At 11,200 feet above sea level, Cuzco is the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, Peru's pre- Colombian Empire. Cuzco today is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, a fascinating and colorful paradox of the past and the present. Explore Cuzco visiting the Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral and the immense walled complex of Sacsayhuaman. Shop in the picturesque indigenous market located in Pisaq and visit the ruins surrounded by the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru. Discover the Sacred Valley and see the town of Ollantaytambo where the inhabitants still live much the same way as the Quechuas did during the Inca times. Travel by train following the course of the mighty Urubamba River and spend two magical days exploring Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. The complex was so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. However, much of its origins and purpose are lost in time.

Visit the Cathedral located at the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, which was built in 1550 and contains over four hundred XII century paintings done by the members of the renowned Cuzco School. In the cathedral you will see the Lord of the Earthquakes altar weighing over 52 pounds made of solid gold and studded with precious stones.

You will also explore Sacsayhuaman, located two kilometers from the city of Cuzco, an immense walled complex made up of huge stones distributed in a zigzag pattern in three platforms with an average of 1,181ft in length. These platforms are connected by flights of stairs and doorways also in stone; one of these is 29ft tall and 15ft wide and weighs more than 100 tons. The largest stone block found in Sacsayhuaman stands 27.88ft high and weighs 361 tons. Inca Pachacuti employed 20,000 men for the construction of the complex and it took approximately 50 years to complete. You will also visit the sites of Qenco and Tambomachay.
Overnight at hotel in Cuzco.

DAY 02
PISAQ - OLLANTAYTAMBO
Early morning breakfast. Drive to the village of Pisaq located 20 miles from Cuzco and on the banks of the Vilcanota River. Pisaq is a very picturesque town famous for it's Thursday and Sunday indigenous market. You will have a chance to visit with locals, take photos, do some shopping or just take in this memorable experience. Later in the day, you will travel to the ruins of Pisaq. The ruins are located on a mountain top, 2 1/2 miles away from town and are surrounded by some of the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru. These terraces are still being used for farming today. In the afternoon, you will travel to Ollantaytambo. The most fascinating aspect of this town is visitors have the opportunity to see how the Quechuas lived their lives during the Inca times. The walls, homes, canals and streets have survived intact despite the rigors of time and the Spanish conquest. To reach the fortress overlooking the town, one must walk up some very steep steps (over 200) that make up part of the fortified terracing used for the protection of the complex. The Spaniards lost a battle here and never conquered this area in battle. The most magnificent aspect of this ruins are the six huge stones located at the top of the complex in the Temple of the Sun. This site was never completed.
Afternoon drive back to Cuzco for overnight. B,L

DAY 03
CUZCO - MACHU PICCHU
Early morning transfer from hotel to train station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is located in the highland jungle of the Urubamba River. The complex is so well hidden by the towering jungle covered ramparts of the Cordillera Vilcabamba that it was never discovered by the Spaniards. Machu Picchu preserves the most perfect picture of what the Inca world must have been like. Its origins and purpose are lost in time.
Overnight at hotel in Aguas Calientes. B,L

DAY 04
MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Morning spent around Aguas Calientes to photograph the market and town or return back to the Machu Picchu, continuing your exploration of the forests around the famous site. You will have the option of retracing the Inca Trail for as far as you like in order to photograph the cloud forest surrounding the complex of Machu Picchu from a high vantage point. In the afternoon, you will retrace your route through the Urubamba Valley by train and then travel by vehicle to the city of Cuzco.
Overnight at hotel in Cuzco. B

DAY 05
CUZCO - OUT
Morning transfer to airport for flight out. B


TRIP PRICING

Pricing below assumes double occupancy. Single supplement will apply for individuals not sharing accommodations. CALL US FOR GROUP PRICING!

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TRIP DIFFICULTY: Journey requires moderate walking at high altitude (11,000 feet). Travelers with health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure should consult their physician before traveling.

INCLUDES: All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy. Meals as specified in the itinerary, B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner. Train to Machu Picchu, entrance into Machu Picchu and bus ticket. Train category differs based on program. All transfers.

NOT INCLUDED: International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.