10-Days Cusco Explorer Deluxe Tour

Highlights:

• Visit the Inca Sanctuary Machu Picchu - One of the new seven Wonders of the World

• Starts Lima/Ends Lima

• Domestic flights included. Lima-Cusco return

• Small group experience; Max 12 people

• Fully escorted by a bilingual tour leader/local guide

• Moderate-Easy pace - No camping

• Selected weekly departure dates

• Fully customizable - Private tour option

• Twin share and single traveller supplement option. Shared room available option for single travellers

• Comfortable hotel accommodation (9 nights)

• Early morning guided tour to Machu Picchu - beat the crowds

• Explore Cusco city - Once capital of the Inca Empire

• Enjoy the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

• Experience the iconic train ride Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

• Free time to enjoy Cusco and surroundings at your own pace or enjoy our optional tours

• Prior departure information session provided by experienced local guide based in NSW

Itinerary:

Welcome to Peru. Your tour starts either at Lima's or Cusco's International airport. On arrival, one of our representatives will pick you up from the airport. If you arrived at an earlier date, please make your way to our accommodation, and join us. A first welcome meeting will be scheduled during the day (depending on arrivals) where you will meet your fellow travellers and where essential information about the trip will be thoroughly discussed. Tonight is free for everyone to explore at their own pace or rest in preparation for the exciting days ahead.

Elevation: Lima (sea level) - Cusco (3400 mts/11150 ft)

Activity: Transfer to Hotel/Sightseeing

Explorer Moment: Do not miss the initial welcome meeting held upon arrival. Meet your fellow travellers and get detailed information about the itinerary and upcoming activities

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: None

Today we will catch a flight to Cusco. We will initially meet our fellow travellers prior to the beginning of our activities in this magical city. We will first explore our accommodation surroundings and catch the first glimpses of Cusco city centre and its impressive architecture on an easy escorted walking tour. We will find our way around by finding essential services nearby such as money exchange, banks, souvenirs, laundry services and dining options nearby. Tonight, feel free to explore Cusco's city at your own pace or enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience with your group.

Elevation: 3400 mts/11150 ft

Activity: Sightseeing/Guided walk (1.5 kms/2 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Do not miss the guided walking tour today. Be amazed by walking through the Main Plaza and witness the marvellous Inca masonary blended with colonial architecture, with arcades, carved wooden balconies and Inca walls.

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: Breakfast

Today we will visit Cusco's nearby ruins and two of the most iconic architectural marvels the city has to offer. We will start our day with a short drive above the city to reach Tambomachay (Inca Baths) and Puka Pukara (red fortress) archaeological sites. They consist of a series of large walls, terraces, staircases, canals, aqueducts, and waterfalls. Then, we will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Strategically located above Cusco city, it is well known by its amazing megalithic walls and remarkable architecture. Afterwards, we will drive down back to the city to visit the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire-The Qoricancha Temple (Sun temple). It was mostly destroyed by the conquerors and used as the foundations for the church and the convent of Santo Domingo. We will briefly visit the main Cathedral in the main square of the city before the end of our activities for the day.

Elevation: 3700-3400 mts (12140-11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing (6 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Enjoy Cusco's best views from above. Find the best spot and get your camera ready. Be amazed with the imposing greatness of Sacsayhuaman fortress and find out how important the site was for the Incas

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar.

Meals: Breakfast/Packed Lunch

We will drive 45 minutes to Chinchero, known as the most traditional and picturesque town in the region. We will first stop by Ccorccor village regarded as the oldest community centre in the area and currently a famous traditional weaving cooperative. After exploring the town and the archaeological Inca remains in the area, we will continue our drive towards Moray (Inca Amphitheatre). It consists of a series of concentric terraces used for agricultural experimentation in Inca times (each terraced level is believed to hold a different microclimate). Then we will visit Maras Salt mines made up of more 3000 salt pools amazingly carved into the hillside of the mountain. Much of the salt produced by the mines, is still used for domestic consumption in the region. Visitors are not allowed to walk through the salt producing pools anymore. However, we will be able to catch amazing views of the mines from the visitor's lookout point.

Elevation: 3400-3500 (11150-11500 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing (7 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Walk right outside the accommodation and be amazed by the stunning mountains surrounding our location.

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Premium or similar.

Meals: Breakfast/Pack Lunch

Today we will visit the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas. A few miles above Cusco city, we will initially stop at the colourful village of Caccaccollo and explore its famous traditional weaving & textile Co-op. Our journey will continue for another 30 minutes to reach Pisac town located along the banks of the Vilcanota river. Pisac is renowned for its traditional market and its hilltop Inca citadel with ancient temples surrounded by extensive agricultural terraces. After exploring the remains of this amazing Inca site, we will wander around Pisac' traditional streets leading up to its main square where a colourful open-air craft market is found. Later, we will continue our drive along the Sacred Valley to find our accommodation in Urubamba town.

Elevation: 2900 mts (9500 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing (5-6 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Enjoy the most amazing lively handicraft market in the region right in Pisac's main square. This is the perfect chance to buy the best souvenirs or crafts to take home.

Accommodation: Amaru Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Buffet lunch

After breakfast, we will continue our drive along the Sacred Valley. We will first stop at the farming community of Pichingoto where we will visit a local farm and learn how farmers cultivate the land using many of the ancient techniques used by their ancestors. Later, we will visit Ollantaytambo town, known as the Last Inca Living City. The traditional part of the village currently preserves stunning cobblestoned streets, adobe structures, trapezoidal doors, running Inca water canals and drainage. We will also explore the archaeological remains of the Inca fortress, and its temples strategically built above the village, before driving back to our accommodation in Urubamba.

Elevation: 2700 mts (8800 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing (6-7 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Be amazed by the "last Inca Living City" and its enchanting cobblestones and dwellings. The beauty of the Valley is more than the "picture-perfect" moment, it is breathtaking!!

Accommodation: Amaru Hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast, we will make our way to Ollantaytambo train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Depending on the scheduled departure time, we might get the chance to further explore the beaty of Ollantaytambo. We will embark on the iconic train ride to Machu Picchu. This amazing 2-hour train ride will take us further down into the Urubamba Valley. The change in scenery is overwhelming. From imposing high mountains to lush tropical forests. In the afternoon, we will explore Aguas Calientes and visit its traditional hot springs.

Elevation: 2000 mts (6550 ft)

Activity: Train ride/Sightseeing (6 hrs)

Explorer Moment: Enjoy the most scenic train ride in Peru. Don't miss the chance to witness how the Andes Mountain range merges with The Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation: Hotel Mapi or similar.

Meals: Breakfast

Our visit to Machu Picchu is today. Leaving early (6:00 am), we will catch a bus to take us up the mountain to the Inca citadel (2400 mts). We will enjoy a guided tour (2 hrs) through the most important areas of the monument including temples, royal houses, terraces, and water fountains. Following the new regulations to protect and preserve Machu Picchu, visitors are limited to a predetermined route and time during their visit. Visitors must be always accompanied by a licensed guide during this time. There is an optional service to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (The availability of tickets for these options is quite limited). After our visit, we will catch our bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and our final look around in town before catching a late afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. From this train station, our private bus will drive us back to our hotel in Cusco (8-9 pm arrival)

Elevation: 2000/2400/3400 mts (6560/8000/11150 ft)

Activity: Sightseeing/Exploring at your own pace

Explorer Moment: Enjoy every moment of your visit to Machu Picchu. It is unique and magical

Accommodation: San Agustin Premium or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing day in Cusco city. It is the perfect day to rest and relax or perhaps to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. This is great chance to buy your last-minute souvenirs before heading back home or add another extra activity to your itinerary. We have a list of add on activities that you may be interested in on this day. For our last night as a group, we will find a nice spot for dinner and share those unforgettable moments prior to the end of our journey.

Elevation: 3400 mts(11150 ft)

Activity: Explore at your own pace

Explorer Moment: Take the walk up to San Blas (10 minutes off the main square) and find the famous Inca 12 angled stone

Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Our service concludes today at check out time 10:00 am. We will organise a shuttle service to take you back to the airport if needed. Otherwise, feel free to leave at any time.

Elevation: 3400 mts(11150 ft)

Meals: Breakfast.

• Andean Explorer Tours leader and bilingual local guides where applicable.

• 9 nights comfortable Hotel accommodation (twin share) - Solo traveller option $700pp

• Domestic Flights. Lima-Cusco return

• Airport transfers and all ground transportation to and from tours and activities

• Machu Picchu entry permit and early morning guided tour (2-2:30 mins tours)

• Train tickets-Ollantaytambo Aguas Calientes return (Vistadome upgrade for $200/ticket return)

• Oxygen tanks for altitude sickness prevention

• Meals as specified in the detailed itinerary (9 breakfasts, 4 lunches)

Included:

• Altitude. Cusco city is located at 3350 metres above sea level. Some visitors may experience and develop altitude sickness. The most common symptoms include tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath and in some instances loss of appetite/nausea. People tend to acclimatize in diverse ways. If you initially experience any altitude related symptoms, we recommend taking your time during activities, resting, and drinking plenty of water. This tour has been carefully crafted to provide an easy acclimatisation during your stay in Cusco and surroundings. For the first three nights, we will descend to and stay along the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas (2700m or 9000 feet). Alternatively, all our tour operations carry emergency oxygen tanks for altitude sickness prevention. Your dedicated Andean Explorer Leader will provide Oxygen supply if required.

• Pace and Mobility. This tour is expected to run at an easy-moderate pace. We will reach most points of interest in our itinerary by private bus. There might be some long travel days between destinations (2-3 hours). Some guided visits require walking up and down uneven cobblestone pathways and stairs. The guided tour to Machu Picchu is 2-2.5 hours long. It is only done on foot and scheduled to run at a fixed time limit. This trip is unsuitable for visitors with impaired mobility. You will be required to move about unassisted, including handling your luggage, getting on and of vehicles and lining up at check points. Our itinerary is crafted to spend two or more days at each destination. However, we will stay only for one night at Machu Picchu's adjacent town prior to our visit to the citadel.

• Trip Grading: This trip is rated Introductory. It is easy to follow and recommended for anyone without an impaired mobility. Comfortable hotel accommodation is provided daily. No camping is involved.

• Flexibility. This trip will be conducted as outlined in the itinerary. This includes plenty of time to explore at your own pace. All activities are optional and flexible arrangements can be discussed with your Andean Explorer Tours representative. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details

Explore the Facts:

• International flights

• Travel Insurance (compulsory)

• Visas

• Laundry and alcoholic drinks expenses

• Meals not listed in the itinerary

• Items of personal nature

• Tips for local guides/drivers

Not Included:

Inclusions

Adventure travel in third world countries involves a degree of unpredictability. Tour operations in remote areas are also subject to this degree of uncertainty and itineraries may be changed. Basic standards in remote areas in this trip are significantly different than the ones at home. For those situations outside your comfort zone, your flexibility, positive attitude, and sense of adventure is a must have. This is how unforgettable lifetime experiences are made of!

The Unexpected Element

• Payment Terms. You can secure your booking with an initial $500USD deposit of the total amount. The remaining balance is due two months prior to departure date.

• Flights. International flights are not included in this service. Domestic flights are included: Lima-Cusc0- Lima

• Airport Transfers. This package includes airport transfers in both directions. Cusco airport-accommodation-Cusco airport. Detailed transfer details will be included in your pre departure information booklet.

• Accommodation. Hotels (9nts) - Lima (1 night), Cusco city (5nts), Urubamba (2nts), Machu Pichu town (1 night). The accommodation type and Hotel name for each point of interest is listed in the daily itinerary description. Please note, any changes to the listed accommodation will be of a similar or higher standard. The standard room configuration is twin share. Additional bedding configurations may be requested and confirmed prior to departure. Changes to these configurations during the trip are always subject to availability. The options available for Solo Travellers include: The Single Supplement Option ($400USD pp) or The Shared Accommodation Option (opt to share the room with a fellow traveller of the same gender).

• Transport. Private vehicles, shared transfer buses, train.

• Group Leader. This is a fully escorted service. A bilingual Peru Explorer Tours representative always accompanies this trip.

• Travellers and Group Dynamics. There are no minimum numbers to run this trip. The maximum number of travellers for this trip is 12. This trip will run following the activities listed in the itinerary. However, at any time, feel free to stay and explore our destinations at your own pace.

• Travel Insurance - A comprehensive travel insurance cover is compulsory for this trip. Copies of travel insurance certificates will be collected prior to departure.

• Passport & Visas. Al travellers are required to have a valid passport (minimum 6 months). It is the traveller's responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Contact your local embassy or consulate for all your visa requirements.

• Meals. Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches are included. Meals are not included where there is a choice of eating options. Food in Peru is affordable and tasty. Please advise of any dietary requirements

• Tipping. Tips are not included in this package. While tipping is not compulsory, it is of common practice and given as a token of appreciation for great customer service.

Fine Print

Cusco Explorer Deluxe Tour

Experience the beauty of Peru with this unforgettable family friendly 10-day cultural tour

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"From the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural experiences, our tour with Peru Explorers was truly one-of-a-kind. We can't wait to come back!" —

Denise C.

★★★★★

Reviews

"An unforgettable experience! The tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and we felt immersed in the culture and history of Peru. Highly recommended!" — Andrew P.

★★★★★

Embark on this journey of a lifetime, where adventure meets culture

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