Overview
CLASSIC CUSCO — Culture, history, and Machu Picchu
An itinerary for those wishing to discover the main highlights of Cusco at a more relaxed pace, without strenuous treks. It is ideal for experiencing Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the rich history and culture of the Andes in greater comfort.
Itinerary
1DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CUSCO AND ACCLIMATIZATION
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
This is a free day, specially designed for you to rest after your journey and allow your body to gradually adjust to the altitude of Cusco, located at approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.
With no rush or obligations, take the opportunity to rest, stay hydrated, and begin enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
2DAY 2 – ANDEAN WOMEN, MORAY, AND THE SALT LLAMAS OF MARAS
After coffee in the morning, around 8:30 am, we will leave Cusco in the direction of Vale, a region of lower altitude, ideal to enjoy the day in peace.
Our first stop will be with the Andean Women, where you will create the artisanal process of producing the fabric, from the washing and dyeing to the fiação and tecelagem two fabrics adorned with geometric designs that reflect the Andean cosmovision and harmony with nature.
Next, we will visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site formed by circular terraces, and then we will continue to the Maras Salt Flats, with its hundreds of salt pools built on the coasts of the Inca mountain ranges and only used today.
After the visits, we will return to Cusco, with scheduled departure around 3pm at Regozijo Square, leaving the remaining afternoon free to rest or explore the city at no pace.
3DÍA 3 – VALLE SAGRADO y AGUAS CALIENTES
Check-out from the hotel. We recommend bringing only a small backpack with the essentials for your stay in Aguas Calientes; larger luggage can be left in Cusco.
After breakfast, around 7:30 a.m., we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the fascinating Pisac Archaeological Complex, where we will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next, we will continue to Urubamba for lunch before proceeding to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved and most impressive Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting at the station to welcome you and escort you to your hotel, ensuring your peace of mind and safety.
4DAY 4 – MACHU PICCHU & RETURN TO CUSCO
The highlight of the trip has arrived! In the morning, we will head to Machu Picchu, accompanied by a professional guide who will lead you through the sanctuary and share all the details about this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit, you will learn more about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu, the impressive agricultural terraces, the ancient structures, the temples, the ceremonial areas, and how the Incas made the most of the natural landscape and the mountain's strategic location.
After the tour, you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch before catching the train back to Cusco. You will take home not only beautiful photos but also the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the world's greatest wonders!
5DAY 5 – ARCHAEOLOGICAL CITY TOUR
At approximately 8:45 AM, we will begin our Archaeological City Tour—a journey through the history and culture of the ancient Inca Empire.
We will visit the Temple of Qoricancha, a major Inca religious center, and then head to the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Throughout the tour, you will discover structures, temples, and sites that reveal the grandeur of the Inca civilization, all while accompanied by a guide who will share the stories and fascinating details of each location. The tour concludes around 2:00 PM.
6DAY 6 – CUSCO'S SOUTH VALLEY
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8:45 AM to visit a region rich in history, culture, and beautiful Andean landscapes.
We will visit the Tipón Archaeological Site—an impressive complex of Inca canals and agricultural terraces—and Pikillaqta, an ancient city of the Wari culture. We will also visit the charming Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," featuring a richly decorated interior and stunning artworks.
This experience combines archaeology, architecture, culture, and Andean scenery, taking you off the beaten path of the traditional Cusco circuit. The tour concludes around 3:00 PM.
7DAY 7 – RETURN TO BRAZIL
The time has come to say goodbye to Cusco!
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories but also a desire to return and discover even more of Peru.
What's Included
Included
- 2 Transfers: Airport / Hotel / Airport
- Professional guides (Spanish & English) for all tours
- Tourist transport for all tours
- Maras & Moray Tour (entrance fees not included)
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, including lunch (entrance fees not included)
- City Tour (entrance fees not included)
- South Valley Tour (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu Tour
- Round-trip train ticket (Expedition or Voyager category)
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
Not Included
- Airfare: Domestic and international
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley, Moray & City Tour
- Entrance fee for Salinas de Maras
- Qoricancha Temple
- Sistine Chapel
- Snacks
- Water
Recommendations
- Bring your ID card or passport (the one used to purchase your ticket)
- Wear layered clothing
- Comfortable sneakers
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion sickness medication (for winding roads)
- Rain poncho (for the rainy season)
- Cash in Soles
- Backpack for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Avoid raw foods
- Drink only purchased water
- Keep your documents handy at all times
General Conditions
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Document Accuracy & Verification: Travelers must bring the original, physical passport or national ID card registered at the time of booking. Discrepancies between ticket documentation and physical identification will result in denied access to Machu Picchu, train services, and local sites without eligibility for a refund.
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On-Site Entry Fees & Cash Requirement: Several entry fees are not included in the package price. These include the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for the City Tour, Sacred Valley, South Valley, and Moray, as well as individual admission fees for the Maras Salt Mines, Qorikancha Temple, and the Andahuaylillas Church (Sistine Chapel of the Andes). All these fees must be paid in cash using local currency (Peruvian Soles) directly at each checkpoint.
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Non-Refundable & Non-Transferable Tickets: Machu Picchu entry tickets and train passes (Expedition or Voyager category) are strictly controlled by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and rail authorities. Once issued, tickets cannot be refunded, transferred to another person, or rescheduled.
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Luggage Restrictions on Trains: Rail operators enforcing travel between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes enforce a strict luggage limit of one small backpack or carry-on weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger. Main suitcases must be left in complimentary storage at your hotel in Cusco.
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Health, Altitude & Pace: Although this 7-day itinerary is designed at a comfortable pace without strenuous mountain trekking, Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Participants are responsible for ensuring they are fit for high-altitude travel. Medical and travel insurance covering altitude-related treatment is strongly advised.
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Operational Flexibility & Safety: Itineraries and tour pickup times may be adjusted due to factors beyond the operator's control, such as road maintenance, weather conditions, or local authorities' decrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entry tickets are NOT included, and how much cash should I budget for admission fees?
Because this 7-day tour covers extensive historical routes, you will need to purchase several tickets directly on-site in cash (Peruvian Soles):
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Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): 130 Soles per person (covers sites across the City Tour, Sacred Valley, Moray, and South Valley).
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Qorikancha Temple: 15 Soles.
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Maras Salt Mines: 20 Soles.
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Andahuaylillas Church (Sistine Chapel of the Andes): 15 Soles.
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Total estimated admission budget: Around 180 to 200 Soles per person, plus extra Soles for non-included meals, drinks, and tips.
How physically demanding is this 7-day classic itinerary?
This itinerary is specifically designed for travelers seeking a relaxed, comfortable pace without high-altitude mountain trekking (such as Rainbow Mountain or the Inca Trail). However, you will still encounter cobblestone streets, uneven stone stairs at Incan archaeological sites, and high altitude. Taking time to acclimate during the first two days is recommended.
What will I visit during the City Tour and South Valley tour days?
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City Tour: Highlights include Cusco’s historic center, the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), and nearby Incan ruins such as Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
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South Valley Tour: Explores lesser-traveled gems south of Cusco, including the Incan hydraulic engineering site of Tipón, the pre-Incan Wari ruins of Pikillacta, and the famous 17th-century baroque church in Andahuaylillas.
How does the luggage storage work for the overnight trip to Machu Picchu?
Train companies do not allow full-sized suitcases on board. For your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, you should pack a small daypack (up to 5 kg / 11 lbs) with your toiletries, overnight clothes, rain gear, and documents. Your main luggage will remain safely stored at your hotel in Cusco free of charge until you return.
