The walk to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest treks | Drew Collins
The walk to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest treks  | Drew Collins
Celebrating in the streets of Peru  | Richard I'Anson
Sunshine over Macchu Pichhu  | Michael Croft
Sunshine over the ancient Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman above Cusco  | Sue Badyari
Local Peruvian smiling for the camera  | Richard I'Anson
Breathtaking views from upon Machu Picchu  | Richard I'Anson
Traditional Andean weaving  | Andreas Holland

Cusco and Machu Picchu

A non trekking alternative to Peru's ancient ruins

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 13 reviews

7 Days from

$1390 USD

Trip Code: CMP
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain - additional permit cost
$90 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$310 USD
Single Supplement
$370 USD

Duration

  • 7 Days

Activities

  • 7 days adventure touring

Accommodation

  • 6 nights hotel

Meals

  • 1 Dinner
  • 2 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Trip highlights

  • Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
  • Marvel at the churches, cathedrals, plazas and markets in the great Inca city of Cusco
  • Take in impressive views of three mountain ranges in the beautiful Sacred Valley
  • Discover the charming town of Aguas Calientes
  • Enjoy the historic city of Cusco with an extra day at leisure

Overview

This one week trip explores the famous sites of the Incas including Cusco, the Sacred Valley and concluding at the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu. Rather than rush back to Cusco, we spend a night at Aguas Calientes, with an opportunity to soak in the hot springs before heading up to Machu Picchu for sun rise. We also spend ample time in Cusco savouring and acclimatizing in this great Inca city.

Itinerary

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You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel located in the historic centre then you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. A trip briefing will be held at your hotel at 6pm to outline the upcoming details of your adventure (if you have not been met with the representative beforehand), all timings of pre-departure briefings will be re-confirmed locally in Cusco by our local guides. Overnight: Abittare Hotel - Cusco or similar.

Meals: Nil

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops. Overnight: Abittare Hotel - Cusco or similar. NB: This day trip is shared with other travellers

Meals: B

Today we will explore Pisac Market with just enough free time to go around and buy handcrafts or if you feel like tasting something traditional make sure to stop by the wood ovens for a delicious empanada. We will then pause to have a lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, our tour continues to Ollantaytambo, a small town full of local color and inhabited since Inca times in which we will visit the main temple used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. This is the perfect time to take amazing pictures of the breathtaking views. Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar. NB: This day trip is shared with other travellers

Meals: B,L

From our hotel, we drive to the railway station at Ollantaytambo where we take an early morning train to Machu Picchu. Our early start ensures we can thoroughly explore these remarkable and truly enigmatic ruins. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary which lasts 2 hours. We then take a late afternoon bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night. Overnight: El Mapi Hotel or similar. *Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience.

Meals: B,D

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We are treated to a unique second visit to Machu Picchu including another guided tour (conducted by a local guide) visiting the sites that you may have missed yesterday in this colossal sanctuary. In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco. Overnight: Hotel Abittare or similar. NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night. OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

Meals: B,L

A good day to relax and perhaps do some 'tourist shopping', selecting from a great variety of expertly made craft work - including alpaca sweaters and hats, ceramics, weavings and traditional Andean instruments. In and around Cusco there are a number of day trips that can be booked and paid for locally. Overnight: Abittare Hotel - Cusco or similar.

Meals: B

After breakfast we offer a transfer to the airport where services conclude.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Airport transfers on day 1 and day 7 of the trip
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu on two occasions
  • Expert local bilingual guides
  • Comfortable well located hotels
  • Private air conditioned transportation
  • Train to Machu Picchu
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed

Not included

  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Internal flights and taxes
  • Meals not stated in itinerary
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry costs or phone calls
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)

Reviews (13)

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