Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, beckons travelers to explore its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. This 8-day, 7-night tour offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the city’s iconic sites, the vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley, and the awe-inspiring wonder of Machu Picchu. From a guided tour of the city’s highlights to a scenic hike to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, this carefully curated itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure in Peru’s heartland. With inclusions and important information provided, travelers can embark on this journey confident in the knowledge that every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
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Key Points
- Embark on an 8-day, 7-night tour of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, offering a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
- Experience the highlights of Cusco, including the Qorikancha temple, Sacsayhuaman fortress, and other renowned sites, with the guidance of professional bilingual guides.
- Discover the Sacred Valley, visiting the ancient Incan town of Pisaq and the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Incas.
- Hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, with oxygen assistance and woollen blankets provided.
- Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, marveling at its architectural wonders and panoramic vistas, with reservations recommended at least one month in advance.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour typically lasts 8 days and 7 nights, with prices starting from €670.50 per person.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
The group size is limited to 15 participants, and live tour guides are available in Spanish and English.
Reservations for Machu Picchu tickets are recommended at least one month in advance, and last-minute inquiries can be made via email to check availability.
Participants are advised to bring essential items like passports, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, as the tour may not be suitable for certain medical conditions.
Itinerary Highlights
This eight-day, seven-night tour of Cusco offers an immersive exploration of the region’s captivating history and natural wonders. Guests will discover ancient Inca ruins, traverse the Sacred Valley, and marvel at the iconic Machu Picchu. Highlights include a guided city tour of Cusco, a visit to the Humantay Lagoon, and a hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the Maras and Moray salt mines, as well as the impressive Queswachaka Bridge. Throughout the journey, guests will be accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, ensuring a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.
| Day | Destination | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco | City tour |
| 2 | Sacred Valley | Visit Pisaq and Ollantaytambo |
| 3 | Machu Picchu | Guided tour |
| 4 | Humantay Lagoon | Hike |
Inclusions
This tour includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
Included are airport pick-up and transportation throughout the tour, along with a professional bilingual guide.
Entrance fees to all major sites are covered, including the Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley, Humantay Lagoon, Maras and Moray, Rainbow Mountain, and Queswachaka Bridge.
Train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back, as well as bus tickets for the round-trip to Machu Picchu, are also provided.
For the Humantay Lagoon hike, oxygen assistance and woolen blankets are available to ensure traveler comfort and safety.
Important Information
Intending travelers should bring along their passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, hiking boots, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, insect repellent, and cash.
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart issues, wheelchair users, visually impaired, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or individuals over 95 years old.
Reservations for Machu Picchu tickets are recommended at least one month in advance, and last-minute reservations should be checked for availability with the supplier via email.
Travelers should contact the supplier via WhatsApp one day before the tour for pick-up information.
Arrival and City Tour
Travelers arrive in Cusco on the first day of the tour. They are welcomed and transferred to their hotel by the professional bilingual guide. The city tour begins, taking visitors to the stunning Inca sites of Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. These ancient ruins showcase the remarkable engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization.
| Inca Site | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Qorikancha | Former Inca temple, now a convent |
| Sacsayhuaman | Massive stone fortress with impressive zigzag walls |
| Qenqo | Geoglyphic rock formations and underground tunnels |
| Puka Pukara | Remains of a military outpost |
| Tambomachay | Remnants of an Inca bath complex with natural springs |
The guided tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage, setting the stage for the immersive journey ahead.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
The next day, the group ventures into the Sacred Valley, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and well-preserved Inca ruins.
They visit the ancient Incan town of Pisaq, famous for its vibrant market and impressive archaeological site.
Continuing on, they explore the magnificent Ollantaytambo fortress, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.
After these captivating experiences, the group travels to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu.
The following day, they embark on a guided tour of the lost city of the Incas, marveling at its breathtaking architecture and panoramic vistas.
This unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu leaves the group in awe of the Inca civilization’s enduring legacy.
Humantay Lagoon Hike
On day 4, the group sets out to explore the stunning Humantay Lagoon, a turquoise-hued alpine lake nestled beneath the towering Humantay mountain.
The hike is included in the tour and promises breathtaking views. Equipped with oxygen assistance and woolen blankets, the group ascends through snow-capped peaks, passing by glaciers and alpine meadows.
Despite the challenging terrain, the journey is worthwhile as they witness the serene Humantay Lagoon, a true natural wonder.
After taking in the stunning scenery, the group returns to Cusco, energized by the exhilarating experience.
Departure and Contacts
As the tour comes to an end, participants bid farewell to the captivating city of Cusco on the final day.
The itinerary includes a transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure for all. Travelers are advised to have their passport or ID ready for the transfer.
It’s important to note that reservations for this tour are recommended at least one month in advance, especially for the Machu Picchu tickets. For last-minute reservations, participants should check availability with the supplier via email.
On the day before the tour, travelers should contact the provider via WhatsApp to receive the pick-up information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book for a Group Larger Than 15 Participants?
Unfortunately, the group size for this tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. The tour operator does not offer options to book for larger groups. If you have a group larger than 15, you’ll need to look into alternative tour arrangements.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Group Reservations?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, regardless of group size. However, group reservations exceeding 15 participants are not available and would need to be booked separately.
Are Any Dietary Requirements Accommodated on This Tour?
The tour does not provide specific dietary accommodations. However, participants are advised to inform the supplier of any dietary requirements or food allergies in advance so they can try to accommodate them to the best of their ability.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration is fixed at 8 days and 7 nights. However, travelers can inquire about extending the trip with the tour provider, who’ll assess availability and provide customized pricing options to accommodate the request.
Can I Arrange a Private Tour With a Personal Guide?
Yes, you can arrange a private tour with a personal guide. The supplier offers private tours for groups of any size, providing a more personalized and flexible experience tailored to your preferences.
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Recap
This immersive 8-day, 7-night tour of Cusco and the surrounding region offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic sites of Cusco to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and the stunning Humantay Lagoon, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories of this ancient land.