PRIVATE TOURS

TOURS EVERY DAY

MINIMUM : 2 Passengers

PRICES : Request On Line

We Visit:

From 8:00 am to 12:00 am

(Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay)

Our Archeological and Walking tour starts by collecting you from your Hotel. We then have 20 minutes van ride to the ruins near Cusco: Saqsaywaman is towards the northeast of Cusco. Its altitude is at 3600 mts (11800 ft). It is a bold demonstration of ancient construction skills. Made of massive stones weighing up to 17,000 kg (125 tons), this ruin was called The Fortress by the Spanish. It was more than simply a military structure. Some authors say the zigzagging shape of the walls represented the god of lightning, an important Inca deity.

After Saqsaywaman, we will visit Q'enqo is about 1km toward the east of Saqsaywaman. It was an Inca shrine (huaca) with a circular amphitheater and a stone block that is said to represent a puma. This ceremonial center was dedicated to the worship of mother earth (Pacha Mama).

We then continue up towards Pucapucara is about 8.5 kms (5.3 miles) from Cusco at an altitude of 3750 mts. (12300 ft). It was originally thought to be a military checkpoint on a main road. It was also a collective lodge offering food and shelter for travelers, as well as for the retinue escorting the Inca in his retirement in Tambomachay.

Some meters ahead is the Tambomachay ruin. Tambomachay is called the sacred bathing place for the Inca rulers “the Incas' Bath”, and was probably a centre of water worship. It is known that the Incas revered water as one of the principal elements of life.

After Tambomachay visit, we will returne to Cusco. We lunch at a Restaurant and then:

WALKING TOUR

In the afternoon

From 2:00 am to 6:00 pm:

(Triumph Street, Hatunrumiyuq, San Blas, the Temple of the Sun and the Loreto Street)

Our Walking tour begins in the Plaza de Armas of the city around 3400 mts (11000 ft). We continue up Triumph Street passing through the house of weapons from Incan times which is now the Triumph Catholic Church. Hatunrumiyuq Street built in green igneous stone was the Inca Roca King's palace. The twelve angled stone has been a symbol of the grand Inca work and Empire.

We then continue up towards the San Blas neighborhood, one of the oldest from colonial times. All the residents and shops show art work in different material and styles from all of the epochs. We continue down narrow original Incan streets flanked by Inca walls and the adobe brick remains of the conquest and republican time. Some of the balconies are incredible wood carvings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century.

Some blocks ahead is the Temple of the Sun. Q'orycancha is a synthesis of Inca organization, architecture and religion. The walls are sedimentary or Imperial Inca and illustrate the expression of architecture in pre-Columbian America. It was the center of the religion dedicated to different gods and deities: the Rainbow, Thunder, Stars, the Moon, and, of course, The Sun himself. The kidnapped idols of subdued tribes were kept hostage in the temple and if the tribe stepped out of line the idols were ridiculed and then destroyed.

Two blocks away is The Loreto Street acllawasy. It was the chosen women's house (Inca convent). All young girls from the novelty and the population went there to learn all about the Inca culture, religion and female activities such as cooking, weaving, spinning, bringing up the children, chicha preparation, and ceramic manufacture, etc. Finally, we finish in the main square.

End of service.

Service Included:

• Bus                    Transportation by vehicles.

• BTC                   Tourist Ticket fee to visit historic sites.

• Guide                Bilungual spanish and english.

• Meals                Luch at a restaurant.

Service Not Included:

Alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, additional tours, laundry service, insurance, air tickets.

IMPORTANT: The names, passport number, occupation and nationality provided must be the same as shown on your passport. In each booking please indicate passengers' full name, gender, age and date of birth.

If you don't have an operator in Cusco, our personel can take care of the reconfirmation of any domestic flights. Please ask for more information when making your reservation.