6 Day All Inclusive MachuPicchu and Lake Titicaca Tour from Cusco

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Cusco
1 stop
1
Cusco
Your journey begins upon arrival in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. A private transfer will meet you at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and take you directly to your hotel located in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is free for acclimatization and relaxation. Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, so we recommend taking it easy on your first day while enjoying the atmosphere of this remarkable Andean city. Overnight in Cusco.
17 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Sacred Valley Tour & Train to Aguas Calientes
8 stops
2
Cusco Region
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart Cusco and begin your journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most historically and culturally significant regions in all of Peru. Surrounded by dramatic Andean mountains and fertile valleys carved by the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley was once an important agricultural, spiritual, and political center of the Inca Empire. Throughout the day, you will visit traditional Andean villages, remarkable archaeological sites, and landscapes that continue to preserve the living heritage of the Andes. Accompanied by your expert local guide, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history, engineering, traditions, and daily life that shaped this extraordinary region of Peru.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Chinchero
The first stop is Chinchero, a traditional Andean village located high in the Sacred Valley and renowned for its rich textile traditions and deep cultural heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, Chinchero remains one of the most authentic communities in the Cusco region, where many local families continue to preserve ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional process of Andean textile production, including the use of natural dyes and handwoven patterns that carry important cultural meanings. You will also visit the colonial church of Chinchero, built by the Spanish directly atop ancient Inca foundations. The combination of Inca stonework and colonial architecture offers a fascinating insight into Peru’s layered history and cultural transformation over the centuries.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
We will then continue to Moray, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. These enormous circular terraces descend deep into the earth like a natural amphitheater and are believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural experimentation center. Each terrace level creates its own unique microclimate, allowing the Incas to study and cultivate different crops under varying environmental conditions. During your guided visit, you will learn about the remarkable agricultural ingenuity and advanced engineering techniques that made the Inca civilization one of the most sophisticated cultures of the ancient world.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Maras
Next, we will visit the famous Maras Salt Mines, one of the most visually striking landscapes in the Sacred Valley. Thousands of individual salt pools cascade dramatically down the mountainside, creating a breathtaking patchwork of white terraces against the Andean scenery. Fed by a natural underground saltwater spring, these pools have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times and continue to be harvested today by local families using traditional ancestral techniques passed down through generations. During your visit, your guide will explain the history, cultural importance, and unique production process that still sustains the local community today.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Urubamba
A traditional Andean buffet lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, featuring a variety of regional Peruvian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian options will also be available, ensuring all travelers can comfortably enjoy the experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Ollantaytambo
We will then continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Surrounded by towering mountains and ancient agricultural terraces, this remarkable town once served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center of the Inca Empire. With your local guide, you will explore the impressive Fortress, where massive stone terraces climb steeply up the hillside overlooking the valley below. Learn about the extraordinary engineering techniques used by the Incas and the important role this site played during the resistance against the Spanish conquest. As part of the guided visit, you will also walk through the original cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, many of which still follow the exact urban layout established by the Incas centuries ago. The town remains one of the few places in Peru where people continue to live in buildings constructed on original Inca foundations, offering a rare glimpse into living Andean history and culture.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
You will board the scenic train to Machu Picchu Town, also known as Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. As the train departs from Ollantaytambo, the landscape gradually transforms from the dry Andean highlands into the lush cloud forests surrounding the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Along the journey, you will travel beside the winding Urubamba River while enjoying spectacular views of towering mountains, dramatic valleys, and dense vegetation unique to this region of Peru. This train journey is considered one of the most beautiful rail experiences in South America and offers a comfortable and relaxing way to reach Aguas Calientes while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Andes.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
9
Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, the team will assist you with your transfer to the hotel for check-in and accommodation. Nestled beside the Urubamba River and surrounded by lush cloud forest mountains, Aguas Calientes serves as the main gateway to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The evening is yours to relax, explore the small town at your own pace, or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants before the next day’s early visit to Machu Picchu. We recommend resting early, as the following morning begins with one of the most unforgettable experiences in all of South America. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
18 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
3 stops
10
Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, board the shuttle bus to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Together with your expert local guide, explore one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites while learning about the history, architecture, and mysteries surrounding the Inca civilization. Visit the agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, temples, and panoramic viewpoints that make Machu Picchu one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to take photographs and appreciate the breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding the citadel.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
11
After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will descend by shuttle bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have some free time to relax, enjoy lunch, explore the local artisan market, or take a final walk through the charming streets of this small mountain town. Later in the afternoon, you will board the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo. Once again, enjoy the spectacular views of the cloud forest, the winding Urubamba River, and the dramatic Andean landscapes as the train makes its way through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Station, our private transportation will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to Cusco. The journey offers one last opportunity to admire the beauty of the Andean highlands before arriving in the historic city during the evening.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
12
Cusco Region
After check-in at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is free for you to relax or enjoy Cusco’s vibrant culinary scene and atmosphere at your own pace. Overnight in Cusco.
18 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Sun Route Journey from Cusco to Puno
7 stops
13
Cusco
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, your journey across the southern Peruvian Andes begins along the famous Sun Route, one of the most scenic and culturally enriching road journeys in the country. Connecting the historic city of Cusco with the shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno, this route passes through dramatic mountain landscapes, traditional Andean villages, colonial churches, and important archaeological sites that reveal the deep history of the region. Throughout the journey, your professional local guide will accompany you, sharing insights into the history, traditions, and cultures of the Andean highlands while you travel through landscapes that once formed part of the vast Inca road network.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas
The first major stop of the day is the colonial village of Andahuaylillas, located south of Cusco and home to one of the most remarkable churches in South America. Built during the 16th century atop an earlier indigenous ceremonial site, the Church of San Pedro Apóstol is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its extraordinary interior decoration. Inside, vibrant frescoes, gold leaf ornamentation, colonial murals, and intricate wood carvings create a stunning fusion of European Baroque art and Andean cultural influences. During your guided visit, you will learn about the history of Spanish colonization in the Andes and the symbolism hidden within the church’s artwork, making this peaceful village one of the cultural highlights of the entire journey.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Parque Arqueologico De Raqchi
Continuing south through the Andean valleys, the journey reaches the impressive archaeological complex of Raqchi, one of the most important surviving Inca sites in Peru. Once a major religious and administrative center along the Inca road network, the site is best known for the Temple of Wiracocha, dedicated to the creator deity of Inca mythology. The enormous central wall of the temple still stands today, showcasing the remarkable engineering and architectural sophistication of the Inca civilization. During your guided visit, you will also explore ancient storehouses, ceremonial areas, and residential sectors while learning about the strategic importance of Raqchi within the empire. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, the site offers a fascinating insight into the scale and organization of the Inca world.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Sicuani
A traditional Andean buffet lunch will be served at a local restaurant along the route, featuring a variety of regional Peruvian dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients from the highlands. Vegetarian options will also be available. This stop provides an opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery of the altiplano, and experience some of the authentic flavors of southern Peru before continuing the journey toward Lake Titicaca.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
La Raya Pass
After lunch, the route continues climbing through the vast Andean plateau toward La Raya Pass, the highest point of the journey at approximately 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level. This spectacular mountain pass marks the boundary between the Cusco and Puno regions and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes. Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance while herds of llamas and alpacas graze across the high-altitude plains surrounding the roadway. During the stop, you will have time to admire the dramatic scenery, take photographs, and browse artisan stalls where local communities sell handmade textiles and traditional Andean crafts. La Raya is not only one of the most scenic points of the route but also an important cultural transition zone between the Cusco highlands and the Lake Titicaca region.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
Pucara
Descending gradually toward the altiplano region of Puno, the final cultural stop of the day is the town of Pucara, one of the oldest ceremonial centers in the southern Andes. Long before the rise of the Inca Empire, the Pucara civilization flourished in this region between approximately 200 BC and 300 AD. The culture became known for its advanced ceramics, ceremonial architecture, and religious influence across the Lake Titicaca basin. During your visit, you will explore the local museum, home to a fascinating collection of ancient stone sculptures, monoliths, and ceramic artifacts that provide insight into one of Peru’s earliest highland civilizations. Pucara is also famous for its colorful ceramic bulls known as “Toritos de Pucara,” traditional symbols of protection, prosperity, and good fortune commonly displayed on rooftops throughout the Andes. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of these iconic figures and their continued importance in Andean traditions today.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
19
By late afternoon, you will arrive in the city of Puno, located on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Andean altiplano, Puno serves as the cultural gateway to the lake and is deeply connected to the traditions of the Quechua and Aymara peoples who have inhabited the region for centuries. Upon arrival, the team will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and accommodation. The remainder of the evening is free for you to relax, enjoy dinner, or take a walk near the shores of Lake Titicaca while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the high Andes. Overnight in Puno.
14 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Lake Titicaca Full Day Excursion
4 stops
20
After breakfast at your hotel, the team will pick you up and transfer you to the main pier in Puno, where your local guide will be waiting to begin your full-day excursion across the legendary waters of Lake Titicaca. As you depart from the shoreline, you will immediately notice the immense scale and beauty of the lake, surrounded by the vast landscapes of the Andean altiplano. Located at approximately 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level, Lake Titicaca is considered the highest navigable lake in the world and holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for the Andean civilizations of Peru and Bolivia.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
21
Uros Floating Islands
Your first stop is the famous Floating Islands of the Uros people, one of the most unique cultural experiences in all of Peru. Constructed entirely from totora reeds that grow naturally in the shallow waters of the lake, these remarkable floating islands have been home to the Uros communities for generations. The islands, homes, watchtowers, and traditional reed boats are all carefully built and maintained using the same ancestral techniques passed down over centuries. During your guided visit, you will learn about the daily life, traditions, and history of the Uros people, including how the floating islands are constructed layer by layer and continuously renewed to remain afloat. Your guide will also explain the cultural importance of Lake Titicaca and the challenges of preserving traditional ways of life in the modern world. The Floating Islands offer a fascinating insight into one of the oldest living cultures of the Andean highlands.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
22
Taquile Island
After visiting the Uros Islands, the journey continues across the Lake Titicaca toward Taquile Island, one of the most culturally preserved communities in Peru. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, terraced hillsides, and extraordinary textile traditions, Taquile is internationally recognized for preserving ancient Andean customs and communal ways of life. The island’s textile art has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance and exceptional craftsmanship. Upon arrival, you will walk along scenic pathways overlooking the lake while your guide explains the traditions, social organization, and daily life of the community. One of the island’s most unique traditions is that the men are responsible for weaving, a skill learned from childhood and closely connected to family and social identity. A traditional local lunch will be served on the island, often featuring fresh trout from Lake Titicaca accompanied by regional ingredients and breathtaking panoramic views of the Andes.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
23
After lunch and time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Taquile Island, you will board the boat for the return journey to Puno. As you cross the waters of Lake Titicaca during the afternoon, you will have additional opportunities to admire the immense beauty of the lake, the surrounding mountains, and the unique high-altitude landscapes that define this region of Peru. Upon arrival at the pier in Puno, the team will transfer you back to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or enjoy dinner overlooking the shores of Lake Titicaca.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Transfer to Juliaca Airport
1 stop
24
Inca Manco Capac International Airport
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you from Puno to Juliaca Airport for your departure flight. Your journey through the Andes comes to an end with unforgettable memories of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the cultural traditions of Lake Titicaca.
3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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