CUSCO
You'll be missing out if you skip Cusco on your way to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley. This city is a mix of new and old: ancient inca walls holding up baroque colonial buildings,inside of which lie some of the city's most contemporary restaurants and shops. Colonial churches and cultural museums dot the plaza, while funky modern cafes sit side by side with traditional galleries of cusqueñan art in San Blas.
Inca gems are everywhere, even along the traffic heavy business distric of avenida el sol, home of Cusco's star attraction, the Qorikancha sun temple.
TOP REASONS TO GO
- Alpaca Clothing: Nothing says Cusco quite like a sweater, shawl, poncho, or scarf woven from the hair of the alpaca.
- Andean Cusine: Where else in the world will you find roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steaks rubbing shoulders on fine-dining menus.
- Inca Architecture: How did the inca construct stone walls so precisely using 15 th-century technology how could they position a temple so it would be iluminated best at the exact moment of the solstice.
- Layered religion: Take a closer look at the wallsevery catholic church was built on the site, and often the foundation, of an inca huaca, or sacred place.
- Hotels with history: Cusco's hostelries brim with history. Many are former convemts, monasteries, dwellings of sacred women, or palaces of spanish conquerors.
- Sacred playground: The sacred valley is brimming with history, but it's also an adventurer's playground for hiking, biking, and rafting.
Day Tour -THE SOUTHEASTERN URUBAMBA VALLEY.
What really made the inca civilization so successful?. Their appreciation of a good view and gorgeous andean landscapes characterize almost every important inca site in the area surrounding Cusco.For a bird's-eye perspective on the city, head uphill to the second most famous inca the site of them all-the sexy woman herself, Sacsayhuaman.
Day Tour - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCA.
The Urubamba river meanders through a tranquil valley between the towns of pisac and Ollantaytambo north of Cusco, which offers a good selection of hotels and restaurants, stunning views and a stower pace of life than the big city. An uncontested hot spot for nature lovers and outdoor anthusiasts, the valley's lower elevation and warmer temperatures are added bonuses, especially for acclimatization.
Hiking - MACHU PICCHU & INCA TRAIL
There are many original Inca Trails in the Andes, but the most famous section, simply known as The Inca Trail, is the original route to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Spread over 4 Days hiking to Inca Trail, the 44 km trail starts at kilometre 82 (as it is 82 kilometres along the railroad from Cusco) through the Andes crosses three stunning high passes and encounters many ancient archaeological sites including Wilkarakay.
The Best Treks to Machu Picchu from Cusco and Sacred Valley
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- 5 Day Inca Trail
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
