House of travel South and Central America Brochure 2017 | Page 38

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting the most
beautiful mountainous regions of the Sacred Valley,
and the mysterious ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu
Picchu. For some, these regions are the celestial focal
point of their Peru visit. The Sacred Valley remains
a lush agricultural supply to Cuzco with much of its
local produce, and is the start of your train journey
to Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Incas is one
of the most famed and spectacular creations of Inca
architecture and makes for an awe-inspiring setting.
Believed to have been built in the mid 15th century
but not discovered until 1911, the construction of this
city is tucked away high in the eastern slopes of the
Andes. Machu Picchu holds a special place in the
hearts of all who visit this unbelievable location.
Highlights worth seeing along the way
4 days/3 nights Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Sacred Valley
You will be picked up from your Cuzco Hotel, so be prepared for an
early departure. Today is all about exploring the area between Cuzco
and Sacred Valley. Pisac is a picturesque town located just out of Cuzco,
renowned for its colonial church and local markets. With a drive time
of a couple hours, sit back and enjoy the peaceful ride, showing you
the countryside of Peru. On arrival into the Sacred Valley you'll be met
by the small town of Ollantaytambo, before being dropped off at your
chosen hotel. Spend two nights enjoying the dramatic mountainscape.
Day 2: Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley is full with many activities on offer. Spend the day
exploring this region which is extremely special to Peruvian people. The
Ollantaytambo markets sits in a cute setting waiting for you to visit.
Day 3: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
The Vistadome or Hiram Bingham Train will be waiting at Ollantaytambo
Station. Follow the Urubamba River, nestled amongst the mountains
leading towards Aguas Calientes, the last stop before Machu Picchu.
Here you'll disembark the train and board the bus to reach the Lost
City of the Incas. A guided tour will give you insight to one of the most
fascinating stories of history. You'll have spare time to roam, before
returning to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cuzco
You have the option (additional cost) to view Machu Picchu for a second
time, before jumping on the train back to Sacred Valley, and onwards to
Cuzco for an afternoon arrival at your chosen hotel.
Our favourite places to stay:
•
Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley
•
Hotel Pakaritampu, Sacred Valley
•
Libertador Tambo del Inka, Sacred Valley
•
Inkaterra El Mapi Hotel, Machu Picchu
•
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Machu Picchu
•
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu
Lares Trek
Aguas Calientes
Km 82.
Inca Trail
OLLANTAYTAMBO
Pisac
MACHU
PICCHU
Winaywayna
Paqaymayu
Lucmabamba
Wayllabamba
CUZCO
Soraypampa
Salkantay Trek
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Meet the weavers – Textiles have always been present in ancestral
communities such as Sacred Valley, it's a customary tradition passed
from mothers to daughters. Watch the talented weavers at work while
appreciating the art of ancient patterns and bright colours.
Markets – You will know by now that South America is famed for its
hundreds of alluring markets, and those surrounding the Sacred Valley
have set the benchmark. The renowned Pisac markets, Chinchero
markets and even the small markets in Ollantaytambo are always going
to delight you with local handicrafts and treasures. Make sure you bring
enough spending Sols as you won't be able to help yourself.
Hot Springs, Aguas Calientes – Aguas Calientes has thrown itself on the
map not only because of its proximity to Machu Picchu, but also its hot
springs. After all, Aguas Calientes does mean hot w