The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour
The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour
The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour
6 Days Starting and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Cusco, Ancopacha, Aguas Calientes
Tour operator:
Tour code:
38119
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover on this six-day tour, why the Incas turned the Sacred Valley into the center of their empire. Learn about the main attractions of the city of Cusco and the valley, from impressive archaeological sites to Andean landscapes that leave you breathless at the foot of peaks covered in white snow. And let yourself be captivated by the imposing Machu Picchu and its incomparable mystique. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture. Coricancha: Impressive sample of the convergence of the Inca universe with the colonial one. It was the temple dedicated to the veneration of the sun. Later with the arrival of the Spaniards, its foundations were used as a base for the construction of the convent of Santo Domingo. Cathedral: Unmistakable Gothic-Renaissance construction in the Plaza de Armas. Inside you can appreciate a valuable collection of canvases of the prestigious Cusqueña School Sacsayhuamán: An immense Inca fortress erected in the fifteenth century on top of a hill above Cusco. Its gigantic stones are a sign of its grandeur that continues to amaze visitors 500 years later. Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people arrive in Peru. Hidden among the vegetation, get closer to our past through its rooms built in communion with the landscape that surrounds them.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Cusco – Sacred Valley (50Km – 1.5 Hours)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots
Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your Sacred Valley hotel. En route to the hotel, following the road to Pisac, you will make a stop at the Inkariy Museum where you will learn about the pre-Columbian history and traditions of Peru. This museum features a chronological circuit of exhibits that will not only give you an insight into the impressive Inca Empire, but will also introduce you to the lesser-known peoples of Peru, including the Caral, Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nasca, Wari, Malbayeque and Chimú cultures. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in to your room and enjoy some free time to make use of the hotel facilities or to relax and re-charge your batteries ready for the trip ahead. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 2 : Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (85 Km 2 Hrs)
Location: Ancopacha
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots
Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by visit to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but you also have the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample a lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo. After eating, explore the streets of Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. At the end of the day, return to your hotel to rest full of the spirit of the Incas.
*On Sundays, you may also visit the local market.Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 3 : Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (75Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Ferré Machu Picchu
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the Ollanta station to begin your trip to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the approximately two-hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’, the last stop before entering the most important archaeological site in Peru. 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 and free time in the afternoon.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4 : Machu Picchu Cusco (115 Km 4 Hours)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending a relaxing morning at your leisure in Aguas Calientes, where you will find restaurants, bars, shops, and a craft market. Alternatively, you may return to Machu Picchu to further explore this spectacular ancient city. Spend the morning over Machu Picchu and discover its secrets. Some of the best views of the sunrise can be found by hiking up Huayna Picchu, which houses a complex of underground temples, and Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), both more than 300 metres above the citadel itself. Another option is to take the short 30-minute trek to the Inca Bridge, the secret entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Inca army. Built into a spectacular path along a sheer mountain side, the simple plank bridge could quickly be removed to scupper the progress of any unwanted arrivals. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollanta station where you will be met by the transportation service who will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5 : Cusco: City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Site
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestone streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the 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 historical 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 Sacsayhuamán and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning 'strong red' in Quechua. Puka Pukara is 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 6 : Departure Cusco
Location: Cusco
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport. Although this is the last day of your journey 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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Local Guide
Operated with English, Spanish, or French speaking local guide on a private basis.
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Meals
5 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches on days 2 and 3.
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Accommodation
5 nights of accommodation.
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Private Transfers
Private transfers from and to the airport and train stations.
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Train to Machu Picchu
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rail) for Deluxe category.
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Admission Fees
Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the itinerary: Living Museum of Yucay, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological complexes in Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu on day 3; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo.
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Transport Description
Private transfers from and to the airport and train stations, along with roundtrip train service to Machu Picchu, provide seamless and convenient transportation during your tour.
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Accommodation Description
Enjoy comfortable stays at AVA Spots in Sacred Valley, Ferré Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, and Tierra Viva Cusco in Cusco, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
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Operated with English Spanish or French speaking local guide on a private basis
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5 nights of accommodation.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals, and meals not stated in the programme.
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Tips
Tips for driver and guide.
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International Flights
International flights to Peru.
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Optional Visits
Additional optional visits.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning before 11:00hrs).
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Airport Taxes
International and domestic airport departure taxes.
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Expenses of a personal nature. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Meals not stated in the programme
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Tips for driver and guide
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Additional optional visits
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International flights to Peru
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Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning before 11:00hrs)
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International and domestic airport departure taxes
Mode of Transport
Private transfers from and to the airport and train stations, along with roundtrip train service to Machu Picchu, provide seamless and convenient transportation during your tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at AVA Spots in Sacred Valley, Ferré Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, and Tierra Viva Cusco in Cusco, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from and to the airport and train stations, along with roundtrip train service to Machu Picchu.
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What types of accommodations are included in the tour?
The tour includes comfortable stays at AVA Spots in Sacred Valley, Ferré Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, and Tierra Viva Cusco in Cusco.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches on days 2 and 3.
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What activities are available at the Yucay Museum of Living Culture?
At the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, you can see traditional Andean crafts such as textiles, adobe pottery, and silverware being made. You also have the opportunity to feed llamas, sheep, and alpacas.
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What can I expect during the visit to Machu Picchu?
During the visit to Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the citadel, exploring its main square, royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, circular towers, the Sacred Clock, and cemeteries. You can also hike up Huayna Picchu or visit the Inca Bridge for stunning views and historical insights.
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What are the highlights of the Cusco city tour?
The Cusco city tour includes visits to the Santo Domingo Convent, the cathedral in Plaza de Armas, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, and the archaeological sites of Qenqo and Puka Pukara.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as additional visits to Machu Picchu, hiking up Huayna Picchu, or taking a short trek to the Inca Bridge.
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What is the best time to book domestic flights to Cusco?
It is advised to book domestic flights to Cusco that arrive in the morning before 11:00hrs, as noon arrivals are too late for the tour schedule.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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.