Explore archeological sites that were important centers of the ancient Inca Empire on a 3 day guided tour from Cusco. Enjoy a tour of Cusco city and see fine examples of its colonial architecture, discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit an artisan market, and marvel at the spectacular sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco City and Temples
Depart on this 4 hour fully guided tour of Cusco at 02.00pm, and experience the beauty of the capital of the Incan empire up close, and then learn about the history and heritage of the Inca people at nearby archaeological sites.
Your guide will tell you about the history of the Temple of the Sun (El Koricancha), one of the finest examples of colonial architecture built on an Incan temple. Admire the neighboring Cathedral of Santo Domingo, one of the most noteworthy Spanish colonial buildings in Cusco.
Continue to the ancient fortress and temple of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the shape of a puma’s head, this is an excellent example of Andean architecture. Explore the remains of the stone labyrinth of Qenqo, and see the tower of Puca Pucara. Lastly you’ll stop to see the Water Temple of Tambomachay before heading back to the city.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is a fertile agricultural region where the vast Inca Empire was born. It was appreciated by the Incas for its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main sites for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for maize production in Peru.
Start the day at 08:50am, with a visit to the impressive Fortress of Pisac, and then continuing to the colonial village at the base of the ruin. In the village you’ll have the opportunity to browse the stalls of the artisan market.
Afterwards you’ll enjoy a typical local lunch in the town of Urubamba, before heading to the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, the site of another large Inca ruin. Later in the afternoon you’ll take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Sanctuary
Early in the morning you’ll travel by minibus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you’ll explore the site with a guide. Machu Picchu is known as the Lost City of the Incas, and is one of the most renowned examples of Incan architecture.
You’ll see the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the 3 Windows, houses, warehouses, and a large central square. These sites are all connected by narrow roads and steps and are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountainside.
After the tour you’ll have time to walk around the site on your own. In the evening you’ll return to Ollantayambo by train, and then a bus will take you back to the city of Cusco.