Visit Machu Picchu in very different journey. This itinerary to Cusco city will show you not only the places most of tourists visit in an standard trip but also colorful towns, spend a day sharing a daily routine in an Andean community, or try to discover the real meaning of some Inca sites that are yet to discover.
You will visit the huge circular and semicircular agricultural terraces of Moray, built on a limestone plateau, that face Urubamba valley and were used as botanical lab by the Incas. It’s believed they have a mystical meaning but its function, besides the agricultural one, remains a mystery. Very close, below the colonial town of Maras, we find the mines of one of the finest salts with guarantee of origin and quality, Maras salt. These mines form old terraces and lagoons, this place is a must for amazing photos.
Half day visit to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious and agricultural center of the Incan Empire. The fortress is located on top of the mountain and allowed them to protect the whole valley from invaders. From the highest spot we will be able to appreciate the narrow roads along with the channels that remain unaltered since Incan times. Two sectors can be distinguished: the first one denominated "Araqama Ayllu", area linked to the cult and the religion; and the second one "Qosqo Ayllu", dedicated to housing. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center that probably also fulfilled military functions, as its walls and turrets show.
Transfer to the station to take the train to macho Picchu.
You will be transported by bus to Machu Picchu citadel, one of the most renowned examples of the Inca’s architecture, surrounded by an amazing landscape of lush forest. Lost in history, Machu Picchu was not discovered until 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, but was built in the middle of XV century. The name of the citadel comes from the Quechua language that means “Old Mountain” and apparently was the principal Inca’s Sanctuary. Then, you will enjoy a self-service lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Get to know the city of Cusco, an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and possessor of a style on its own. The tour begins at the Koricancha Temple, an old Incan palace and main center for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Once the Spanish conquered Peru, the Dominican order built a lovely church over top this temple’s foundations: the church of Santo Domingo that is still there today. Your next destination is the Main Square, and then the adventure continues at the Sacsayhuaman Fortress built of enormous stone blocks expertly shaped by the Incas. It is strategically located at the top of a hill overlooking Cusco. What a view of the city! The tour continues with visits to three archeological sites: “Qenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay”, important religious and administrative centers for the Incas. Finally you will visit an art workshop named “Inkas Expression” that presents artists working on silver pieces and painting in wood. This is an ideal place for the ones who like andean art.
I can begin to express how grateful I am for your service
Nacionalidad del Viajero:By Traveler: TRUCKER Jennifer
Hi Viviana, I can begin to express how grateful I am for your service, knowledge, and for organizing our trip. Everything worked...
04-18-22