Costa Rica Week Hot Springs and Beach

FULL ITINERARY

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival to the Sacred Valley
Cusco to Sacred Valley

You will be met at the airport in Cusco and taken in a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, alongside the Vilcanota River, where you will find native communities, impressive terraces and many important archaeological sites. In this tour you will visit Pisac Indian Market, one of the most popular and picturesque of the indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travelers from all over the world come to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca and llama woven clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs. And although you can visit it every day, the Sunday market is magnificent, mass is celebrated in Quechua and the worthy “varayoc” (local authorities) attendance adds enrichment to the celebration. Your tour will continue to Pisac ruins, perched magnificently at the entrance to a great gorge, the citadel looks the Urubamba Valley and town of Pisac from above. Pisac was situated strategically along a road that connected the Inca Empire with the jungles of the east, and the site is an impressive reminder of just how advanced the civilization was in terms of building and agriculture. Afterwards you will make a stop for lunch and in the afternoon you will visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, which has original Inca houses, streets and the fortress towering above the village. Then we will make a stop at the Brewery of the Sacred Valley where you will taste 3 samples of Artisan Beer. At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Included: Private excursion with Transport and Guide; Entrance fees; Accommodation in the Sacred Valley. (Meals – None).

Day 2 The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Sacred Valley

This excursion will allow you to discover and explore the wonderful Incan sites of Moray, Maras and Chincheros. You will begin in Moray, by visiting the deep amphitheater-like terraces that are located nearby to the Maras Salt Pans. The layered terraces are carved into an immense earthen bowl, with each layer having its own microclimate, according to depth. Some theorize that the Incas used these terraces as a laboratory to determine optimal conditions for growing crops. The tour continues at the Maras salt flats, that perch on the edge of an overhanging cliff and command spectacular views of the Andes and the Urubamba River below, giving you excellent opportunities for some stunning photos. The extraordinary salt rocks that may be filled with water depending on the season you visit, starkly contrast with the vibrant green background. You will also visit the charming town of Chinchero. With locals wearing traditional attire, large Inca ruins that dominate the central plaza and a beautiful dazzling Church made from the white volcanic rock sillar, Chinchero will feel like stepping back in time.

Included: Private excursion with Transport and Guide; Entrance fees; Accommodation in the Sacred Valley. (Meals – Breakfast).

Day 3 Your Magical Day in Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

After breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up from your accommodation in the Sacred Valley and take you to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Boarding your train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes shaves 2 hours off what normally is a 4-hour journey from Cusco, beginning at the most beautiful part of the stretch, leaving from Ollantaytambo.
The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! Your private guide will accompany you to the Guard Shack at Machu Picchu where you’ll get the best view of this World Wonder, as well as an extended tour and explanation of the history, surrounding areas, and the sacred legend of Machu Picchu.
A gourmet lunch is provided by the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu and then you’ll begin your journey to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel.

Included: Private transfer from Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station; Train ticket to Aguas Calientes; Half day private guided tour of Machu Picchu with transport, private guide and entrance fees; Accommodation in Machu Picchu. (Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 4 Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu & back to Cusco

After breakfast, morning free for an optional re-visit of Machu Picchu. There are several hiking options to get views from above. Ask your travel specialist for further information.

You’ll begin your journey to the Inca Capital of Cusco. Taking your train from Aguas Calientes you’ll head through the dramatic landscape of the Sacred Valley until you reach Cusco.

Having acclimatized to the altitude the last few days, Cusco’s altitude (11,150ft. above sea level) should be no problem at all at this point, allowing you to really get out and enjoy the town this evening, or get some rest at one of our lovely boutique hotels in Cusco.

Included: Train ticket back to Cusco; Transfer from the train station to your accommodation in Cusco; Accommodation in Cusco. (Meals – Breakfast).

Day 5 Discovering Cusco and its surrounding ruins
Cusco

Walk around the Imperial City of the Incas, starting at the local market of Cusco, where you will experience a bit of Peruvian Culture and daily Cusqueño life. In the market, you can find the best variety of vegetables, breads and fruits in the country. Continuing this pleasant walk, you’ll visit the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco containing over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Afterwards, you’ll visit Koricancha, which is considered a religious center of Cusco, geographical and political. The Temple of Koricancha, was where the Inca paid homage to the Sun god called Inti. Qori means goldwork and Kancha means an enclosed space, bounded by walls. Then, you’ll walk uphill a bit to enter the artisan quarter of San Blas, where you’ll be able to appreciate religious paintings and many workshops where, if they are available, you can watch artisans in action. After this, you’ll return to your hotel.
In the afternoon you will visit the nearby archaeological sites to visit Sacsayhuaman, the Royal House of the Sun and one of the greatest stone monuments in Incan architecture; Qenqo Amphitheater, a well-known Incan temple that dominates the whole area; and Tambomachay, located 8 km from Cusco, which was an Inca sanctuary dedicated to water and a place reserved for Inca Royalty. Its name comes from two Quechua words: Tampu, meaning collective housing, and Machay, which means a resting place. You will also pass by Puka Pukara, (Reddish Fortress), which takes its name from the color of the soil found in the area. It is thought to be once a residential quarter because it was strategically located and dominated the territory.

Included: Private wakling excursion with Guide and Entrance fees; Private excursion to visit 4 surrounding ruins with Transport and Guide; Entrance fee; Accommodation in Cusco. (Meals – Breakfast).

Day 6 Leaving Cusco
Cusco

It is time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and culture of Peru further. Private transfer to the airport.

Included: Private transfer to the airport. (Meals – Breakfast).