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Note: this tour does not include flights from Lima to Cusco. We can organise these for you on request. Please ask your Apus Peru travel consultant for more information and costs.
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Must See Cusco - Full Itinerary
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DAY ONE: Upon arrival in Cusco you will be transferred to your selected hotel. After settling in, we will set out to explore this fascinating city, whose name means "Navel of the World" with its enchanting narrow streets. During our walking tour, we will visit the Plaza Regocijo, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery - (the legendary Korikancha Temple). We will also stop at one of the cosomopolitan eateries in the arty San Blas area for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will head out of the city to visit the archaeological sites of Tambomachay, Qenko, and Puca Pucara. We will end our tour at the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, overlooking Cusco. There is the chance for pretty sunset shots looking over the valley of Cusco to the great Apu Ausangate. Accommodation: In Cusco
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DAY TWO: We will drive through the mountains to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" - which held great significance in Inca Culture. The Valley has a milder climate than Cusco and we will see a succession of picturesque villages, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites. In the morning we will stop at the market at Corow before continuing to Pisac's lively tourist market and its' extensive ruins. We will have lunch in Urubamba before visiting a traditional ceramics factory where we can purchase beautiful earthenware. We then continue on to Ollantaytambo with its' impressive Inca fortress that guarded the entry of this part of the valley and protected it from possible invasion from the lower jungles. The fortress consists of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. The design of Ollantaytambo village and the majority of its foundations date from the Inca era when it was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. We have time to stroll in the quaint streets after settling in at our quaint lodge in this village. In the evening we will sample some delicious local cuisine.
Accommodation: Ollantaytambo
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DAY THREE: Our start is not too early, as we join the train to Machu Picchu in Ollantaytambo, halfway through its' journey to Machu Picchu. After arriving in Aguas Calientes, we take a bus to ascend to the famous "The Lost City of the Incas," rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. This citadel is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. It straddles a mountain ridge surrounded by lush tropical forest. We will have a guided tour that includes the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and Burial Grounds. In the afternoon you have free time to further explore this ancient city before descending to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco, where you will arrive at approximately 9pm. Accommodation: Cusco
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DAY FOUR: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.
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Optional itinerary 1
Day 4: Free day in Cusco to further explore its fascinating indigenous markets, and colonial architechture. You will not have a guide for this day.
Day 5: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.
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Optional itinerary 2
Day 3: Stay the evening in the attractive village of Aguas Calientes. You can soak in the therapeutic hot springs or sample some of the local delights.
Day 4: You will not have a guide on this day but we recommend an early rise to admire Machu Picchu at sunrise, a truly mystical experience. For hiking enthusiasts, going up the Huayna Picchu peak overlooking the site is suggested. Afternoon rail coach transportation to Cusco. Upon arrival we will transfer you back to your hotel.
Day 5: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.
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INDICITIVE PRICES - STAR OPTIONS:
(THESE ARE NOT FINAL, AND THE ACTUAL PRICE DEPENDS ON YOUR PERSONALISED TOUR)
**2 star option - Above mentioned tour with two star accommodation $560 US per person with two people in a group, based on twin share. Or, the above mentioned tour with two star accommodation $450 US per, but with four people in the group. (ie if you are a group of four friends)
***3 star option - Above mentioned tour with three star accommodation - $675 US per person with two people in a group, based on twin share. Please contact us directly if there are more than 2 people in your group.
****4 star option - aove mentioned tour with 4 star accommodation and some 'extras' - please contact us directly.
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PRICE AND INCLUSIONS: Please >contact us, specifying what standard of accomodation you would prefer.
Please note that this is an indicative itinerary only, and is subject to changes according to your personal interests and local conditions at the time. The price is also indicative, and will depend on your interests.
Also note that the best "value for money" hotels book up months in advance and so in order to get the best "value for money" trip its advisable to book at least several months in anticipation.
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AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS
(these discounts are not cumulative)
• Students: US$ 20.00
(students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please beware that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
•Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
• Children: US$ 45.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
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PLEASE NOTE - you can do this tour with an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. the price is the same but you have to pay for your hotel and meals in Aguas Calientes. If you would like us to organise your hotel please see our Aguas Calientes Accomodation Options.
TO MAKE A BOOKING
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
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You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page.
