Cusco city tour
Cusco Cathedral: Built in 1560 and taking nearly 100 years to complete, Cusco Cathedral is an emblematic feature of Cusco’s main colonial square – Plaza de Armas. In 1928, Cusco Cathedral was granted Minor Basilica status, and became the official seat of the diocese (under the supervision of a bishop). The full name of the Cathedral is “The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin.” Furthermore, the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the City of Cusco listing in 1983.
The Koricancha Palace: Religious center known as “The Temple of the Sun” where you will admire the impressive engineering used in its construction.
Sacsayhuaman: Located 3 Km. From the city of Cusco, impressive stone fortress with an excellent architecture, Famous for its huge carved stones some of which are at 9 m/ 30 feet tall,with a weigh over 350 tons. Here is where the Inty Raymi or Fiesta del Sol take place in June Every year.
Qenqo: Ceremonial and ritual center, amphitheatre where sacrifices were made. – Puca-Pucara.- An old tambo (resting place), monitoring place throughout the Inka Empire Routes.
Tambomachay: Located 7 Km. From the city of Cusco, ceremonial center of cult to the water , known traditionally as the place of water.
Excursion time: around 5 hours.
Machu Picchu citadel
Machu Picchu took some 30 years to construct. Built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec (1438 – 1471), Due to limited historical information the true and original name of this epic Inca citadel is unknown. Machu Picchu’s name derives from the mountain that lies to the south-west of the citadel, meaning “Old Mountain.”
Machu Picchu citadel covers a vast area of approximately 9 hectares (22.3 acres), and is constructed on a mountain ridge high above the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is split into two main sectors: the Agricultural Sector in the south and the Urban Sector in the north, of which both are roughly equal in size. Granite stone was the main building material used in the construction of Machu Picchu, which was obtained from onsite quarries and others within close proximity. The Agricultural Sector is largely made up of row after row of stepped terraces and store houses, whilst the Urban Sector is made up of streets, corrals, kanchas, storehouses, lodgings and impressive temples. The finest Inca construction techniques were reserved for the Royal Quarter; the best examples are found at the Sacred Square, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. This magic and epic Inca citadel is one of South America’s greatest archaeological sites. In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and later in 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca
It is a colorful peak in Peru that rises 5,200 masl. Located in the Ausangate mountain region of the Peruvian Andes. Those who brave the ever-changing weather conditions, high altitudes, and lack of roads are promised the view and experience of a lifetime. What makes this mountain so special is its place among a cluster of uncommonly colored summits. Some are a rich terracotta, some are lavender, and others stand out in a vibrant turquoise hue, their pigments influenced by the sediment and atmosphere of the area. But, none are quite as spectacular as Rainbow Mountain — which, as you guessed, displays a variety of colors on its slopes. To top it off, the trail to Vinicunca winds through hot springs, small villages, and shops, and offers stunning views of the Ausangate Glacier, along with plenty of opportunities for llama and alpaca sightings. World
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Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, Cusco Peru (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Travelling to Cusco shouldn’t be underestimated remember the Inca empire is located at 3,400 meters (11,200ft), therefore we strongly recommend to consult your doctor about altitude pills and the vaccines you may need.
It will be a really enjoyable adventure that you will remember for a long time. Cusco the capital of the Incas, a city that still maintains Inca constructions. Visit the amazing Vinicunca Mountain with astonishing landscapes, a colorful peak in Peru that rises 5,200 masl. Located in the Ausangate mountain region of the Peruvian Andes. Machu Picchu is located at 2500 meters (8200 feet) above sea level, the visit to this Inca city is very unique and special. Along the way you will experience the change of climates because Machu Picchu is located in a tropical mountainous area. During the visit to Macchu Picchu you will experience the walks that the Incas did during their existence in this magical place. The following destinations are waiting for you:
Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
13,00: City Tour – Visit Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Pucapucara y Tambomachay.
Hotel night in Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel -At an indicated time transfer from your hotel to the train station to go to visit amazing Inca city. 4 hours trips where along the way you will be able to view the scenario change from mountains to a tropical area. Arrival at Aguas calientes city where immediately you will get in the tourist bus which will bring you to Machu Picchu citadel. After 8 km we will arrive at Machu Picchu where you will find, Inca temples, water deposits, stairways, water fountains, inca platforms, as well as the temple of the sun, the Intiwatana (Solar Clock) and the temple of the three windows among other enchanting scenarios. Lunch at the Mapi restaurant and eventually return to Cusco.
Hotel night in Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel – very early in the morning at 4:00 a.m. the bus will pass by your hotel, to then move on the route to the south of the city of Cusipata-Paucarpata, we will travel for 2 hours approximately (where we will enjoy a short appetizers-buffet). After that we will continue for 50 minutes to the control point, where we will start the trekking. Once arriving at this point, the guide will give you all the instructions and recommendations to finally start.
The walk will last as least 1h/20m until we reach Vinicunca or mountain of colors 5020 meters above sea level. On the way we will observe the fauna of the area, highlighting the llamas and alpacas that are at the mercy of shepherds dressed in beautiful typical costumes of the region. After passing by beautiful gorges leading to the highest parts, surrounded by snowy peaks (Ausangate), almost reaching the top we will observe the change of landscape, the mountain range of color of Vinicunca (5020 m / 16.466 ft.). The guide will explain in detail about the orography, ecosystem and color of the mountain, then take from another horizon the most beautiful photos of the colour mountain, see the beautiful landscape from 5080 masl, after that we will take the same return route (delicious lunch at this point). Then return to the city of Cusco arriving at the imperial city at approximately 4:00 a 5:00 pm.
Hotel Night in Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel
At an agreed time transfer from the hotel to the airport to get your flight to your next destination
