Immerse in the Incas’ archaeological and cultural splendors. The five-day journey to the highlights of Cusco & Machu Picchu provides beautiful landscapes and magnificent vistas of the Incas’ old treasures, including the ancient Incan city of Cusco, the lush green Sacred Valley, and one of the World’s Wonders, Machu Picchu. The tour concludes with Rainbow Mountain, a purportedly beautiful rock structure located outside Cusco. As Rainbow Mountain’s magnificence approaches, the ranger will discuss the area’s geological history.
Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
Hotel pickup at 14:30. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
The tour ends around 18:00.
Suggested flight schedule — Lima (09:30am) – Cusco (10:50am)
Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30 am. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain. There have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market to buy intricate, hand-crafted products.
Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, complete with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
Expedition train — Ollantaytambo (19:04) – Aguas Calientes (20:45)
Hotel breakfast; at 06:00 am. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and its main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Return to Cusco: Later in the day, board the train to return to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
Expedition train — Aguas Calientes (15:20) – Cusco (19:05)
Note about train tickets: We attempt to book tickets on this train, but we may need to book an alternative service if the timetable changes or the trains are unavailable.
Hotel breakfast; pick up at 5:00 am from hotel and a 3-hour drive to trailhead. Stop at Cusipata; afterward, we continued towards Phullawasipata (4626m/15,177ft).
The day starts with a creek trek. Enjoy the ride as we pass alpaca and llama herds. Bring a camera since we will be seeing Ausangate Mountain. Also, take a stroll through rural areas and meet the residents.
The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,030m/16,498ft) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once reaching the peak, we will get a chance to eat and take in the panoramic views. Typically, the break lasts 45 minutes.
It is time to descend after soaking in the beautiful vistas. Returning to the trailhead should take lunch before traveling to Cusco.
We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop off at the Cusco hotel.
The approximate arrival time is between 17:00.
Approximate walking distance: 8 kilometers (4.97 miles) – Walking time estimate: 4 hours.
Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
Suggested flight schedule — Cusco (10:40 am) – Lima (12:05 pm)
Hotel category: | Double or Triple room | Single room – Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Tourist: | US$ 705 | US$ 136 |
Superior Tourist: | US$ 814 | US$ 224 |
Notes.-
* Prices per person in US dollars.
* Single passengers are subject to an additional fee.
* Prices are based on a group of two to three travelers.
* 5% discount available if four or more people are traveling together.
Optional services
A: Changes and Cancellation by the Client
Any changes to the original booking must be confirmed by the person signing the booking form. Any costs or charges, which we incur or which are incurred or levied by our supplier as a result of the amendment, will be charged to the client.Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed.
The Client may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to Kempor Tours in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day written notification is received by Kempor Tours. In addition to the charges shown below airlines may impose 100% cancellation charges.
A: Kempor tours require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all our Small Group and Private group. Guests on all journeys must comply with country entry and service provider requirements.
A: Kempor tours accept all approved vaccines per the World Health Organization. However, guests must also comply with specific vaccination requirements for country entry. Some countries now require a booster shot if full vaccination for COVID-19 has been administered more than a designated number of days prior to arrival. Visit the U.S. Department of State or the Government of Canada for current entry requirements by country.
A: Yes, all guests, including children, must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on all Small Group and Private group services.
A: At this time, booster shots are not required by Kempor Tours. However, guests must comply with country vaccination requirements for entry and service provider requirements which may be more restrictive. Some countries now require that full vaccination for COVID-19 and/or a booster shot must be administered at least 14 days and no more than a designated number of days prior to arrival. To meet changing requirements, a booster shot is recommended. Visit the U.S. Department of State or the Government of Canada for current entry requirements by country.
A: Our Travel Consultants can work with you to travel on a Tailor Made or Group service destination where vaccinations are not required.
A: Some countries and service providers require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry. Visit the U.S. Department of State or the Government of Canada for current entry requirements by country.
A: On all journeys, masks must be worn in accordance with local regulations and service provider requirements. We encourage you to bring your own masks; a supply will be on hand where needed. Note all protocols are subject to change in accordance with relevant guidelines, local regulations and conditions.
A: Kempor Tours will facilitate any required in-country testing during your journey or for onward travel. Costs for testing are payable directly to the testing provider at time of service by either credit card or cash depending on the destination.
A: If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, you will be required to follow the local and service provider regulations, which may include quarantine and testing. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the guest.
A: If you are a U.S. or Canadian resident returning home, there are currently no COVID-19 testing requirements for entry. Guests continuing to other countries should check the specific COVID-19 entry requirements for those destinations.