INTI RAYMI AND MACHU PICCHU

5 Days | 4 Nights

Cusco, recognized as the capital of Tahuantinsuyu, was the heart of the vast Inca Empire, also known as the "navel of the world." In less than a century, the Incas extended their rule from just north of Quito, Ecuador, to just south of Santiago, Chile, also encompassing regions of Argentina and Bolivia.

Today, this historic city remains a fascinating place, filled with cultural richness, traditions, and customs, captivating visitors from around the world.

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This program offers you the unique experience of participating in the renowned Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, traditionally celebrated every June 24th in Cusco. This ancient festival revives the traditions of the Inca Empire and offers a unique cultural experience. You'll also enjoy an overnight stay in the charming Machu Picchu town, where you can contemplate the spectacular sunrise over the majestic Inca citadel.

Guests arriving in Cusco on June 21st, 22nd, 23rd, or 24th (Tour schedule may vary depending on arrival date).

Day 1	Arrival at the airport "Velasco Astete". Transfer to the selected hotel Afternoon - City tour:14:00-18:30 hours Visit to the temple of the sun Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay.
Day 2	Sacred Valley - Full Day 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. visit to Pisaq - Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu train
Day 3	Machu Picchu Sunrise 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Day 4	Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun throughout the Day 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm
Day 5	Airport or Bus Station as per itinerary. Transfer Hotel

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUSCO - CITY TOUR

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Upon arrival in the majestic Cusco city, you will be greeted by our staff at the airport or bus terminal. We will be easily identifiable, as we will be holding a sign with your name on it. Afterward, we will take you in our tour bus to your chosen hotel, so you can relax or get ready for your city tour.

At the scheduled time, we will begin the city tour, picking up passengers from their respective hotels to explore the most iconic sites in Cusco and its surroundings:

• Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun): This was the main temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god. It was distinguished by its perfect architecture and walls covered in gold plates. Inside were animal figures made of precious metals and the mummies of ancient Incas and their wives.
• Sacsayhuaman: Located just 3 km from the historic center, this monumental fortress represents the head of a puma, a symbolic form of the city of Cusco in Inca times. Built with gigantic stone blocks, it is also the site of the Inti Raymi festival every June 24th.
• Qenqo: An ancient temple dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth), where ceremonies and llama sacrifices were held, especially during the winter solstice. This site is the site of the natural phenomenon known as the "Awakening of the Puma," a projection of shadows that the Incas used as a signal to begin the Inti Raymi festival.
• Pucapucara: A red fortress that served as a checkpoint and resting place for travelers from the Empire. Its distinctive color comes from the hue its stones take at sunset. It is believed to have served as a tambo (bathhouse) for those traveling to or from the sacred city.
• Tambomachay: Known as the "Inka Baths," this ceremonial site is located 7 km from Cusco and is associated with the cult of water. It is considered to have been a resting place for the Inka and the Ñusta, famous for its canals, fountains, and advanced hydraulic architecture.

Around 6:30 p.m., we will return to Cusco, concluding our tour of the imperial city.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

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Starting the day early, around 6:30 a.m., we'll pick you up from your hotel to begin our tour of the fascinating Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The trip will include the following stops:

• Chinchero: A town that still preserves its original Inca architecture and is surrounded by a rich agricultural area. We will visit its colonial church, built on Inca foundations, and appreciate the handcrafted textiles made using ancient techniques.
• Moray: We will explore the circular terraces that the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory to adapt crops to different microclimates.
• Salineras de Maras: An impressive collection of salt pools from the pre-Inca period. The salt water comes from natural springs and is shared by hundreds of families who keep this ancient activity alive.
• Urubamba: We will enjoy a buffet lunch prepared with typical ingredients from the Valley, ideal for sampling authentic local cuisine.
• Ollantaytambo: We will visit its archaeological site, an architectural gem from the Inca period. This citadel served administrative and defensive functions, in addition to controlling access to different regions of the Inca Empire.

Then, we will board the train at the Ollantaytambo station bound for the town of Machu Picchu (also known as hot waters).

Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to greet you and escort you to your hotel so you can rest and prepare for your visit to the Inca citadel the following day.

Overnight stay: Machu Picchu Town
Meals: Breakfast at your selected hotel and lunch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU (Sunrise in Machu Picchu)

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At the scheduled time, we will head to the bus station to board the bus that will take us to the Machu Picchu citadel, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. This architectural gem, rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, is the most representative example of Inca splendor.

During the guided tour, we will visit its main structures, such as:

• The Lookout or Watchtower
• The Temple of the Three Windows
• The Intihuatana Stone
• The Main Plaza
• Among other emblematic spaces that will allow us to understand the spiritual, astronomical, and cultural significance of the site.

After completing the Machu Picchu tour, we will take a bus down to the town of Hot Waters. You will have some free time there to enjoy lunch and take in the local atmosphere.

Later in the afternoon, we will board the train back to Cusco.

Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel and conclude this unforgettable experience.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 4: The "Inti Raymi" Sun Festival

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If you are passionate about ancestral rituals, history, culture, and festivities, you can't miss the majestic celebration of Inti Raymi 2025, the Festival of the Sun. This event is one of the most important in Peru's cultural calendar and represents an exceptional opportunity to learn about the legacy of the Incas, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Andes.

We will begin this adventure at approximately 8:00 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin this exciting adventure.

The Inti Raymi ceremony takes place in three main venues, each with a special symbolism and at different times:

Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun
From 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
This place was the main center of worship for the god Inti (the Sun) throughout the Tahuantinsuyu Empire. The ceremony symbolizes the departure of the Inca from the temple, in an act of homage to the Sun god, accompanied by traditional dances, ancestral melodies, and ritual offerings.

Cusco Main Square
From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Here, the meeting of the Inca with his people and local authorities is staged. During this ceremony, the Inca symbolically offers the blessing of the Sun to the current leader, requesting well-being and balance for the city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Sacsayhuamán Fortress
From 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The celebration concludes in this impressive setting. Surrounded by ancient stone terraces, the central ceremony of Inti Raymi unfolds — a captivating spectacle of traditional dances, chants, and sacred rituals that represent the divine connection between the Inca ruler and the Sun God, Pachamama, and the four suya of the empire.

This festivity continues year after year, and while Inti Raymi 2025 is being lived with excitement, it is already beginning to generate anticipation about the new developments and excitement that Inti Raymi 2026 could bring.

The fourth-day tour includes:

• Pickup from your hotel
• Specialized tour transportation
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Entry to the Inti Raymi ceremony in the seating area
• Buffet lunch
• Box lunch (packed lunch)

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 5: RETURN

At the agreed time, transfer will be made from your hotel to the airport or bus station.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

INCLUDES::

• Transfers Airport/Bus Terminal – Hotel – Airport/Bus Terminal
• 03 nights accommodation in Cusco
• 01 night accommodation in Machu Picchu village
• Excursions on regular or shared service
  • Cusco City Tour + Nearby Ruins
  • Full Day Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Sunrise at Machu Picchu with Expedition Train Service
  • Day of the Festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi
  • Green Seat (VIP Seats for Inti Raymi)
• Round-trip train to Machu Picchu on Expedition Service or upgrade to a selected train
• Tourist bus to Machu Picchu (round-trip)
• Guided tour on shared service
• Entrance fees to all attractions and Machu Picchu
• Professional guide in Spanish or English
• Meals as per itinerary and breakfast if you choose a hotel option

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Entrance fees to recreational sites, such as Clubs, Water Springs, and Nature Parks Attractions
• Other attractions not specified in the program
• Unscheduled meals

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Small backpack
• Light clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Jacket to keep warm in the early morning or at night
• Hat or sun cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera