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Classic Cusco (7 Days)
- Duration7 days / 6 nights
- DifficultyEasy
- Max. altitude3,399 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Classic Cusco — Culture, history and Machu Picchu
An itinerary for travelers who want to discover Cusco's top highlights at a more relaxed pace, without difficult treks. Ideal for enjoying Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the rich history and culture of the Andes at a comfortable rhythm.
Who this package is for
Perfect for first-time visitors to Peru, families, couples and travelers who prefer cultural tours to demanding hikes. Day one is set aside for acclimatization, and the final days reveal Inca and colonial Cusco, from Qoricancha to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. Keep in mind that the itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in addition to your nights in the other cities on the route. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo
- Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Andean Women weavers
- Train and overnight in Aguas Calientes
- City Tour: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay
- South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.
No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
Day 2Andean women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, we leave Cusco for the Valley, a lower-altitude area that is ideal for an unhurried day.
Our first stop is with the Andean Women, where you will see the traditional process of making wool by hand, from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving textiles decorated with geometric designs that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.
Next we visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces, and then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, with hundreds of salt pools built by the Incas on the mountainsides and still in use today.
After the visits we return to Cusco, arriving at around 3:00 pm at Plaza Regocijo, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 3Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.
After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Day 4Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The big moment of the trip has arrived!
In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.
After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time you will board the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Day 5Archaeological City Tour
At around 8:45 am we begin our Archaeological City Tour, a journey through the history and culture of the ancient Inca Empire.
We visit the Qoricancha Temple, the Incas' most important religious center, and then continue to the impressive archaeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
Along the way you will discover buildings, temples and places that reveal the grandeur of Inca civilization, always accompanied by a guide who shares the stories and curiosities of each site. The tour ends at around 2:00 pm.
Day 6Cusco's South Valley
We pick you up at your hotel at around 8:45 am to explore this region full of history, culture and beautiful Andean scenery.
We visit the Tipón Archaeological Site, an impressive complex of Inca water channels and farming terraces, and Pikillaqta, an ancient city of the Wari culture. We also stop at the charming Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas", with its richly decorated interior and remarkable works of art.
An experience that blends archaeology, architecture, culture and Andean landscapes, away from Cusco's most traditional route. The tour ends at around 3:00 pm.
Day 7Departure / return home
Time to say goodbye to Cusco!
At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Cusco airport for your flight home.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.
What's included
Included
- 2 transfers: airport / hotel / airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- Maras and Moray tour (entrance fees not included)
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Archaeological City Tour (entrance fees not included)
- Cusco South Valley tour (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide
- Round-trip train ticket, Expedition or Voyager class
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley, Moray, City Tour and South Valley
- Maras Salt Mines entrance fee
- Qoricancha Temple entrance fee
- Church of Andahuaylillas entrance fee (Sistine Chapel of the Americas)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Comfortable sneakers
- Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
- Rain poncho during the rainy season
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
Cusco and Machu Picchu can be visited all year round.
High season – dry season: May to October, with less rain and more visitors. We recommend booking well in advance.
Low season – rainy season: November to April, with a higher chance of rain but fewer crowds and, at certain times, better prices.
What should I bring on the tours?
We recommend comfortable clothes in layers, suitable footwear, sun protection, a water bottle and a small backpack. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for cold, sun and possible rain.
Can I do this itinerary with children or older travelers?
Yes! Most tours in Peru are suitable for all ages, and we can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile and pace.
This itinerary is rated easy and does not include demanding hikes, so it is suitable for all ages.
For older travelers, we recommend considering fitness level and adjustment to altitude, especially on group tours, where everyone needs to keep up with the group and stick to the schedule. If mobility is a concern, private tours offer much more flexibility.
Which entrance fees are not included?
The package includes the standard Machu Picchu ticket. Not included are the Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket covering the Sacred Valley, Moray and the City Tour and South Valley sites), the Maras Salt Mines fee, the Qoricancha Temple and the Church of Andahuaylillas. Our team will advise you on how to buy them.
Can I add or remove tours from the 7-day itinerary?
Yes! We specialize in tailor-made itineraries and can adapt the tours to your interests, pace and available time.
Will you support me throughout the trip?
Yes! We provide personal assistance from start to finish, with WhatsApp support to guide you and help whenever you need it. While you enjoy Peru, our team takes care of the details.
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