Exploring Machu Picchu Full Day Tour takes you on one of the most incredible train journeys in the world. Following the route of the Urubamba River all the way to the cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu Full Day you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the high Andes throughout the course of the journey. On arrival to Aguas Calientes you are met by your guide and go up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour of the site.
In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu (“old mountain”). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River.
Tipon Archaelogical Park
Tipon archaelogical park is located 26km southeast of Cusco. At the old adobe church along the main road, we turn left up a paved road that winds uphill for approximately 3.5 km (10 minutes drive). Tipon is one of the most impressive Inca archeological site where one can see a series of terraces and irrigation canals. Tipon was a ceremonial center where water was channeled through underground passages from the Pachatusan mountain above the site.
Piquillacta Archaelogical site
Piquillacta is located 33 km southeast of Cusco. This was one of the most important cities of the Wary Culture, who were later conquered by the powerful Incas around 1200 A.D. The name means “The Place of Fleas”. The entire city was enclosed by walls made up of a mixture of stone and earth with the interiors of the buildings being more finely finished.
Piquillaqta has more than 700 structures and some walls standing almost 12 meters high in places. Across from Piquillacta is the beautiful lake Huacarpay, home to many species of local fauna.
Rumicolca, Gate of Cusco
Close to Piquillacta lies the archaelogical ruins of Rumicolca, consisting of three pyramidal constructions, with bases and internal walls made of giant stone blocks. In the upper wall of the complex lies the aqueduct built to carry water to Piquillacta. The other function of Rumicolca was believed to have been as the main gate into Cusco.
The legend of Rumicolca states that many years ago the Inca Huayna Capac made a priest named Rumichaca governor over the land. Rumichaca had a beautiful daughter named Sumac Tika who had several suitors, two of which were; Aukitito, a soldier and Atoc Rimachi, son of an Inca noble. She decided that the first to bring running water to Piquillacta would be the one to marry her.
The two rivals began constructing their aqueducts (Rumicolca) side by side, overcoming many obstacles along the way. The winner was Aukitito who married the princess while the unfortunate Atoc Rimachi hung himself.
Andahuaylillas Colonial Church
The most important attraction for visitors is the San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church, considered to be the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to the quality of its art. Built at the beginning of XVII century, the inside of the temple is decorated with murals by Luis Riaño representing the paths to glory and to hell.
In addition, this church has a majestic piano, numerous canvases of the Academy of Cusco, exquisite silverwork and baroque altars.
To do the Cusco south valley tour the boleto turistico is required.
Activities
Cultural, Adventure
Hiking distance
2 km / 1.2 miles
Maximum Altitude
4200 masl. / 13779 ft.
Departures Day
Daily Departures.
Starts
Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 8:00 AM
Ends
Drop-off at Cusco around 14:30 PM
