The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour
Description
Discover on this six-day tour, why the Incas turned the Sacred Valley into the center of their empire. Learn about the main attractions of the city of Cusco and the valley, from impressive archaeological sites to Andean landscapes that leave you breathless at the foot of peaks covered in white snow. And let yourself be captivated by the imposing Machu Picchu and its incomparable mystique.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture.
Coricancha: Impressive sample of the convergence of the Inca universe with the colonial one. It was the temple dedicated to the veneration of the sun. Later with the arrival of the Spaniards, its foundations were used as a base for the construction of the convent of Santo Domingo.
Cathedral: Unmistakable Gothic-Renaissance construction in the Plaza de Armas. Inside you can appreciate a valuable collection of canvases of the prestigious Cusqueña School
Sacsayhuamán: An immense Inca fortress erected in the fifteenth century on top of a hill above Cusco. Its gigantic stones are a sign of its grandeur that continues to amaze visitors 500 years later.
Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people arrive in Peru. Hidden among the vegetation, get closer to our past through its rooms built in communion with the landscape that surrounds them.
Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English, Spanish, Portuguese or French speaking local guide on a private basis
ACCOMMODATION:
- 5 nights of accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Sacred Valley:
Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
Day 3 Aguas Calientes:
Standard Hotel Category = Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
Day 4-5 Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA
Pre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
MEALS:
- 5 Breakfast.
- 2 Lunches on days 2, 3
TRANSPORT:
- Private transfers from and to the airport
- Private transfers from and to the train stations
- Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Living Museum of Yucay, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological complexes in Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu on day 3; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara in Cusco; Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC ticket) included.
Excluded
- Expenses of a personal nature. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Meals not stated in the programme
- Tips for driver and guide
- Additional optional visits
- International flights to Peru
- Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning before 11:00hrs)
- International and domestic airport departure taxes
Know before you go
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.