Best of Peru - Cusco Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca tour

Exploring the Heart of Peru: A Comprehensive 6-Day Tour of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco - Gateway to the Inca Empire

Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, you will be greeted by our representative from Machupicchu Latin America and transferred to your hotel in our private transportation. During the short journey, we will provide you with a brief overview of your upcoming adventures and answer any last-minute questions you may have.

• Tip: Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the altitude, as Cusco is located at 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level.
• Optional: Explore the city with a city tour in Cusco (additional cost), visiting sites such as the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, and the San Pedro Market.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour - Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Train to Aguas Calientes

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, our guide will pick you up between 7:00 and 7:30 am. We will begin the day driving through Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara, two impressive Inca sites marking the entrance to the Sacred Valley.

• Manos de la Comunidad Rescue Center: Here you will have the opportunity to observe native animals such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. These animals were vital to the Incas, providing wool for textile production.
• Taray Viewpoint: We will stop to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, perfect for capturing the vast agricultural terraces and the mountainous backdrop of the region.
• Inca Site of Pisac: Explore Inca temples, terraces, and water channels while learning about the advanced agricultural methods used by the Incas.

After our visit to Pisac, we will head to the traditional Pisac Market to interact with locals and shop for handmade souvenirs. Then, we will proceed to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch (not included).

• Ollantaytambo: After lunch, we continue to this extraordinary Inca citadel, where you will see the massive stone terraces and the iconic rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha.

Finally, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board your train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train ride offers stunning views of the Vilcanota River as it winds through the valley. Upon arrival, our staff will escort you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Day 3: Guided Visit to Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast at your hotel, our guide will be waiting for you between 6:30 and 7:00 am to accompany you to the bus station. From there, a 30-minute journey will take us to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

• Machu Picchu Tour: Explore the mysterious Inca citadel with an expert guide who will share the history and legends surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the agricultural terraces that make this site an architectural marvel.

After the guided tour, we'll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and some free time to explore the town. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco

Day 4: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno

After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your hotel at 6:20 am and transfer you to the bus station for your journey to Puno. This is no ordinary bus ride—it's a guided tour with stops at several important sites along the way:

• Andahuaylillas: Known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes, this church is famous for its stunning artwork and Baroque architecture.
• Raqchi: Explore the remains of the Wiracocha Temple, one of the most significant Inca constructions.
• Sicuani: Stop for a buffet lunch and relax before continuing your journey.
• La Raya Pass: At 4,335 meters, this is the highest point of the trip and marks the border between Cusco and Puno.
• Pucara: Visit a small lytic museum before continuing to Puno.

Upon arrival in Puno, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Puno

Day 5: Full Day Tour of Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island

After breakfast, we'll pick you up at 7:00 am and head to the harbor of Lake Titicaca to board our motorboat. Today, you'll experience one of the most unique cultures in the world, starting with the Uros floating islands.

• Uros Islands: These man-made islands, constructed entirely from reeds, are home to communities that have lived on the lake for centuries. You'll learn about their lifestyle and interact with the locals, who will share stories about life on these floating islands.

After visiting Uros, we'll continue to Taquile Island.

• Taquile Island: Famous for its talented weavers, Taquile offers breathtaking views of the lake and a chance to purchase handmade textiles. You'll enjoy a traditional lunch with a local host family before heading back to Puno.

We'll return to Puno around 4:00 pm, where our representative will meet you and take you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Puno

Day 6: Departure from Puno - Flight to Lima

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima, where your journey will come to an end. If you wish to extend your stay in Cusco, we can also arrange a return bus trip (not recommended due to the long travel time).

Why This Tour is Special:

• Cultural Immersion: From the Sacred Valley to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, you will interact with locals and experience ancient traditions firsthand.
• Historical Insight: Visit the most important Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu, and learn about their advanced engineering and agricultural techniques.
• Scenic Routes: Whether traveling by bus or train, you will experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru.

This comprehensive 6-day tour offers an enriching experience of Peru's history, culture, and natural beauty, with each day presenting a new adventure that brings you closer to the heart of Inca civilization.

Complete Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca Tour - 6 Days

This 6-day journey offers an immersive experience of Peru’s most iconic destinations, from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Let’s break down the itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Quick itinerary:

• Arrival in Cusco: Upon landing, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
• Briefing during transfer: You’ll receive a quick overview of your upcoming tour as we answer any questions you may have.
• Optional Cusco city tour (extra cost): Visit local landmarks like Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas if time permits.

Why it’s important?

This day is perfect for settling into Cusco and adjusting to the high altitude. Exploring the city is a great way to start your cultural immersion.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour - Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Train to Aguas Calientes

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up: Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we’ll take you through Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara as we head into the Sacred Valley.
• Manos de la Comunidad Rescue Center: Interact with llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
• Taray Lookout: Stop for breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley.
• Pisac Inca site: Explore the ancient ruins and learn about Inca agriculture.
• Pisac Market: Shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba (not included).
• Ollantaytambo fortress: Visit this incredible Inca stronghold and learn about its history.
• Train to Aguas Calientes: Travel along the Vilcanota River and admire the stunning scenery.

Why it’s special?

This day provides a comprehensive look at the Sacred Valley, showcasing its historical and cultural richness while offering incredible photo opportunities.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Return to Cusco

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up: Between 6:30 and 7:00 am, we’ll board the bus to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu: Explore the Inca citadel with a professional guide, learning about its architecture and history.
• Return to Aguas Calientes: Lunch and free time before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer to Cusco: Our private transport will take you back to your Cusco hotel.

Why it’s unforgettable?

Machu Picchu is the highlight of the tour, offering an awe-inspiring experience of one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Day 4: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up at 6:20 am: Travel from Cusco to Puno with guided stops along the way.
• Andahuaylillas: Visit the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
• Raqchi: Explore the Temple of Wiracocha, a significant Inca temple.
• Sicuani: Enjoy a buffet lunch.
• La Raya: Stop at the highest point of the journey, with views of the Andean mountain range.
• Pucara Museum: Discover the ancient pre-Inca culture of the region.

Why it’s unique?

This journey offers a scenic and informative route between Cusco and Puno, combining cultural sites with beautiful landscapes.

Day 5: Full-Day Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island Tour

Quick itinerary:

• Hotel pick-up at 7:00 am: Head to Lake Titicaca harbor to board the boat.
• Uros Floating Islands: Visit the man-made islands and learn about the Uros people’s traditional lifestyle.
• Taquile Island: Explore the island known for its handwoven textiles and interact with the local weavers.
• Lunch with a host family: Enjoy a traditional meal with the locals before returning to Puno.

Why it’s fascinating?

Lake Titicaca offers a unique cultural experience, allowing you to explore the world’s highest navigable lake and meet communities that still live by ancient traditions.

Day 6: Departure from Puno

Quick itinerary:

Transfer to Juliaca Airport: After breakfast, we’ll drive you to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Optional: Return to Cusco by bus if you prefer to spend extra time in the city (not recommended due to the long journey).

Includes / Does not Include

Includes:

• Airport/Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service)
• 5 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double - Single - Triple rooms)
• Lunches on Days 4, 5
• Sacred valley guided tour
• Machupicchu guided tour
• Guided sightseeing bus tour from Cusco to Puno (Sun Route)
• Uros floating and Taquile Island tour on the Titicaca Lake
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes)
• Admission tickets to Machupicchu, Sun route to Puno, Titicaca Lake Islands
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 6-day program
• 1 Bottle of Water

Does not Include:

• International air tickets
• Domestic air tickets (Lima - Cusco / Juliaca - Lima)
• Waynapicchu admission ticket US$ 65, it must be requested at the time of your booking and will be provided if available
• One-way Vistadome train upgrade US$ 55
• Optional tour on day 1 (PM): Cusco city tour including Sacsayhuaman US$ 49
• Admission tickets if you take the Cusco city tour 125 Peruvian sol cash
• Meals (Lunch, Dinner)
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks)
• Gratuity (optional)

Recommendations (What to bring?):

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS