How to plan your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour
Peru is a traveler’s paradise with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ancient history. One of the country’s most famous attractions is the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, which is considered as the crown jewel of the Incan civilization. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour presents an incredible opportunity to experience these wonders firsthand.
If you’re planning a visit to Cusco, the following guide will help you make the most of your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection tour.
Overview of the tour
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour is an exciting full-day excursion that takes visitors from the ancient city of Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with stops at several magnificent ruins and scenic towns before concluding with a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu.
What’s included in the tour
The following are included in the tour:
– Breakfast
– Private transportation
– Train Ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
There are also a few additional activities that you can choose to add for an extra fee:
– Machu Picchu Mountain
– Waynapicchu Mountain
– Buffet Lunch – Urubamba
Meeting and Pickup Points
The tour starts at 8:30 AM and will last approximately 12 hours. The pickup point is the reception of your accommodation in Cusco.
What to expect on the tour
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour has several stops, each offering a unique perspective of the Incan culture and historical significance.
Sacred Valley of the Incas
The first stop is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the tour embraces the magnificent steep valley of the Vilcanota River. This fertile valley has several small towns, agricultural terraces, and magnificent Inca ruins.
Pisac Archaeological Site and Market
The tour continues to Pisac Archaeological Site, a well-preserved Inca fortress perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley. The ruins cover an extensive area, with a series of terraces, monolithic structures, and plazas. Following the ruins exploration, the tour stops at the market of Pisac town where local vendors sell their handmade textiles, crafts, and traditional artwork.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The fortress of Ollantaytambo is another significant stop on the tour. The fortress is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning and architecture, built in terraces and encircled by the surrounding mountains. The fortress was once a stronghold for the Incas who defended it against the Spanish conquistadors in a fierce battle.
Machu Picchu
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour concludes with a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu. The tour provides entry tickets, private transportation from Ollantaytambo to the train station, and a train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes. After arrival at Aguas Calientes, visitors will head up to Machu Picchu by taking the bus (as an extra cost), which takes around 20 minutes.
Additional information to know
The following are essential things to remember when booking the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour:
Confirmation and Cancellation Policy
It is essential to note that booking is essential to confirm your place on the tour since the tour is not offered by us, cancelation demands will be presented to the vendor. If you need to cancel or make changes to the tour, it is important to confirm the tour’s terms and conditions. Those not present at the designated pickup point and time will be considered no-show and cannot avail of the service.
What to bring
It is advisable to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A waterproof jacket is also necessary, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users will not be able to participate in the tour as some ruins and locations in the itinerary are not wheelchair accessible.
Health requirements
The tour is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions. Travelers with back problems should also take note of this as the tour involves moderate walking.
Group size
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour can accommodate up to 25 travelers.
Weather
The tour is weather dependant, and in case of cancellation, the tour operator will offer alternative dates or a full refund.
Book the tour here
We recommend booking the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour in advance through Viator. To book the tour, click on the following link and follow the instructions provided:
Conclusion
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Connection from Cusco tour provides an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Incan civilization. By following the guidelines and recommendations in this guide, you can have a memorable and safe experience of these awe-inspiring sites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cusco
Cusco is a magnificent city in southeastern Peru that serves as the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu. Cusco is a world-renowned destination for traditional music, culture, ruins, and vivid history. But, with popularity comes inquisitiveness. Many travel enthusiasts have various questions and queries about this wonderful city. Are you planning a trip to Cusco? In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions about Cusco to make your travel plans easier.
What is Cusco famous for?
Cusco is fondly referred to as the “Archaeological Capital of South America.” It’s a vibrant historic city with a rich Inca heritage that happens to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. It’s popularly known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city that draws millions of visitors every year.
Cusco is also known for its festivals, which are held throughout the year. The most famous festival is the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun, which happens every June 24th. Other festivals include the Corpus Christi, Virgen del Carmen, and Q’oyllur Riti.
What is the best time to visit Cusco?
Cusco can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during its dry season, which occurs between May and September. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring, hiking, and sightseeing.
The rainy season, which occurs between December and March, is also a good time to visit. The city is less crowded, and the rain makes the landscape lush and green. However, during this time, the Inca Trail is closed, and there’s a higher chance of landslides, so plan your visit accordingly.
What is the altitude of Cusco, and how can I avoid altitude sickness?
Cusco is situated at an altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). The high altitude may cause altitude sickness, which is common among travelers who arrive from lower elevations. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
To avoid the altitude sickness, it is recommended that you arrive in Cusco a few days before you start any intensive activities. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and eat light meals to help your body acclimate to the high altitude.
How long should I stay in Cusco?
The ideal time to explore Cusco is between 3-5 days. This should give you ample time to explore the city’s historic architecture, Inca sites, museums, and markets. The length of your stay should also depend on the activities you want to engage in while in the city. If you plan to hike the Inca Trail or explore the Sacred Valley, you may need to add a few more days to your itinerary.
Is it safe to travel to Cusco?
Cusco is generally considered safe for tourists. However, tourists should be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, such as markets and on public transport. It’s also important to stick to well-lit areas, especially at night.
What is the currency used in Cusco?
The official currency used in Cusco is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It’s always advisable to exchange your money from authorized exchange offices, banks, or ATMs to avoid scams.
How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The cost of visiting Machu Picchu varies depending on your mode of transportation, entrance ticket type, and season. A round-trip train ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu can cost between $150 and $500USD. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu range from $70 to $100 USD, depending on whether you choose to visit during peak or low season.
What are the top attractions to see in Cusco?
Apart from Machu Picchu, there are several other attractions to see in Cusco. These include:
The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is located just a few kilometers outside Cusco and is a popular day trip destination. It’s home to various Inca ruins, traditional villages such as Pisac and Chinchero, and Salinas de Maras, a network of salt pans.
City Center (Plaza de Armas)
The city center boasts various historic buildings such as the Cusco Cathedral, the Inca Museum, the Santo Domingo Convent, and the Qorikancha Temple.
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is located on a hill above Cusco and is home to elaborate Inca walls, temples, underground tunnels, and fortresses.
Qenqo
Located a few minutes away from Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo is a temple and religious site that’s believed to have been used for astrological and religious purposes.
Moray
Moray is a circular terraced agricultural site located in the Sacred Valley. It’s believed to have been used to study different types of crops and weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cusco is an enchanting destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. We hope this blog post has answered some of the frequently asked questions about Cusco and helps you plan your next visit to this magical city. Always remember to stay safe, respect the culture and enjoy your adventure.
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