Cusco The Adventurer 5D/4N

Cusco the Adventurer 5D/4N Itinerary:

Day 1: Pick up at Cusco Airport - City Tour 

At the airport our tour guide will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation, where you will have time to rest and get ready for the City Tour in the afternoon. 

You will have the opportunity to visit iconic places of the city in the following order: 

Cathedral of Cusco or Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption: This is the main catholic temple of the capital; whose space was initially an important Inca temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. This place has been declared Cultural Heritage of Peru due to the diversity of sculptures, paintings, archeology, artistic and architectural works. 

Temple of Qoricancha: Also called Templo del Sol or Recinto Dorado, although the latter name was due to the gold coating that was looted in the Colony, this was the most important religious precinct for the Incas; however, by imposition, it was left under the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. 

Sacsayhuaman Fortress: One of the most impressive megalithic constructions made by the Incas, with rocks that exceed 100 tons and about 9 meters high. 

Qenqo or Labyrinth: It is a place that mythologically unites life and death and consists of a series of tunnels intertwined in a monolith, which also contains channels carved in a zigzag pattern. 

Puca Pucara or Red Fortress: It owes its name to the color of the stones that form its architectural structures, platforms, terraces, walls, canals and stairways of this ancient military construction. 

Tambomachay or Resting Place: The archaeological zone includes a structure of canals and rocky aqueducts that still function and in ancient times worshiped water. 

Main Square: The end of this day is with this Historical Monument of Peru, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

After this tour, we will return to the lodge to prepare for the next adventure.

Day 2: Cusco City - Machu Picchu – Cusco 

The second day of the tour is full of expectations that we know will be exceeded with this wonderful experience. The departure from the city of Cusco is usually between 03:30 - 04:30 heading to the train station. Here we will begin an exciting journey that will reveal the Sacred Valley of the Incas until we arrive at the Aguas Calientes station where our professional guide will be waiting for you. 

From there begins the ascent in tourist transport to the entrance to the Sacred City of the Incas (2,430 masl / 7,972 ft). In this magical place you will be able to go through 3 different circuits, according to your choice (Only Citadel - Huayna Picchu Mountain - Machu Picchu Mountain). 

The authorized stay in Machu Picchu is 3 to 4 hours. Our professional tour guide will guide your tour among the 200 structures. We will know its temples, sculptures, walls, fountains, among other spaces, and then allow you to tour the place on your own defining time and meeting place. 

After seeing this World Heritage Site, we will return by transport to Aguas Calientes and from there by train to Cusco, where we will have a well-deserved rest at the hotel.

Day 3: Cusco - Maras Moray - Cusco 

The day of the ATV thrill is here. But before your trip, we give you the morning off to rest, tour the city or enjoy its amenities.

In the afternoon at approximately 13:00, we will meet with the guide to move through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Cruzpata, where you will receive a small class on handling the ATVs, maneuvers and proper use of safety equipment. 

The tour will take 2 hours to the archaeological site of Moray, where you will admire not only the beauty of the place, but also the ingenious architectural and agricultural system used by the Incas to achieve, in the same place, a variety of crops, through circular terraces that generate microclimates suitable for their multiple harvests. 

The tour continues, leaving the ATVs on site to minimize risks on the road. We will arrive by private vehicle to the salt mines of Maras, where you will see more than 3,000 salt pools dug on a mountain (3,380 masl / 11,080 ft). In this multicolored scenery you will learn about the millenary system of exploitation of pink salt used by the Incas until today. You will also learn wonderful details about this emblematic place. 

It is time to return to Cusco, arriving at your lodging where you will rest after an exciting adventure.

Day 4: Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco 

Before sunrise, you must be awake to begin a colorful tour. Between 04:00 and 04:30, our Guru Explorers guide will pass by your lodging on the way to Tintinco, where you will recharge your energy with a delicious breakfast and the option to buy last minute items, such as drinks, snacks, sunscreen, among others. 

From there we start the one-hour ascent to Phulawasipata camp (4,600 masl / 15,091 ft) enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife. We will rest at the base to continue the ascent of approximately 90 minutes.

It will not only be rewarding to reach the Rainbow Mountain, but also to admire every space, multiple animals such as camelids, llamas and alpacas; the valleys, the Vilcanota River and the spectacular glaciers of the snow-capped Ausangate. 

From the mountain itself you can admire it in its entirety (5,200 masl / 17,060 ft) and take a beautiful audiovisual record.

Between 10:15 - 13:30 we will return; you can choose to return directly to base camp, or walk through the Red Valley of the Andean Cordillera whose mineral richness of its chain of ravines and mountains forms a unique landscape of various reddish tones. 

After enjoying the site, we will continue our descent to return to Cusipata, where we will have lunch and travel by private transport to your accommodation in Cusco. ¡Time to rest! 

Day 5: Cusco – Airport 

On day 5 of the package we recommend you to design a private and personal experience according to your tastes. You will be able to discover different areas of Cusco on your own. 

You are free to visit popular markets, shopping malls, museums, try local food, shopping, among other activities in this city, which, thanks to its architectural and historical diversity, has been declared a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Monument. 

Finally, and according to the travel ticket, we will transfer you to the airport for a safe return.

The price of the 5D/4N Cusco the Adventurer Excursion includes: 

• All entrance fees to tourist attractions: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley (tourist ticket), 7 Colors Mountain, City Tour.
• Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Private transportation Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco (Machu Picchu Tour).
• Shared tour: City Tour, Maras Moray by ATV, 7 Colors Mountain.
• Transfers from the airport. (Arrival & Departure).

The price of the Cusco the Adventurer 5D/4N Excursion does not include:

• Hotel: add in the purchase process (double, matrimonial or triple rooms).
• Meals: lunch or dinner.
• Entrance fee to Valle Rojo (25 soles aprox. - optional).

¿ What to bring to Cusco The Adventurer 5D/4N ?

• Consider that Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are above (2,000 masl /6,561 ft); its climate varies according to the time of the year.
• It is recommended to choose: comfortable shoes, light clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sun block, water, rain gear (especially in November - April).
• Insect repellent (important in Machu Picchu).
• Passport or ID card.
• ISIC card if you are a student.
• Travel insurance.
• Bathing suit and towel (optional for the hot springs of Aguas Calientes).
• Audiovisual recording devices (cell phone, camera, video cameras).
• Cash (local currency).

Considerations for Cusco The Adventurer 5D/4N :

• You must choose the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in the purchase process. Prices vary if you are not part of the Andean Community (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia).
• The train schedule and access to Machu Picchu may vary depending on availability. We recommend making reservations as far in advance as possible.
• By regulation of the train company, it is not allowed to carry backpacks, suitcases or large bags. The only things allowed are small bags or backpacks up to 5-6 kg.
• For the transfer from Cusco, you should consider that sometimes, access is limited by the narrow streets of the city; if this is the case, the guide will suggest a nearby pick-up point.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the travel itinerary may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.
• “Guru Explorers” values ​​your time and strives to respect the tour schedule; however they may vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable

Cancellation Policies:

• Take the following into account:
  • The Ministry of Culture does not make refunds for the entrance to Machu Picchu, Montaña Machu Picchu or Montaña Huaynapicchu.
  • The train company charges an administrative fee of 10% for cancellations.
• Cancellations within 11 days or more in advance, a penalty of 90 USD per person will be charged, which includes administrative concepts, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train company fee.
• Cancellations with 4 to 10 days in advance, will receive 50% of the amount paid.
• Cancellations with 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• There are no refunds for entrances to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Date changes:

• Take the following into account:
  • Date changes are subject to the availability of train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Price difference will be charged for train tickets, if applicable. (Guru Explorers does its best to avoid increases)
  • In the event of the new date of the tour to Machu Picchu is in a different year from the original, the ticket will be lost and an additional 50 USD per person will be charged to buy a new one.
• For changes of dates notified 11 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 15% will apply, which includes change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
• For changes of dates notified 4 to 10 days or more in advance, an additional charge of 25% will apply, which includes a change fee for the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train company.
• It will not be possible to make date changes 3 days or less in advance.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

We want to be part of that experience that you will live in Cusco The Adventurer 5D/4N.

 If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience! 

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

¿ What is the weather like in Cusco The Adventurer 5D/4N?

Machu Picchu is located 1,000 meters or 3,280 feet below the city of Cusco and part of it is in the jungle, so rain can appear at any time of the year. The usual maximum temperature can reach 28 °C (82 °F) and the minimum, which is usually in the early morning, can reach -2°C (-36 °F).

¿ Can I go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu without a bus??

The option of walking up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Picchu is available in the private service if desired. In the group service, due to the schedule of the itinerary, the whole group must go together on the way up, so you would only have the possibility to return on foot, if you wish.

As an additional note, it will also depend on the physical condition of each person (take into account that you will also walk in Machu Picchu). The bus takes approximately 25 minutes to go up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, those who decide to walk up take approximately 1 hour depending on their physical condition.

¿ Can I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Of course, you can send us a message at the time of booking so that we can purchase train tickets on the most convenient days. You also have the option to book a hotel through us by specifying the category of accommodation.

¿ Can I add the lodging in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, you can add it in the purchase process. If you have any questions, please contact a consultant or send us an email to info@guruexplorers.com.

¿ What is the difference between the Expedition and the Vistadome tourist train?

The Expedition tourist train, like the Vistadome, belongs to the PeruRail company.

The Expedition is the base category that we offer in our tours. If you wish to upgrade to Vistadome or another train service, you can select it in the purchase process.

Below we describe the main characteristics of each one:

Expedition

• Comfort: leather seats and regular foot space.
• View: nice panoramic view, however, not as wide as that of the Vistadome train.
• Snacks: a basic snack is included for each passenger, which is usually a biscuit and a drink.

Vistadome

• Comfort: more space for feet and arms compared to the expedition train. Those departing from Ollantaytambo have seats distributed in rows for two passengers; in the case of those departing from Poroy, seats are generally available in groups of 4 passengers, located facing each other with a shared table in the middle.
• View: they have panoramic windows where you can appreciate the scenery much better, including the roof.
• Snacks: snacks are usually served on a set of dishes and include fruit, local bread, hot or cold drinks.
• Extra: there are usually cultural presentations such as typical Peruvian dances and fashion shows with clothes made with alpaca fiber.

For more information on these or other trains to Machu Picchu, please click on this link.

¿ What is the luxury train to Machu Picchu?

The luxury train is the Hiram Bingham, inspired by the 1920's, which departs from Poroy station. If you are interested in taking a tour to Machu Picchu with this luxurious and exclusive service, go to the following link to see the complete itinerary!

¿ What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?

Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (in the language of the Incas) is one of the most important attractions of Cusco and is considered one of the most fascinating short hikes in the world. For those who do not know it, the classic photo of Machu Picchu, shows the Huayna Picchu Mountain in all its splendor. Therefore, when we reach the top, we will contemplate all the fabulous views of the citadel.

This hike is in high demand and entrance tickets to access them are limited, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least 3 or 6 months in advance depending if it is high season. Keep in mind that at Guru Explorers we consider this hike moderate to difficult. Check availability at the time of booking or contact info@guruexplorers.com if you have any questions.

Note: Huayna Picchu Mountain is not allowed for children under 12 years old.

¿ What is the difference between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain?

The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains are two additional sections to the visit to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Below we will show some characteristics of both walks:

Montaña Huayna Picchu

• Tickets per day: 400
• Altitude: 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Hiking time: approximately 2.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: not allowed for children under 12 years old.

Montaña Machu Picchu

• Tickets per day: 800
• Altitude: 3,082 m (10112 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Hiking time: approximately 3.5 hours (round trip)
• Restrictions: allowed for all ages

For more information, visit our article "Main Differences between Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain".

¿ What is the difference between Machu Picchu Citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain?

When we talk about Machu Picchu we can get confused between the Machu Picchu Citadel and the Machu Picchu Mountain. The Citadel includes the ruins themselves and the classic tour to the incredible wonder, where you can take the classic photo and have it as a postcard. On the other hand, the Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike that can be done the same day of the visit depending on the availability of tickets to do it.

¿ What objects are forbidden on the Machu Picchu Tour?

If you want to access the citadel of Machu Picchu, you must keep in mind that you cannot enter with the following objects: selfie sticks, handbags or backpacks larger than 40 x 35 x 20, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages or cigarettes in general, baby strollers, drones, etc.