INTI RAYMI MACHUPICCHU TOUR 5 DAYS

INTI RAYMI MACHU PICCHU TOUR – DESCRIPTION

Five-day Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour take you to discover the secrets of Cusco and the traditions of the Inca world; you’ll visit the city of Cusco, the Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the wonderful  Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

The Inti raymi or Sun feast is performed on the stage of Sacsaywaman an inca Fortress located at 3 km from the city of Cusco. The festival begins with small ceremonies held in the courtyard of Qorikancha or the Temple of the Sun; then continues to the Main Square of Cusco.

The most important stage is at Sacsayhuaman. Every year special stands are built for the visitors. Local people sit around the complex to watch the Inti Raymi’s celebration.

During the Inca Empire, INTI RAYMI was the most important of four ceremonies celebrated in Cusco, as related by chroniclers of XVI century like the Inca “Garcilaso de la Vega”. The celebration took place in the Haukaypata or the Main Square of the city and it was for 10 days aproximately.

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According to the chronicler “Garcilaso de la Vega”, The Inca Pachacutec created the Inti Raymi to celebrate the new year in the Andes. Since 1944, a theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Sacsayhuaman on June 24th of each year, attracting thousands of tourists and local visitors.

The Inti Raymi is still celebrated in indigenous cultures throughout the andes. Celebrations involve music, colourful costumes and the sharing of food. In many parts of the Andes, this celebration has been connected to the festivals of Saint John Baptist, which falls on the day after the winter solstice – June 21.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1:  Cusco

Arrival to Cusco at any time, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the designated hotel.  If you arrive before noon, you can do optionally the guided city tour

Day 2:  Inti Raymi

We will follow the entire ceremony of Inti Raymi; lunchbox included for today.

Day 3:  Sacred Valley

A full-day tour, including the Pisac market and the visit of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo Inca ruins.  Two-hour train journey to the town of “Aguas Calientes” in the evening.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Very early, we’ll take 25 minutes bus up to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise; then explore for 2-3 hours Machu Picchu after what, you will have free time to explore along.

Day 5: Transfer out

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco

Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour takes you to visit the city of Cusco at 3.400m

5-day “Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour” begins once you arrive to Cusco at any time. However, we must know your flight details for the reception and transfer you to the designated hotel; today, there are no planned activities so enjoy the city; you can do optionally our city tour and enjoy the enchanting sites of this Inca and colonial city.

The city of Cusco attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an ancient culture very different from their 20th century way of life; the city of Cusco was the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo and this was the entire territory of the Incas between the XII and XVI century.

Our Recommendations:

• Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas, where you can appreciate the work of the Cusqueñian artisan craft stores
• Grab a bite at the famous Peruvian cuisine restaurants nearby or relax on the park benches of Plaza de Armas and then take a photo there for memories to last during the warm weather in the afternoon, despite the cold nights of Cusco
• If you like the night around the square you will find many nightclubs and bars filled with tourists and locals who expect to have fun with good music and drinks.

Day 2: Inti Raymi Tour

Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour takes you to see the Inti raymi feast in Peru

For Inti Raymi festival we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 08:00 a.m and transfer you to Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun where the Inti Raymi ceremony starts. Full-day will be dedicated to enjoy this exceptional Inca ceremony that still plays very important roles among the local people.

The central ceremony will be set up in the Fortress of Sacsaywaman where the sacred blood of the llama will be offered to the “INTI” or the Sun god and the corn brewed drink (chicha) will be spelled to the mother earth.

The Inti Raymi took place at the winter solstice, when the sun is farthest from the earth. Fearing the lack of sun and ensuing famine, the Incas gathered in Cusco to honour the Sun God and plead for his return. The celebrants fasted for days before the event, refrained from physical pleasures and presented gifts to the Inca, who in return put on a lavish banquet of meat, corn bread, chicha and coca tea as they prepared to sacrifice llamas to ensure good crops and fertile fields.

Day 3: June 25th – Sacred Valley of The Incas

Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour takes you to visit the Sacred valley of the Incas in Peru

We will pick you up at 08:00 a.m from the hotel and travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. An important cradle of food for the Inca. The Sacred Valley is a lush of agricultural area that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce, specially corn and vegetables.

We’ll visit the impressive ruins of Pisac and the colourful artisan market where you can purchase handcrafts directly from producers.

From Pisaq, we’ll continue toward the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruins. This major ruins site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering.

Ollantaytambo is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a major battle during the conquest. In the afternoon, we will take the train for two hours to the picturesque town of “Aguas Calientes”, here you’ll have Hotel accommodation.

Our Recommendation:

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

Day 4: Machu Picchu Trip

Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour takes you to visit Machu Picchu at 2,400m

Early breakfast in the hotel and then we’ll wlak for 5 minites to the bus station and take bus for 25 minutes up to the Inca Citadel of Machupicchu; then, you will receive a guided tour.

The tour takes approximately two hours and leads you through all the important places, temples, residences, best spots and all archaeological sites with the insights of very capable guides.

After our interesting tour of 2-3 hours, you’ll have plenty of time for more exploration on your own, time to get the best photos or also you will have time for optional walks around. After you finish to explore Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to the town of “Aguas Calientes”. In the afternoon you’ll take the train for 2 hours to Ollantaytambo from where we’ll transfer your hotel in Cusco.

Day 5: Transfer out

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport.

INTI RAYMI MACHUPICCHU TOUR INCLUDES

• Transportation: Transfer in/out (Airport/Hotel/Airport), Private bus for Sacred Valley tour; bus up and down from the town of “Aguas Calientes” to Machu Picchu, round-trip train ticket tourist class from Ollantaytambo to “Aguas Calientes” and from “Aguas Calientes” to Cusco, transfer to your hotel.
• Entrance Fees: For Inti Raymi, Sacred Valley tour, and Machu Picchu.
• Guide: Licensed bilingual tour guide.
• Accommodations: Based on double occupancy: 3 nights in Cusco *** hotel and 1 night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Other: Local guide for permanent assistance.

EXCLUDED

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

PRICE OF THE TOUR

• In the following price is included 3-stars category hotel which we consider appropriated and very confortable hotel for Inti Raymi Machupicchu 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.

Train options to Machu Picchu

1 .- The Vistadome Train:

The Vistadome class train is the quickest and easiest way to visit Machu Picchu.On the trip, you can enjoy delicious snacks hot and cold drinks It has been .recently refurnished , equipped with panoramic windows on its roof, passengers feel they are part of the stunning scenery of the trip enjoying a spectacular view with unparalleled scenic views and wonderful photo opportunities

2 .- The Expedition Train:
The expedition class train is designed exclusively for travelers with adventurous spirit who seek comfort and safety; the service Expedition class have seats featuring Inca details , giving them a local and indigenous flair and the comfort of having a broad space for your backpacks you will enjoy Machu Picchu. For sure this service will serve drinks and snacks at an additional cost.

HOTELS FOR THE TOUR

No-frills or fancy, historic, quaint or quirky, we offer accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Accommodation on your tailor-made tour can range from western-style hotels and resorts to charming boutique properties, camps, authentic raids, and other unique accommodation in the region you are travelling – the choice is yours.

IN CUSCO –  PRISMA  HOTEL OR SIMILAR

Hotel prisma in Cusco for Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour

Address: Matara 394, Cusco
Rating: 3 stars
Web: http://www.hotelprismacusco.com/

Hotel Prisma is a charming hotel decorated in a classic Cusco style – using local artisans to create an aura of beautiful Inca tradition. Guest rooms are well furnished with air conditioning and ensuite facilities. The hotel also benefits from an o, cocktail bar and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel can arrange shuttles into the center of Cusco which is just over a 4 blocks away. Walking takes you 10 minutes

IN THE TOWN OF AGUAS CALIENTES – HOSTEL PRESIDENTE  OR SIMILAR

Hotel Presidente in Aguas Calientes town for Inti Raymi Machupicchu Tour

Address: “Aguas Calientes” town – Cusco
Rating: 3 stars
Web: http://hostalpresidente.com/rooms.html

The hotel is very clean, helpful, and friendly and all rooms have a private bath and 24 hour hot water. Some of the rooms have small balconies with great views over the river Vilcanota.

FACILITIES

• Restaurant (open to public for breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Bar-Cafeteria
• Telephones with international and national dial up
• Fax services
• Luggage porters
• Laundry service