The Sacred Valley is the main valley of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. The valley was of great value to the Incas due to its special geographical location and ideal climate, it was the best place for maize production in Peru as well as a great source of natural wealth.
Through the valley rolls the Urubamba river (called the Willcamayu by the Incas; today part of it is also called the Vilcanota), a vital religious element of the Incas’ cosmology. The Incas not only believed that the flow of the Urubamba was related to the constellations and the mountain peaks but also that the river was the earthbound counterpart of the Milky Way.
Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Its unique architectural features and landscape contribute to a veil of mystery woven around much of the literature published by the site. The magic and mystery of Machu Picchu are internationally recognized and it has been on the List of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO since 1983 as part of a cultural and ecological site known as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
At 08:30am we’ll depart for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We’ll stop on the route to see the Vilcanota River snake around the patchwork crops. Our first stop will be the colorful market of Pisac, where you’ll enjoy free time to interact with the local merchants and artisans and purchase any souvenirs which catch your interest.
Then, we’ll hike up the hill to Pisac Archeological Site, one of the important fortresses which protected the imperial capital. During the short ascent, you’ll be able to observe spectacular Inca’s agricultural terraces.
The archaeological site of Pisac comprises different sectors: Qanturaquay, Intihuatana or Solar Clock, and Tanqanamarka, the largest pre-Columbian cemetery in South America. We will continue towards Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo, considered a living Inca town because it has been continually inhabited but still preserves its original Inca urban planning, as well as structures, agricultural terraces and reservoirs being witnesses of the past. One of the most outstanding features is the rose granite monoliths joined together with impressive perfection. In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. Upon your arrival to Aguas Calientes, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your chosen hotel.
On this day, we’ll visit one of the world’s most evocative sites: Machu Picchu Archeological Complex. The 2-hour guided visit is an unforgettable experience, as our professional guide will recount history enveloping this mysterious and enchanting site. After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore independently or relax and soak up the site’s ambiance. We recommend spend your free time to hike up to the Inti Punku Sun Gate or climb Huayna Picchu Peak, which takes about 45 minutes to ascend and the same to descend, it must be reserved for advanced with an additional cost of US$12 per person, but is entirely worth it, as it affords a view overlooking Machu Picchu citadel in its entirety. (If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, please advise upon making you tour reservation, permits are only sold along with the Machu Picchu tickets and amount of entrances are limited.)
At the appropriate hour, we’ll descend by bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch. (If you wish, we can arrange lunch for you at Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant, the only restaurant located by the citadel, with an additional cost of US$40 per person.)
In the evening you’ll catch the return Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley, where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco and drop you off at the hotel. We’ll arrive between 21:30pm approx.
