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TRIP OVERVIEW
Cusco is known for its Inca history, impressive archeological centers, and its beautiful colonial heritage as seen in its churches and mansions. However, it is the living culture that makes it so unique and there are many villages where residents still preserve their mystical heritage. During this tour, you’ll immerse yourself into the true essence of Andean life by visiting nearby communities, and by participating in authentic traditions and rituals.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Departure: Cusco
- For travelers seeking cultural immersion and home stay in the Sacred Valley
- Perfect for couples and friends
- Includes shared tour of archeological sites nearby Cusco and of Machu Picchu
- Get unlimited access to all of our Virtual Experiences!
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- GUIDE:
English-speaking guide. - ACCOMMODATION:
Two nights of accommodation in Cusco; two nights in Huilloc and one night in Aguas Calientes. - MEALS:
Daily Breakfast at the hotel starting on day 2.
Lunch on day 2 and 3 in Huilloc and on day 4 in Aguas Calientes. - TRANSPORT:
Private transfers from and to the airport.
Train to Machu Picchu round trip in Expedition service (PeruRail). - ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Machu Picchu on day 4; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in Cusco and Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC ticket).
ROUTE
Day 1 Cusco – Tour of city and nearby archeological sites
Day 2 Huilloc – Participate in Andean traditions with community
Day 3 Huilloc – Ancient ceremonies with community
Day 4 Machu Picchu Tour
Day 5 Morning in Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Day 6 Cusco
FULL ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO
Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and to transfer you to your hotel. Please note that if you are arriving on a domestic flight from Lima, ensure that your arrival time is no later than 10:30, as later arrival times will be too late. In the afternoon, once you are checked into your hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals to improve harvests. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ‘red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is believed to be an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco.
DAY 2: HUILLOC
After breakfast at the hotel, a vehicle will pick you up to take you to Huilloc, a community in the province of Urubamba. Participate in a traditional Inca practice called Kusi Runa, where you will be part of the group of people in charge of working the land or ‘chakra’. But before getting your hands dirty, first visit the house of the owner of the chakra along with an interpreter. The owner will invite you to taste an infusion of muña, a well-known Andean medicinal plant, and to dress in the traditional clothing of the members of the community (ponchos for the men and blankets for the women). The men will then head out to tend the fields and start planting while the women will stay at home to cook, learning to prepare special dishes using local organic ingredients. After lunch, and once the day’s work is over, men and women alike gather for a ritual full of music and dance, an excellent opportunity to see up close the lifestyle of the Andean man.
Overnight at the selected hotel in Huilloc. Lunch Included.
DAY 3: HUILLOC
Wake up to breakfast in the morning and then participate in a fascinating local tradition. The tarpuntay (ancestral Inca authority) is in charge of preparing the khipu (sacred message) in an environment shrouded in spirituality and mysticism. The chasqui is chosen from among the visitors to be in charge of carrying the divine message in their chuspa or purse. Alongside the tarpuntay, the chasqui will deliver the sacred word, traversing the Sutuq Mach’ay cave and the fields of culture, surrounded by native plants with healing properties. The sound of the pututu announces their arrival at the archeological center of Aya Urqu, where the khipu is delivered to the interpreter. The other attendees wait at the top where the high priest performs the condor dance. After the ceremony, take some time to photograph this beautiful place before returning to town. Then in the afternoon, meet the community authorities to participate in the Yanapanakuy. Before starting, thank Pachamama (Mother Earth) with a payment to the land. After completing the tasks – which may be repainting the facades of the school or the medical center, arranging furniture or planting trees – you’ll have a moment to rest and freshen up before enjoying watching some tradition songs and dances. End your experience by obtaining a souvenir to remind you of all you lived here when you go home.
Overnight at the selected hotel in Huilloc. Lunch included.
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU
DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Today breakfast is followed by a relaxing free morning in Aguas Calientes. Spend your time however suits you best, be that making the most of the available facilities at the hotel, or leisurely exploring this wonderful location. Alternately, you can also return to Machu Picchu and visit the attractions that the citadel houses. We recommend waking up early to go watch the sun rise over the mountain. It is an unforgettable experience! You will find the best views at the Huayna Picchu and at the Inti Punku, both more than 300 meters above the citadel itself. Another option is to visit the Inca bridge, a secret military road that used to control access to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, board the train back to the Ollanta station and, from there, a vehicle will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco. Lunch included.
DAY 6: CUSCO
Cusco City Tour
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, your representative will assist you with check out and you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your incredible journey with us in Peru, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.
