We can assure your majesty that it is so beautiful and has such fine buildings that it would even be remarkable in Spain.
— Francisco Pizarro on Cuzco

In the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I know of no place in the world which can compare with it. Not only has it great snow peaks looming above the clouds more than two miles overhead; gigantic precipices of many-colored granite rising sheer for thousands of feet above the foaming, glistening, roaring rapids; it has also, in striking contrast, orchids and tree ferns, the delectable beauty of luxurious vegetation, and the mysterious witchery of the jungle.
— Hiram Bingham on Machu Picchu

Is there a need to further introduce the major cultural and mystical attraction of South America? For historic and cultural reasons Bolivia is the one gateway to Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

Essential Cuzco is a great conclusion to your Bolivian Travel Experience, and a great introduction to our sister country. You will visit the three jewels of Peru — Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Appreciate Peru's fascinating cultures and history in one of our most popular tours. You will have a city tour of Cuzco, and visit Pisac market and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. You will travel by train to have a full-day visit to Machu Picchu. As always with Fremen Tours, this trip is fully customizable.

WHERE?

• CUZCO AND NEARBY RUINS - Acclimatise. Tour the city and nearby ruins. Visit includes the Cathedral, The Temple of the Sun, and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress overlooking Cuzco; Qenko, a shrine with a circular amphitheater and stone altar; Puka Pukara, a smaller fortress guarding the Inca road; and Tambomachay, sacred bathing place of the Inca elite.

• SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS - Begin the day in the Inca city of Pisac, overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Climb past the impressive farming terraces to the ruins where fine stone masonry buildings still stand in testimony to the ancient craftsmen. The majestic architecture and breathtaking views make this well worth the walk. In the village of Pisac, native people attired in the colorful dress of their communities display their handicrafts in the shade of centuries-old trees in the central plaza. Sightings at Ollantaytambo include the fortress & citadel and an extensive set of agricultural terraces which start at the bottom of the valleys and climb up the surrounding hills. Optional overnight stay in the Sacred Valley.

• ANDEAN TRAIN from Cusco (Poroy) to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) - At dawn, we board our train for a ride through the Urubamba River Valley to Machu Picchu, fabled lost city of the Inca. This spectacular journey to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu begins from the village of Poroy just outside Cusco. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.

• INCA SANCTUARY OF MACHUPICCHU - This beautiful mountain-top city might have been constructed as a royal palace complex for the emperor Pachacuti and his family in the early 15th century, and appears to have been an important spiritual and ceremonial location. It was never found by the Spanish conquerors, and was lost until 1911 when a local farmer showed the city to the explorer, Hiram Bingham. Spend the day exploring this magnificent site. Optional overnight stay near the archaeological site.

WHAT?

Cultural Excursions - Nature Observation - Easy Walks - Photography

WHEN?

Year-Round Departures (depart virtually any day of the week).

May - October is dry season.

• Inti Raymi – Festival of the Sun : June 24.

• 2011 marks the 100 year anniversary of Hiram Bingham's "discovery" of Machu Picchu (July 24, 1911). Don't miss this once in a lifetime trip opportunity. (We do not recommend to travel in July though.)

Day 1 - Arrive Cuzco and transfer to your hotel; Tour the city (the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha) and nearby ruins (Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman).

Day 2 - Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas by the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River, including a visit to the famous market place of Pisaq and the Inca fortress & citadel of Ollantaytambo. Optional overnight in the Sacred Valley. [BL]

Day 3 - Full day excursion to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu including a 3-hour train ride to the archaeological site. Visit the main plaza, the circular tower (Torreon), the Intihuatana or sacred sun dial, the royal quarters, the temple of the three windows and various burial grounds. Optional overnight by the ruins. [BL]

Day 4 - Day at leisure in Cuzco; Transfer to airport. [B]

Meals Included: Breakfast [B], Lunch [L], Dinner [D]

Accommodation:

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($), based on 2 people traveling together (double room basis).

Please note:

• All services provided on a non-exclusive/group basis..

• Hotel names and descriptions by category in Cuzco are subject to confirmation at time of booking.

• Book your flights to&from Cuzco through Fremen Tours. Ask us for schedules and price options.

Depart any day! Custom dates and prices available.
Contact one of our travel consultants for details.

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