Overview
Experience the ultimate Peruvian expedition with this comprehensive six-day itinerary designed to showcase the diverse beauty and history of the Andes. Your adventure begins with a private guided walking tour through Cusco, uncovering the secrets of the Plaza de Armas, the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun, and the picturesque San Blas neighborhood. The journey quickly turns into an active exploration as you embark on a scenic hike from Sihuas, following sections of the original Inca Trail past the Pucamarca ruins to the majestic ancient city of Huchuy Qosqo. Here, you will enjoy an authentic homestay experience with a local family, complete with traditional meals and a spectacular astrotourism stargazing session far from city lights.
After deeply exploring the impressive architecture of Huchuy Qosqo, you will descend into the Sacred Valley, visit the monumental astronomical structures of Ollantaytambo, and take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. This perfectly sets the stage for your early-morning, in-depth guided exploration of the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. The adventure is rounded out with a fascinating half-day excursion to the concentric agricultural terraces of Moray and the breathtaking, community-operated Maras Salt Mines. With all airport transfers, unique accommodations, and main entrance tickets seamlessly coordinated, this tour offers a flawless balance of active hiking, archaeological wonder, and cultural immersion.
Summary
ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
Begin your journey in comfort with a private pickup from Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in before exploring the Imperial City.
CUSCO – SIHUAS – HUCHUY QOSQO
From comfort to the summit, and from history to home. May every step bring us closer to the magic of Huchuy Qosqo and its people!
HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Breakfast is ready, history awaits. Today we walk in the footsteps of the Incas, from Huchuy Qosqo to Ollantaytambo. Let’s explore!
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The day is here! Let us behold the Lost City, the gift that history gives us. The Inca spirit awaits us at Machu Picchu. Let’s enjoy every moment!
CUSCO – MORAY – MARAS – CUSCO
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 8:00 a.m. and begin our journey toward the impressive agricultural complex of Moray.
RETURN
We will be passing by your hotel to transfer you to the airport.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO
Begin your journey in comfort with a private pickup from Cusco Airport and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in before exploring the Imperial City with
your private guide.
This half-day walking tour invites you to discover the charm and history of Cusco at your own pace. We start in the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful colonial arcades and the majestic Cathedral of Cusco. Continue to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), once the most revered Inca temple dedicated to the Sun God, later transformed into the Santo Domingo Convent.
Then, wander through the picturesque San Blas neighborhood, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and panoramic views. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about Inca civilization, colonial heritage, and modern Cusqueñan life.
The tour ends with time to relax at a local café or explore charming boutiques before returning comfortably to your hotel.
DAY 2: CUSCO – SIHUAS – HUCHUY QOSQO
Your Andean adventure begins at 6 am when we pick you up at your hotel, and then we drive in our private transport to the village of Sihuas (3,800m/12,467ft), only 1.30 hours from Cusco. Once we arrive, we put our backpacks on and get ready to start a gentle hike uphill for the next 3 hours to get to the highest point of the trek (4,200m/13,779ft). From there, we have fantastic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys. We descend towards the village of Pucamarca and spend time at the Inca ruins there. From there, we follow a section of the original Inca trail into the Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo. There, we have time to explore the city, and then we head to our homestay. Here, your guide will introduce you to the local family. You will see all the amazing views of the surrounding areas and the Inca city. By late afternoon, you will enjoy your tea, and later have dinner with your local family! In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sky full of brilliant stars, far from the light pollution of any city, and see the Inca constellations which your guide will show you.
DAY 3: HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After a delicious breakfast, there will be a guided tour of the Huchuy Qosqo Inca City, in which you will discover amazing Inca buildings, sacred temples, farming terraces, storehouses and water channels. Your guide will tell you about the fascinating history of Huchuy Qosqo and how it changed the course of Inca history! After you have had time to explore everything, we head downhill to Lamay for 2 hours. Our private van will take you to Urubamba, the city where we will have lunch. Then, we continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the stunning astronomical Inca City of Ollantaytambo. Later in the afternoon, we will take the train.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take the buses up to Machu Picchu. Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu, the Sacred City. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious. After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). The train will take you back in the afternoon, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow, and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you.
DAY 5: CUSCO – MORAY – MARAS – CUSCO
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 8:00 a.m. and begin our journey toward the impressive agricultural complex of Moray. Famous for its circular terraces arranged in concentric depressions, Moray is believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, allowing experimentation with crops across different microclimates.
After exploring Moray, we’ll head to the Maras Salt Mines, a breathtaking network of more than 3,000 salt pools still operated by local families today. Since pre-Inca times, this unique system has been used to extract natural salt from the mineral-rich water that flows from the mountains.
After enjoying the stunning scenery and history of Maras, we will begin our return journey to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 p.m.
DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
On this day, according to your flight schedule, we will be passing by your hotel to transfer you to the airport so you can take your flights to your country of origin.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
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