This morning we will have a transfer to the airport in time for our 12:50 pm flight to Cusco (1 hour approx.) Then we will have an Afternoon City Tour of Cusco. Nestled in the Andes, Cusco a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most fascinating places in the Americas, which never fails to surprise visitors with its mystery-filled history. With its excellent hotels and restaurants, this city is full of amazing places to see. A product of the fusion of Inca and Hispanic culture, Cusco has been declared a World Heritage Site. We can feel the magic of the impressive legacy of Inca culture, as we walk through its streets and its fascinating stone passages, as we visit its colonial mansions built over the remains of Inca structures, and as we explore its imposing fortresses and majestic citadels. We will begin our tour as you enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. We will then visit the nearby Fortaleza de Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Sacsayhuamán), a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision. As we return to the lower part of the city, we will stop off at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter), which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region. Just a few blocks away, you will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Korikancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. We will complete the day with a stroll through the Cusco Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where we will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Then we will head to our hotel where you will have free time for dinner (not included).
Note: Because of limited space on the train, on our way to Machu Picchu travelers are only allowed to bring one backpack (or similar) + 1 carry on per person on the train. Please pack wisely for the next two nights. Don’t forget your passport, money, camera, charger, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, water bottle and clothes for three days. The rest of the luggage will be stored at the hotel for when we return on the 26th.
Breakfast