Inca Living Legacy, Private Tour
Inca Living Legacy, Private Tour
Inca Living Legacy, Private Tour
6 Days Starting and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Cusco, Pallata, Machu Pikchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
38209
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Cusco is known for its Incan history, impressive archaeological centres and beautiful colonial heritage, as seen in its churches and mansions. But it is the living culture that fills it with charm: the towns that still preserve their mystical heritage and Andean traditions. Discover on this 6-day trip the true essence of the life of the Andean man. Visit communities and learn about their beliefs and rituals in what’s bound to be a unique experience. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of a pre-Columbian past and Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills that hide fantastic archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Huilloc: This small Quechua-speaking community is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 30 minutes from Ollantaytambo. Although the centuries have passed, they preserve their ancient traditions to this day. Sacsayhuaman: An immense Inca fortress erected in the 15th century on top of a hill above Cusco. Its huge stones are a sign of past grandeur that continues to amaze visitors 500 years later. Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ is what draws thousands of people to Peru each year. Hidden among the vegetation, this mountain-top citadel, built in complete harmony with the landscape, hosts a wealth of rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites that offer the visitor a chance to get closer to Peru’s fascinating past.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: San Agustin Internacional
Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and to transfer you to your hotel. Please note that if you are arriving on a domestic flight from Lima, ensure that your arrival time is no later than 10:30, as later arrival times will be too late. In the afternoon, once you are checked into your hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals to improve harvests. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ‘red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is believed to be an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 2 : Cusco Huilloc (95 Km 2.5 Hrs)
Location: Pallata
Accommodation Name: Huilloc Community Housing
After breakfast at the hotel, a vehicle will pick you up to take you to Huilloc, a community in the province of Urubamba. Participate in a traditional Inca practice called Kusi Runa, where you will be part of the group of people in charge of working the land or ‘chakra’. But before getting your hands dirty, first visit the house of the owner of the chakra along with an interpreter. The owner will invite you to taste an infusion of muña, a well-known Andean medicinal plant, and to dress in the traditional clothing of the members of the community (ponchos for the men and blankets for the women). The men will then head out to tend the fields and start planting while the women will stay at home to cook, learning to prepare special dishes using local organic ingredients. After lunch, and once the day’s work is over, men and women alike gather for a ritual full of music and dance, an excellent opportunity to see up close the lifestyle of the Andean man.
Overnight in Huilloc.
Day 3 : Huilloc
Location: Pallata
Accommodation Name: Huilloc Community Housing
Wake up to breakfast in the morning and then participate in a fascinating local tradition. The tarpuntay (ancestral Inca authority) is in charge of preparing the khipu (sacred message) in an environment shrouded in spirituality and mysticism. The chasqui is chosen from among the visitors to be in charge of carrying the divine message in their chuspa or purse. Alongside the tarpuntay, the chasqui will deliver the sacred word, traversing the Sutuq Mach'ay cave and the fields of culture, surrounded by native plants with healing properties. The sound of the pututu announces their arrival at the archaeological centre of Aya Urqu, where the khipu is delivered to the interpreter. The other attendees wait at the top where the high priest performs the condor dance. After the ceremony, take some time to photograph this beautiful place before returning to town. Then in the afternoon, meet the community authorities to participate in the Yanapanakuy. Before starting, thank Pachamama (Mother Earth) with a payment to the land. After completing the tasks – which may be repainting the facades of the school or the medical centre, arranging furniture or planting trees – you’ll have a moment to rest and freshen up before enjoying watching some tradition songs and dances. End your experience by obtaining a souvenir to remind you of all you lived here when you go home.
Overnight in Huilloc.
Day 4 : Huilloc Ollantaytambo Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes (15 Km 30 Minutes / 1.5 Hrs By Train)
Location: Machu Pikchu
Accommodation Name: Hatun Inti Classic
After breakfast, leave the community of Huilloc and depart for Ollantaytambo. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour-and-a-half-long train journey through some truly spectacular Andean landscapes, from the Ollanta station all the way to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. After a 25-minute bus ride, you will finally arrive at the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in a thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments, such as the main square, the royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, the circular towers, the Sacred Clock and cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 5 : Aguas Calientes Cusco (1.5 Hr By Train / 75 Km 2 Hrs By Land)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: San Agustin Internacional
Today breakfast is followed by a relaxing free morning in Aguas Calientes. Spend your time however suits you best, be that making the most of the available facilities at the hotel, or leisurely exploring this wonderful location. Alternately, you can also return to Machu Picchu and visit the attractions that the citadel houses. You will find the best views at the Huayna Picchu and at the Inti Punku, both more than 300 metres above the citadel itself. Another option is to visit the Inca bridge, a secret military road that used to control access to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, board the train back to the Ollanta station and, from there, a vehicle will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6 : Depart Cusco
Location: Cusco
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your incredible journey with us in Peru, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.
Breakfast included
What's Included
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Operated with English, Spanish, or French speaking local guide on a private basis
The tour is operated with a local guide who speaks English, Spanish, or French on a private basis.
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5 nights accommodation
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5 breakfasts
The tour includes 5 breakfasts.
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3 lunches on days 2, 3, 4
The tour includes 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4.
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2 dinners on days 2, 3
The tour includes 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.
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Private transfers from and to the airport
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Shared transfers from and to the train stations
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Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail)
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Bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes
The tour includes bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
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All the activities mentioned in the programme
The tour includes all the activities mentioned in the programme, such as visiting the native community Huilloc, Machu Picchu, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucará in Cusco. The Partial Tourist Ticket of Cusco (BTC ticket) is also included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses, drinks, and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme
Personal expenses, drinks, and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme are not included.
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Tips for guide and driver
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International flights to Peru
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Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included.
It is advised to book the first flights in the morning. -
Domestic and foreign airport taxes
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Personal expenses drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme
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Domestic flights (it is advised to book the first flights in the morning)
Mode of Transport
Private transfers from and to the airport, shared transfers to and from train stations, and roundtrip train journeys to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) ensure seamless travel.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at San Agustin Internacional in Cusco, Huilloc Community Housing in Huilloc, and Hatun Inti Classic in Aguas Calientes, providing a mix of traditional and modern amenities throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are the local guides fluent in for the Inca Living Legacy tour?
The local guides for the Inca Living Legacy tour are fluent in English, Spanish, and French.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation. Specific accommodations include San Agustin Internacional in Cusco, Huilloc Community Housing in Huilloc, and Hatun Inti Classic in Aguas Calientes.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 2, 3, and 4, and 2 dinners on days 2 and 3.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from and to the airport, shared transfers from and to the train stations, and a roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail). Additionally, there is a bus service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
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What activities are included in the tour program?
The tour includes a visit to the native community of Huilloc, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and visits to Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pukará in Cusco. The Partial Tourist Ticket of Cusco (BTC ticket) is also included.
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What is the significance of the Kusi Runa practice in Huilloc?
Kusi Runa is a traditional Inca practice where participants work the land or 'chakra'. Men tend the fields and start planting, while women stay at home to cook, learning to prepare special dishes using local organic ingredients. The day ends with a ritual full of music and dance, showcasing the lifestyle of the Andean people.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will take a train journey through spectacular Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to the 'lost city of the Incas'. The tour will cover the main square, royal rooms, Temple of the Three Windows, circular towers, Sacred Clock, and cemeteries. You will learn about the origins and history of this impressive citadel.
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What are the options for the free morning in Aguas Calientes?
During the free morning in Aguas Calientes, you can relax at the hotel, explore the town, or return to Machu Picchu to visit attractions like Huayna Picchu, Inti Punku, or the Inca bridge. These sites offer some of the best views and historical insights.
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What is the Yanapanakuy activity in Huilloc?
Yanapanakuy is a community activity where participants help with tasks such as repainting the facades of the school or medical center, arranging furniture, or planting trees. The activity begins with a payment to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and ends with traditional songs and dances.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.