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Colorful Cusco & Machu Picchu

Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Light blue. Blue. Purple. Seven colors of the flag of Cusco. More than seven experiences you’ll be taking home with you. Discover the traditional and what´s new in Cusco, explore their hidden mysteries recommended only for those who like to go a bit further.

DAY 1: CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY
Upon arrival, transfer directly to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the traditional Pisac Market, where you will have the rest of the time free to go around and buy some crafts. If you want to taste something traditional, don’t miss the bread and empanadas baked in traditional wood ovens then have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head for Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town which has been continuously inhabited, where you will visit the temple with the same name, used as a fortress during the Inca resistance and where you will be able to get some collection snapshots. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
Start the day in Chinchero with a walk around its beautiful town and archaeological complex. Also have the opportunity to see a short exhibit of traditional textiles, a distinctive feature of this town dedicated to following ancestral dyeing techniques to create high quality works of art. The trip continues in Moray, a place with breathtaking views thanks to its colossal concentric terraces resembling a coliseum. The terraces recreated 20 different types of microclimates, and they were studied to ensure the agricultural production of the empire. After a picnic-style lunch continue your journey to Maras, the millenary colonial salt mines. The contrast of the white pools against the green valley is so impressive that it resembles a postcard. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY /MACHU PICCHU
A train trip away to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As you arrive at the Aguas Calientes station you will board the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. After a guided visit, you will have time to explore the fortress. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
In the morning, take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. On our way to Cusco, stop at the workshop of renowned artist Pablo Seminario, famous for creating his own style inspired by ancient civilizations such as Nasca, Wari, Chancay, among others. Lunch is at the Huayoccari Estate House, one of the best places after an active excursion to the valley. The estate owners, the Lambarri Orihuela family who have lived in the valley for over 350 years will be your hosts. Let yourself be dazzled by the architecture of the estate, its history and the impressive view overlooking the Sacred Valley while the last touches to lunch are made. Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 5: CUSCO
In the morning distance yourself from the crowds and visit Sacsayhuaman, a huge and impressive fortress of colossal constructions and surrounded by beautiful views blending together perfectly. The adventure continues at the Inca shrine Qenqo, to see a sacrificial altar embedded inside a rock cave. Finally, arrive to the Puca Pucara viewpoint and Tambomachay, monument of impressive architectonic knowledge considered as one of the pillars of Andean cosmovision.
In the afternoon an exclusive city tour starts with a visit to the San Cristobal Plaza to enjoy its panoramic view of the city. Then, onto visit the San Pedro Market to soak in its local flavors and to learn about more of the products grown in the area which supply the whole city. After this, the Korikancha temple will welcome you in all his magnificence; this temple, whose Quechua name means “Gold Enclosure” still bedazzles with the thought of its gold covered walls. C ontinue your walk to the Main Square to visit the Cathedral and its valuable and beautiful colonial masterpieces. Have dinner at LIMO Restaurant, which offers its novo-andean cuisine in a trendy mood with one of the best views of the Main Sqare of Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 6: SOUTHERN VALLEY
This exclusive adventure will take you to the picturesque and less explored Cusco’s South Valley. In Quispicanchis lies the impressive archaeological complex of Tipon, once an important worship center to water which flows in canals, terraces and beautiful waterfalls and which was one of the sacred natural elements in the Andean cosmo vision. Then visit the small yet attractive town of Huaro to see the fantastic 16th-century church and the breathtaking murals by artist Tadeo Escalante. Before heading back, stop for a short visit at the Sacred Stones Museum. Return to Cusco and have the rest of the day at leisure. It is a good moment to visit the majestic churches in town and their impressive decorations and religious art pieces.This will be your last night in Cusco, and the best way to end this adventure is by having a sophisticated dinner at MAP Café, one of the best restaurants in town. Overnight stay in Cusco.