Exploring the Route: A Day-by-Day Guide from Cusco to Machu Picchu

The Cusco Machu Picchu trek with Alpaca Expeditions is an exciting journey that takes you through the heart of the Inca Empire. Over four days and three nights, you will explore the rich history, culture, and breathtaking beauty of Peru. This carefully planned tour covers some of the most famous and important locations, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the world-famous Machu Picchu.

The adventure begins in Cusco, the historical capital of the Incas, where you’ll visit ancient temples and stunning Inca ruins. From there, you’ll head to the Sacred Valley, where you can admire its picturesque landscapes, visit an alpaca farm, and explore traditional Inca farming terraces. Each stop along the way will give you a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization and its achievements.

Finally, the highlight of the trek is the visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Here, you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of this ancient wonder and learn about its history from expert guides.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Peru’s rich history and stunning scenery without hiking. Let Alpaca Expeditions take care of all the details while you enjoy the journey of a lifetime!

Day 1: Discovering Cusco City and Inca Ruins

Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon, we will meet you at your hotel and start exploring the city’s most famous sites.

First, we’ll visit the stunning Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco. Here, you’ll see the grand cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture filled with intricate art and historic treasures.

From there, we’ll walk to Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. This site is a fascinating mix of Incan and Spanish architecture. It was once the spiritual center of the Inca Empire, with walls covered in gold. You’ll see how the Incas built their temples with precise stonework, and how the Spanish later built a church on top of it.

Next, we’ll take a short drive outside the city to visit the majestic Sacsayhuaman ruins. This impressive fortress is made of giant stone blocks that fit together perfectly. Afterward, we’ll stop at Quenqo, a sacred site with ancient altars, and finish the day at Tambomachay, a water temple used by the Incas.

By evening, we’ll return to Cusco, where you can relax at a cozy hotel and prepare for more adventures.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Adventures – Pisaq & Ollantaytambo

Your adventure begins with a visit to a beautiful alpaca farm and weaving center in the Sacred Valley. Here, you will meet llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, and learn about their differences. You’ll also discover the traditional weaving techniques of local artisans and see how they create colorful fabrics using natural dyes. It’s a great way to connect with the rich culture of the Sacred Valley.

Next, you’ll head to the incredible Pisaq Inca ruins, where you will see vast agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside. These terraces were used by the Incas to grow crops like corn, potatoes, and quinoa. Your guide will explain the importance of Pisaq, not only as a farming hub but also as a center for religious and astronomical activities.

After exploring the ruins, you’ll visit the Pisaq market, famous for its handicrafts and vibrant atmosphere. This is a perfect spot to buy souvenirs and taste local foods during your lunch break.

The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca village known for its impressive fortress and stone-paved streets. You’ll have time to relax at your hotel, explore the quaint streets, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this historic town.

Day 3: Maras, Moray, and Train to Machu Picchu

Your exciting day begins with a trip to the fascinating Maras Salt Mines. These are over 3,000 small salt pools that have been used for salt extraction since Incan times. You will see how the locals still harvest salt in a traditional way. The sight of these pools shining under the sun, spilling down the mountainside, is truly breathtaking.

Next, you’ll visit Moray, a unique archaeological site. It looks like a giant bowl carved into the earth, but it’s actually a series of circular terraces the Incas built for farming. Each terrace has a different temperature, allowing the Incas to experiment with growing different crops. It’s a glimpse into their advanced agricultural knowledge.

From there, the journey continues to Chinchero, a charming village famous for its terraced fields and colorful textiles. Here, you will also explore a beautiful colonial church built on top of an Inca palace. This blend of Incan and Spanish history is a unique experience.

In the evening, you will take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. As the train winds through lush valleys and alongside rushing rivers, you’ll feel the excitement build for your visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Day 4: The Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu

Your final day begins early to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca site in the world. Waking up early gives you a chance to catch the sunrise over this stunning Lost City of the Incas. A short bus ride from Aguas Calientes will take you up the mountain, where the breathtaking view of the ruins awaits you.

As the sun rises, the light slowly reveals the incredible stonework and layout of this ancient city, making it a magical experience you will never forget. Your expert guide will take you on a tour of Machu Picchu, explaining its fascinating history, engineering, and the lives of the people who once lived there. You’ll discover temples, terraces, and hidden corners that tell the story of the powerful Inca civilization.

If you’ve arranged it in advance, you can also hike Huayna Picchu, the mountain behind the ruins, for an unforgettable view of the city. After exploring, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Finally, enjoy a scenic train ride through the Andes back to Cusco, completing your Cusco Machu Picchu trek with incredible memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Conclusion

The Cusco Machu Picchu trek is a perfect adventure for anyone who wants to dive deep into the history and culture of the Incas without the challenge of hiking. Over four days, you’ll visit incredible sites like the historic city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and of course, the world-famous Machu Picchu.

Experience a range of cultural and historical attractions, from Inca ruins in Cusco to alpaca farms in the Sacred Valley.

This tour is not just about seeing amazing places; it’s about learning the fascinating history behind each location. Alpaca Expeditions takes care of all the planning, transportation, and tickets, so you can focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about anything else.

Whether you’re interested in ancient Incan architecture, stunning natural landscapes, or just want to explore the charming towns, this trek has it all.

With no hiking involved, this tour is accessible to all types of travelers, whether you’re a family, a couple, or a solo adventurer. So, if you’re looking to explore the wonders of Peru and immerse yourself in the world of the Incas, the Cusco Machu Picchu trek is the perfect choice for you. Book your adventure with Alpaca Expeditions today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!