We have taken the highlights of Cusco and squeezed them into a five-day trip: the historic city of Cusco, the historic towns and landscapes of the Sacred Valley and, of course, the unsurpassed wonders of Machu Picchu. And we have packaged them with some of the best hotels Peru has to offer … so you will be amazed and pampered at the same time!

Day 1: Cusco: Arrival

After your arrival transfer from the airport, bus or train station, you have time to relax in the Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection and acclimatise to the altitude of over 3,000m (10,000ft) in the legendary capital of the Inca Empire.

In the afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the heart of the Inca Empire. We visit the Koricancha temple of the sun, then the Cathedral built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. Next, we visit archaeological remains around the city, including the fortress of Sacsahuaman, Qenqo the giant rock, the ancient site of Puca Pucara and finally the water temple Tambomachay.

This evening, you are free to explore the maze of markets, wander the cobblestone streets or sample some of the famous Cusco nightlife.

Day 2: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: Lunch

Today, we explore the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.

Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included).

We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca town planning and dominated by a giant Inca fortress, which was the scene of a famous victory for the Incas against the invading Spanish Conquistadors.

We return to Cusco in the early evening.

Day 3: Machu Picchu: Breakfast / Dinner

After an early breakfast, we leave the hotel to take the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.

After an impressive train ride of 4 hours through mountain valleys, cloud forest, and high rainforest, we reach this wonder of the world. Here the ’Lost City of the Incas’ occupies a ridge spur high above the raging Vilcanota River.

We have a guided tour of the site, as well as some free time to appreciate this amazing place. For the energetic, there is the chance to climb the emblematic Huayna Picchu (Little Mountain).

At the end of the day we descend to the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you will be checked into a junior suite room.

Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco.

The morning is free to return to the Ruins (optional) or enjoy the remarkable high rainforest countryside in which Machu Picchu is situated.

In the afternoon, we return by Vistadome train to Cusco.

Upon arrival we will transfer to the Hotel Casa Andina, Private Collection, where we spend the night.

Day 5: Cusco: Departure

Today is at your leisure to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing, before your transfer back to the airport, bus or train station, or the start of your next tour.

NB. This tour is also available in private services. Contact us for details.

There are countless activities in and around Cusco, including a wealth of rafting, horse riding, cycling and trekking, so if you would like to stay longer in Cusco, email us at info@chimuadventures.com to find out how. 

Want to see more of this amazing country? If you fancy the Amazon jungle, have a look at our Short Amazon or Manu tours. Or why not go south to Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, or even into Bolivia?