You can visit the architectural complex Choquequirao is situated in Vilcabamba at 3100 meters, considered the last Inka refuge and place of resistance from the invaders, when doing ....
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu....
In the upper area close to the Skies, the Incas built one of their best-preserved cities, now recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Many travelers and adventurers come....
According to the research, the coloration of the rainbow mountain is due to the composition of minerals that it has: the pink color is for the red clay, fangolitas and arilitas. The whitish, for the quartzose ...
DAY 1: CUSCO – PACHAR - SOQMA – CHARCAHUAYLLA
We will come to pick you up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco City, and we will drive along a road to the Pachar Valley close to Ollantaytambo. You will arrive at the starting point of your trek, Soqma village, after about 2 hours, where we will stop to have breakfast and meet our horseman. We will start our hike up a lush valley of scattered farmhouses and crop terraces. After 40 minutes of walking, we will see a tall waterfall where we can pause to refresh ourselves amidst the cool spray of the waterfall. After a picnic lunch, we will continue hiking for another hour and visit the little-known Inca ruin of Qorimarca, perched at mid-altitude on a shelf high above the SoQma valley. Qorimarca was probably built by the Incas to control the agricultural production of the surrounding valley. From here we will hike uphill for 3 hours until we reach our first campsite, in Charcahuaylla.
DAY 2: CHARCAHUAYLLA – INTI PUNKU – CHOQUETACARPO – INCA QUARRY OF CACHICATA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we will continue with our trek for 1.5 hours across the high plateau to reach the to Yana Orco, where we will have spectacular views of the valley. We will encounter a stunning view of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley as we reach the imposing gateway of Intipunku, an Inca temple thought to be dedicated to worshiping the snowcapped Verónica Mountain. Then, we will arrive to Choquetacarpo (3600m/11880ft) and continue the descent to the Inca quarry of Cachicata (3420m/11286ft). Here, you can see the work of the Incas as this was used by the Incas for the construction of Ollantaytambo. You will see several large buildings, quarried stones left half finished and abandoned throughout the site.We will have lunch facing a breathtaking mountain and valley panorama. We will continue our hike for 3 and a half hours downhill to Ollantaytambo, where you will have some time to rest and explore the historic town. In Ollantaytambo, we will catch the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will have a dinner at a restaurant in the town and discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning. Your hostel in Aguas Calientes can be upgraded to a hotel if you prefer.
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast - Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
INFORMATION OF SALKANTAY TO MACHU PICCHU Salkantay is a snow-capped mountain in Peru located in the department of Cuzco; It is one of the main peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It presents two summits covered by snow. The Salkantay Route, also known as the " New Inca Trail", is located north of the city of Cusco, following the Cusco - Limatambo highway, making a detour past Limatambo until you reach Mollepata.
It is very sunny during the day, but a cold at night. The temperature falls below 0 ° C at night during the months of June to September. In the season from December to March it is very rainy reason why it is not recommended to go on these dates. The best time for the weather, to do this walk is during the months of March to September. This hike reaches a height of 4,600 meters above sea level at its highest point this on the slopes of the same snowy Salkantay. The buses from Cusco to Mollepata depart very early from 4:00 to 5:00 and go through Limatambo, from Mollepata is where the trek to the snowy Salkantay starts, after climbing a step up it is possible to have an impressive pyramidal view of the Salkantay, one of the most beautiful snows of Cusco. From the same Mollepata it takes two days to go down to Huayllabamba and merge with the second day of the Inca Trail. On the way there are herds of cattle and sheep, orchids, bear with glasses, medicinal plants of the Inca eponca, small variety of birds, fruit trees such as Orange, Papaya, bananas, etc. - Note: The spectacled bear to see it you have to have a bit of luck.
If you want to visit this Inca Citadel we have the trek for you: Salkantay Trek Challenge, Salkantay Trek Express,Salkantay Trek classic.
Salkantay trek challenge 3 days is considered by most to be the best and challenging alternative route to Machu Picchu, This walk allows you to enjoy the options that there is in the salkantay route, you will pass for the highets point of the salkantay route to be to see salkantay mountain up close, you hike through the santa teresa valley that is full of vegetation is the begining of the peruvian amazon, you have the chance to see, plantations of coffe, coca, avocados, bananas and much more, this valley is full of fresh wáter with many waterfalls.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4600 meters / 15091 ft - Walking Distance - 12km / 7.45 miles - Campsite Elevation - 3920 meters / 12861 ft - Meals - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, 1 tea times, 1 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Changing - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The snow-capped Salkantay is one of the highest mountains in Cusco, along with the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range which is located further south. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is listed as one of the 25 best treks in the world by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine. The Salkantay Trek is definitely one of the very best trekking adventures that you will find in Cusco and in Peru. After the Inca Trail classic or Inca Trail short, the Salkantay route is the 2nd most popular to Machu Picchu (and a lot less crowded). Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America. Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel. Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460 After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary - Day 1: Cusco – Soraypampa – Salkantay Pass – Chaullay. - DAY 2: Chaullay - La Playa - Aguas Calientes - DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
Salkantay is a snow-capped mountain in Peru located in the department of Cuzco; It is one of the main peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. It reaches an altitude of 6,271 meters. It presents two summits covered by snow.
The Salkantay Route, also known as the " New Inca Trail", is located north of the city of Cusco, following the Cusco - Limatambo highway, making a detour past Limatambo until you reach Mollepata.
It is very sunny during the day, but a cold at night. The temperature falls below 0 ° C at night during the months of June to September. In the season from December to March it is very rainy reason why it is not recommended to go on these dates.
The best time for the weather, to do this walk is during the months of March to September.
This hike reaches a height of 4,600 meters above sea level at its highest point this on the slopes of the same snowy Salkantay.
The buses from Cusco to Mollepata depart very early from 4:00 to 5:00 and go through Limatambo, from Mollepata is where the trek to the snowy Salkantay starts, after climbing a step up it is possible to have an impressive pyramidal view of the Salkantay, one of the most beautiful snows of Cusco.
From the same Mollepata it takes two days to go down to Huayllabamba and merge with the second day of the Inca Trail.
On the way there are herds of cattle and sheep, orchids, bear with glasses, medicinal plants of the Inca eponca, small variety of birds, fruit trees such as Orange, Papaya, bananas, etc.
- Note: The spectacled bear to see it you have to have a bit of luck.
If you want to visit this Inca Citadel we have the trek for you: Salkantay Trek Challenge, Salkantay Trek Express,Salkantay Trek classic.
CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK
You can visit the architectural complex Choquequirao is situated in Vilcabamba at 3100 meters, considered the last Inka refuge and place of resistance from the invaders, when doing this trek you will enjoy beautiful scenery, you'll see the impressive Apurimac Canyon, flora and wildlife along the path. This route offers a strenuous but formidable journey due to the various existing ecosystems.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 2900m / 9515ft. - Highest Altitude - 3050m / 10,005ft - Walking Distance - 64 km / 40 miles - Longest Day - Day 1, approximately 25 km/15.5 miles - Overall Difficulty - Difficult
INCA JUNGLE TO MACHU PICCHU
Our Inca Jungle Trail classic To Machu Picchu combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line, hot spring and trekking for 4 days until you reach Machu Picchu and one of the additional mountains "Machu Picchu Mountain" or "Huaynapicchu". The Inca Jungle route is the favorite tour for young people from all over the world who come to Cusco in search of deferent adventures and extreme sports. As a Tourism Agency located in Cusco we offer a differentiated service; with an exclusive route, trained guides (real command of English, local history and adventure sports), bicycles equipped for downhill, the safest rafting and zipline services. We recommend our passengers book in advance to have everything insured and avoid unnecessary risks such as loss of equipment, lack of access to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu or even worse, being stranded in Aguas Calientes (no return train). This tour is one of the classic routes full of adrenaline to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
INCA QAURRY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The quarry of Cachicata was the place of extraction of the stones that were used for the construction of Ollantaytambo and many surrounding areas. This place is 9 kilometers from the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and has three groups of quarries: Molle Pucro, Sirkusirkuyoc (it was the largest), shows evidence of having been in full operation when the Spaniards entered this area. And finally Kantirayoq or Cacchicata, where another type of extraction of minerals and precious stones was practiced.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3350 meters / 10990 feet . - Highest Altitude - 4500m / 14,764ft - Walking Distance - 25 km / 15.5 miles - Meals - 2 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner, 2 tea times, 2 wake up tea - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
DAY 1: CUSCO - CITY TOUR:
This day will begin with a welcome at the airport or bus terminal, then transfer to the hostel or Hotel, we chose for you, then you will have the rest of the morning to rest and acclimatize. At 1:30 pm. we will pick you up at your hotel for the City Tour, we will begin the tour visiting the QORICANCHA; or Convent of Santo Domingo. Then we’ll visit the Archaeological Complexes that are close to the city of Cusco, starting with the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman; here we can see the cyclopean constructions and have a panoramic view of Cusco, then we head to Q'ENQO where we will see high precision carving into the rock, then we head to PUKAPUKARA; there we can see part of the Inca trail, finally we visit TAMBOMACHAY; This site was designed basically for the performance of ceremonies and water purification.
The tour will end at approximately 6:30 pm.
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY:
This wonderful excursion begins with pick up from your hotel at 08:30 am to begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, during our tour we make stops at the viewpoints of Taray and Ccorao, we’ll also visit the typical market of Pisac and the archaeological complex of Pisac, where we find very important Inca buildings that serve as an area of adaptation for some Inca produce. Then we continue to the town of Urubamba where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant, then continue our journey to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. after we’ll board the train at the station of Ollantaytambo towards Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night. (Optionally we can enjoy the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU:
We will pick you up at your hotel 2 hours before the departure of your train, and take you to the train station, located in the town of Ollantaytambo, here we take the train and begin the journey from Ollantaytambo to the village of Aguas Calientes which lasts two hours, where our guide will be waiting, with the guide we will go to the bus station, where we’ll board the bus that will take us to the wonderful citadel of " Machu Picchu ". On reaching the Citadel, we begin our guided tour, visiting the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Cemeteries, Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows etc. approximately more than two hours. Then you will be given free time to stroll around the citadel, then we descend to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can you have lunch at one of several restaurants in Aguas Calientes or if you wish at Sanctuary Lodge. (Lunch is on you).
At 6:30 pm, we take the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. This trip takes about two hours; therefore, at 8:20 pm, we will take the bus to take us back to Cusco; we’ll arrive in Cusco at approximately 10:30 pm.
DAY 4: FAREWELL:
This day according to the departure time of your travel ticket, we will coordinate with you the time of your pickup and then transfer either to the Bus station or to the airport to return to your hometown.
This wonderful excursion begins with pick up from your hotel at 7:30 am to head to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area. From Ollantaytambo we’ll take the road that will take us to the "Abra Málaga" (4.316msnm) of this place, we can see some of the most impressive landscapes of the Andes that Peru has to offer. After a brief stop to take pictures of the stunning snowcapped mountains located next to the road, we begin our descent into the thick jungle, through the different micro-climates, resulting from the union of the mountains and jungle. The route continues through the village of Alfamayo until we reach the town of Santa Maria, from this place we will go to the village of Santa Teresa where we will have lunch. If you wish after lunch we can go to the medicinal thermal baths of Cocalmayo. At 3:45 pm, we will go to the train station of the hydroelectric plant. In this place we’ll begin the trek to the village of Aguas Calientes, where we will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel chosen for you. If you want you can go for a relaxing swim in the healing thermal waters of the town.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
At 4:00 am you’ll have breakfast in the hotel, then we’ll start our climb to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or you can opt to go to the citadel by bus (Optional bus $16 each way). On reaching the Citadel you can appreciate the enigmatic beauty an incomparable sample of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, you’ll take a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana (sundial), The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and Cemetery, then you will be given free time to stroll through the citadel. They will have all morning to Machu Picchu to take pictures and enjoy this mystical place. At about 11:30 am we’ll descend from the mountain to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch in peace. At 13:15 AM we’ll take the train back to the hydroelectric plant, here we’ll get aboard the bus to take us back to Santa Teresa and then to Cusco, we’ll arrive in Cusco at approximately 9:30 pm.
This day will begin with a welcome at the airport or bus terminal, then transfer to the hostel or Hotel, we chose for you, then you will have the rest of the morning to rest and acclimatize. At 1:30 pm. we will pick you up at your hotel for the City Tour, we will begin the tour visiting the QORICANCHA; or Convent of Santo Domingo. Then we’ll visit the Archaeological Complexes that are close to the city of Cusco, starting with the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman; here we can see the cyclopean constructions and have a panoramic view of Cusco, then we head to Q'ENQO where we will see high precision carving into the rock, then we head to PUKAPUKARA; there we can see part of the Inca trail, finally we visit TAMBOMACHAY; This site was designed basically for the performance of ceremonies and water purification. The tour will end at approximately 6:30 pm.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU:
We will pick you up at your hotel 2 hours before the departure of your train, and take you to the train station, located in the town of Ollantaytambo, here we take the train and begin the journey from Ollantaytambo to the village of Aguas Calientes which lasts two hours, where our guide will be waiting, with the guide we will go to the bus station, where we’ll board the bus that will take us to the wonderful citadel of" Machu Picchu ". On reaching the Citadel, we begin our guided tour, visiting the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Cemeteries, Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows etc. approximately more than two hours. Then you will be given free time to stroll around the citadel, then we descend to the town of Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can you have lunch at one of several restaurants in Aguas Calientes or if you wish at Sanctuary Lodge. (Lunch is on you). At 6:30 pm, we take the train that will take us back to Ollantaytambo. This trip takes about two hours; therefore, at 8:20 pm, we will take the bus to take us back to Cusco; we’ll arrive in Cusco at approximately 10:30 pm.
DAY 3: FAREWELL:
This day according to the departure time of your travel ticket, we will coordinate with you the time of your pickup and then transfer either to the Bus station or to the airport to return to your hometown.
This wonderful excursion begins by picking you up from your hotel at 07:00 am. to begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, during our tour we make stops at the viewpoints of Taray and Ccorao and also visit the typical market of Pisac and the archaeological complex of Pisac, where we find very important Inca buildings that served as adaptation area for several produce. Then we go on to the town of Urubamba where we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant, continue our journey to the archeological complex of Ollantaytambo, one of the last inhabited Inca villages. Finally we will go to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train at 4:36 pm, to the town of Aguas Calientes, arriving at approx. 6:20 pm, we’ll spend the night in this town in a hostel selected for you.
DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
Machu Picchu is on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites since 1983, as part of a whole cultural and ecological complex known as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In May 2005, the ancient Jordanian city of Petra was "sister" with that of Machu Picchu.
On July 7, 2007 Machu Picchu was declared one of the new wonders of the world in a ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal, after the participation of one hundred million voters around the world and at the same time was declared by supreme decree of that same day as the "Day of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu", to remember the importance of the sanctuary for the world. According to MINCETUR; Machu Picchu is today the main tourist destination in Peru with 600,000 visitors and is considered one of the most popular places by travelers from all over the world as well as being one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. Machu Picchu not only stands out for the majestic architectural construction, but for the surrounding landscape and the mystery that has not yet been unveiled from it.
Machu Picchu means in Quechua, "old mountain" and is located on a mountain of granite structure. Legend has it that the Inca emperor Pachacutec built a city in the clouds of the mountain Then it was abandoned by the Incas due to an outbreak of smallpox and, after the Spaniards defeated the Inca Empire, the city remained "abandoned" for three centuries . Machu Picchu was the center of the reign of Inca Pachacutec and his entire family, this was a place of worship and astronomical vigilance. It consists of two important areas; the urban part that the work of its walls shines through its temples, squares and royal mausoleums worked sacredly in rock with a distinguished perfectionist taste and the other part that is the agricultural one; where you can see various platforms and food stores. The city has many stone carved staircases that are subject to admiration throughout the construction. In front of the lost city, the Huayna Picchu hill rises, which can be reached by a narrow stone path. The Incas managed to use ingenious techniques for the transport of large and heavy blocks of stone as well as carving and polishing them very neatly. The citadel of Machu Picchu is discovered for the world in 1911 by the North American explorer Hiram Bingham.
This extraordinary site is located halfway to the plateau of the Andes, in the Amazon jungle and on the Urubamba River. Exactly 4 hours away from the city of Cusco; 2 hours by bus to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu is 2 hours by train. The climate can be rainy during all the months of summer between the months of November to March, as it also appears sunny between May and September. The maximum temperatures reach 27º C, while the minimum temperatures can drop to 11º C.
Know this beautiful place chosen as one of the best wonders in the world, you will be able to observe in this captivating empire the majesty of nature with the best construction of the Incas you will not regret.
SOUTHERN VALLEY CUSCO TOUR
It was an important place and a major shrine, where the water was worshiped with the care and veneration with which the Incas treated this element. Although there are still mysteries to be unraveled, the calm of the place, the sound of the water and the sensation of being close to the gods subjugate the visitor.
The main sectors that make up Tipón are:
Royal Enclosures and Gardens Beautiful rooms and gardens built on the base of megalithic stone blocks constituted the Royal House that Wiracocha had built as a home for his father Yahuar Huaca. This is the most beautiful and wide group of the complex, has beautiful fountains and channels that until today continue to pour water, which emerges from mysterious and secret underground channels. An ovoid construction like a tower is located south of the platforms. From this place you can see the entire ravine with a breathtaking view.
Intiwatana Beautiful rooms of first quality with exquisite trapezoidal niches, from where you can visually include almost all Tipón, are located a few meters from the main enclosures. They are located higher up on a mountainous elevation that protects the whole.
Minor Enclosures A personality of some importance, but who did not belong to the nobility, must have lived in these precincts. The rooms, located almost 1 km. of the Intiwatana, they are of lower quality, but in spite of this they show importance and solemnity. They are initially built of stone and finished with adobe.
Viewpoint of Cusco In the northern part of the archaeological site is a significant orogenic prominence that was, in ancient times, an important site for observation and signals. It has been called Cruz Moqo which means "summit where there is a cross" and at the same time QosqoQhawarina which means "from where Cusco can be seen". It has been called like that because from this place you can see the western part of the city of Cusco. It was a place of abundant population during the Incas, home of personalities with broad political and economic powers.
The wall It is possible that the area of Tipón was occupied by manors that waged wars of many years and to make sure, they built colossal and extensive defensive walls, which undoubtedly took many years of work. Later the wall lacked object because all the regional kingdoms happened to comprise of the great Empire of the Tahuantinsuyo. It is worth noting the presence of the so-called "zarunas" or ridge steps that appear on the walls of the platforms, in the form of huge lithic nails arranged as stairs, which were built to avoid occupying the space with the stairways. Archaeological group corresponding to the Inca period in which you can see an exceptional irrigation system with horizontal vertical irrigation channels on stepped terraces, the water flows from the sub floor to a source from which it is distributed by the mentioned channels. It was an important agricultural production center.
This tour allows you to know Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray. You will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way. We start the tour by picking you up from your hotel at 09:00 am in a tourist bus, to go to the town of Chinchero, then we’ll head to the picturesque town of Maras, the importance of this place is given by the salt mines that it owns, which we will visit. Then we’ll go to Moray, which is composed of a group of circular terraces of different sizes, which in Inca times were used as an agricultural experimental center; here it was where they performed their studies of plant adaptation to new ecosystems. At each site that you visit you will have time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. After the tour ends you’ll return to the city of Cusco. The entire tour takes about 5 hours, that’s why we will be back to the city of Cusco approximately at 14:30.
This tour begins with pick up from your hotel at approximately 08:15 h in order to board the tourist bus to take us to the various attractions of the Sacred Valley. After picking you up, we will stop at Qorao Market, where you can see and buy beautiful works made by local craftsmen. Then we will go to the viewpoint of the Sacred Valley; there we can take great pictures of the Andes and the Sacred Valley itself. Then the bus will take us to the town of Pisac to visit the local market and the archaeological complex of Pisac, after visiting this wonderful place we’ll go to the town of Urubamba in this place we will have buffet lunch in a tourist restaurant. After the delicious lunch we head to the town of Ollantaytambo; which was built to monitor and protect the empire from possible invasion. Afterwards you’ll have some time to walk along the streets of this town and thus have a better idea of what life religion and traditions were like in this place during the period of the Incas. On the way to Cusco we’ll visit the picturesque town of Chinchero where we will see the remains of the royal house of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the beautiful colonial temple with interesting frescoes on the front gate (this place was built on the foundations of an Inca construction). We can also admire the well-preserved Inca walls in the main square of the town. Finally, we return to the city of Cusco, arriving at around 18:30 h.
In the afternoon, at approximately 13:30 we’ll pick you up from your hotel to do the city tour in the beautiful city of Cusco, the city tour includes a visit to the Temple of Qoricancha also known as "Temple of the Sun" its architecture and perfect stone buildings show that during the rule of the Incas this was the most important temple, then we’ll observe the Cathedral in the main square where we will see a variety of paintings from the Cusco School, sculptures, works in gold and embossed silver. Afterwards we will travel out of town where we’ll visit the 4 ruins:
The fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill from which you can appreciate the whole town of Cusco. It is famous for its enormous carved stones, and also because in this place the Inti Raymi is performed every year. Then we visit Qenko, an archaeological complex that had a religious function. Afterwards we’ll visit a place called Puca Pucara, which means "Red Fortress", is believed to be a military construction which made part of the defense system of Cusco. Finally we’ll visit Tambomachay, a temple dedicated to the worship of water, until today its water sources can be appreciated.
After having completed our city tour we’ll return to Cusco at approximately 18:30 hrs.
Ciudad perdida - Cuidad Sagrada - Cradle of the Inca Empire, Machupicchu Located 2,430 meters high in a beautiful landscape, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, the Machu Picchu sanctuary was probably the most amazing architectural realization of the Inca Empire in its apogee Its walls, terraces and gigantic ramps give the impression of having been sculpted in the escarpments of the rock, as if they were part of it. The natural frame, located on the eastern slope of the Andes, is part of the upper Amazon basin, which has a very varied flora and fauna.
Location:
The archaeological zone is located on the left bank of the Vilcanota river, in the Kusi Chaka creek, until the mouth of the Aobamba river. In the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, department of Cusco at 112.5 km. northeast of the city of Cusco in Peru. To get to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you can choose two routes:
Via Inca Trail
Rail to Aguas Calientes and from there by car or walking until you reach the mountain where the citadel is located.
Description:
Machu Picchu, Quechua term whose meaning is Old Mountain. Today it is universally known, both for its imposing archaeological remains, as for its incomparable location, on the edge of an abyss in whose bottom run the mighty waters of the Urubamba River.
Machu Picchu, more than a citadel, is an architectural complex that only lacks the roofs. This complex is called a city, because of the large number of houses that currently number more than 200, and at its peak they must have been more. In addition, its design includes plazas, temples, roads, stairways, terraces, aqueducts, etc.
Its name comes from two Quechua words: "Wini", for the rounded and heavy black stones that abound in the place, which 'em called "wini rumi" (stone). The second is "Kunka" which means neck, 'cause the narrowness of the hill resembles a neck step. Initially, the arrieros of the high plateau and the settlers knew it like "Qolla Ñan" or "way of the Qollas". RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PHOTO
Why is it a Mountain of Colors?
Its coloration is natural and this due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow.
That's why many studies were done to know the reason for the colors and the following conclusion was reached:
The report revealed that the colors of the mountains are due to the mineralogical composition that has: the pink color is for red clay, fangolitas (mud) and arilitas (sand). The whitish, by the white quartzose sandstone. Brown, brown and purple, by limonites and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
The red one made up of the claystones (iron) and clays belonging to the upper tertiary. The green is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferro magnesian. The earthy brown is the product of the fanglomerate composed of manganese rock belonging to the Quaternary era. And the mustard yellow color for the calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur minera'em.
How to get to the Mountain of Colors?
Our tour begins in the City of Cusco from where we will depart to Andahuaylillas, Quiquijana and Checacupe. After 3 hours we arrived at Pitumarca.
From our arrival in Pitumarca we have to ascend one hour, approximately, to reach a horse station. The price for the horse rental service, is between 70 and 90 so'em round trip or depending on your decision can be single or only return.
Then we have to climb on foot 'til reaching the summit, at 5,200 meters above sea level, where there is a viewpoint. From there we will observe all the splendor of this fantastic Mountain.
From Cusco you must travel by vehicle for about 3 hours towards the southeast in the direction of the District of Combapata. Before reaching the village, turn left, where the Checacupe bridge is, a suspension bridge made by the Quechuas to favor the connection of the Inca Empire. Then follow the dirt road for about 1 hour until you reach a parking lot.
From the parking you can already see the colorful mountains, but if you want a better view, at a slow pace you can reach the viewpoint of the Palcoyo mountain range in 45 minutes. In Denomades we have a tour to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain that includes pickup at the hotel, shared transportation, guide in Spanish, lunch, entrance ticket and drop off in the center of Cusco. Be aware that the tour is available from April to November, because during the high plateau winter the hills are covered with snow and the rains make access difficult.
As in Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, an extraordinary geological process aligned the different strata of the earth in multicolour layers creating a unique effect. From the viewpoint of Palcoyo you can see the 3 colorful mountains in all their magnitude and lonely immensity. In the same place there is a curious forest of stones, which as its name suggests, it is about peaks of rock from the height of trees that look like a true geological labyrinth. PALCOYO OR VINICUNCA?
Palcoyo Vinicunca Duration of the walk. From 1 to 1.5 hours (round trip). From 4 to 6 hours, depending on the pace of the walk (round trip). Technical Difficulty Low Average Physical difficulty Low Medium high Maximum height 4,900 masl approx. 5,000 meters above sea level approx. Best time to make the route From April to November. From April to November. Climate Height, with low temperatures Height, with low temperatures. The physical effort and the time it takes to get to Palcoyo is much less than to get to Vinicunca, the latter also receives a large influx of tourists that detracts from the natural landscape. With this we do not mean that the trekking to the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca is not worth it, is more, if what you are looking for is a physical challenge, perhaps visiting Vinicunca has more sense for you. The grace of the Cordillera de Colores Palcoyo is that it is an excellent alternative for those who can not or do not want to wear themselves physically to observe the same landscape that they would observe in Vinicunca. RECOMMENDATIONS TO VISIT PALCOYO Being located at 4,900 meters, the risk to suffer from puna is always present. In any case, because the walk is without slope and last one hour, most travelers (regardless of age) will not have problems. The recommendation is always to spend at least two days in Cusco before traveling to Palcoyo to acclimate the body. If you want more information on this topic, read our article on how to avoid altitude sickness. As for the cold weather, it is very important that you wear warm clothes due to the temperatures below zero in Palcoyo. A windbreak is also recommended.
