Compare Cusco Adventure by Conde Travel vs Peru with Machu Picchu 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

DAY 1 CITY TOUR

We pick you up from Cusco Airport and bring you to your hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure and get some rest to get acclimatised to the altitude. At 13.10 in the afternoon we will pick you up from your hotel to take the guided city tour of approximately 4 hours. First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located on the Plaza de Armas. Then our tour will continue to Qorikancha (The Temple of the Sun) and the Convent of Santo Domingo as well as to several of the city’s impressive archaeological ruins such as Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Afterwards we will return to the city to spend the night in Cusco 

DAY 2 SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel at 8:30 a.m. to take the guide tour to the Sacred Valley of The Incas where we will see the little town of P’isaq and its typical handicraft market and the plaza. We will continue the journey to Urubamba where we will have an exquisite lunch buffet, then we continue with the tour to get the tourist centre of Ollantaytambo where we are going to see important archaeological remains. Coming back to Cusco by Chincheros, another tourist centre and colonial town. There we will visit the church and plaza. Then we return to Cusco for the night.

DAY 3 SALKANTAY TREK – MOLLEPATA – CRUZPATA – SORAYPAMPA

We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am and then we go by bus to Mollepata. As soon as we are at Mollepata, we’ll have breakfast then we start hiking the first 3 hours, a little bit uphill to get Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – and this is just the start! We will begin our trek towards Soraypampa. Where the tents will be ready for you as well as your dinner

DAY 4: SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY OR COLLPAPAMPA

We start walking after breakfast at about 5:30 am, Today, nature will change drastically from dry sceneries to snowy peaks and tropical areas, this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get highest point of the trail (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. We’ll have lunch and we hike again in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second campsite, Chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft) where we’ll have dinner.

Day 5: CHAULLAY – LUCMABAMBA – LLAQTAPATA

After having breakfast around 8 a.m., we will go by bus to Lucmabamba. From there we will walk up to the Llaqtapata ruins in about 2 hours and after a short break we descend for another half hour to the Llaqtapata lodge. We will have lunch at this amazing location with a breath taking view of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu and free time for the rest of the afternoon to relax, explore the area or go horse riding. Then we will have a traditional Peruvian dinner and have a good night’s rest to prepare for the following day.More info Llaqtapata click here

DAY 6: LLAQTAPATA – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

The next morning, after a good breakfast we start the descent for about 1.5 hours to the river Ahobamba where the bus awaits us. Those who reserved in advance will do zip lining or go to the hot springs near Santa Teresa. The rest of the group will go to meeting point of Hidroelectrica where the entire group joins for the lunch after the activities. After some relaxing at this spot, we will continue walking along the train track that is leading through this great jungle that the Inca knew by heart to our final destination: Aguas Calientes. We walk for about 3 hours and you will encounter beautiful waterfalls, different Eco farms and possibly wildlife curious of your arrival in the region (arrival set for around 4:00pm). Here the group will spend the night in a hostel. At night we all will get together in a local restaurant to enjoy a great dinner and have a briefing about our next excursion to Machu Picchu. Then you are free to visit the city, which is wonderful after sunset.

DAY 7: MACHUPICCHU FULL DAY

We will enjoy a very early breakfast and start your 1 hour ascent to Machu Picchu on foot or by bus (optional). There you’ll meet your guide at the entrance of Machu Picchu, early enough to appreciate the breath taking sunrise. We will continue with a two hour guided tour of this magical place. After the guided tour there will be free time to explore the site in more detail. To climb the mountain of Machu Picchu you can choose one of the two groups at 07:00 am or 10:00 am. Huayna Picchu is an optional climb that you have to book at least 3 months in advance (please verify with us for availability). This hike will take us about an hour and it’s really worth it; the view is breath taking and the experience will be unforgettable. Enjoy and recharge your energy for a moment before descending. Note: this is an optional hike that has to be reserved at least 3 months in advance. In the afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes where we’ll have lunch. Afterwards we will take the train back to Cusco where you will spend the night in your hotel.

DAY 8 END OF TOUR

Today is the end of your tour. After breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred back to the airport.

Day 1: Welcome to Lima

Arrive in Lima for the first day of your journey. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the hotel bar for a welcome dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Explore Lima Relaxed Start

Explore the colourful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Monastery and its underground cemetery. One for those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country's religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Lima to Sacred Valley

Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.

Day 4: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start

Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you'll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu

Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.

Day 6: Machu Picchu at Leisure

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 7: On to Cusco

After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Korikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.

Day 8: Exploring Cusco

Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman, a citadel built in the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco. Afterward, choose to join a local expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively you can explore the artisan bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. After lunch at Pachapapa, visit San Blas Church and the surrounding streets, before making your way to San Pedro Market, where you will find local produce. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium, for a private, after-hours tour. Learn about astronomy, cosmology, and its influence on Andean culture. While here, try some local delicacies paired with hot wine.

Day 9: Leisure time in Cusco Relaxed Start

Choose between an optional visit to Rainbow Mountain, the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about the chocolate making process, or perhaps relax and simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel? Set in a beautiful 16th century building, make the most of this boutique hotel’s signature spa and Andean-inspired healing treatments, massages, facials and custom spa packages. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you will toast to your adventures and end of your trip.

Day 10: Depart Cusco

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Take a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.