Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Cuzco/Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes & Finishing: Cuzco/Sacred Valley/Aguas Calientes

Bienvenido! Welcome to Cuzco. For this Short Break you will have a briefing at 6 pm on the evening before Day 1. On the morning of Day 1, a representative will pick you up in the foyer of the joining point hotel between 8.15 and 8.45 am for your bus trip to the Sacred Valley. Your first stop is the Pisac ruins, where you'll take in lovely views of the valley and town below. Explore the market and maybe barter for a few items yourself before heading out to cross the valley. Leaving Pisac behind, drive through amazingly fertile lands which were key to agriculture during Inca times. Stop for lunch at Urubamba town, then continue (approximately 20–25 minutes) to Ollantaytambo, one of the few living examples of a city plan that has remained the same for many centuries. Here you’ll visit the mysterious archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ponder how the terraces were built, and how those big boulders that are part of the Temple of the Sun got to the place they are now – the top of the mountain. Your guide will direct you to the train station for your departure to Aguas Calientes (depending on your departure time, you might have a chance to do some exploring before you leave). Your train to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1.5 hours) winds through the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Arrive, stretch your legs and take in the lovely surrounds. This town is nestled in the cloud forest some 2,040 metres above sea level, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Your Intrepid representative will meet you upon arrival, transfer you to your hotel and give you instructions for tomorrow's activities. Notes: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this. For the location of the joining point hotel, see the 'Joining Point' section of these trip notes. If you have any issues with your pick-up, you can phone your local Intrepid representative on +51 9 9605 5559.

Day 2 - Starting: Machu Picchu/Cuzco & Finishing: Machu Picchu/Cuzco

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and catch a bus to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes along a winding road). You'll leave your luggage in storage at the hotel. The first bus departs at around 5.30 am. A local guide will take you on a tour through the ruins (approximately 2 hours). While it is thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cuzco, travelling first by train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 90 minutes), then a shared transfer to Cuzco (approximately 90 minutes). Your trip comes to an end on arrival in Cuzco. Upon your arrival in Cusco (around 6.30 pm) your tour comes to an end. Notes: If you're leaving tonight, it's important to book your outgoing flight for no earlier than 10 pm, to give yourself enough time to make the connection. Or, if you're staying longer, you can contact Intrepid if you need assistance with extra accommodation. An additional night in Cuzco is recommended – contact your travel agent to arrange additional nights' accommodation. If you are departing tonight, be sure to book your flight for no earlier than 10 pm to ensure you have enough time to make the connection.

More Information

Highlights

• Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
• Immerse yourself in the culture of Cuzco
• Experience traditional Andean life in the Sacred Valley

Discover South America’s ancient ruins, explore colonial sites and wander through vibrant markets to get a real taste of Andean village life in the Sacred Valley. Take a winding train journey through the steep Urumbamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Peru’s most famous site: the ancient ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu. It is a truly extraordinary destination and has to be seen to be believed.

Included Meals

Breakfast: 2

Lunch: 1