Cusco to Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. After a brief orientation, you will have time to rest and adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon, explore Cusco, a city showcasing the fusion of Andean and Spanish cultures. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, which sits atop the Koricancha, the ancient Inca palace and primary center of worship for the Sun God. The tour continues with a visit to the impressive Sacsayhuaman, known for its grand Inca military architecture, and the nearby archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay. Return to your hotel by early evening.

3 Accommodations:* Waman Qoricancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
4 Accommodations:* Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Premium

The day begins at 7:30am when your guide will pick you up from your Cusco hotel in a private van. Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with Pisac. Enjoy a panoramic view from the Taray Mirador of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. Explore the Pisac archaeological site, featuring a vast Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs, terraced farming fields, an Inca tunnel, and the religious sector of the site. Spend around two hours here, then visit the vibrant Pisac market before heading to Urubamba for lunch.

Next, visit the intriguing Moray archaeological site, often referred to as the “Greenhouse of the Incas,” where terraces carved into a deep bowl were used for agricultural experimentation. Continue to the colonial town of Maras and observe the pre-Inca salt mines, where salt has been harvested for generations. Finally, journey to Ollantaytambo, exploring the well-preserved Inca village and its impressive ruins, including the Sun Temple. After dinner, board the train to Aguas Calientes, departing at 7:04pm and arriving at 8:45pm.

3 Accommodations:* Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
4 Accommodations:* El Mapi or Tierra Viva Superior

The highlight of your trip awaits! After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. Your guide will provide a two-hour tour of the citadel, covering its key areas: agricultural, residential, and religious sectors. After soaking in the spectacular views, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and some leisure time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the museum or hot springs.

Board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the scenic Urubamba River. You might spot Wiñay Wayna along the way. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you and transfer you back to your Cusco hotel, expected around 7:00pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel
Difficulty: Easy
3 Accommodations:* Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotels
4 Accommodations:* Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels

IMPORTANT:
For those who have booked an extra hike to Huayna Picchu, please note that this tour does not include a guide.

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same departure times (2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm) at an additional cost of $67 USD. Early train departures can be arranged upon request at the time of booking.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 6:30am and take you to the bus station (Inca Express or First Class). Both services offer luxury amenities with an English-speaking guide and onboard refreshments. The journey includes visits to various Inca sites and museums, including the Andahuaylillas Church, known as the Sistine Chapel of South America for its stunning frescoes. We will also visit the Racchi ruins, a former religious and rest stop for Inca travelers, and La Raya, the border between Cusco and Puno, where you can see traditional Peruvian animals such as llamas and alpacas. In Pucara, visit a museum showcasing pre-Inca artifacts. Arrive in Puno by 5:30pm, where a representative will transfer you to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch
3 Accommodations:* Casa Andina Puno or Tierra Viva Puno
4 Accommodations:* Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Puno

Your Puno adventure begins at 7:30am with a transfer to the port. Explore the Uros floating islands, home to an ancient ethnic group that has lived on Lake Titicaca since pre-Incan times. Experience their traditional lifestyle, including fishing, bird hunting, and reed utilization. Arrive at the islands around 8:30am and interact with the local families, learning about their customs and the construction of the floating islands. Optionally, enjoy a boat ride on traditional reed boats for an additional 10 soles.

After visiting Uros, proceed to Taquile Island, arriving around 11am. Experience local music and dance, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and hike around the island to admire the stunning landscapes and views of Lake Titicaca. Return to Puno by approximately 5:00pm and transfer back to your hotel.

Optional Add-On:
For an additional $90, you can extend your Lake Titicaca experience with a two-day trip, including an overnight stay with a local family.

Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch on the island
Transportation: Fast Boat Service

NOTE:
The tour concludes in Puno. You can choose to fly back to Lima via LATAM Airlines with a late evening flight from Juliaca, for which we can arrange a transfer from Puno to Juliaca airport for $60. Alternatively, continue your journey to Bolivia via Copacabana and the Sun Island, or travel from Puno to Arequipa by bus or plane. For an exceptional train experience, consider the 12-hour scenic train ride to Cusco. You may also visit the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia or the jungle at Puerto Maldonado.