Cusco Highlights Experience

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel. Please ensure your domestic flight from Lima arrives no later than 10:30am, as later flights may affect the afternoon schedule. In the afternoon, we begin with a visit to Coricancha, the ‘Temple of the Sun’, originally built by Inca Pachacuti and later incorporated into the Santo Domingo Convent by the Spanish. Next, we explore the Cathedral, the most prominent building on the Main Square. We then continue to Sacsayhuaman, a vast Inca fortress constructed in the 15th century with massive stones, whose assembly remains a remarkable feat. Afterwards, we visit Qenqo, an archaeological site used for religious and agricultural rituals. The final stop is Puka Pukara, located seven kilometres from Cusco. This ‘red fort’ served a military purpose and features plazas, baths, aqueducts and towers, believed to have supported the Inca entourage while the ruler rested nearby at Tambomachay. After the tour, we return to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station to begin your journey to Machu Picchu. The train ride to Aguas Calientes – also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo – takes around an hour and a half. This small town is the gateway to Peru’s most significant archaeological site. From there, a short bus ride brings you to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary example of Inca engineering and architecture. Built as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacutec, Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’ and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring the site, we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Later, you return by train to Ollantaytambo, where we provide a comfortable transfer back to your hotel in Cusco for your overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, we provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport, ensuring a smooth start to your onward journey. Breakfast is included.