Morning

• 08:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Cusco at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. A representative will greet you, assist with your luggage, and provide a private transfer to your hotel in the historic center.
• 11:00 a.m. – 01:00 p.m. – Hotel check-in and free time to acclimatize to the altitude (3,399 m / 11,152 ft). Enjoy a cup of coca tea, rest, and hydrate. Short walks are recommended if you feel comfortable.

Afternoon – City Tour

• 01:30 p.m. – Pick-up from your hotel to begin your guided city tour.
• 01:45 p.m. – 02:30 p.m. – Visit the Cathedral of Cusco, an impressive colonial-era church with elaborate altars, paintings from the Cusqueña School, and centuries-old religious relics.
• 02:35 p.m. – 03:10 p.m. – Explore the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, where exquisite stonework blends with the colonial Church of Santo Domingo.

Archaeological Sites near Cusco

• 03:30 p.m. – 04:10 p.m. – Sacsayhuamán – Majestic Inca fortress with massive stone walls, offering panoramic views of Cusco.
• 04:15 p.m. – 04:40 p.m. – Qenqo – A ceremonial site with carved rock formations, tunnels, and ritual altars.
• 04:50 p.m. – 05:10 p.m. – Puka Pukara – A small fortress and checkpoint used by the Incas to control access to the capital.
• 05:15 p.m. – 05:40 p.m. – Tambomachay – Known as the “Bath of the Inca,” with finely carved aqueducts and fountains that still flow with fresh water.

Evening

• 06:00 p.m. – Return to your hotel in Cusco. Free time to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or stroll through the illuminated streets of the city.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Morning

• 06:30 a.m. – 07:15 a.m. – Breakfast at your hotel in Cusco. Prepare for a full-day excursion through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, known for its fertile lands, Andean villages, and impressive Inca architecture.
• 07:30 a.m. – Pick-up from your hotel and departure towards the Sacred Valley, enjoying scenic views of the Andes along the way. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the Inca civilization and the valley’s historical significance.
• 08:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Pisac Archaeological Complex – Explore ancient agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and strategic viewpoints offering spectacular panoramas of the valley.
• 10:20 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Visit the Pisac Traditional Market, famous for its colorful stalls selling handicrafts, alpaca textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and fresh local produce. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs directly from local artisans.

Afternoon

• 12:30 p.m. – 01:30 p.m. – Buffet lunch in Urubamba, featuring a selection of traditional Peruvian dishes and international cuisine, prepared with fresh local ingredients.
• 01:45 p.m. – 03:15 p.m. – Ollantaytambo Fortress – Discover this remarkable Inca military, religious, and agricultural center. Learn about its strategic location, its role in resisting the Spanish conquest, and admire the massive stone terraces and finely crafted temples.

Evening – Train to Aguas Calientes

• 03:30 p.m. – Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
• 04:30 p.m. – 06:10 p.m. – Scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, a charming town at the base of Machu Picchu. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba River, lush valleys, and cloud forests.
• 06:15 p.m. – Arrival in Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax, explore the town, or enjoy a quiet dinner in one of its cozy restaurants.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Early Morning

• 05:00 a.m. – 05:30 a.m. – Early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Prepare for one of the most anticipated experiences of your journey: visiting the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• 05:40 a.m. – Board the shuttle bus for a 25-minute ascent to the entrance of Machu Picchu, passing lush cloud forest landscapes along the way.

Morning – Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

• 06:10 a.m. – 09:10 a.m. – Meet your expert guide at the citadel’s entrance and begin a comprehensive guided tour of this awe-inspiring Inca city. Explore its most iconic sectors:
  • The Guardian’s House – A perfect spot for your first panoramic photographs of Machu Picchu.
  • The Main Temple – Sacred ceremonial site of the Inca elite.
  • The Temple of the Three Windows – Symbolizing the three realms of Inca cosmology.
  • The Intihuatana Stone – Believed to be an ancient astronomical clock or calendar.
  • Agricultural Terraces – Ingeniously designed to prevent erosion and sustain crops.
  • Sacred Rock and Royal Quarters – Key ceremonial and residential areas.

Midday – Free Exploration

• 09:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy free time to take photographs, explore at your own pace, or simply absorb the mystical atmosphere. Adventurous travelers may choose to hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) or the Inca Bridge (subject to availability and permits).

Afternoon – Return to Cusco

• 11:30 a.m. – Board the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes.
• 12:00 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. – Free time for lunch (not included) and last-minute souvenir shopping in Aguas Calientes.
• 02:30 p.m. – 04:10 p.m. – Scenic train journey back to Ollantaytambo.
• 04:15 p.m. – 06:30 p.m. – Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.

Evening

• 06:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco. Free evening to relax or enjoy dinner in the city.
• Overnight in Cusco.

Morning

• 06:00 a.m. – 08:00 a.m. – Breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to take a last stroll through Cusco’s historic streets, visit a local café, or purchase final souvenirs from artisan shops.
• 2 hours before your flight – Our representative will meet you at your hotel for your private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Along the way, enjoy your last views of Cusco’s charming neighborhoods and the surrounding Andean scenery.

End of Services – We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again to explore more of Peru’s wonders with ELITE TREK.