Adventure in Cusco 11 Days 10 Nights
Welcome to Cusco! The most popular destination in the entire country of Peru, Cusco was the ancient Inca capital of hundred years ago and is now the starting point for numerous adventure tours to Machu Picchu, the site with the most fame. Cusco is located at 3,360 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lakes.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
You are a person of adventure and enjoy to create amazing history, right? Then, this package is for you. On this 11-day trip to Cusco, you'll take part in a variety of excursions to connect with locals and learn about the history of the Incas, as well as beautiful landscapes, spectacular scenery, and more that will showcase Cusco at its best. You will be taken by our crew to the most isolated locations, where few visitors travel.
Highlights:Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Ausangate and the Rainbow MountainConsiderations: We recommend visiting Cusco between April to December (dry season)
NOte: This package is flexible and can be tailored to your requirements
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Welcome to Cusco and City tour.
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Day02
Sacred Valley tour
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Day03
Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu
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Day04
Explore Machu Picchu
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Day05
Walking tour In Cusco local market
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Day06
Free Day
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Day07
Ausangate Trek with Rainbow mountain 4 Days
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Day11
Explore Cusco
Welcome to Cusco and City tour optional
On the first day of our adventure in Cusco, our representative is going to pick you up from Cusco Airport based on your flight itinerary. We will transport you to your hotel in Cusco so you can acclimatize to the altitude there. Keep in mind that Cusco is about 3,360 meters (nearly 11,023 feet) above sea level, so if you're coming from a lower altitude, you may need some time to acclimatize. If you are used to this altitude, you can join our tour guides as they show you around Cusco. If you wish to rest on your first day in Cusco, you can skip this excursion. You will discover the city's highlights throughout the city tour. You will be picked up by our guide from you hotel and taken to Plaza de Armas (the Main Square). YVia the city tour you will explore the highlights of the city. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and head over to Plaza de Armas (the Main Square). You will learn about Cusco's history from our experts before visiting the cathedral. Here, you'll be able to view a variety of paintings from the Cusco Academy of Art, as well as some gold-leaf pieces. We will next proceed to Qoricancha, also known as the Sun Temple, to see the flawless Inca construction across the entire structure. After that, we'll take a drive outside of Cusco to see the Sacsayhuaman Inca complex. The massive carved rocks of Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent Inca site, are linked with mesmerizing perfection. Then, we will visit Qenqo, another ceremonial Inca temple, where your guide will explain its significance. After we explore this site, we will head to the next Inca site, Puca Pucara, also known as the "red fortress" due to the reddish tints resulting from the vast amounts of iron in its rocks. The last Inca complex we will visit on this tour is the famous Tambomachay. This temple is dedicated to water. There are smooth carved stones and aqueducts that were built to transport water from nearby springs that are now unknown.
Accommodation: 3-stars hotel in Cusco
Entrance ticket Included
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Sacred Valley tour.
This is the most popular tour in Cusco, and it is the highlight of everyone's trip. Vidal Expeditions has designed a special tour that allows you to explore before the crowds arrive. In this tour, we’ll drive from the highlands of Cusco, across the Andes, into the fertile lands of the Sacred Valley, enjoying the spectacular views. Our tour will begin with a pickup from your accommodation, and we will drive to Chinchero. Here we will visit the archaeological site and the colonial church. We will continue to Moray, the site of circular Inca terraces. You will have plenty of time to explore Moray, while your guide will explain the purpose of this impressive Inca farming laboratory. Following our itinerary, we will be heading to Maras town. Maras is a picturesque Andean town with a great history and traditions. Here we will enjoy our delicious lunch with a stunning view of the mountains. The next stop will be at salt mines used in ancient times. Then we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we explore the ancient Inca site, one of the most important after Machu Picchu. After that, we will spend the night here.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Entrance ticket Included
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for those who are short on time but want to experience a part of the full-length Inca Trail. This hike combines beautiful scenery, history, diverse flora, and fauna. The hike takes you on the best section of the original 4-day Inca Trail, with incredible views of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, for about 10 km (6.3 miles) in one day, ending at the famous Sun Gate with a stunning view of Machu Picchu. The short Inca Trail is 2 days long, less challenging, and an excellent choice for families with children. We begin our journey by taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104, where the trail officially begins.
Accommodation: 3-stars hotel in Aguas Calientes
Entrance ticket Included
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Train and Bus tickets Included
Machu Picchu tour
This day will have an early start. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (2430 m/7972 ft). This early bus will allow us to arrive at Machu Picchu before the crowds and explore the site in peace. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise as the sun casts a stunning orange glow over the huge stones.
Your guide will take you to the sight so that you can feel the powerful energy of this fantastic archaeological site as you start exploring Machu Picchu. Our guide will show you the most important areas here, and then you'll have some free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
You can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you book in advance. Your guide will show you the trail and provide the necessary information to reach the summit. You will return to Aguas Calientes by bus around midday..
In Aguas Calientes you will find a variety of restaurants to have lunch. After lunch you will board the train heading to Ollantaytambo, following by bus drive to Cusco. We will drop you off at the door of your hotel.
Accommodation: 3-stars hotel in Cusco
Entrance ticket Included
Meals: Breakfast (at the hotel)
Train and Bus tickets : Included
Walking tour in Cusco
You will take it easy on this last day to visit some local markets where you can purchase some souvenirs. Our walking tour will start at your hotel, and our guide will take you to visit the famous San Pedro market. There you will appreciate all the local traditions of meals, fruits, different local products, and fully Peruvian handicrafts.
Free Day
Today you'll will rest and take the time for yourself.
Ausangate Trek (Cusco – Tinki – Upis)
Today we will begin our expedition to the wonderful Ausangate mountain, which is located south of Cusco. The tour will start with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco, and we will drive for 2 hours to Tinki town. Here we’ll stop for breakfast, and you will have the chance to explore this picturesque town. Then, we continue to Upis 3800m / 12467ft. Here, at the trail head, we will meet with our trekking team (chef, assistant, and horse driver). On this first day, we will hike for a few hours till we reach our lunch spot and campsite located at over 4100 meters (13451 feet).
Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha – Anantapata
This day we will wake up early, and after our energizing breakfast, we will start hiking to the first Arapa Pass, at 4,900 m (16,070 ft). Here you will have an incredible view of the Apu Ausangate. We will descend to the Pucacocha lake, where we will have our lunch in front of the mountain. After lunch, we continue to hike for a few hours to the next highest point, Inca Pass (4760 m; 15616 ft). After this pass, the trail continues with a gentle up and down toward our campsite, Ananpata, at 4,520 m (14,829 ft).
Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain
This is the most fascinating day in this trek. Your day will start with a cup of coca tea at 3:30 am, and after our breakfast we will head to the next pass, Warmisaya (5100 m; 16732 ft). From this pass, you will appreciate the first view of Rainbow Mountain. We will descend down the switchback to the Yanacocha lake. We then hike another hour to reach the incredible Rainbow Mountain (5120m; 16802 ft), which is also called the Mountain of the Seven Colors. Enjoy the best view before the crowds arrive. We'll hike 4435m / 14550ft to our next campsite.
Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Cusco
Your day will begin with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee, and our team will wake you up early with a spectacular view of the Red Valley. Your guide will lead you to explore this amazing place that appears to be on Mars, and you will capture the best photos. Once you have done with it, you will hike down to the bus station, where you'll board your bus to return to Cusco.
Explore Cusco
Today you deserve to rest and relax during the morning. In the afternoon our staff will transfer you to the Airport
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your cultural tour
WE INCLUDE
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-Orientation
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-orientation. During this pre-orientation you will meet with your cultural and adventure guide and the tour group in our office.
Professional Cultural Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service. Our tour guides have graduated with tourism specialization from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English in a private language institute. They are patient, responsible, knowledgeable, passion for adventure and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas. We ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore Cusco, and the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Entrance Fees
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your adventure. These tickets will be issued for the specific date of your tour. (Machu Picchu ticket, Train tickets, City tour and Sacred Valley tickets, Humantay lake and Rainbow mountain)
Transportations
Private Transport
All transportation during your tour is included. We will pick you up and drop you off to your hotel in Cusco for each adventure.
Hotels
Cusco
We will provide five evenings in Cusco in a 3 starts hotel near the Plaza de Armas
Aguas Calientes
One evening in Aguas Calientes
We can easily add extra nights before or after the tour, if you needed. Rooms are based on double occupancy, there is a surcharge for a single room. Upgraded the hotels are always possible. We can also book the tour without any hotels, if you prefer to book them by your own.
Equipment
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in First aid. They receive training courses every 6 months on how to assist to someone in an emergency. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Water bottle
Every customer will need water during the activities. Before each activity we will stop at a shop, where you can purchase water and snacks.
Meals
Meals are NOT included in our package, however during the hiking tours such as the Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, breakfast and lunch is included. Breakfast is included with your hotel stay.
Flights
Flying to Cusco, Peru can be tricky – delays occur often, and it is not uncommon for flights to be cancelled. Plan to arrive in the city at least two days before your tour start date.
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen during your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion in Cusco, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work
At Vidal Expeditions we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Porters or horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.
- 2-3 wicking t-shirts
- 2-3 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
VIDAL EXPEDITIONS FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca trail to Machu PicchuOUR BOOKING SYSTEM
At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do the Inca trail, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which can’t be changed once it been confirmed, we need a previous deposit of $200USD per person. Once as soon as you paid it we immediately book a spot for the Inca trail once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.
ENTRANCE TICKETS AND BUS TICKETS
To book our Cusco five days package you should do it in advance because there is a limitation in each group, the capacity is 10 people in per group only. Once you book the trip, our team will purchase your different tickets to enjoy your journey For more details about these, please contact to Vidal Expeditions sales team.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?
Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow specially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off. Also is possible to stay in the Sacred Valley near to Urubamba city or Ollantaytambo where we can pick you up 1.20 hour lately than in Cusco. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Vidal Expeditions sales team.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER?
The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months - a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings.
CAN I ADD EXTRA NIGHT IN CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY OR MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You can add an extra night in Cusco, Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu town, this program can be tailor made for you.
CAN I UPGRADE MY HOTEL?
Definitely, Cusco has many great hotels and you are available to upgrade your hotel, you can contact to Vidal Expeditions team to provide you more details about it.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKE TO THE AUSANGATE TREK?
The Ausangate five days trek is one of the challenge treks in Cusco, because there are a few passes which reach over 5100 meters, and for someone who is not used to being at this elevation can be little difficult, however we have a great option to reach there with horses and avoid the hike up to the passes. Vidal Expeditions team recommend you to do some exercises before to hike this trek, our sales team will provide you some advices for this trek.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?
All of your luggage is not needed during the tours and should stay in Cusco. All the hotels have a storage or lockers where you can leave your luggage without any charge. Another option is to store with Vidal Expeditions team.
DO I NEED PROPER TREKKING EQUIPMENT?
Yes, we always recommend to bring a good trekking boots, one with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker, because you’ll be climbing down so many rocky paths created by the local people and alpacas. Good rain jacket and pant will help you to protect from the rain and wind, because the Ausangate trek is located in the middle of the Andes and the weather can change easily. Trekking poles also is helpful during the Inca Trail and Ausangate trek
CAN I CLIMB HUAYNA PICCHU OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
Yes. You can climb these mountains if you book these in advance, because the availability is only 200 people everyday and has extra cost. Contact to Vidal Expeditions team for more details.
From: USD 00.00 per person
USD 000.00: from 4 people to more
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11 Days
Adventure In Cusco
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