Great People. Amazing Expeditions. Beautiful Peru.

Highlights of Cusco

Highlights of Cusco

8 DAYS

FROM $ 799

Expedition Type

Activity Level

Service Level

CASUAL

Or call +51 979718679

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Despite being a region of classic journeys, not every holiday to Cusco has to follow the same paths. Our Experts have explored the main sights and the lesser known ones. Travel across the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions that continue to endure in the misty valleys, and set off through the stark and beautiful landscapes of the Andes, where otherworldly colors that mimic a rainbow were painted over the top. Hike through lesser known Inca sites to the famous Sun Gate, where you can take in your first views of Machu Picchu and explore the fabled Inca citadel with an expert guide.

ITINERARY

Arrive at any time at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, the gateway to Peru’s Inca heartland. Settle into your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax or explore Cusco’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site on your own.

Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

Embark on a sightseeing excursion of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the site of the Saqsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. In the afternoon, explore this captivating city further at your leisure. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium’s telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Experience the Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive excursion, you’ll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, and enjoy a meal at the Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo, an indigenous village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Sacred Valley Hotel (or similar)

Make your way to Machu Picchu, the renowned 15th-century Inca citadel rediscovered by a local farmer, Agustín Lizárraga in 1902 and excavated by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Take the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and disembark early for an amazing short trek on the Inca Trail with a private guide. Hike through lesser known Inca sites to the famous Sun Gate, where you can take in your first views of Machu Picchu. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel

This morning, delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, admiring the 15th century stone site of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Expert for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. After being taken through this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

An exhilarating morning car ride takes us along the Mollepata valley, passing through a patchwork of verdant fields and between steep slopes on the way to gorgeous Humantay Lagoon. Isolated among mountain peaks, Humantay is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring places that was unknown until someone explored the area and recomended to visit it. Enjoy a pictureque hike to this turquoise glacial lagoon and feel the great vibes at the Cordillera de Los Andes mountain range.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

Head south on an early and scenic drive to Vinicunca, perched on the western slope of Vilcanota Mountain Range of Cordillera de los Andes. Depart Cusco by van to Cusipata Village where we have a buffet breakfast overlooking the farmlands, and continue to LLactoc for the begining of this epic adventure. The journey will take us through picturesque Andean villages, agricultural platforms from the Inca time, fertile valleys, and beautiful Rolling mountains. Colorfully decorated, this mountain was known recently by melting the snow which covered since the begining, and becoming famous rapidly. This evening we join our travel companions for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and connect with your flight home or consider extending your holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY ABOUT US

I spent six days hiking through the Andes with Vigner as my guide. His knowledge, sunny personality, and amazing photography skills made my week extra memorable.
I have known Natventure for some time now, and upon a return to the region, organized a private trip into Manu Biosphere Reserve. We could not have asked for
When you go on a vacation, most of the time you are looking to disconnect from the world, relax, recoup, and just enjoy your time. This tour provided all of the above

RELATED EXPEDITIONS

15 DAYS FROM $ 1,989

Icons of Peru

10 DAYS FROM $ 2,250

Peru Explorer

14 DAYS FROM $ 3,179

In the Inca Footsteps

Why Travel with Natventure?

100 % Tailor-Made

The Best Local Guides

Expert Knowledge

Responsible Travel