CUSCO CAPITAL IMPERIAL DE LOS INCAS |
Cusco and Machu Picchu are at the center of most Peruvian travel itineraries. PERU REPS offers you three different program packages plus six optional half-day extensions in this, one of the most delightful settings on earth.
Cuzco: the Center of the World
Cuzco's main square was the center of the Inca Empire that extended over much of South America during the 15th century. Contemporary Cuzco is now the oldest inhabited city of the Americas and a showcase of Pre-Inca, Inca, Colonial and Republican cultures. The visitor feasts his eyes on the varieties of architecture.
The surrounding countryside is also stunning, much of it sculpted by ancient agricultural terraces. The Sacred Valley of the Incas provides an important link to Machu Picchu history, and is the perfect way to relax in the Peruvian heartland.
Cuzco is also the departure point for visits to Machu Picchu, which can be reached by train, by foot along the Inca trail, or by helicopter
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Machu Picchu History – the Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu history has been the subject of much speculation. It has been called a religious center, an astronomical observatory, a fortress, and the private retreat of the Inca. Most modern archaeologists and historians agree that it was built by Pachacútec, the mid-15th century Inca ruler. Never discovered by the Spanish, Machu Picchu history was lost for 400 years before it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
The visitor can easily see how the rugged landscape and lush vegetation kept Machu Picchu hidden for four centuries. Its location at an altitude of 7,900 feet and 75 miles from Cusco high above the Urubamba River could not be more spectacular.
MAGIC CUZCO 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
DAY 1 / CUZCO
Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Visitors should take a short rest in order to adjust to altitude. Afternoon tour of the city visiting the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral. Continue to the surrounding ruins: the fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay ruins.
DAY 2 / MACHU PICCHU
Catch the morning train for a full day tour of Machu Picchu, the `Lost City of the Incas` one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. Surrounded by lush cloud forest, the citadel perches on a mist-shrouded mountain top.
En la tarde regreso a Cusco y traslado al hotel. (D,A).
DAY 3
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
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MACHUPICCHU DE ENCANTO 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DAY 1 / CUZCO
Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour of the city and surrounding ruins.
DAY 2 / CUZCO - MACHU PICCHU WITH OVERNIGHT
Full day excursion to Machu Picchu, the `Lost City of the Incas`. Over night at Machu Picchu. (B, L)
DAY 3 / MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Early wake up to see the sun rising over Machu Picchu. Enjoy the ruins and watch the mist rise over this mountain-top citadel at dawn. Afternoon return to Cuzco and Hotel. (B)
DAY 4
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
* Daily departures. |
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DAY 1 / CUZCO
Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon tour of the city and surrounding ruins.
DAY 2 / URUBAMBA VALLEY
Visit Ollantaytambo, the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Americas. Ollantaytambo's narrow streets, complete with canals unchanged since Inca times, recall its ancient heritage. After lunch visit the colourful Indian market in Pisac to see a blend of colour, tradition and people. At a distance of 30 km. (19 miles) from Cuzco, and an altitude of 2,970 meters (9,700 ft.), Pisac is located right at the entrance to the Sacred Valley. (B, L)
DAY 3 / MACHU PICCHU
Full day excursion to Machu Picchu, the `lost City of the Incas`. Afternoon return to Cuzco and hotel. (B, L)
DAY 4
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
* Daily departures.
* Pisac Market take place only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
* Optional overnight in the Urubamba Valley.
H/D CUZCO WALKING TOUR
Experience the mystery of the Cathedral, Temple of the Sun, the famous twelve sided stone, narrow streets with the finest walls as example of Inca Architecture, and the San Blas suburb, the residence of the best artists since the colony.
H/D CHINCHERO
Located 35 km. (22 miles) northwest of Cuzco, the town of Chinchero lies on the foundations of an important Inca site built in late 1400s. Brightly dressed, the people of Chinchero gather in the main plaza to barter foodstuffs and offer visitors an array of crafts from the Cuzco region against a scenery of breathtaking beauty.
* Market only Thursdays and Sundays.
H/D PISAC RUINS
A scenic drive along the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to visit the Inca ruins that lie above the town of Pisac 31 km. (19 miles) from Cuzco overlooking the Vilcanota river. Fortresses, urban complexes, temples and well preserved Andean terraces built by the Incas all make up an imposing and unforgettable sight.
H/D PIQUILLACTA AND ANDAHUAYLILLAS
Located 17 km. (10 miles) southeast of Cuzco, Piquillacta boasts some of the finest agricultural terracing ever built in the Cuzco area. The tour continues to the village of Andahuaylillas to visit a seventeenth century church with an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs.
H/D MORAY AND MARAS
Huge circular agricultural terraces at Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urumbamba valley. It has been suggested that they have a cosmological meaning, but their function, other than agricultural, remains a mystery. Nearby, age-old terraced salt mines and ponds sit below the colonial town of Maras
DINNER & FOLK SHOW
Enjoy a delicious typical dinner at a local restaurant with a picturesque folklore show. |
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