The "Home of Gods," as the Incas referred to it, became the capital of one of the largest pre-Colombian empires: Tiwantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua, Qosqo, means "navel of the world" because Cuzco served as a hub for a vast network of roads interconnecting virtually the whole of South America. Inca society was a surprising example of social and political organization for its vast knowledge of architectural engineering, medicine and agriculture. On March 23rd, 1534, Francisco Pizarro founded a Spanish city on top of what was already an established Inca metropolis.
- ACCESS ROUTES
Cuzco is accessible by plane and bus (from Lima , Arequipa and Puerto Maldonado) and by bus and train from Puno.
- ACCOMMODATION
All types of Accommodation are available.
- WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Cuzco is during the dry season, from April to November. The days are usually clearer during this time but the nights are cold. The rest of the year may be a little wetter but is much warmer.
- HOW LONG
The number of days we would suggest to spend here is a min of 3 days, vi,siting Machu Picchu in 1 day and visit the city and the Sacred Valley. Optimal time is 4 to 5 days, not including the Inca Trail.
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Excursions |
| Cuzco - City and Archaeological Tour: |
During the city and Archaeological tour, we visit various colonial buildings, the Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the sun (Koricancha), and the surrounding ruins of Cuzco: the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the red fortress of Puka Pukara, the Inca Baths at Tambomachay and the temple of Qenqo.
The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor:
Known in Inca times as Huacaypata, or the Warriors Square, was the scene for many key events in the history of Cuzco . Koricancha or the Temple of Inti (the supreme god - god of the sun) was the main Inca temple of the time and is a masterpiece of Inca architecture. The temple is built in blocks of carved granite with smelted gold in the junctures of the blocks. Inside the temple, there was a garden in which the trees, birds, animals, etc. were represented in gold. The temple was surrounded with a gold cornice and all the walls were covered in gold plates.
Sacsayhuaman:
This ruin is an imposing example of Incan military architecture. The fortress was built by using large slabs of granite to safeguard the city from possible attacks by the Antis, an invading force from the East. Tambomachay is said to be a spring shrine although its exact purpose is under question. It is said to have either been a resting place for the Inca, a hunting ground, or the site of a water cult. The site consists of a number of fountains and large ceremonial stone bath known as the Bath of the Inca.
Puka Pukara is just opposite Tambomachay and is composed of several chambers which are supposed by many to have functioned as a hunting lodge or guard post. The temple of Qenqo meaning 'zigzag' appears to have functioned as an amphitheatre. The temple gets its name from the number of channels that criss-cross the stone work. These channels probably carried either sacrificial Chicha or blood for the purpose of appeasing the gods and divination.
- Included: transport, professional bilingual guides, visitor tickets, and all entrance fees.
- Time: 4 hours.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private excursion and as a SIC service.
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| Sacred Valley of the Incas: |
After driving for an hour from Cuzco in just about any direction you will find picturesque communities, impressive terraces and many important archaeological sites. Dominated by the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, the Sacred Valley has been the source of agricultural products for the city of Cuzco since Inca times. Its geography and mild climate make it ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts to practice rafting, mountain biking and trekking, amongst others.
- Included: transport, professional bilingual guides, and visitors ticket.
- Time: 7 - 8 hours.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private excursion and as a SIC (group) service. In the case of the private service a visit to the Pisac ruins is included. The SIC service does not include this visit.
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| Machu Picchu: |
The citadel of Machu Picchu is by far the most important tourist attraction in the Sacred Valley. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this stronghold, overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. It served as a place of worship, a site for star-gazing and a private hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacutec.
After passing through the main entrance to the ruins you come across the numerous buildings with intricate designs and very complex stone masonry. Climbing up the stone pathway you reach a building called the Watchman's hut where you get a very impressive view over the ruins and the towering Huayna Picchu standing behind it. There are a number of awe-inspiring buildings and views to be seen within Machu Picchu and after arriving in the Main Plaza you are literally surrounded by them. At the far end of the ruins, close to Huayna Picchu is the Sacred Rock. From the Royal Sector you can look straight towards the principle baths and the Temple of the Sun. From overwhelmingly crafted terraces to artistically constructed temples and buildings, the list goes on and on.
- Suggested time: 1 or 2 days.
- Type : Machu Picchu guides provide their services in private and in Pool.
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| The Inca Trail: |
Machu Picchu was connected to the capital city of Cuzco and other cities by well-made foot roads. Surrounded by a National Park, the centuries-old Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trekking route in South America . It begins at Kilometer 88 on the Cuzco-Quillabamba train line in the Urubamba Valley and stretches for 33 km. to the citadel. During the trail you come across some truly magnificent ruins and natural wonders.
The first ruin you come across is called Llaqtapa which consists of some isolated buildings and terraces. Passing through a picturesque Cloud Forest you come to a plain called Llulluchampa where you will camp for the night. The second day is the most strenuous day of the hike as you rise almost 4000 feet higher before dropping again. The climb is well worth it for the views alone. The second ruin you pass through is called Runkurcay which appears to be a lonely tomb, after admiring this breathtaking site you descend to Sayamarca to camp for the night. On the third day you walk along ancient Inca paved paths and pass through Inca tunnels carved into the mountainside. The ruins of Phuyupatamarca are next on the list and these are not only very impressive but also offer great views over the surrounding countryside. From here you descend an Inca stairway to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna where you will camp for the night. On the last morning of the Inca Trail you rise early and head toward Intipunku (the Sun Gate), and as dawn greets you, you can marvel at the view of Machu Picchu.
- Included: transfers, bus transport, tourist train, professional bilingual guide, camping equipment, and porters for carrying camping equipment.
- Time: 2 days/1 night or 4 days/3 nights.
- Type: this tour can be booked as a private tour or as a SIC service. In both cases one has to book well in advance, as space is limited.
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| White-Water Rafting in the Sacred Valley: |
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- After finishing your breakfast in Cuzco you will depart for the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- You will meet your professional guide who will give a talk on all the equipment and safety procedures.
- We take our clients on Grade 2 and 3 rapids. For the more experienced, higher Grade Rapids can be requested.
- After lunch you will be transported back to Cuzco.
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| Rapid Grading: |
Class 1: Easy going down stream.
Class 2: Light white-water.
Class 3: Moderate white-water with increasing gradient and waves.
Class 4: White-water with moderate strength and increased risk. Necessary to have a safety kayak accompany the group.
Class 5: Strong white-water with an increased gradient and risk. Maximum Commercial Rafting level. Necessary to have a safety kayak accompany the group.
Class 6: Exceedingly strong white-water, Not possible to run!.
- Included: Private Round Trip Transportation, Professional English/Spanish speaking rafting guide, Lunch (Meal, salad, sodas, tea, coffee, desert, fruits), Complete Rafting Equipment (helmet, life jacket, rain coat, paddle, wetsuit, boat).
- Time: Half a day. First shift 9am to 5pm, Second shift 11.30 am to 19.30 pm.
- You should bring: Your bathing suit, towel, sandals or running shoes, short pants (to use over the wet suit, hat, sun block, and of course you camera.
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| Horseback to the Maras Salt Mines & Moray: |
The Villages of Maras and Salinas
Located 3300 meters (10824 feet) above sea level, the town of Maras boasts some of the most impressive views of the snow-covered mountains of Veronica and Chikon. The town’s colonial adobe church is also worth a visit. Antonio Sinchi Roqa Inka paintings representing the apostles are some of many Cuzco school artworks found inside this church. Nearby, in the village of Salinas are over 5,000 Incan salineras (salt mines), still in use by the residents of Maras and Pichingoto after many centuries. Salty water is left in the sun, allowing the water to evaporate, leave the residents nearby towns with banks of salt. The sight of the sunlight hitting thousands of glistening salt mines is impressive.
Moray’s Incan Agricultural Experiment Center
Not a temple or citadel, the agricultural complex of Moray is one more peculiar Inca relics in the Sacred Valley. This agricultural center is made up of three concentric rings inside huge natural depressions covered by farming terraces. As the temperature difference between the farming terraces at the top and bottom of the site can vary by up to 15°C, it is believed that Inca farmers were able to use this area to test climate conditions on their crops.
- Transfer to the Sacred Valley
- English Speaking Guide
- Handler
- Lunch
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