Hidden treasures of Peru

Today, you’ll visit one of the largest 15th-century complexes that features impressive carved stone polygonal blocks, huge blocks weighing over 100 tons and with a height of 8.5 meters. Then delve into the charm of the cobblestone streets of Cusco, giving you a complete experience of this picturesque, historical, ancient and mystic city.

Cusco is the most ancient continuously-inhabited city in the Americas. For 3,000 years now, people have been living in Cusco! From the 13th to the 16th century, the Inca Empire's capital was Cusco. This was until 1533 when Spaniard Francisco Pizarro took over. Nowadays it’s a wonderful blend of the ancient past and the more recent colonial period, where one can admire original Inca temples and monuments, alongside the colonial architecture and modern buildings.

At the designated time you’ll be transferred to the upper zone of Cusco, where you’ll explore megalithic structures, a notable example of monumental architecture in the Inca Empire, that once probably housed more than 5,000 Inca soldiers. This was the base of the Great Rebellion, led by Manco Inca against the Spanish in 1536.

From here you’ll continue by foot through the San Blas neighborhood, which is particularly picturesque, and located in the very heart of the ancient capital of the Incas. The combination of indigenous and colonial influences is captivating. Artists and crafts-people find sanctuary in this place, where talented musicians' sweet melodies fill the air, and the smell of freshly painted canvases remains. You'll stroll through one of the most well-preserved Inca walls in the entire city, where you'll see a multi-angled stone technique, an outstanding example of the Inca's ingenuity, with its 12 angles perfectly aligned with the surrounding wall.

Continue to explore the most important temple of the Incas, initially constructed under the command of Manco Capac in 1200, and finished by Inca Pachacutec in 1400. As per the chroniclers it was covered in gold, even the temple walls were plated with gold, and a large number of gold and silver life-sized shepherds herding alpacas adorned the gardens. All of these precious statues were exchanged by Atahualpa's people, in return for his freedom from the Spanish, who then in 1533 dishonorably executed this last great ruler of the Inca Empire, a huge betrayal after receiving the momentous and valuable goods.

Finally, continue to immerse into the culture of Cusco, visiting an authentic and very popular market, where locals can be found buying their daily produce. You’ll be greeted by vividly colored fruits, herbal remedies, mysterious aromas, tasty Andean soups, and an array of unusual flavors. If you’re an adventurous eater you can sample from the spicy meals on offer, or alternatively opt for a freshly squeezed refreshing juice blend. This market is a real sensory experience and a well-loved attraction of the city.