Day 1: SACRED VALLEY – PISAC – URUBAMBA – OLLANTAYTAMBO
At 07:30am we’ll begin our tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll make a stop on route to enjoy an impressive view of the Vilcanota River snaking around the patchwork fields of family crops. Upon arrival at the colorful Pisac town you’ll have free time to interact with locals and artisans and option to purchase souvenirs, then we´ll head to Pisac archaeological complex an impressive building built in the boom period of the Inca Empire. Here we can see the great work achieved by the Incas. Afterwards we´ll go to Urubamba town, driving along the Vilcanota River, where we´ll stop for a buffet lunch (optional) at local restaurant. Approximately 1 hour after the next stop will be Ollantaytambo which is considered a “living Inca town”. With intact buildings and agricultural terraces. After the amazing time in the sacred valley your departing train is at 19:00 you will need to head to the train station and catch your train to Aguas Calientes, The train trip to Aguas Calientes is just under two hours. Our representatives will meet you just outside the train station, upon arrival and lead you to your hotel.
Night in Aguas Calientes
Day 2: MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast at Hotel, it is time to board a coach for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu itself. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ had lain abandoned in the heavens for four centuries until American explorer Hiram Bingham happened upon it in 1911. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacutec as a holiday retreat yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it so it was spared the destruction they wrought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel and the most prominent landmarks among the 200 or so buildings such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Burial Grounds. At the appropriate hour, we’ll descend by bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch included. Return to Cusco by train and van in the afternoon 16:22 or 18:20 (the train schedule will depend on how far in advance you are booking and/or the availability of the train.
