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Want to spend a couple of days getting to know the best of the Cusco region? Here, we organise all transfers, accomodation, and provide a guide for highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. We have always focused on showing visitors the heart of Cusqueno culture, and these tours are no exception. You won't find a stock standard tour here - each tour provides something different that enables you to get off the beaten track.

** please note, if you wish a complete package that includes airport transfers and accomodation in Lima, please see our Lima Extensions or our Peru Packages. **

Cusco Meet n' Greet

This package is designed for those wishing to get oriented on arrival from Cusco. We will meet you at the airport and escort you to a hotel of your choice. After you have had time to settle in, we will take you on a walking tour of downtown Cusco. This helps you to get oriented whilst also seeing highlights including Plaza Nazarenas, San Blas, Hatunrumiyoc (the 12 angled stone), the Plaza de Armas and the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun). The duration of this tour will be about 3 hours.

Note: We can suggest a range of hotels for you - you can make a booking or we can do it on your behalf.

Included: English/Spanish Speaking Guide, Transfer from the airport to your hotel, City tour as described above.

Not included: Boleto Touristico (Tourist Ticket) or entry to the Koricancha, or Cathedral. Click here for more information about the Tourist Ticket.

PRICE: US $25 per person (min. 2 passengers)

Price for one person travelling alone: $45. If you have a group of five or more people, please contact us for a special rate.

For more historical information about these sites, please see our Inca history - Cathedral and Koricancha page

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Must See Cusco (3 days & 2 nights)
Explore the most famous sights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and finish up with a tour to Machu Picchu.

Day 1
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: Cusco

Day 2
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

Day 3
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

Day 4
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.

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.

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.

INDICATIVE PRICE 2008: 2 star $700 3 star $850

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. ***

ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.

July 17 report 1/ July 17 report 2

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Cusco Close Up (8 days/ 7 nights)

This tour, which is for people that like to get out and about allows you two days in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu so you can really feel that you have got to know this spectacular part of the world a little better.

** this is an example itinerary only, this can be shortened by one day or altered to meet your needs.

** this itinerary can be extended to include airport pickups and transfers, a city tour and accomodation in Lima, if required.

Day 1 Airport pickup and transfer to your accomodation.

2pm City tour where we will visit the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the Cathedral and key plazas with a description of the history of Cusco. We will also visit Hatunrumiyoc street with its famous 12 angled stone.

5pm finish city tour

Accomodation: Cusco

Day 2 : You have two options on this day - a horseriding tour of the Four Ruins or a tour with vehicles. We recommend the horse riding tour.

This 4 hour tour takes place in the northern outskirts of Cusco (a 15-minute car ride from the centre) and not only allows you to visit magnificent Inca sites but is also an amazingly peaceful tour - trotting along in the mountains surrounded by fantastic views over Cusco and the surrounding peaks. Inca sites visited include:
" Sacsayhuaman
" Qenqo
" Puca pucara
" Tambomachay (Water Temple)
This tour finishes at one o'clock, leaving you with the remainder of the day to enjoy Cusco.

In the evening (Tuesday through Saturday) tickets are included to the Peru Spectacular, Kusikay. Contemporary yet with historical elements, with spectacular costumes, vibrant Peruvian music and thrilling dance, Kusikay is without a doubt the best quality performance in Cusco ! Highly recommended as a way of understanding the power and importance of the Apus to the local people, done in a dramatic and exciting way! www.kusikay.com

Accomodation: Cusco

Day 3 : On this day you are going to travel to Chinchero and then hike down to the Sacred Valley. There are two recommended routes by which you can do this and you can chose either, depending on your interest

Please see the itinerary description at Descending to the Sacred Valley

Please see the itinerary description at Shapes of the Past.

Once arriving in the Sacred Valley we will 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 might visit a local chicheria.

Accomodation: Ollantaytambo **you might stay in Pisac this evening, depending on your activities during the day **

Day4: You have the choice of departing on our highly recommended cultural tour Weaving and Farming or one of our other one day hikes described here "one day hikes"

Accomodation: Ollantaytambo **you might stay in Pisac this evening, depending on your activities during the day **

Day 5: 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 heading down to Aguas Calientes (either by bus or walking) where we recommend a soak in the hot springs.

Accomodation: Aguas Calientes

Day 6: 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.

Accomodation: Cusco

Day 7: Free day in Cusco to further explore its fascinating indigenous markets, and colonial architechture. You will not have a guide for this day.

Accomodation: Cusco

Day 8: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS:

Indicative prices:

2 star option - Above mentioned tour with two star accomodation and backpacker train tickets $650 per person based on twin share

3 star option - Above mentioned tour with three star accomodation and vistadome train tickets $830 per person based on twin share

** 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. ***

Testimonials

How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10

How would you rate your guide? 10

How were your meals? 10

What was the highlight of your trip? Not really part of the experience, but got to teach 2 English classes. This really gave me a unique perspective of the culture!

Jeff, USA, February 2008

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Cusco Full On (8 days/ 7 nights)

This is a tour for those who like to live "full on" - in this creative trip you will get to plunge head on into an action packed and adventurous week in the high Andes around Cusco! Not only a physical challenge, this tour will take you to the heart of Andean culture and to the famous Machu Picchu.

** This is an example itinerary only; this can be shortened altered to meet your personal needs.
** This itinerary can be extended to include airport pickups and transfers, a city tour and accommodation in Lima, if required.

Day 1 Airport pickup and transfer to your accommodation.

You have several options on this day

1. Horse riding tour of the Four Ruins
This 4 hour tour takes place in the northern outskirts of Cusco (a 15-minute car ride from the centre) and not only allows you to visit magnificent Inca sites but is also an amazingly peaceful tour - trotting along in the mountains surrounded by fantastic views over Cusco and the surrounding peaks. Inca sites visited include: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca pucara, Tambomachay (Water Temple)

2.
City tour where we will visit the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the Cathedral and key plazas with a description of the history of Cusco. We will also visit Hatunrumiyoc Street with its famous 12 angled stone. We then travel by taxi to visit the four ruins above Cusco
" Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca pucara, Tambomachay (Water Temple)

3. Take it easy and explore Cusco by yourself

'Accommodation: Cusco

Day 2: Sacred Valley tour

1. Standard Sacred Valley tour by vehicle
Pick up time is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to start the tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will visit the artisan market in Corao, the lookout over the Sacred Valley in Taray, the town of Pisac where we will visit another tourist market and also the famous local market where produce is exchanged. Later, we will visit the fascinating Pisac ruins. We will have a buffet lunch in Urubamba, capital of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then continue onto the ruins at Ollantaytambo and also visit this village which still exists in the same layout as in Inca times. In the evening we will visit the market and weaving town of Chinchero with its colonial church on Inca Ruins. We will return to Cusco in the evening, between 6pm and 7pm.
You have the choice of departing on our highly recommended cultural/hiking tours
1. Weaving and Farming by bicycle
2. Please see the itinerary description at Shapes of the Past.
3. Please see the itinerary description at Descending to the Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Ollantaytambo **you might stay in Pisac or Urubamba this evening, depending on your activities during the day **

Day 3 - 6
You will depart on one of our highly recommended, off the beaten track four day treks that end in Machu Picchu

Suggestions are:
Ancascocha Trek
Lares and Machu Picchu, including a visit to the community of Chaullacocha
Tropical Inca Trail
Expreso Salkantay

On the fourth day of the tour you will return to Cusco in the evening

Day 7: Free day in Cusco to further explore its fascinating indigenous markets, and colonial architecture. You will not have a guide for this day.

You have the option to go on a rafting tour on this day. (extra cost)

In the evening (Tuesday through Saturday) tickets are included to the Peru Spectacular, Kusikay. Contemporary yet with historical elements, with spectacular costumes, vibrant Peruvian music and thrilling dance, Kusikay is without a doubt the best quality performance in Cusco ! Highly recommended as a way of understanding the power and importance of the Apus to the local people, done in a dramatic and exciting way! www.kusikay.com

Accommodation: Cusco

Day 8: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and assisted on your departure flight.

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS:

2008 Indicative prices: (THESE ARE NOT FINAL, AND THE ACTUAL PRICE DEPENDS ON YOUR PERSONALISED TOUR)

2 star option - Above mentioned tour with two star accommodation and backpacker train tickets $1065 per person based on twin share

3 star option - Above mentioned tour with three star accommodation and Vistadome train tickets $1190 per person based on twin share

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APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.