Andean Dream 8 Day Tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu

Day 1: Airport pickup - Cusco City Tour

1. Cusco
   5h
   The day begins with pickup at Cusco Airport, where a tourist vehicle will be waiting to transfer you and begin the scheduled activities. Afterwards, the City Tour will start at approximately 12:50 p.m., beginning from the city center.
   The first visit will be to Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, known for its impressive architecture and for being the main religious center dedicated to the Sun god.
   The tour will then continue to the outskirts of the city to visit the famous circuit of four archaeological sites near Cusco. The first stop is Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress built with massive stone blocks perfectly fitted together. Next, we visit Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial center used for religious rituals. The tour continues to Puca Pucara, known as the “Red Fortress,”. Finally, we visit Tambomachay, a site associated with water worship and religious.
   The tour ends around 6:00 p.m. at Regocijo Square, near Cusco’s Main Square.

Day 2: Super Sacred Valley

1. Sacred Valley
   10h
   The day begins with hotel pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. from the historic center or accessible streets of Cusco. Then the journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas will begin.
   The first stop will be Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its textile culture and important archaeological site. Afterwards, we will continue to Moray, where you can observe the impressive circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural experimentation center. Then we will visit Maras, famous for its salt mines formed by hundreds of salt pools on the mountainside.
   Later, there will be a stop in Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical regional dishes. In the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important Inca fortresses in the Sacred Valley.
   Finally, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, on an approximately 2-hour journey, where we will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.

Day 3: Machu Picchu

1. Machu Picchu
   10h
   The day begins in the morning with the transfer by Consettur bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu citadel. Once at the archaeological site, a guided tour along the corresponding circuit will take place, where visitors will learn about the history, architecture, and the most important sectors of this Wonder of the World.
   After the tour, visitors will descend back to the town to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley.
   Upon arrival at the station, tourist transportation will transfer passengers from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, where you will be picked up at the station and taken back to your hotel, concluding the Machu Picchu experience.

Day 4: Humantay Lake

1. Humantay Lake
   12h · Admission ticket included
   The adventure begins with hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. from Cusco’s historic center or nearby accessible streets. From there, travelers will journey through the Andes toward Mollepata, where a local breakfast will be served before continuing the trip.
   After breakfast, the group will head to the starting point of the trek and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours to reach the stunning Humantay Lake, located at the base of the snow-capped Humantay Mountain. Upon arrival, the guide will provide a brief explanation about the natural and cultural significance of the area, followed by free time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the spectacular turquoise waters surrounded by Andean peaks.
   After the visit, the group will return to Mollepata for a buffet lunch. Finally, the tour concludes with the return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Day 5: South Valley

1. Andahuaylillas
   6h
   The day begins with an 8:00 a.m. pick-up from your hotel, followed by a journey south of Cusco to discover some of the region's most important archaeological and cultural sites.
   The first stop will be Tipón, an impressive Inca complex known for its advanced system of terraces and water channels, considered a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering. Next, you'll visit Pikillacta, an ancient pre-Inca city of the Wari culture, where you can appreciate its well-organized urban structures and vast size.
   The tour continues to the beautiful temple of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its impressive murals, religious art, and Baroque decoration.
   On the return to Cusco, there will be a stop in Saylla, a town renowned for its local cuisine, where you'll have the option to sample traditional pork rinds (optional).
   Finally, the tour concludes with the return to the city, arriving at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain

1. Vinicunca Mountain
   12h · Admission ticket included
   The adventure begins very early with hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. from Cusco’s historic center or nearby accessible streets. After boarding the tourist transport, the journey heads south through beautiful Andean landscapes, traditional villages, and mountain valleys.
   After about 2 hours of travel, the group arrives in Tintinco, where a local breakfast is served to prepare for the hike. The trip then continues to the trailhead, where the approximately 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain begins. Along the way, travelers can enjoy spectacular views of the Andes, observe alpacas and llamas, and learn about the local culture from the guide.
   Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), visitors will have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique natural colors created by mineral deposits in the mountains.
   After the visit, the group returns to Tintinco for a buffet lunch. Finally, the tour ends with the return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Day 7: Waqrapukara

1. Waqrapukara
   12h · Admission ticket included
   The day begins early with hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. as you start your journey toward Santa Lucía, where you will enjoy breakfast before continuing the adventure.
   Then, the hike begins toward the impressive Waqrapukara archaeological complex, with an approximate duration of 2 hours. Along the way, you will witness spectacular Andean landscapes, deep canyons, and unique rock formations.
   Upon arrival, a guided tour will take place, where you will learn about the history and significance of this mysterious Inca site, followed by free time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings.
   Afterward, a box lunch will be provided in the heart of nature. Finally, you will begin the return journey to Cusco, arriving approximately between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.

Day 8: Airport Transfer

1. Cusco
   20m
   Pick-up from the hotel at the indicated time to transfer you to the airport.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness