CUSCO ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR 6 DAYS

At a glance

• TIMING: 6 days and 5 nights.
• STARTING & ENDING POINT: Cusco Airport.
• TYPE OF TOUR: Cultural and History.
• TRANSPORT: Bus and train.
• DIFFICULTY: Does involve some narrow trails amongst archaeological site like: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras -Moray and Machu Picchu, so sturdy footwear is required to help you enjoy it fully.

Highlights:

• Explore the city of Cusco
• Full-day tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Take the train through Urubamba Valley to the town of «Aguas Calientes»
• Guided Machu Picchu tour
• Optional climb Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Visit The Inca ruins of Moray and the salt mines of Maras
• Explore the inca site of «Tipon» and Pikillacta a Pre-Inca ruins.
• Optional climb Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Included activities

• City Tour in Cusco.
• Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Machu Picchu Tour.
• Maras-Moray Tour
• Tipon and Pikillacta Tour

Outline itinerary

Day 1: Cusco

On your first day of the trip, you’ll be arriving to Cusco. Be sure to arrive before noon so we can pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our designated hotel. After settling in, a guided city tour will begin and give you the opportunity to explore and get aquainted with this beautiful city! Enjoy learning about the rich culture, vibrant art, and fascinating history that Cusco has to offer.

Day 2: Pisaq & Ollantaytambo: Sacred Valley tour

Today is the Sacred Valley tour. We will begin by visiting the Inca ruins of Pisac. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the valley below, this impressive sight provides incredible views and is a great place to learn more about Inca history and culture. After exploring Pisac, we will head towards Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress built on the side of a steep mountain. Here you can see terracing and structures constructed by the Incas that still stand today. After our tour of Ollantaytambo we will travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes. This scenic train ride is an ideal opportunity to sit back and relax as you take in the stunning views of the Sacred Valley.

Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu

On Day 3, you will be visiting the incredible Machu Picchu. Once there, experience all that Machu Picchu has to offer. After full day of absorbing the history and grandeur of Machu Picchu, you will return to Cusco in the afternoon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with memories to last forever.

Day 4: Visit Maras & Moray

Today you’ll start the day on a guided tour of the incredible Maras & Moray. Explore the fascinating ancient salt mines of Maras, which have been used since pre-Inca times to produce salt in an intricate network of over 3,000 interconnected ponds. Afterwards, take a scenic drive to Moray, where you can admire the stunning Inca terraces. Marvel at the remarkable engineering feat of these massive agricultural platforms, carved into the land to create a natural greenhouse effect and ideal soil conditions for different types of crops. Whether you’re an archaeology buff or just looking to explore Peru’s amazing history, this day is sure to dazzle your senses.

Day 5: Tipon & Pikillacta

Today, you will take a tour of the impressive Inca ruins of Tipon and Pikillacta. At Tipon, we will explore terraces with precise irrigation systems that show the engineering prowess of the Incas. Afterward, you’ll visit Pikillacta; this archaeological site is made up of hundreds of homes built by Wari, a pre-Inca people who lived in the area. Here you can see the unique architectural style of this ancient culture, as well as their impressive defenses, which included an irrigation system to flood and protect the city from attack. Once we have explored both sites thoroughly, you will be able to appreciate why these ruins are some of the most impressive in Peru.

Day 6: Departure from Cusco

On the final day of your tour, it’s time to say goodbye to Cusco. You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport at a time that is convenient for you. Before leaving, don’t forget to take one last look at this magical city and all the incredible sights that you’ve encountered during your journey. Make sure you have all your belongings with you and thank the locals for their hospitality. As you say goodbye to Cusco, be sure to take with you special memories of this beautiful city that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco:

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF CUSCO: We’ll be waiting for you in the airport of Cusco on your arrival date, once you arrive, we’ll take you to the hotel where you’ll have a cup of coca tea (Very good for the altitude) while that you’ll receive briefing of the tour.

In the afternoon (13:00 hours), we will meet in the hotel for the Guided city tour. The city tour start visiting the Cathedral of Cusco where you will find in its walls priceless art and treasures, which is considered by many the most beautiful works of art in South America. After the Cathedral, we will visit the “Qorikancha” known as the temple of the sun of the Incas, Continue the tour we’ll drive outsite of the city in order to visit archaeological centers located around the city.

We’ll visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman; located at 3 km from the city where you’ll see the megalithic Inca construction; here still exist stones of 261 tons. After that, we will visit, Kenko, Quechua word meaning «Labyrinth» coined by the Spanish for its labyrinthine underground galleries and small canals carved zigzag.

The tour continues to Puka-Pukara, called the Red Fort, which is built with stones in that tone of color. And finally, we will arrive at Tambomachay which was an Inca temple to worship the water.

City tour ends 06:30 p.m approximately in the Main Square in order that you can you’re your dinner in one of the restaurants.

Important Recommendations:

• After the tour, stroll through the Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas, where you can appreciate the work of the Cusqueñian artisan craft stores

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas:

Breakfast in the hotel is included. The Sacred valley tour starts at 8:00 AM; we’ll travel by private bus to visit the Inca archaeological site of Pisac located to one hour from the city of Cusco. Pisac give you an idea of advanced knowledge achieved by the Incas in architecture. The ruins consist of platforms, domestic and ceremonial structures and aqueducts that provided the water for agriculture. The tour also includes visit the traditional market in the town of Pisaq, where you can find some unique and authentic souvenirs.

The tour continues to the town of Urubamba where we will have lunch;  buffet where you can enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine. After lunch we continue to visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which was a strategic military, agricultural and religious center to manage and control the Sacred Valley of the Incas; the constructs were presumed to be used for agricultural, as well as for military.

At 16:30 hours we’ll take the train for two hours to the town of Aguas Calientes wher you’ll have accommodation in the hotel.

Important recommendations:

• We suggest suitable footwear; you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• In Pisac, do not forget to try the delicious empanadas, and purchase an artisan souvenir/memorabilia.
• In Urubamba enjoy a delicious buffet lunch where we invite you to try the corn of Sacred Valley.

 Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour:

Early breakfast in the hotel. At 5:30am we leave it and walk for 5 minutes to the bus station from where we’ll take a bus and travel for 25 minutes up to Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, situated on top of a mountain at an altitude of 2,400masl.

In Machu Picchu our expert tour guide will assist you to know better the history and architecture of the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Marvel at the buildings and Inca temples, beside the natural surrounding environment.

Here you’ll explore all important sites like the temples, palaces, astronomical observatories, store houses, cemeteries, and Agricultural terraces.

After the tour you’ll have free to wonder around. After all return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can have your lunch. In the afternoon, at 16:30 pm board the train back to Ollantaytambo train station and from here we’ll transfer you by bus to your hotel in Cusco.

Recommendations:

• We suggest suitable footwear; you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• Arrive to the train station half hour before the departure time.

Day 4: Tour to Maras-Moray:

Maras & Moray tour starts at 8.30am. This tour introduces to some of Cusco’s most interesting Inca sites. The tour starts with a visit to the Colonial town of Maras and its church.

From Maras we continue to the nearby Inca site of Moray; a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that were once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops. Our final destination is the salt mines of MARAS which have been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from a subterranean stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. With thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley, the views are stunning. In the afternoon we return to Cusco.

THE VILLAGE OF MARAS:

Located in the province of Urubamba at 3,300 masl. Is an attractive and colourful town guard of the pre-Hispanic, colonial and republican period, emphasizing in the town colonial streets and covers with shields of the noble and caciques of centuries XVI and XVII.

THE INCA TERRACES OF MORAY:

Moray is located to about 7 km to the southwest of the village of Maras; aunique archaeological group in its sort in the region. It is about enormous terraces that are superposed concentrically in a gigantic hole, these beautiful terraces that served at the Inca time like an agricultural laboratory.

SALINERAS or «SALT MINES» OF MARAS:

Located to the northwest of the village of Maras, this are constituted for about 3,000 small wells with an area average of about 4 m², operated from the Inca time, Colonial time and that even continues being exploded by the villagers.

Recommendations:

• We suggest suitable footwear; you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.

Day 5: Tour to Tipon and Pikillacta:

We pick you up from the Hotel at 8:30am to start visiting these incredible places in the southern of Cusco.

TIPON:

Tipon is said to be a royal garden commissioned by Wiracocha (the most important Inca God). It is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. These tall terraces which run up the narrow valley are irrigated by an aqueduct from Pachatusan, the mountain above the site. The Archeological Complex is located 24 km southeast of Cusco.

PIKILLAQTA:

Pikillacta is the only pre-Inca site in the Cusco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 years AD by the Huari Culture, in the area; there is a small Inca site just a short walk from Pikillacta, known as Rumicolca, a travel checkpoint for the Incas.

ANDAHUAYLILLAS:

Here you’ll find the «Sixtine Chapel of Peru», a church that is home to golden altars, paintings and many colored ceilings. The chapel is simple and unassuming on the outside, but on the inside you’ll find masterpiece after masterpiece. Also some paintings from famous “Escuela Cuzqueña” can be appreciated. After we visit this place, we’ll return to Cusco.

Please Note: The days 4th and 5th the tours are only half day, from 8:30AM to 2:00PM, son in the afternoon you explore the city by yourself. In the city of Cusco there are beautiful sites of gallery to see.

Recommendations:

• We suggest suitable footwear; you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.

Day 6: Departure from Cusco:

On the final day of your tour, it’s time to say goodbye to Cusco. You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport at a time that is convenient for you. Before leaving, don’t forget to take one last look at this magical city and all the incredible sights that you’ve encountered during your journey. Make sure you have all your belongings with you and thank the locals for their hospitality. As you say goodbye to Cusco, be sure to take with you special memories of this beautiful city that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!

Cusco Archaeological Tour Includes

• TRANSPORTATION: Transfer in/out (Airport/Hotel/Airport), Private bus for all the tours; bus up and down from the town of «Aguas Calientes» to Machu Picchu, round-trip train ticket expedition class from Ollantaytambo to «Aguas Calientes» and from «Aguas Calientes» to Ollantaytambo, transfer to your hotel.
• ENTRANCE FEE: For all tourist places.
• GUIDE: Licensed bilingual tour guide.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Room based on double occupancy. 4 nights in Cusco ***Hotel and 1 night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• OTHER: Local guide for permanent assistance, first-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.

The price Exclude

• MEALS: Lunch and dinner, you must consider a budget of US$10 to US$25 for each meal.
• Airport taxes and tips.

Price for Cusco Archaeological Tour

• In the following price is included 3-stars category hotel which we consider appropriated and very confortable hotel for Cusco Archaeological Tour
• We have other options based on the hotel, type of train; the options are adapted to all budgets and THE PRICE IS PER PERSON. We gladly will assist you, write or please call Us.

Daily Departure

Train options to Machu Picchu

 1 .- The Expedition Train:

The Expedition Train is the perfect choice for travelers seeking exploration and comfort. Designed to provide a unique experience, each seat features Inca detailing that gives it a local and indigenous feel. You’ll also have plenty of room to store your backpacks as you make your way to Machu Picchu. To complete your ride, drinks and snacks are available at an additional cost. With the Expedition Train, you’ll have a safe and comfortable journey to one of Peru’s most iconic destinations.

 2 .- The Vistadome Train:

The Vistadome Train is the best way to visit Machu Picchu in style and comfort. Onboard, passengers can enjoy hot and cold snacks as well as drinks while taking in the breathtaking scenery outside. Recently refurbished with panoramic windows on its roof, you’ll be able to capture stunning shots of your journey that will last a lifetime. With its unparalleled views and unbeatable photo opportunities, the Vistadome Train is an experience that you won’t forget! So why not make your Machu Picchu journey even more special by travelling in style with the Vistadome Train? You’ll be glad you did.

WHAT TO BRING?

For a multi-day trip to Machu Picchu by train you’ll need to carry the following items:

Most travelers prefer to pack a small or medium-size wheeled suitcase, which is an ideal size for the storage capacity of our private vehicles. Regardless of what you bring, keep in mind that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, get in and out of your Hotel, and even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend that you travel as little as possible. You will also need a backpack for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg for checked baggage.

In addition to the items and clothing you always need on a trip, here are some travel-specific packing tips:

ESSENTIAL:

• Closed shoes will help protect your feet from cuts and scrapes when walking in cities as well as in bushes/grasslands, and will also act as a protective barrier in rare cases of bites or stings.
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Original Passport, keep it in a dry and safe place while visiting Machu Picchu.
• Extra Cash in Soles, try to have in small coins to buy souvenirs.
• Camera for the good pictures.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Sunglasses.

RECOMMENDED:

• Electronic and/or hard copies of all important documents, plane tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep printed copies separate from originals. Although not valid, a copy makes it much easier to get replacements if needed.
• Water bottle. We recommend a capacity of at least 1.5 liters. The sale of bottled water contributes to a major environmental problem worldwide. In addition to bottled water, making a 1-liter plastic bottle requires 2 liters of water and 200 ml of oil. Much of it ends up in limited landfills or is released into waterways and natural settings.
• Electrical adapter plug.
• It is important to have a Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids.
• Fly spray
• You can use clock/alarm clock or phone for both

OPTIONAL:

•  Earplugs to protect against possible snoring from a roommate
• Phrasebook

VALUABLE ITEMS:

Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to buy a money belt or pouch that is easy to hide.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT.

Laundry is available in many hotels and cities on this trip, but you may have to wait for a two-night layover to ensure you pick it up on time. While hotel laundry is usually charged per item, laundromats usually charge per kilo, which is usually inexpensive (around $2 per kilo).

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTES OF THE TRIP.

1. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including other names listed on your passport) for Machu Picchu Permits and train tickets. Charges may apply for changes to details within 45 days of departure and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Talk to your reservation agent for more information.
3. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu. According to the visiting regulations of Machu Picchu, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction and, once the guided tour has started, it is forbidden to leave and re-enter the site. After the guided tour is over, visitors must leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. See the Itinerary for more details.
4. Machu Picchu permits are sold on request only. Once the deposit has been paid and passport details provided, SPT Travel & Tours will attempt to obtain a permit for you.
5. Parts of your trip exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender and physical condition. Consult your doctor for professional advice on high altitude travel if you have any medical conditions.
6. Most highland hotels are required to have oxygen cylinders, but you may be asked to pay extra for using oxygen for more than 5-10 minutes at a time.

ARRIVAL IN THE CITY OF CUSCO.

The tour begins in Cusco; You will be met at the airport and transferred in a private vehicle to your reserved hotel, make sure you tell us all your flight details at least 10 days before your trip. Once you arrive to the airport of Cusco, please look for our representative with a Blue SPT Travel & Tours sign.

TOUR’S BRIEFING.

It will take place at your arrival to the hotel. It will be for about half hour where with your guide you’ll review the details of the tour.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, During the excursion your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free of charge. It is very important ta have with you a small backpack for the day excursion where you’ll carry essential things for the day like water, jacket, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The remaining balance of the tour you’ll pay at the briefing time. We accept only in Cash and you will avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 7% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address: sunrisetrek@gmail.com

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Under Peruvian law, you must be under the age of 18 at the time of your trek or visit to Machu Picchu (students over the age of 18 require a student ID). For example: If you book a hike at age 17 but turn 18 before taking it, you must have a valid college ID to qualify for the student discount.
College students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, college name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.

• All students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is US$30.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, the reduction is 40 USD.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for the student discount. Send us a copy to saleso@sunriseperutrek.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE TICKETS?

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure dates after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the deposit is absolutely non-refundable!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport that you sent us to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other tickets and reservations.
If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, feel free to send us your old passport information to secure your clearance, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We need to have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before changing your passport, keep a copy of the old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport, but you will need to show both your old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu or on the train. If you do not have both, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.

VISA FOR PERU.

Citizens of Australia, United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru. For all other nationalities, please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS.

If you travel above 2,500m, you can contract altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if they are physically fit. You are at higher risk if you have ever had altitude sickness, if you exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing to the altitude, or if you have health problems that affect breathing. Consult your doctor before traveling and get advice specific to you and your situation.
check that your insurance covers emergency evacuation at height and associated medical expenses.

MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Medical treatment can be expensive and not always of high quality in some parts of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Parts of your journey exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender, and physical condition.

Before your trip:

Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to be severely worsened at high altitude and difficult to treat adequately on land, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition(s) with your physician. We understand that certain medications are reported to aid in altitude acclimatization. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip:

Although our Guides have basic first aid training and know the nearest medical facilities, it is very important that you know the cause and effects of travel at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly

MEALS NOT INCLUDED:

For this trip, we recommend between 25 and 50 USD per day. How to solve this problem?

Breakfast: If breakfast isn’t included, you can expect to pay $5-$10 at a local coffee shop.

Lunch: If you’re satisfied with a quick grab-and-go snack, you can get away with as little as $5 to $10 for a set menu at a local restaurant or a sandwich and drink at a coffee shop. In contrast, a lunch in a more touristy restaurant can cost between 10 and 15 USD.

Dinner: At dinner time, your chef will usually recommend restaurants where you can safely sample the local delicacies of the area. Expect meals to cost between $12 and $25 for an entree.
These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget, only eat local food and don’t mind having a stomach ache from time to time, you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to taste the best cuisine in the best restaurants, you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries.

TIPS.

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, but not required. Although this is not common in your country, it is very important for the people who will take care of you during your Tour. It inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature of the tourism industry in many SPT Travel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit, based on your perception of the quality and length of your visit. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

COVID-19 ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS IN PERU.

• For the latest update on what is required to enter Peru, check your government’s foreign travel advice and visit the following website: https://www.peru.travel/en
  Requirements include an online health declaration, a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of arrival, and an additional antigen test performed upon arrival.
• Also make sure you have your travel insurance policy that covers you for travel to and from Peru, as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses in the country.
  Most air passengers are now required to take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding their return flight. This includes citizens returning to their home country after their trip. Airlines must confirm a negative test result for all passengers before boarding; otherwise boarding will be denied.
• We can make it easy to take a COVID-19 test while you travel. Make sure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test, which will be paid directly at the test site. Your SPT Travel & Tours Guide will provide more details at the group meeting and schedule appointments for any travelers who need to be tested.