Sacred Valley And Machu Picchu 8D/7N

Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo – Sacsayhuaman – Qenqo – Pucapucara – Tambomachay

A living city that combines Inca temples and palaces, a perfect combination of Andean and Spanish culture. The first place we will visit will be the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha on which the Convent of Santo Domingo (Order of the Dominicans) has been built. Then we will leave the city to appreciate the great Inca wonder of Sacsaywaman, considered the greatest architectural work whose Inca walls have no equivalent in the world. Then we move a little further away from the city to visit the sacred places of Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay. At the end of the tour we will take you back to your hotel.

Qoricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo

It was one of the most venerated and respected temples in the city. The “golden enclosure”, as it was known, was a sacred place where homage was paid to the highest Inca god: INTI, so one could only enter on an empty stomach, barefoot and with a load on one’s back as a sign of humility, as indicated by the high priest Wilaq Umo. Inside the temple, not only the Sun was worshipped, but also other minor deities such as the Moon and Venus. According to the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the intermediate enclosure in the northwest corner of the temple was dedicated to the worship of the Moon, and the next one was for Venus, the Pleiades and other constellations. On the other side of the courtyard, in two smaller rooms, worship was paid to Thunder (Illapa) and the Rainbow (Cuichu). On its façade there was an altar that housed the gold plate that reflected the sun at sunrise. Today it is partially destroyed by colonial works that were later rebuilt. The Qoricancha not only housed the main gods of the Inca pantheon, but also had a magical-religious projection, whose purpose was to sacralize the geography of Tahuantinsuyu. For this reason, from the center of the main courtyard, inticancha, the ceques departed, which are the virtual lines that communicated the temple with the spirits that lived in the mountains (apus), before whom even the powerful Incas bowed their heads. The basis of the Inca composition for the construction of the temple was the patio, a courtyard around which several rectangular enclosures were arranged. The first, which was next to the Intipampa, contained the main buildings for the worship of the Sun and other gods of the Inca pantheon; while in the second, located in front of that plaza, Punchao was venerated (a representation of the Sun that consisted of a statue of pure gold the height of a ten-year-old child) that remained there during the day, and at night was taken to the plaza for veneration. The idol “slept” accompanied by numerous ñustas in a neighbouring building, outside the courtyard, and was then returned to its original place in the morning.

Sacsayhuamán

Sacsaywaman is one of the Inca constructions that most surprises tourists who, according to new hypotheses, point out that it would have been a very important ceremonial centre and not a fortress.

In any case, let us look at the traditional conception of Sacsayhuamán. It would be a spectacular fortress built with enormous carved rocks, joined with absolute precision. Together with Machu Picchu and Choquequirao, it is, without a doubt, one of the greatest architectural works of the Tahuantinsuyu. But, in addition, it represents the undoubted constancy of the administrative capacity of the empire and its powerful logistical apparatus. Its Quechua name means “satisfied falcon”. Therefore, it was the falcon that guarded the capital of the empire, since from the hill on which it was erected it dominates the entire city. If, as is known, Cusco was designed in the shape of a recumbent puma, Sacsayhuamán would be its head, while Qoricancha would correspond to the feline’s genitals. Its shape and location would have rather obeyed other principles, such as harmony between architecture and landscape. Current research suggests that it would have been a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun, for which not only the construction was important, but also the environment that surrounded it.

Q’enqo

This Quechua name means (labyrinth). During the Inca period this place was a temple for public ceremonies. It is an enormous semicircular enclosure 55 meters long with 19 incomplete niches distributed along the wall. Some publications claim that the niches were arranged around the amphitheater as seats for the entities that were worshipped, but according to recent research it is very likely that they were actually the bases of a large wall. In front of the free enclosure there is a large stone block 6 meters high that rests on a solid rectangular pedestal. It is possible that it was a gigantic sculpture that must have had zoomorphic models. The lack of precision is due to the traces of destruction caused by idolaters (people in charge of eliminating the icons of the local cult) during the Colonial period. It also has a rocky outcrop decorated with a passageway that leads to an underground room, a complex of platforms, rooms and a system of drainage channels intended to evacuate water from the site. The underground chamber, the rock carving here is quite a feat. Floors, ceilings, walls, tables and niches were carefully carved into the living rock. Without a doubt, it was a place of worship for secret and hidden rites. The builders of the place completed its composition with service rooms around the perimeter. It also has platforms and channels for the evacuation of rainwater.

Pukapukara

Puka pukara means “red fortress”, because the limestone with which it is built has acquired the reddish color of the terrain, very rich in iron.It is said that it had the function of protecting Tambomach’ay, an important palace in the Inca era. But at the same time, due to its architectural layout and the existence of fountains, aqueducts and multiple enclosures, and its proximity to the old road, which can be seen gaining the pass in the northern mountain and which led to Huch’uy Qosqo and Calca in the Sacred Valley, it was a «tambo», that is, a collective hostel that offered accommodation and food to travelers, as well as to the entourage that had to accompany the Inca in his retreat in Tambomach’ay. In Puka pukara there are enclosures, interior plazas, baths, aqueducts, watchtowers and an easily recognizable Inca road. The buildings are made of medium and small stones, the external surface of the polyhedrons is slightly rough unlike other archaeological complexes; in short, the urban layout is extremely suitable and functional.

Tambomachay

The archaeological site of Tambomachay is located 8 km (15 min.) northeast of Cusco, on a paved road, and 1 km from Puca-pucará. It is located on the slopes of a hill near the main road to Antisuyo, on the Tambomachay River. It is also known as the Tambo de la Caverna and occupies an area of ​​437 square meters, located at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Apparently it was the favorite spa of the Inca, but at the same time, it was one of the pillars of the Cusco Valley’s defensive system. The name comes from two Quechua words: Tampu, which means collective accommodation and Mach’ay, which means resting place. However, according to other references, the word «machay» means «caverns», which would describe the peculiar environment of the place where these natural rock formations can be seen, which, according to indigenous tradition, were objects of veneration or magical practices. Formed by a set of finely carved stone structures, aqueducts and waterfalls from nearby springs and hot springs (which is why it is thought to have been related to the cult of water), it is one of the pillars of the Andean worldview. It is considered one of the sanctuaries of the first ceque of Antisuyo.

Cult of Water: Water itself was venerated as a source of life. Tambomachay has an extraordinary hydraulic system. Two aqueducts artistically carved into the rock transport and maintain a constant flow of clean, clear water throughout the year, which comes from a pool located on an upper level. This network of underground channels pours its water into a small stone pool located on the lowest level. This pool must have been a liturgical fountain, where the Inca worshipped water alongside the greats of the Empire. The “Bath of the Ñusta” is very similar to that of Ollantaytambo, made of perfectly assembled stones, with a carved edge and drainage channels. Although today it is an open-air structure, the foundations seem to indicate that it was originally an enclosed space. It is entered through four trapezoidal portico platforms with double jambs.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel.
• Accommodation: Hotel Maytaq Wasi or Casa Andina.
• Difficulty: easy.

Important:

Remember to buy tourist tickets to enter the archaeological sites (not included).

• The cost is 130 soles and you can buy them directly at the archaeological sites.

Taray Viewpoint – Pisaq – Ollantaytambo – Chinchero- Cusco

We start the day with an exclusive private tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a tour of impressive archaeological ruins. First, we will pick you up from your hotel at 9 am and head to the Taray viewpoint, where we will enjoy the first views of the sacred valley. Then we will visit the archaeological site of Pisac, with its famous Inca terraces. At the end of the visit, you can explore the vibrant Pisac Handicraft Market, where the most refined souvenirs are within your reach.

Archaeological Ruins of Pisac

The archaeological zone of Pisac has admirable palaces, ceremonial temples, water channels and wells. Large production warehouses, as well as the amazing cemetery made up of thousands of tombs dug into the mountain. We can also admire the incredible agricultural terraces that allowed for increased food production, which would be its most important activity, agriculture. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful urban area located on a high semicircular promontory. The ruin is surrounded by large agricultural terraces that harmonize with the natural curvature of the landscape

Later we will board our private transport that will take us to the town of Urubamba where you will enjoy a rich and delicious lunch (buffet) and then visit the majestic Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress of monumental architecture.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

After 40 minutes in our transport we will arrive at the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where we will appreciate one of the largest fortresses made by the Incas, here our guide will explain to us about the history of Ollantaytambo.

The Ollantaytambo fortress, one of the most important archaeological centers, was built to celebrate the victory of the Inca Pachacuteq over the Tambos. It is admired for its monumental construction and strategic location within the Sacred Valley, highlighting its main military functions. It contains structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Incahuatana and the Baths of the Princess. This site is one of the few places where the Spanish lost a battle during the conquest.

After our visit we will head towards the town of Chichero (1 hour away) where we will appreciate the explanation of the local ladies who will show us the Inca techniques for washing, dyeing and making textiles with alpaca and vicuña wool, we will see the work they do.

At the end of our tour we will go to our private transport to return to the city of Cusco (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of travel) and drop you off at your hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch.
• Accommodation: Maytaq Wasi or Casa Andina.
• Difficulty: easy.

Important:

Remember to buy tourist tickets to enter the archaeological sites (not included).

• The cost is 130 soles and you can buy them directly at the archaeological sites.

Cusco – Maras Salt Mines – MORAY (circular terraces).

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel and get ready to live a unique experience. We will pick you up at 8:00 am heading towards Maras where you can see the famous salt mines in our private transport, you will have a spectacular view of the Andes. After visiting the salt mines we will continue with our trip to the archaeological site of MORAY known for its circular terraces. Our guide will answer all your questions and together we will tour each part of the archaeological site and then return to the city of Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Remember that you have to pay an entrance fee of 20 soles to visit the Maras salt mines.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel.
• Accommodation: Maytaq Wasi or Casa Andina.
• Difficulty: easy.

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The tour starts very early, a day of adventure. We pick you up at your hotel at 4:00 am, and then head in our private transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station to depart on the 6:10 am expedition train. You will enjoy the ride through alpine meadows nestled between the green and white peaks of glaciers, intricately formed valleys, layers of hand-made Inca terraces, snow-capped mountains, and subtropical jungle near the Amazon from Ollantaytambo. The sacred Vilcanota River will be our companion until your arrival in Aguas Calientes.

Our guide will meet you at the train station in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu village) at 10:52 am. You will have just a few minutes to buy a sandwich or something for lunch before being transferred to Machu Picchu on the bus. Continuing with the itinerary we will board the bus for 25 minutes to Machu Picchu (lost city of the Incas), upon arrival we will begin the 2 and a half hour guided tour and cultural exchange of the history of Machu Picchu with our guide who will answer all your questions. Then you will be given free time to explore, take photos or walk to the Sun Gate (not included). At the end of the guided tour we will go to the bus stop to take the bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. Back to Aguas Calientes, you will take the Expedition train early in the afternoon at 2:55 pm to the Ollantaytambo station, arriving at approximately 5:10 pm. From this point, we will take care of returning you to your hotel in the city of Cusco in our private transportation, thus ending the tour and ending this unforgettable adventure at approximately 7:00 pm. Additional information:

1. The hike to the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge is available from JUNE 1, 2024 and the price for either of these options will be $55 USD per person.
2. The hike to Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu is also not possible due to time constraints on the day tour.
3. The return time of the expedition train depends on availability and how far in advance you have booked.
4. Our day tour package includes either circuit 2A or circuit 2B (if tickets are available, please book in advance).
   • Meals included: box breakfast from your hotel.
   • Accommodation: Maytaq Wasi or Hotel Sonesta
   • Difficulty: easy.

Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and begin our incredible adventure. Our private transportation will take us for approximately 3 hours through the southern valley until we reach the town of Cusipata where we will have our breakfast consisting of local food based on quinoa, maca and more local products. After finishing our nutritious breakfast we will board our transportation to continue our journey to the community of Llacto (4,638 masl / 15,216 feet) where our hike will begin. Along the way, there are impressive views of valleys, rocky mountains, llamas and alpacas with which you can take photos. .

We will begin our hike following a beautiful trail where we will have views of the Ausangate Mountain (the highest mountain in Cusco). After a hike of approximately 2 hours total we will arrive at our destination, the Rainbow Mountain (5,200 masl / 16,466 feet). Upon reaching the summit you will have time to explore the area, take photos or just appreciate the atmosphere. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit.

Afterwards, we will return the same way we came. The hike takes 1 hour downhill to our private transport which will be waiting for us to return to the town of Cusipata and have lunch at our restaurant in the town of Cusipata.

After finishing our lunch we will embark on the 3-hour return trip to the city of Cusco to drop you off at your hotel, arriving around 4:00 pm.

Other options to get to the mountain:

1. If you want to take our trip on horseback, let us know when you make your reservation, there is an additional cost.
2. If you want to take our trip on ATVs, let us know when you make your reservation, there is an additional cost.

• Meals:Breakfast and lunch.
• Accommodation: Maytaq Wasi or Sonesta Hotel.
• Distance:8 km / 4.9 miles (approximately 3 hours hiking in total).
• Difficulty: moderate.

Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco

The tour will begin with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am, we will drive for 3 hours to the start of the “Soraypampa” trail located in the lush valley of the Apurimac River. During the trip we will make a stop in the town of Mollepata where we will have our delicious breakfast. Afterwards we will board our transport again to reach the town of Soraypampa where we will walk along a slightly steep trail, as we gain altitude we will have spectacular views of beautiful mountain landscapes. The hike takes another hour and a half, ascending 1,200 ft in just 2 miles on a steep trail. The trail is surrounded by the Salkantay Mountains, one of the most sacred mountains in Peru, rising to 20,600 ft with a steep, snowy face and the imposing Nevado Humantay, rising to 19,412 ft.

Finally we will get to see the beautiful turquoise jewel, we will contemplate the lake for a while and we will have the opportunity to take some photos, then the guide will point out relevant aspects of it, the Humantay Lake is surrounded by rugged peaks and an impressive glacier. Andean healers and other natives developed and still develop healing sessions upon reaching the crystalline waters of Lake Humantay. You can bring snacks for the walk and enjoy it on its shores, then we thank Pachamama (Mother Earth) for giving us these fascinating landscapes. When you are ready to walk again, we will descend to Soraypampa, upon arrival we will take our transport to return to the town of Mollepata where we will have our lunch. At the end of our lunch we will return to the city of Cusco and we will leave you at your hotel, we will arrive in Cusco around 5 or 6 in the afternoon thus culminating our adventure.

If you wish to reserve a horse for the excursion, please let us know when making your reservation.

• Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
• Accommodation: Maytaq Wasi or Sonesta Hotel.
• Distance:5 km / 1.5 miles (approximately 3 hours).
• Difficulty: easy.

Cusco – Humantay Lake – Cusco

Transfer to the airport

In the morning after your breakfast we will transfer you in our private transport to the airport to board your flight to your next destination.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel.