Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
from $ USD
The Short Inca Trail trek is for those who want to visit the most beautiful Inca sites in the Machu Picchu agrchaeological park. We will start at kilometer 104 or the Chachabamba archaeological site that is part of the Inca Trail. On the way we will find a large number of amazing landscapes that include snow-capped peaks and the green valley where the sacred river of the Incas runs, as well as a lot of flora and fauna where we will find more than 200 species of birds and a similar number of orchids. We explore the Inca Wiñayhuayna place which is a magical and mysterious place. We will also observe the hummingbirds with their beautiful colors and the spectacled bear. The part of the path that most amazes hikers is the moment we arrive at the “Puerta del Sol” and Machu Picchu and all its mystery are revealed before our eyes. The next day we will have time to explore Machu Picchu.
Reservations: The number of trekking permits is limited to 250 per day (about 200 tourists and 50 guides), it is important to book in advance, especially in the high season from May to September. In low season, between December and January, tickets can be purchased approximately 30 days in advance.
The Lares Valley Trek offers a combination of impressive landscapes, traditional cultures, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. On the fourth day, travel through beautiful mountainous terrain on elevated trails and spend two nights near traditional Peruvian villages.
Perhaps one of the most picturesque trekking routes in the Americas, the Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience not to be missed.
The route takes us through the protected nature of the Peruvian jungle and jungle-steppe, passing through several Inca archaeological sites and offering impressive panoramas. The Incas used this pilgrimage route to the holy city of Machu Picchu.
Around 06:00 we will pick you up at your hotel and head towards the town of Lares where we will begin the excursion.
During this trip we will make a stop in the town of Calca where you can visit the local market and buy breakfast or other necessities that you may have forgotten.
Your guide may recommend that you buy some bread to give to the children you meet along the way. Upon arrival in Lares, we will visit the hot springs where you can enjoy the hot water while our chefs prepare a delicious meal.
After lunch, we start our trek to the first camp in Huachadas (3600m/11811f). During 3 hours you have to climb little by little to have a good training for the next day at the highest point of the race.
Spend the first night with our drivers taking us on the road. When you arrive, your tents will be ready and you will receive popcorn, candy, and hot tea for dinner.
1, Easy
After a nutritious breakfast, we start the trek to the highest point, Sacsayllame or Paso Hucahuasi at 4400m / 14435ft. The hike takes about 4 hours and is very steep uphill. Naturally, a rescue horse leads the way, so everyone gets to the top safely.
On this hike, you’ll be treated to towering mountains, a patchwork of farmland, and breathtaking views. Please note that we reach high altitudes and the weather can be very cold. After reaching the highest point, we descend and cross a beautiful lagoon before having lunch by the river.
You can relax while our chefs prepare you a delicious lunch. Then we continue descending through a forest where you can taste the “queuñas” (polylepis), a typical Peruvian tree.
This hike takes around 4 hours before reaching our camp in Pucará (3100m/10170f). A good place to enjoy hot tea and pre-dinner snacks on arrival.
1, Easy
Our trip starts early in the morning at 6:00 am, a vehicle will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo. From there you can take a small tourist train to km 104.
Once it reaches km 104, the Royal Inca Trail begins with a hike to Chachabamba (2270m/7448f) where our guide tells us about the ancient function of this archaeological site.
Then we arrive at Wiñayhuayna (2650m/8694f), the most important archaeological site after Machu Picchu. Then our route continues towards the Puerta del Sol “Inti Punku”, a beautiful viewpoint from where we can enjoy the sunset over Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f). Then we have to continue our walk to our hotel in Machu Picchu Town.
Travel time: half an hour
1, Easy
We leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 a.m. by bus to Machu Picchu. We leave very early because at this time there are fewer people and the morning is a good time to enjoy the tranquility and the ancestral spirit of the most famous archaeological site on the continent.
When we arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am, our guide will give us detailed information about Machu Picchu, as well as the history and culture of the Incas. You will then have plenty of free time to explore the site on your own (for example, crossing the Puente del Inca, exploring the variety of buildings, or climbing Waynapicchu for fantastic panoramic views).
A bus will take you to Machu Picchu Town. Here you have the option of entering the city’s thermal baths (soles/10.00 soles). In the afternoon we leave Machu Picchu Town.
1, Easy
For the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail, you will have your own backpack and travel bag each day, provided by South Winds Peru during the briefing at our office in Cusco the day before the trip.
Your main luggage will be stored at your hotel or in our private warehouse in Cusco and you will only travel with a maximum luggage of 7kg. Our porters carry your personal bag, food and camping equipment.
Sleeping bag. – 4-season sleeping bag (-10°) mandatory for the trek; You can bring your own or borrow one from us.
Inflatable mattress. -We offer foam mattresses; However, if you want more comfort for the night, we recommend that you bring or rent an air mattress.
Backpack with rain cover, clothing for warm and cold weather such as raincoats, walking shoes, slippers or sandals (for showers and thermal baths), synthetic or wool socks, sweater, long or short-sleeved polo shirt, rain hat, suit bathing suit, neoprene suit (to enter the thermo-medicinal waters of Lares), sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol for hand sanitizer, mineral water and cleaning tablets, toiletries and toilet paper, camera (packed in a plastic bag), flashlight and batteries, snacks such as sweets and nuts, original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
What to wear in the backpack.
The backpack will always be with you. It is your responsibility to take it with you if you want your daytime walks to be as light as possible. Remember that duffel bags are only found at campsites and everything you need for the day is in your backpack.
For the Lares Trek and the Short Inca Trail, you will have your own backpack and travel bag each day, provided by South Winds Peru during the briefing at our office in Cusco the day before the trip.
Your main luggage will be stored at your hotel or in our private warehouse in Cusco and you will only travel with a maximum luggage of 7kg. Our porters carry your personal bag, food and camping equipment.
Sleeping bag. – 4-season sleeping bag (-10°) mandatory for the trek; You can bring your own or borrow one from us.
Inflatable mattress. -We offer foam mattresses; However, if you want more comfort for the night, we recommend that you bring or rent an air mattress.
There are many trekking routes in Machu Picchu such as Salkantay Trek, Classic Inca Trail, Jungle Trek and lesser known treks like Lares Trek and Inca Trail in Machu Picchu. This scenic tour takes you off the beaten track to explore remote villages in the Peruvian Andes, visit untouched glacial lakes and hike with llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, and trek the last leg of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Lares Trek is a new trek to Machu Picchu that has gained popularity in recent years. This trek is perfect for travelers who prefer more cultural interaction, less crowded trails, and isolated mountainous areas that are home to llamas and alpacas.
The 3-day short Inca Trail in the short version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This excursion allows you to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu twice, once in the afternoon of the first day and once in the morning of the second day.
The 5-day Lares Trek follows the same route as the 4-day Lares Trek and ultimately includes the short Inca Trail instead of taking the train to Machu Picchu.
The climate of Lares Trek is very similar to the climate of Cusco, the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek. The average daily temperature is between 10°C and 21°C (50°F-70°C). The weather is cold at night and can drop to minus 0°C (30°F).
In all the districts of Cusco there are only 2 stations. In the Andes there is no summer, winter, fall or spring, only rainy and dry seasons. Lares Trek can be visited all year round; However, the Short Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November, when it is the dry season.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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