you an unforgettable experience. The main attraction of Pisaq is the traditional indigenous market, where we will find a great variety of ceramic and textile objects typical of the region. We will also visit the town’s old colonial church, where locals and “varayocs” (local authorities from different cities) gather every Sunday in their colorful typical dresses to hear the mass in the Quechua language. Finally, we will take a look at the interesting irrigation system used in the crop fields, and the fantastic Inca astronomical observatory.
Urubamba: On our way to the city of Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, we will cross the towns of Coya, Lamay, Calca, and Yucay. The trip is approximately 45 minutes long and filled with spectacular views of indigenous flora and fauna. Once in town, we will get to appreciate the fertile crop fields and comfortable atmosphere that surround it, and we will seize the occasion to have lunch at a cozy typical restaurant.
Ollantaytambo: In the afternoon, we will head to the Ollantaytambo region, also known as the Tambo valley. It is the only inhabited Inca city, and sprawls along the shore of the Vilcanota river, all the way to Machu Picchu. Here, we will visit the famous Ollantaytambo fortress, an outstanding landmark of the Sacred Valley, and one of the most formidable constructions of the Inca Empire.
Chinchero: On our way back to the city of Cusco, we will visit Chinchero and its small chapel. Like Pisaq, Chinchero is known for its indigenous artisan market, which, despite its smaller size, is richer in tradition and offers a greater variety of textile objects. Finally, we will return to Cusco and take you back to your hotel.
Include
IT INCLUDE:
- Tourist Transport.
- Official tour guide (Spanish – English).
- Buffet lunch the second day.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Entrance ticket to the Qoricancha Temple (US $5.00)
- Full Cusco Tourist Ticket, which includes tickets for 16 tourist attractions (US $50.00) and is valid for 10 days.
Recommendations
WE RECOMMEND TO BRING:
- Passport or ID.
- Camera and/or video camera.
- Light clothing and comfortable shoes.
- A small backpack.
- Raincoat.
- Hat.
- Binoculars.
- Sunglasses and plastic bag.
- Reusable or disposable water bottle.
- First aid kit.
- Extra money.
