Cusco and Peruvian cuisine, Cusco is the center of the Inca history and home to some of the most important ruins. Exploring them with your professional guide who will help make this period of history come to life. Visit the beautiful Cathedral (La Basílica Catedral del Cusco) in the main square (Plaza del Armas) and Temple of the Sun (Q’oricancha). Then, head by car to the city limits to visit the 4 main Inca ruins including Saqsaywawam. Bring your camera to capture some beautiful views of the city!

At 8 am, we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.

From Q’oricancha, your group will take a private car drive approximately a 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Saqsaywawam, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths. You will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.

From Saqsaywawam, you will take a short bus ride to the Inca site Q’enqo to see its fascinating Incan altars. Then, you will continue by bus to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca’s for bathing.

At 1pm, we will return to the Plaza del Armas where your guide will make lunch recommendations for you (lunch on own). When you finish lunch, your chef will pick you up and take you to San Pedro market. This is where many Cusqueños start their day. We will stop and take a tour of the market and purchase the ingredients for our cooking class and pisco sour lesson. The market sells everything from fruits and vegetables, meats and medicinal plants to different tourist souvenirs. Once, we’ve made our purchases, we will walk to our kitchen to create a memorable meal.

PACKING LIST

• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Reusable plastic/metal water container, or camel bags
• Camera and films
• Extra money for lunch, souvenirs, drinks and tips