The Magic Of Cusco 5D/4N

The Magic of Cusco Itinerary 5D/4N:

Day 1: Pick up at Cusco Airport - City Tour

The adventure starts from the moment you land at the Cusco Airport. Our guide will meet you and take you to your accommodation where you will rest for a while to adapt to the altitude of the city and start the City Tour.

The tour starts at the Cathedral of Cusco, the main catholic temple of the region and Cultural Heritage of Peru. It is also known as the Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, where you can admire important artistic works.

After that, we will visit the main religious site of the Incas, the Temple of Qoricancha, whose architecture merges with the colonial convent of Santo Domingo. Then you see the contrast of nature with a ceremonial fortress in Sacsayhuamán, recognized for being a building of immense megalithic walls; its stones of up to 125 tons’ rest in an imposing and beautiful natural environment where the Festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi is celebrated.

Later you discover the Inca Labyrinth, Qenqo, a ritual place structured on an immense monolith that has subway galleries intertwined like a labyrinth and walls carved in the form of a zigzag.

It is time to admire the ancient Inca military zone, Puca Pucara or Red Fortress, so called because its walls are formed with reddish stones. We will appreciate its fountains, canals and other structures.

Immediately after that we will arrive at Tambomachay or Resting Place which is formed by canals and lithic aqueducts where water was worshiped. It is worth mentioning that these structures still work. To finish the tour, enjoy every detail of the Plaza de Armas which, in ancient times, was a place for economic and cultural exchange of the Incas. A professional tour guide in this place will transform your way of seeing the Archaeological Capital of America.

It's time to rest and get ready for a second day of emotions...

Day 2: Cusco City - Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco

After seeing the beautiful sunrise and having breakfast, we will start the transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, whose most imposing place is the Taray Viewpoint. Here you will find the widest panoramic view of this sacred space of the Peruvian Andes.

The first stop is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, the Pisac Ruins, a reflection of Inca architectural beauty. Among the highlights, we will observe walls, cemeteries, terraces, bridges and aqueducts on a steep hill. Then you can buy souvenirs, admire the beautiful handicrafts or taste the local cuisine in the diverse Pisac Market.

Then you enjoy a rich buffet lunch in Urubamba, a region that boasts worldwide recognition thanks to its delicious corn. Then you will visit the Archaeological Zone of Ollantaytambo, whose ruins are located on a hill with beautiful monoliths, terraces and the monumental Temple of the Sun. In this same town you can admire the beauty, color and culture of the Living City of the Incas, whose inhabitants inherited the same system of life as their ancestors.

We end the tour with a stop in Chinchero, where we will visit a textile center and learn more about the textile techniques used by the Incas and the artisanal processing of wool.

Day 3: Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco

The day starts early when we pick you up at your accommodation in Cusco and take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Outside the station you will find local stalls where you can buy everything from food (breakfast) to souvenirs. The train to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and once you arrive at your destination, our guide will be waiting for you outside the train station.

We will receive the instructions of the tour and then we will go to Machu Picchu by bus, which has a duration of 30 min. Arriving at the Sacred City of the Incas, you have the opportunity to choose between 3 different circuits of tour (Only Citadel - Huayna Picchu Mountain - Machu Picchu Mountain).

Our tour guide will offer some tips to make the most of the tour according to your interests. Discover the more than 200 structures, including walls, staircases, temples, aqueducts, among other places full of history and beauty.

At the end of the tour, we will transfer back to Aguas Calientes where we will have lunch and some free time to explore the beautiful town before returning to Ollantaytambo by train. It is here where our associate will be waiting for you to board private transportation to your accommodation in Cusco and arrive around 20:00.

Day 4: Cusco - Maras Moray - Cusco

After visiting the cradle of the Inca Empire, we will reconnect with history by discovering the ingenuity and wonder of the Peruvian ancestors who, in the midst of imposing and biodiverse natural spaces, built two productive places such as the salt mines and the agricultural terraces.

The first station is the Maras salt mines built on the Qaqa Wiñay mountain (3,380 masl / 11,080 ft) where the same system of pink salt extraction is developed in more than 3,000 mines or pools with great mineral content that also offer a unique landscape.

Next we will visit the village of Moray. This place of circular terraces, in addition to its beauty, tells of the advanced and futuristic Inca agro-production in a system of terraces where, according to the height and position with respect to the sun, they generated microclimates suitable for the harvest of various items. The construction of these coliseums is also a marvel to behold.

At sunset, it is time to return to enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to rest tonight in the city of Cusco.

Day 5: Cusco - Airport

This day allows you a personal experience to say goodbye to the Historical Capital of Peru. You can explore on your own its museums, temples, markets, squares and tourist attractions, as you prefer.

Our guide will be able to offer you some recommendations, but don't forget to try our exquisite gastronomy.

According to the travel ticket, we will take you to the airport for a safe return

The price of the excursion to The Magic of Cusco 5D/4N Includes:

• All entrance fees to tourist attractions: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley (tourist ticket), Salineras de Maras. City Tour.
• Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Private transportation Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco (Machu Picchu Tour).
• Shared tour: City Tour, Sacred Valley, Maras Moray.
• Airport transfers. (Arrival & Departure)

The price of the excursion to The Magic of Cusco 5D/4N Does not include:

• Hotel: can be included in the purchase process (based on double, matrimonial or triple rooms).
• Meals: lunch or dinner.
• Breakfast before 5 am.

What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Tour:

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

What considerations should you have when making the trip to the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley?

• 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 The magic of Cusco 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 La Magia de Cusco 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.