Adventure in Cusco

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today you'll will rest and take the time for yourself.

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).

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).

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.

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.

Today you deserve to rest and relax during the morning. In the afternoon our staff will transfer you to the Airport