Cusco at a Glance

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3 Days From

~~$633~~

$603

Cusco at a Glance

3 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru

Visiting: Cusco, Machu Picchu

Tour operator:

Lima Tours

Tour code:

22762

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From: $633 $603 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$30

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Peru with the "Cusco at a Glance" tour. Begin your journey in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, where you'll explore a blend of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture, including the Coricancha Temple and the majestic Sacsayhuamán fortress. Experience the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," perched atop an Andean peak, offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into Inca history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in Cusco with options ranging from standard to deluxe hotels, daily breakfasts, and a guided tour in both Spanish and English. This tour includes all major monument admissions, roundtrip train rides, and private airport transfers, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.

Highlights

Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture
Machu Picchu: The 'Lost City of the Incas' is hidden on top of an Andean peak
Coricancha: Also known as the 'Temple of the Sun', built by order of Inca Pachacuti
Sacsayhuaman: An immense fortress built with large stones, whose transfer and assembling is still a mystery
Qenqo: An archaeological complex of religious use, where agricultural rituals were held
Puka Pukara: An architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers
Aguas Calientes: The last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3, Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4, Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Arrive at Cusco Airport and enjoy a transfer to your hotel. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. In the afternoon, the tour begins in Coricancha, also known as the ‘Temple of the Sun’. This was built by order of Inca Pachacuti and, at the arrival of the Spaniards, it became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square and head to Sacsayhuaman, one of the emblematic buildings of the Incas, erected by Inca Pachacuti in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large stones, whose transfer and assembling is still a mystery. Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where agricultural rituals were held. To conclude, you will visit Puka Pukara, located seven kilometres from the city. Puka Pukara, which means ‘red fort’, was an architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. When you finish visiting, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 2 : Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco (170Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3, Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4, Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and a transfer to the Ollanta train station. Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, arriving in approximately an hour and a half. This town is also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’ and is the last stop before entering the remains of Peru's most important archaeological site. Finally, after a short transfer by bus, you reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means ‘Old Mountain’, was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the World's New Seven Wonders. At the end of the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, return by train to Ollanta Station, and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 3 : Depart Cusco

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a tasty breakfast. Afterwards, enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to the airport.

Breakfast included.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

Spanish and English-speaking local guide

ACCOMMODATION:

2 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre-/Post night in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

MEALS:

2 breakfasts
1 lunch on day 2

TRANSPORT:

Transfers from/ to the airport in a private vehicle
Shared transfers from and to the train stations
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category
Bus Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu/ Aguas Calientes.

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara in Cusco, Machu Picchu on day 2

What's Not Included

Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals, meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme.
Tips

Tips for driver and guide.
Additional Optional Visits

Additional optional visits.
International Flights

International flights to Peru.
Domestic Flights

Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning).
Airport Departure Taxes

International and domestic airport departure taxes.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator

Please note that Check In in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby

If your trip includes the visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling

We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU

The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel (2 hours and a half accompanied by a guide). If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter in the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.

To help preserve the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and maintain its World Heritage status, the Ministry of Culture has designated various visitor circuits. The specific circuit and schedule will be assigned based on availability at the time your reservation is confirmed.

The following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses heavier than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

INSTRUCTIONS

Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.

Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information

In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre-/Post night in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Mode of Transport

Transfers include private vehicle transfers from/to the airport, shared transfers to/from train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu, and bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Accommodation

Enjoy two nights of accommodation in Cusco with options ranging from the 3-star Tierra Viva Cusco, the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn, to the 5-star Aranwa Cusco Boutique.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre-/Post night in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

What languages will the tour guide speak?

The tour guide will speak both Spanish and English.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes two nights of accommodation in Cusco. You can choose from three categories: Standard (Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3-star), Superior (Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4-star), and Deluxe (Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5-star).
Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, daily breakfast at the hotel and one lunch on day 2 are included in the tour.
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes private vehicle transfers from and to the airport, shared transfers from and to the train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in different services depending on the accommodation category, and bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
What entrance fees and activities are included in the tour?

The tour includes admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the itinerary, such as Coricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Quenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara in Cusco, and Machu Picchu on day 2.

What should I wear and bring for the tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for coastal areas, while warm clothing is advised for high Andean areas. It is not recommended to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Are there any specific requirements for visiting Machu Picchu?

Yes, the current restrictions allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide. If you tour an alternate route like Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, you will have 3 additional hours. If you wish to enter the citadel again, you must acquire an additional ticket in advance. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
What are the recommendations for dealing with altitude sickness?

It is recommended to rest for a few hours upon arrival, drink coca tea, and eat lightly. Passengers with heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before traveling. Machu Picchu is located at 2400 meters (8000 feet) above sea level.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

Reviews of this operator

Jose G.

Muy preparados y respetuosos, gracias LIma Tours

15-Feb-2023

El personal muy atento, preparados, respetuosos

Cesar

Excelente empresa

22-Feb-2023

Me gusto la atención y la formalidad de la agencia.

Marcela

Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena

16-Feb-2023

Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena

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