If you have more time and would like to really get a feel for what was once one of the greatest civilisations in the world then try our two-day "Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas" tour.
On this short trip you will see the very best of Inca ruins, and you'll have a chance to shop for local handicrafts, explore the beautiful Urubamba valley and have plenty of time to fully appreciate the amazing "Lost City of the Incas".
On Day 1 you'll travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, stopping to explore the Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman along the way. In the Sacred Valley we'll first stop in Pisac to shop for handicrafts, and if it is market day (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday), you'll get a chance to explore the market and take photographs. Next, we'll have lunch along the Urubabmba River before visiting the ruins in Ollantaytambo. We spend the night in one of the many colourful hostales in Ollantaytambo.
On Day 2 we take the morning train down the Urubamba Valley to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas- Machu Picchu," for a private guided tour. After the tour you'll have time to take side hikes to an interesting Inca Hanging bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. After a late lunch in Aguas Calientes you will catch the afternoon train back to Cusco.
Highlights
Explore Inca Ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
We pick you up early in the morning, driving out of Cusco, passing en route, the fascinating archaeological ruins of Sacsayhuaman where a decisive battle between Inca rebels and Spanish rebels was fought. We descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and stop to shop in the beautiful village of Pisac and if time permits visit the Pisac Inca ruins. Every Tuesday, Thursdays and Sunday Pisac plaza boasts the highly photographed colorful local market which is famous for its handmade ceramic plates, pots and jewelry. If you would prefer some exercise your guide could show you the extensive ruins of Pisac high on the hill above.
From Pisac we drive along the Rio Urubamba, stopping for lunch en route and so to Ollantaytambo, sight of the last battle between Incas and Spanish before the remaining Incas rebels fled into the jungles of Vilcabamba. In this well-preserved village and ruins you can still feel the true magic of the Incas. We spend the night in one of the many colourful hostals in Ollantaytambo.(L / D)
DAY 2
We continue our journey down the Urubamba valley by early morning tourist train to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas- Machu Picchu". A short bus ride takes you direct to the ruins. Once there your guide gives you an extensive walking tour of the ruin and explains the fascinating history of the Incas to you. If time permits you may wish to explore further to the Inca bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. Some may prefer to just relax and take in the awesome location. We provide a late lunch in Aguas Calientes from where you catch the afternoon train back to Cusco.
Employing a local expert guide we explore this fascinating complex of ruins whose location defies the imagination- bring plenty of film. There is plenty of time to take side hikes to an interesting Inca Hanging bridge, back up the Inca trail to the sun gate or a strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. After a late lunch in Aguas Calientes we catch the afternoon train back to Cusco and we drop you off at the hotel of your choice.(B / L)
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2 days)
