Journey to Machu Picchu & Cusco

Day 2: Full day Sacred Valley

At 8:00 am, we pick you up from your hotel, at the start of the excursion. We travel from Cusco, passing Saqsaywaman through the mountains to the Sacred Valley. We descend 1500 feet to the base of the valley. Where we meet the sacred Urubamba River and the town of Pisac.

Pisac is at the entrance to the Sacred Valley. The Valley is (31km) / (19mi) from Cusco, and at an altitude of (2,970m) / (9,700ft).
In Pisac, we will stop to visit the traditional market, where you can explore and buy some local souvenirs, if you wish. We will spend about 30 minutes here.

Then we head towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, we will explore the extensive ruins, while enjoying breathtaking views over the valley. You will be given a guided tour of the Citadel of Pisac, where we will see temples, homes, altars, carvings, etc. We will have about 40 minutes to explore the ruins.
We continue to Urubamba, where we stop for lunch (45 minutes). A 30 minute drive takes us to Ollantaytambo, which is surrounded by the sacred mountains. Here we spend an hour. In Ollantaytambo, we will have a greater exposure of the Inca constructions mainly: the incredible temple of the sun, huge blocks of rock perfectly carved and polished, stone water fountains, stairs and terraces. We can also see the beauty of the local people in their traditional costume, inhabitants of the Patacancha and Willoq Valleys. The last visit will be to the Chinchero market.
 
Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Its main claim to tourism is its colourful Sunday market which is much less touristy than the market in Pisac. At the end, we will return to Cusco's Plaza de Armas at approximately 6:30 pm. The evening is precise to enjoy a good dinner in a restaurant of your choice; although we always have plenty of suggestions for you if you require it.

Day 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town)

We will pick you up early in the morning (according to the availability of the train service) and then head to the train station. After a 1.40 hour journey of majestic views you will arrive in Aguas Calientes Pueblo (where the hot springs are located) where we will spend the night. We will enjoy plenty of time to relax if you want to have a hot bath in the natural springs!

Things to do in Aguas Calientes:

• Visit the Machu Picchu Museum ‘Manuel Chavez Ballon’ and orchid exhibition. It is open from 9am to 4:30 pm, and is a 35 minute walk down the road from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas. It is a very enlightening museum that gives an interesting introduction to Machu Picchu.
• Thermal baths -10 soles per person.

Day 4: Machupicchu - big day!

You will have a very early breakfast (included at the hotel) and will be picked up to go to the train station to leave for Machu Picchu (train schedule according to availability, early in the morning), amazing views of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba and jungle scenery providing you with a small hint of how much Peru has to offer.
 
The guide will pick you up from the train station in Aguas Calientes, and take you to the bus station driving for 20 minutes to Machu Picchu. Here you will receive a 2-hour professional guided tour of the enormous historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, followed by free time to explore the area on your own. We will then descend to the town of Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco. You will be met at the train station and transported to your hotel.

Day 5: Departure transfer

Breakfast (included) and transfer to the airport.