Cusco Region Short Circle

As part of a day-long tour of Cusco we offer not only a visit to the ruins of Saqsaywaman, the Koricancha Museum or the city center. We go much further! There are also other lesser-known places / ruins around the city, worth visiting. As the inhabitants of Cusco we know its most beautiful parts, and we will be very happy to show them the best of the best.

Max altitude: ….. ft (3550 m)
Overnight stay in Cusco

During this day we will visit charming town of Pisac and its ruins, with the Inca cemetery in the main role.

On the same day there will be a unique opportunity to admire the condors as well as vicuñas, which are not normally in close contact with civilization. However, thanks to the visit to the sanctuary of animals, which rescue valuable Peruvian animals from the smuggle, we will learn some of the most characteristic species. By the way, we will help for this organization, that not only save animals, but also run programs for the reproduction of condors.

At the end we will visit lovely town of Ollantaytambo, in which we have also interesting Inca ruins to explore.

In the evening we will go by train to Aguas Calientes from where the next day we will go to explore famous Inca ruins.

Trekking time: 2-4 hours (depends on your skills and needs)
Max altitude: 16561 ft (2000 m)
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

This day is dedicated to exploring the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu – Peru´s most famous site! Inside the ruins there are many options available to you. You can hike one of the two small peaks, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you can even walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and/or Inca bridge.

You will start the tour to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes where you will take an early morning bus to the site´s entrance (with this option, an additional fee for the bus ticket is required) or you will walk there (around a 1-1.5 hour trek).

In the ruins you will have a 2 hour guided tour, giving you an overview of the history and culture of the Inca Empire, as well as the spiritual, political and educational importance of Machu Picchu. After the tour you will have time to explore the site on your own until about 5:00 pm (you also have the option to leave earlier if you wish). Inside the ruins there are multiple options available to you.

You will make your own way back to Aguas Calientes via bus (with this option, an additional fee for the bus ticket is required) or on foot (around a 1 – 1.5 hour trek), from where you will take a train to Ollantaytambo. We will arrive in Ollantaytambo at around 8:30, giving you some time to explore the pleasant town.

Trekking time: 2-8 hours (depends on your skills and needs)
Max altitude: 16561 ft (2000 m)
Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo

This day is an awesome and unforgettable immersion into the local culture of the Sacred Valley! Today you will explore Inca archeological sites, a traditional Inca salt mine, and mystical agricultural terraces. You will also participate in a textile lesson, meeting members of the local community. You will be amazed at just how many things there are to do and explore in one day! Take advantage of the day to really experience and enrich your knowledge of local Andean traditions, crafts and customs.

The day starts with breakfast at 7:00 am. Afterwards, at 7:40 am, we will drive approx. 50 minutes to the first spot we will visit today, the archaeological spot of Moray. We will walk through the ruins for about 45 minutes and then we will drive for about 20 minutes to the next destination, Maras.

We will take a short pause in this small town and learn about the production of the popular Andean beverage,´chicha de jora´ (corn beer). We will also have the chance to walk around and explore the town’s quaint and beautiful streets!

After Maras, we will visit a salt mine in Salineras de Maras, that has been in use since Inca times. We will go there on foot following an easy and relaxing trail for approx. 1 hour. Along the way we will be able to enjoy some spectacular views of the Cordillera Uubamba! Once we arrive at the salt mine, you will have a chance to walk through more than 3000 salt ponds and learn about the methods used to process and produce the salt – methods which have been used since the time of the Inca Empire.

From Salineras, we will drive for about 45 minutes to the last destination of the day, the lovely town of Chinchero. Here we will participate in an interesting lesson about the local textiles of the region.

After a full day of different activities, we will reach Cusco at around 4:00 pm – leaving you plenty of time to discover the restaurants and nightlife of this beautiful city!

Max altitude: 12417 ft (3785 m)