Half Day: The Heart of the Inca Empire

We will pick you up from your hotel around 1:00 p.m. to begin our exploration of Cusco. We start at the magnificent Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, followed by a walk to Qoricancha (The Temple of the Sun), the most important religious center in the Inca world.

Afterwards, we board our private transport to visit four remarkable archaeological sites just outside the city: the massive zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman, the carved rocks of Qenqo, the red fortress of Puca Pucara, and the Inca water fountains at Tambomachay.

Return to Cusco: Around 6:30 p.m.

Full Day: Pisac, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo

We pick you up around 8:00 a.m. and head towards the beautiful Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the Pisac ruins, perched high above the valley, followed by a visit to the colorful Pisac artisan market.

We then drive along the Urubamba River to the town of Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the incredible living Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo.

On our way back, we make a final stop at Chinchero to visit its colonial church, ruins, and a traditional weaving center.

Return to Cusco: Around 6:30 p.m.

Half Day: Inca Agricultural Lab & Salt Mines

We depart from Cusco at 8:00 a.m. Our first stop is the fascinating site of Moray, an archaeological site with massive, circular terraces that the Incas likely used as an agricultural laboratory to test crops at different microclimates.

Next, we visit the spectacular Maras Salt Mines (Salineras). Thousands of small salt pools have been carved into the mountainside and fed by a natural salty spring since pre-Inca times. You will learn about the traditional harvesting process and can buy some famous pink Maras salt.

Return to Cusco: Around 2:00 p.m.