Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7D/6N

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 – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am and drive you to Ollantaytambo train station to board the 6:10 am train (Expedition train service). After an hour and ten minutes of travel we will arrive at KM 104 also called Chachabamba (2,100 m / 6,927 ft), here we will begin the start of our trek. At this point we will ascend moderately for three hours to the remote archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, (2,650 m / 8,747 ft). We will enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba Canyon and the archaeological remains. We will then continue to the Sun Gate also known as Inti Punku (2,730 m / 9,007 ft.) Following the ancient remote trail, we will get our first spectacular view of Machu Picchu, in all its splendor and majesty. As we approach the citadel of Machu Picchu, you will feel its mystical presence. Then, we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at our hotel.

• Meals included: Box lunch and dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel Ferre, Casa Andina.
• Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles (approximately 6 hours trekking).
• Difficulty: Easy / Medium.

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This day you will explore the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will start this tour very early to take the first bus at 5:30 am, bound for the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will appreciate the sunrise over the archaeological complex. Take your time and be sure to explore every corner of this New Wonder of the World, it will be an unforgettable experience!

Next, your expert guide will take you through the ruins and its various main streets for approximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you will have time to explore the different spots such as the square of the spiritual center of the world of esoteric wisdom, walk the carved stone staircases and enjoy the beautiful views.

Here are some of the alternative activities you may wish to do on your own:

1. Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu (must be booked in advance and subject to availability).
2. Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the local museum or the hot springs (entrance fee required).

After the visit to Machupichu we will take the bus to the town of Aguas Calientes to have our last lunch (not included). At the end of our lunch we will head to the train station to board our expedition train that will take us to Ollantaytambo station. Here is where you will meet our private transportation and be transferred to your hotel in Cusco, we will be arriving in Cusco city around 8:30 pm and thus end our wonderful adventure.

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

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.