Machu Picchu Cusco: 8-day Immersive Cultural Tour – Cusco, Peru

EXPERIENCE:

Day 1
Airport transfer and and please use this free day to acclimate your body to the altitude of Cusco and stroll the streets of the historic center. Recommended to arrive in Cusco by 15:00 local time.

Day 2
City Tour Cusco: You will visit the Inca temples overlooking the city: Tambomachay, Puca Pukara, Qenqo, Sacsayhusman and Qoricancha, then the Sun Temple, and the colonial historical center where the meeting of Andean and western cultures have materialized architecturally into magnificent buildings, museums, churches, and palaces surrounded by the original city built with Inca walls.

Day 3
In Chinchero, a small rustic town famous for Peruvian weaving, Inca agricultural ruins and an ornate colonial church, you will learn about the techniques of weaving and dyeing wool in the region. Then you will embark on a beautiful hike mostly downhill along an ancient stretch of the Inca Trail, 3-4 hours to the village of Urquillos, stopping at the Poc Poc waterfall for a moment of rest, contemplation and lunch. Trek: Easy to moderate downhill

Day 4
You’ll visit the magnificent ruins of Pisac and the village’s lively artisan market. Then, you’ll trek to an Andean community where you’ll be welcomed into our local host’s home to prepare our lunch, pachamanca, a traditional Andean dish. You will return to Cusco for a free evening. Trek: Easy to moderate downhill 2 hours

Day 5
On the other side of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will discover the deep history of the ancient agronomic laboratory of Moray, the village of Maras, a traditional hat factory, and the salt flats of Maras. From there, you will walk downhill to the beautiful Urubamba River. You will finish your day in Ollantaytambo at the Inca ruins of the village then take the night Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the last village at the foot of famous Machu Picchu. Trek: Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes downhill

Day 6
Today is the anticipated visit to majestic Machu Picchu. You will discover the Inca city of Machu Picchu, and have the time to isolate yourself and to contemplate the site. Afterwards, back down in Aguas Calientes, you will have a late lunch on your own and explore the town. You may choose to stay longer and add a visit to Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu.
You will take the scenic Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Once in Ollantaytambo then return to Cusco

Day 7
Free day in Cusco to rest and visit the ancient capital of the Inca empire on your own or add activities and experiences.

Day 8
Airport Transfer or connect to our 8-day Immersive Cultural Road Trip down the coast from Lima to Nazca!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Meet and engage with local, native hosts in this immersive cultural tour
Make an impact on local community and natives (Pack for a Purpose donation)
Slow tourism to explore the deeper, inclusive story and gain cultural awareness
Healthy and active tour with walking, hiking, nature, adventure on Inca Trail
Discover the deeper history, culture, way of life, cuisine of Andean communities

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