Enjoy a private, guided excursion through Cusco’s four main ruins:
Explore Sacsayhuamán, which in Quechua means “satisfied falcon,” considered a religious and military significance. It is the most impressive ruin close to the city of Cusco, where the yearly Inti Raymi festival (Sun Cult feast) is celebrated.
Then view the Puca Pucará, or “red fort;” thought to be a hunting lodge, this rock structure looks pink in some lights.
Later visit Qenko, which means “zigzag” in Quechua — a ruin that consists of a large limestone riddled with niches, steps, and carving, including zigzagging channels that gave the site its name.
Finally, visit Tambomachay (Cavern Lodge), commonly referred to as the Baños del Inca or Inca baths. Tambomachay was a site for ritual bathing.
Difficulty Level: II
Duration: Half day
Schedule: Morning – Afternoon
Attractions: Archaeological Site / Architecture / Photos
AROUND THE CITY
Visit the Cathedral, San Blas church and Koricancha. Begin this excursion with an intimate tour of the Cusco Cathedral and get to know this superb symbol of the city closely, including its 11 chapels, 1 vestry, 7 altarpieces and 1 lower chorus completely carved in Cedar from Cusco, more than 300 paintings, and a variety of carvings and sculptures. The highlight of all these is the Main Altar, covered entirely with layers of silver as well as the Silver Chariot, mounted on a pedestal, still used in processions during the religious festival of Corpus Christi.
Then visit the church of San Blas, one of Cusco’s most picturesque communities. Finish your day with a visit to one of the most important temples in the Incan Empire dedicated to Wiracocha; Sun god or creator. Its former pre-Inca construction of adobe and unpolished quartz lasted until the 12th century and when the Incas took over, they called it Koricancha (“courtyard of gold”). The Church of Santo Domingo was built using the ruined foundations of the temple that were flattened by the Spanish in the 17th century and is a fine example of where Inca stonework has been incorporated into the structure of a colonial building.
Difficulty Level: I
Duration: Half day
Schedule: Morning – Afternoon
Attractions: Archaeological Site / Architecture / Photos
CHINCHERO
On the way to your excursion, you will see some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley. Visit the traditional Andean village of Chinchero located in the highlands of Anta. The visit combines Inca archeological sites, typical Andean community, a colonial church, and a colorful market which to date, on its “market day” practice the tradition of “barter” goods.
Difficulty Level: II
Duration: Half day
Schedule: Morning – Afternoon
Attractions: Native skills / Agriculture / Photo
MARAS AND MORAY
Enjoy a private guided trip to Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray. On the way you will see some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley. First, visit the ancient salt mines near the village of Maras, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt.
Continue the excursion to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance, however, the Incas used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species in varying altitudes.
Difficulty Level: II
Duration: Half day
Schedule: Morning – Afternoon
Attractions: Agriculture / Photos
Recommended for children
PISAC AND AWANACANCHA
Visit one of Sacred Valley’s finest and most impressive Inca complex, the archaeological site of Pisac, with terraces built on its hills. To visit the site, you must walk along winding paths on a mountain cliff. Among the most important buildings are Pisaca, which is a curved wall; the Intihuatana, a solar clock among a group of temples and the military zone called “Q’Allaqasa”.
Also visit its colorful market where an artisans’ fair takes place, an exhibit and sale of fine woven crafts, colorful tapestries, handicrafts and textiles from Pisac and neighboring villages. Stop at Awanacancha, where you can meet native weavers and see South American camelid species, including llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas.
Difficulty Level: II
Duration: Half day
Schedule: Morning – Afternoon
Attractions: Native skills / Agriculture / Photos
