Classic Cusco (9 Days)
- Duration9 days / 8 nights
- DifficultyEasy
- Max. altitude4,900 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Classic Cusco — Culture, history and Machu Picchu
An itinerary for travelers who want to experience Cusco's top highlights without tackling difficult treks. Explore the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu, the Maras Salt Mines and the archaeological sites of the South Valley, and take in the colorful landscape of Palcoyo, a gentler alternative to the famous Vinicunca. You also get a free day in Cusco to rest and explore the city at your own pace, discovering its historic center, cafés, restaurants and little shops.
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 nine days give you time to enjoy Cusco calmly, without rushing.
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 and train to Aguas Calientes
- Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Andean Women
- Archaeological city tour with Qoricancha and Sacsayhuamán
- South Valley: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas
- Colorful Palcoyo Mountain
- Free day in Cusco
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 5Free day in Cusco
Enjoy a well-deserved rest after your round trip to Machu Picchu! Relax and experience Cusco at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up the charm of the city.
A free day to do whatever you like, with no schedule and no rush.
Day 6Archaeological 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 greatness of Inca civilization, always accompanied by a guide who will share the stories and curiosities of each site. The tour ends at around 2:00 pm.
Day 7South Valley of Cusco
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 canals 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 more traditional route. The tour ends at around 3:00 pm.
Day 8Palcoyo Mountain
Instead of the famous Vinicunca, you will visit Palcoyo Mountain, a lovely alternative for taking in the colorful landscapes of the Andes.
The walk up to the viewpoint is shorter and gentler, with a climb of about 20 minutes, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without such a demanding hike.
The tour includes breakfast and lunch, and at the end of the day we return to Cusco.
Day 9Departure / 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, Moray and Andean Women tour (entrance fees not included)
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (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
- Archaeological City Tour (entrance fees not included)
- South Valley tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (entrance fees not included)
- Palcoyo Mountain tour with entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley, Moray, the South Valley and the City Tour
- 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
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for the high-mountain tours
Frequently asked questions
Is the 9-day Classic Cusco itinerary very demanding?
No. It combines cultural tours with downtime, including a free day in Cusco after Machu Picchu. Even so, we can adapt the pace to suit you.
Do I need to be physically fit for the tours?
No special fitness is required: this itinerary is rated easy. At Palcoyo the walk up to the viewpoint takes about 20 minutes, but since it is at high altitude we recommend walking slowly and respecting the acclimatization period.
How does acclimatization to Cusco's altitude work?
The first day is planned to be relaxed, giving your body time to rest and adjust to the altitude. We recommend staying hydrated, eating light meals and avoiding strenuous activity during the first few hours.
Can I customize the itinerary for a more relaxed pace?
Yes! We can put together lighter itineraries with more time to enjoy Cusco calmly. The itineraries shown are suggestions and can be adapted to your profile, pace and interests.
Is Machu Picchu included in this itinerary?
Yes! The itinerary includes Machu Picchu with a professional guide, a round-trip train (Expedition or Voyager), the bus up and down and a standard entrance ticket, with all the logistics arranged so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
Can I combine Cusco with another destination in Peru?
Yes! Besides Cusco, we can build itineraries that include Puno and Lake Titicaca, Lima, Paracas and Huacachina, depending on the travel style you are looking for.
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