Day 1: Cusco City Tour – Discover the Inca Capital
Your journey begins in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in South America.
The tour starts with a visit to Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), once the most important religious temple of the Inca Empire. Dedicated to the Sun God Inti, this temple was originally covered with sheets of gold before the arrival of the Spanish. Today it forms part of the Santo Domingo Convent, where colonial architecture stands above the original Inca stone foundations.
We then continue to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archaeological complex located just above the city of Cusco. This massive fortress is famous for its enormous limestone blocks, some weighing more than 100 tons, perfectly fitted together without mortar.
Next we visit Q’enqo, a mysterious ceremonial site carved into natural rock. Archaeologists believe this complex was used for ritual ceremonies and astronomical observations during the Inca period.
The tour continues to Puca Pucara, an ancient military checkpoint that once controlled access to the city of Cusco.
Our final stop is Tambomachay, often called the Temple of Water, a fascinating Inca site known for its sophisticated water channels and ceremonial fountains that still function today.
After completing the Cusco city tour, we return to the city.
Overnight: Cusco Hotel
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Pisac, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo
After breakfast we depart Cusco and travel toward the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most fertile and historically important regions of the Inca civilization.
Our first stop is the famous Taray Viewpoint, where we can admire spectacular panoramic views of the valley, the Urubamba River, and the traditional agricultural terraces that cover the mountainsides.
We continue to the impressive Pisac Archaeological Site, one of the most important Inca complexes in the Sacred Valley. Here you will explore ancient agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and hillside structures built by the Incas high above the valley floor.
After visiting the ruins, we descend to the colorful Pisac artisan market, where local artisans sell traditional handicrafts including alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, pottery, and Andean souvenirs.
We then travel to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.
In the afternoon we continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best preserved Inca towns still inhabited today.
Here we explore the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, including the Temple of the Sun, monumental terraces, ceremonial structures, and defensive walls built by the Inca Empire.
Later we board the Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train ride follows the Urubamba River through lush cloud forest landscapes, creating one of the most scenic journeys in the Andes.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes Hotel
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Early in the morning we take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Your guide will lead a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring the most important sectors of the citadel, including:
the Main Plaza
the Temple of the Sun
the Intihuatana Stone, the sacred solar clock
the Royal Quarters
the agricultural terraces and ceremonial areas
During the visit, you will learn about the history, architecture, engineering, and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu and the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization.
After the guided tour, we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to explore the town or enjoy lunch before the return journey.
Later we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, completing this unforgettable 3-day Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour.
