Magical Cuzco Tours | Blog Magical Cuzco Tours

Discover Inti Raymi: The Feast of the Sun in Cusco

Welcome, travelers and culture lovers! Today we want to invite you to a unique and vibrant experience that you can only live in the heart of the Peruvian Andes: The Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. We are excited to share with you everything you need to know to enjoy this ancestral celebration to the fullest.

What is Inti Raymi?

The Inti Raymi is one of the most important festivities of the Andean calendar, celebrated every June 24 in the city of Cusco. This ceremony has its roots in the Inca Empire, when tribute was paid to the Sun God (Inti) to thank him for the harvests and ask for prosperity for the new agricultural cycle. Today, the Inti Raymi is a recreation of these ancient rituals, combining tradition and spectacle in an event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Live the History in Sacsayhuaman

The celebration of Inti Raymi takes place in several emblematic scenarios of Cusco, the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman is the main one. This impressive archaeological site, with its colossal carved stones and imposing presence, serves as the backdrop for the theatrical representation of the ceremony. Here, more than 500 actors dressed in traditional costumes recreate the ancient Inca ceremony, offering an unforgettable visual and cultural experience.

Tips for your trip

Comfortable and Warm Clothes: June in Cusco can be cold, especially at night. Wear layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes.

Sun Protection: Despite the cold, the sun in the Andes is strong. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat.

Hydrate: The altitude can affect some travelers, so drink plenty of water and take your time to acclimatize.

Camera: You don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the incredible moments of this festival.

Conclusion

Inti Raymi is not only a celebration, it is a journey through time that connects you with the rich cultural heritage of Peru. We invite you to be part of this unique experience and discover the majesty of the Inca Empire through this festival of the Sun. Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Cusco!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

Photos by the Municipalidad of Cusco

On 18 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Machu Picchu• Peru

What you need to know Before Visiting Machu Picchu in 2024

Here we tried to collect some of the main questions we received from people eager to visit Machu Picchu.

First, let’s start from the question of question! What is the best time to go? Here there are divergent opinions that we can report. On one side, we can say that the best time is from July to August, which is the dry season, when you will not find rain and humidity. On the other hand, we can also say that the quietest moment to visit the citadel is the rainy season, where it is less crowded, and prices are generally lower.

When is it convenient to buy tickets? We suggest you buy your entry tickets in long advance since there is a limited number of visitors allowed per day, at the moment 2500 for the citadel and less for the other options (see below). There are two slots per day: in the morning (6:00am-12:00pm) and in the afternoon (12:00-17:30pm).

What are the ticket options? There are several kinds of entry tickets, the basic entry allows you to visit the citadel, but you can add the visit to Huayna Picchu, which allows you to explore the mountain throughout a 2–3-hour hike where you will enjoy stunning landscapes and a great view of Llaqta. The access to Huayna Picchu is allowed only in the morning. The other option is visit to the citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain, a high mountain from where you will enjoy charming views of the citadel. There are more tickets available for Machu Picchu Mountain than for Huayna Picchu daily. Finally, there are tickets available for those visitors who decide to do the Inca Trail.

How do I reach Machu Picchu? This is another common question we often receive. Also, here you have several options:

Train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is the little town located at the bottom of the valley below Machu Picchu. The town is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The journey lasts 3-4 hours. From here you can take the bus to the citadel. Buses start running from 5:00am in the morning.
If you want to do the Inca Trail you will reach the citadel on your own, but you might need to book the Inca trail several months before due to the high demand and the few spots available.

How do I need to dress? We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, also bring a raincoat, a hat, and sunglasses. It is mandatory to use sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Sun could be very strong over there.

If you need more information, contact us: info@magicacuzcotours.com or call us (1) 703-822-5311.

On 11 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Peru• Travel Tips• World travel

Luxury Fashion that Brings Peruvian Heritage to the World

When traveling to Peru you can think of luxury and fashion, there are many Peruvian brands that manage to capture the cultural and artistic essence of the country and at the same time provide an amazing product.

The Gift of a Story:

This collection is a tribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Peruvian civilizations. Imagine wearing a piece of Nazca history, reflected in a delicate and elegant baby alpaca and silk fabric. These garments not only envelop us in luxury but also connect us with the legacy of our ancestors.

Intricate design with lots of color:

For those looking for the perfect balance between style and comfort, we found these stoles. Made with baby alpaca and silk fibers, this multicolored garment is a reflection of elegance and sophistication. It is a constant reminder of the harmony and beauty found in our culture, allowing us to carry a piece of it wherever we go.

Art and Spirituality in Every Garment:

Also recommend series of stoles that are true canvases of inspiration. Each piece, designed by Kelly Abarca, fuses art and spirituality, using baby alpaca and silk fibers. These garments not only adorn but also inspire, combining beauty and depth in each thread.

When travelling to Peru, consider looking for these pieces of art. Each garment tells a story, our Peruvian story, and allows us to carry a piece of our heritage with us, wherever we go. Customizre your tour with us and we will provide recommendation on where to go shopping for pieces as special like this.

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

Photos: from Kuna store Website

On 6 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Machu Picchu• Travel Tips

Everything you need to know about the New Circuits of Machu Picchu

Welcome to all travel enthusiasts!

In preparation for your upcoming trip to Cusco, we want to keep you informed about the new changes made by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture regarding entrance tickets to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

Previously, when buying an entrance ticket, you could choose one of the three available circuits, which allowed you to tour Machu Picchu for 2.5 hours. Each circuit had a specific route, but in general terms, you could appreciate the entire citadel, both the upper and lower parts.

Now, as of June 1, 2024, although three circuits will continue to exist, they are divided into 10 different routes to offer visitors a more diverse and personalized experience. Therefore, visitors who have purchased tickets before this date will have to adapt to these new circuits:

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route
Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route
Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only in High Season)
Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season)
Route 2-A: Designed Route
Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route
Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route
Route 3-B: Designed route
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only in High Season)
Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in high season)

Schedules and Admission Capacity

The maximum capacity in the high season is 5,600 visitors per day. For the low season, there are 4,500 daily visitors.

Entrance Hours

The entrance hours for each circuit will be specified on your admission ticket. There will be a 30-minute tolerance for entrance in low season and 45 minutes in high season. After this time, entry will not be allowed, except for duly justified reasons of force majeure.

For those who already have their tickets, the equivalence for your access will be one of the three circuits (Panoramic, Machu Picchu Classic, and Machu Picchu Royalty). Please note that you will be able to choose according to the capacity at the time of entering Machu Picchu. There is no confirmation in advance of which circuit will be assigned, as this will be determined upon arrival at the entrance to Machu Picchu. However, any of the three circuits will offer a complete guided tour of 2.5 hours, allowing you to appreciate the Inca city and take traditional photos.

Information about the circuits

Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route:

In this route you will only hike Machu Picchu Mountain.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace Route:

With this route you will enjoy the classic view of Machu Picchu.

Route 1-C: Intipunku Gateway Route (available only in High Season):

With this route you will hike to Inti Punku.

Route 1-D: Inka Bridge Route (available only in High Season):

With this route you will hike to the Inka Bridge and have a classic view of Machu Picchu.

Route 2-A: Designed Route:

This route is one of the best because you will have a classic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca guard house.

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route:

With this route you will be able to walk through almost all the spaces of Machu Picchu and you will have a classic view from an Inca terrace a little below the Inca guard house.

Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain Route:

On this route you will take a classic hike to get the best view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings from the summit of Waynapicchu.

Route 3-B: Designed route:

With this route you will not be able to access the top of Huayna Picchu mountain, but you will have access to the center and left side of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (available only in High Season):

This route is only available in high season. You will be able to access the center and the right side of Machu Picchu without the classic view. You will also see the great cavern, known as the Temple of the Moon of Machu Picchu.

Route 3-D: Huchuypicchu Route (available only in high season):

With this route you will have a different photographic perspective of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint of Huchuy Picchu because you will enter through the center of the citadel.

Tips and Recommendations

We recommend Circuit 2 or Inka City Circuit (Route 2-A, Route 2-B). This circuit offers the classic view of Machu Picchu and allows you to explore the citadel in-depth, including iconic sites such as the Upper Platform, the Dry Moat and the Temple of the Sun.

Since the changes go into effect on June 1, long lines and some confusions are possible, especially for those traveling alone. To ensure a smooth experience, ensure your guide is always with you. The Magical Cuzco Tours team is always monitoring any new information released by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture to keep our passengers informed.

Have an unforgettable experience in Machu Picchu!

Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

On 3 junio, 2024 • By magicalblog

Cusco• Machu Picchu• Peru

Discover Machu Picchu: A Journey to the Heart of the Inca Empire

Machu Picchu, an architectural wonder lost deep in the Peruvian Andes, is much more than just a tourist destination; it is a portal to the past, a window into the grandeur of the Inca Empire. In this blog, I invite you to discover the history, nature, and emotion of Machu Picchu, where every step is an adventure and every view is an unforgettable experience.

Epic Hikes

Machu Picchu does not reveal itself easily. To reach this hidden wonder, one must embark on an epic adventure, either along the legendary Inca Trail or along less-traveled routes. These treks offer much more than simple trails; they are time travels that transport you through changing landscapes, from dense cloud forests to clear highlands, each step bringing you closer to the majesty of Machu Picchu.

Special Moments

Every corner of Machu Picchu breathes history and mystery, and exploring it is like unraveling an ancient enigma. Imagine stopping at the Sun Gate at dawn, while the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient Inca stones or sitting in silence at the Temple of the Condor, feeling the presence of those who built it centuries ago. It is these special moments that make Machu Picchu an unforgettable visit, leaving a lasting impression on the souls of those who experience it.

Incredible Views

From the moment you set foot in Machu Picchu, you are immersed in a world of breathtaking views. The towering mountains surrounding the citadel, such as Huayna Picchu and the imposing Machu Picchu, dominate the skyline, creating an imposing backdrop to this architectural wonder. As you walk through its terraces and plazas, each glance offers a new perspective, a new postcard-worthy of being captured to remember forever.

An Unforgettable Adventure

In short, Machu Picchu is much more than a tourist destination; it is an adventure that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether you embark on a challenging hike, pause to contemplate moments of awe, or marvel at the incomparable views, every moment at Machu Picchu is a unique and unforgettable experience. Are you ready to discover the heart of the Inca Empire? The journey awaits you, full of great adventures, epic treks, special moments, and incredible views. Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

On 16 mayo, 2024 • By magicalblog

Food• Peru• Travel• What to do

Best Outdoor Dining Experiences in Lima

COVID-19 has changed several aspects of our lives, and it has also changed our dining habits. We now prefer outdoor restaurants and dining places to the fancy indoor restaurants, since we definitely feel safer there. That is why we want to give you some of the best outdoor dining options in Lima, so that you can enjoy our delicious food without any risk and being able to fully enjoy the dining experience. Yes, that is what it’s about, having a meal in one of these restaurants is a true life-changing “experience”.

Huaca Pucllana Restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/restauranthuacapucllana): this restaurant is merged into an ancient pre-Incan Huaca, located in the middle of Miraflores district. You will dine outdoor with a stunning view of the Huaca enjoying delicious traditional food with a modern twist. The site is charmingly illuminated at night, so we suggest to have a romantic dinner there.

Osaka (https://www.facebook.com/OsakaOficial): when in Lima do not lose the opportunity to try Nikkei cuisine, a fusion between Peruvian and Japanese food. The result is an amazing mixture of tastes, savors and textures. You will definitely love it. This restaurant is one of the best places to have a real Nikkei experience and get to know it. The restaurant is located in San Isidro district.

Astrid & Gastón (https://www.facebook.com/AstridyGastonLima): You cannot live Lima without dining at this restaurant if you are a foodie. Here you can catch the real essence of Peruvian food. Do not forget to try their delicious drinks as well.

La Plazita (https://www.facebook.com/laplazitalima): this is a more casual option, where ou can find gourmet Peruvian traditional food in the heart of Miraflores district. This is a real win-win option for lunch if you want to try Peruvian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.

La Lucha Sanguchería (https://www.facebook.com/laluchasangucheriacriolla): Are you more in fast food style dining experience? You do not want something too fancy and you’re looking for comfort food and fast meal? This is the perfect option for you. The chain has several points in the main Lima’s districts. This is a sort of Peruvian fast-food, where you can taste delicious sandwiches, native fried potatoes or sweet potatoes, that we call camote, and delicious juices and shakes with local fruits. We definitely recommend his option if you are looking for a real Peruvian experience. Many locals dine there as well during the week.

Cebichería La Mar (https://www.facebook.com/LaMarCebicheriaPeruanaLima): this is not a suggestion, but take it more as an order: do not live Lima without tasting a real ceviche. Ceviche is the traditional dish from Peruvian coast, made of marinated fish, Peruvian boiled corn and sweet potatoes. At this historical restaurant you can taste the real essence of Peruvian ceviche, as well as other delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant is located in Miraflores district.

As you can see there are plenty of options for outdoor dining in Lima. COme to Peru and discover our amazing food culture.

RESTAURANT ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS

Huaca Puccllana Restaurant

Calle General Borgoño, Miraflores
T: +51 (1) 445 4042

Osaka Restaurant

Felipe Pardo y Aliaga 660, San Isidro
Phone: +51 (1) 222 0405

Astrid & Gastón

Av. Paz Soldán 290,San Isidro

Phone: +51 1 4422777

La Plazita Restaurant

San Fernando 380, Miraflores, Lima

Phone: +51 994 972 336

La Lucha Sanguchería

LARCO 999, MIRAFLORES/AV. DIAGONAL 308, MIRAFLORES/ PASAJE CHAMPAGNAT 139, MIRAFLORES/ AV. SANTA CRUZ 814, MIRAFLORES

Cebichería La Mar

Calle Mariscal La Mar 770, Miraflores

Phone: +5114213365

On 28 octubre, 2021 • By magicalblog

Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

Best Tips for a Safe Travel

After a year of pandemic we definitely need to get back on track with traveling. Many people have lost their sense of traveling, their habits and the necessary measures they usually used to travel safely. That is why we felt necessary to write this article including all the best tips we could share for a safe trip. They are good if you’re traveling by yourself, or for family trips or couple trips. Here our list:

Always travel with one or two hard copies of your travel documents: passport, IDs, health insurance cards. You can definitely lost all of them or some of them and you might need a backup, especially for your policy report. Also, it is advisable to go sightseeing with hardcopies of the documents and leave them locked at your accommodation.

Bring a lock in your suitcase, it could be useful if you have some documents or items you need to lock in your suitcase or a cabinet. If you are stay in a hostel it will definitely come handy to lock your stuff up. It is better to use a lock with a combination of numbers or letters that the ones with keys. If you lost those keys you’re screwed.

Travel with city maps: they are extremely useful for sightseeing and going around the city. But still do not be afraid to lost since this is also a good part of traveling. Getting off the beaten paths is always an experience and will allow you to get to know the real essence of the place you’re visiting.

Try to have written down or to learn basic phrases in local language. They could be very helpful since you never know what happen while you’re exploring the place.
Have a first-aid kit with you: add paracetamol, antibacterial cream, pads, roller gauze, bandages, medical tape, thermometer. If you are taking any remedies, bring it with you, as well as a prescription from your physician. If you are traveling with kids you should know that the amount of remedies you should bring with you is basically tripled. Just play on the safe side.

Take picture of your luggage before approaching the counter, this will help you in case the airline lost it.
Get vaccinated: apart from COVID-19 vaccine, some countries require you to do specific vaccines to enter it. So be prepared for it and get your shot before traveling.

Carry extra cash, this is always useful for last minute shopping or for emergency reason. You can also consider to carry an extra credit card in case you experience any problem with the one you usually use.

Get travel insurance: this is a must have for any kind of travel. So get yours and learn all the conditions of the contract before purchasing. This is the best expense you can do for your trip.

We hope that these tips can help you planning your next trip, and remember: get whatever you can to travel safely all around the world.

On 21 octubre, 2021 • By magicalblog

Peru• Travel• Travel Tips• World travel

Tips for traveling during pandemic

With the increase of people getting vaccinated all over the world and the drop in infection rates in many countries, we can definitely say that travel is becoming a lot safer now and tourism is recovering. Also the fact that people are more used to live respecting the usual safety measures such as washing their hands and wearing a mask indoor is helping.

Here few tips you need to take in account while planning your next trip:

Monitor COVID-19 cases rate at your destination. The best thing to do is to check reliable rates and stats, such the ones provided here (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) or here (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). You can check updated travel restrictions here (https://www.unwto.org/covid-19-travel-restrictions).

Test yourself. Take a COVID-19 test before leaving, ideally the day before and once you are back home. Even if you are vaccinated you might want to take the test to check your status. Some countries require a negative test to get in even if you are vaccinated, so you have to check the specific requirements for each destination. As for Peru, a negative PCR test issued up to 72 hours before boarding or a negative antigen test issued up to 24 hours before boarding is required.

Use Masks or face shields. Bring with you the necessary amount of FFP2 masks and change them after 8 hours. If you prefer use a face shield to better protect you on the plane and indoor.

Hand hygiene. Handwashing is the best way to protect yourself, so keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water for an extended period of time and using hand sanitizer if you do not have a place to wash your hands. Hand sanitizer must have at least 60% of alcohol in it.

Bring antibacterial wipes. Bring them with you to clean up and disinfect hotel room or apartment’s doorknobs, light switches, surfaces and bathrooms. Just to be on the safe side.
Plan carefully your trip. Plan your trip in a smart way trying to avoid unsafe activities, such as going to crowded indoor places. Schedule in advance your visit to archeological sites, museums, parks, etc. Make the necessary restaurant reservations to ensure you have a table booked, many restaurants may have reduced available tables due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Enjoy your trip! Do not obsess and try to fully enjoy your trip.

Even if things have changed and we are living in a different world today, we believe that we can still keep doing things we love using all the necessary measures to keep ourself and other people safe. So, travel, enjoy yourself, but do it in a smart way. The help of local people and an experienced travel operator could be crucial for your trip.

On 1 septiembre, 2021 • By magicalblog

Travel• Travel Tips• What to do• World travel

8 Tips on How to Travel with Kids

We here at Magical Cusco Tours love to travel with our kids but it can get a little complicated unless you know how to keep them busy and happy. Here are our top 10 tips to travel with kids and teens.

Make sure that daily activities are spread out well: Don’t visit 10 different monuments in one day, let your kids rest and have some downtime.

Bring lots of snacks and water: In our experience, kids and teens often forget to bring their own food and water so when they get annoyed or hungry, you make sure that you have all the options that they might need. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check and make sure that they have water and snacks.

Ask for their opinions when planning the activities: The activities that you do during the trip should be a mix between things that you want to do and things that your kids find interesting

If you’re flying somewhere take an earlier flight: The flights can be less crowded and people are more likely to sleep, your kids included.

Pack lots of activities: Keeping busy is a great way to pass the time and having activities suitable for a kid of any age is always useful. This can include coloring books (of any level), pens, cards, toys for smaller children, and more.

Bring lots of layers and other supplies for any kind of weather: You never know what the day will bring and you want to be prepared for anything to happen. Examples are flashlights, toilet paper, rain jackets, hats, mosquito repellents, sunblocks, comfortable shoes, etc.

Bring a light blanket in case your kid gets cold on the airline.

Be prepared for long flights: Many airlines now offer free entertainment if they have a specific app o check if your airline has one of those. If you have a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+, have them download movies and episodes to watch.

Those are just a few of the many tips we have for you. Make sure to check out our blog on how to stay safe while traveling so you know how to keep yourself and your kids safe. We hope that these tips will help you out.

On 19 agosto, 2021 • By magicalblog

Travel• Travel Tips• What to do

PHOTO VIDEO MEMORIES PROJECT

Do you want to cherish memories and support Peruvian tourism at the same time?

Call us: 1-866-217-1542 / 703-822-5311 or 703-8225312 /+51 997 593 818 (also Whatsapp)

Email us: info@magicalcuzcotours.com

WE WILL MAKE YOUR MEMORIES LAST FOREVER!

The current global crisis due to Coronavirus pandemic opened our eyes on the importance of the work made by our tour guides and local drivers who are on the front lines of tourism industry and they do not have the financial ability to survive in this time of crisis. They are now basically unemployed and they have no income to support their families. That is why we decided to work on a way to help Peruvian tourism and especially our people stay afloat during this difficult time.

We launch a brand-new memories video project; for each video sold we will make a donation to our knowledgeable and reliable tour guides and drivers. The price for the video is US$150.00 total and 100% of our profit will go directly to them.

We can produce memories videos to share it with your friends and family or simply to have lifetime memories of a special occasion. Our videos are ideal to celebrate a special occasion, a special trip anywhere else or just to celebrate the life of a loved ones as tribute. An anniversary, a birthday, a wedding, a vow renewal, the arrival of a new-born are all special occasions that deserve to remain engraved in our memory. We will help you make it special with a commemorative video made of unedited video shots, photos, visual effects, soundtrack and a customized script. They are also a great gift idea for a dear friend or family member!

HOW IT WORKS

Send us meaningful photos and video shots
Tell us your story or highlights to be able to create a script
Choose up to 4 music tracks to use for your video
Give us a week to work on it!
Your video will be delivered to your email.

VIDEO FEATURES

Duration: up to 7 minutes
Customized script based on your story
Linear edition
Visual effects
Colorization (the quality depends on photos and video shots provided)
Photo editing
Soundtrack (up to 4 music track)
Sound quality
Voice over (optional)
The video can be delivered in the following formats: full HD; MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV. This is totally up to you!

THE VALUE OF WORKING WITH US

Commitment to local suppliers: we are committed to support Peruvian tourism and to value the work of those guides who are working on the field with our passengers.

Competitive prices: we offer best value prices for our services compared to other suppliers. Please consider that part of the revenues will be donated to our tour guide.

Flexibility: we are flexible with changes to the video and soundtrack (considering the options you sent at the beginning). As for the script, we will work on it and send it to you for approval, before finalizing the video. Once the video, the soundtrack and the script are approved, you cannot make any change.

Reliability: we are reliable supplier and if we offer you to have a video ready for a specific date, we will keep the promise. We always meet deadlines!

Communication standard: we are always an email or a call away from you. We proud ourselves to be very quick in replying to our clients for any requests or issues they might have.

On 5 mayo, 2020 • By magicalblog

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