CUSCO MACHUPICHU PUNO TOUR 7 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival at the Airport and Overnight in Cusco

Upon arrival at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, our staff will be waiting with a sign bearing your name to give you a warm welcome. You will then be transferred by private transport to the hotel you selected, located in the historic center or downtown area of the city.

After check-in, you will have the afternoon free to rest and begin acclimatization to the altitude (Cusco is at 3,399 m / 11,152 ft above sea level). Mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as fatigue or headache, are normal, so it is recommended to drink a comforting coca tea, get good rest, and avoid strenuous physical activities during the first hours.

Take advantage of the time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings of your hotel, stay hydrated, and enjoy the first moments in this emblematic Andean city at a relaxed pace.

Day 2: Cusco – Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo) – Aguas Calientes

At 7:30 a.m., we begin our adventure with hotel pickup, diving into the history and culture of the Sacred Valley.

Our first stop will be Chinchero, where we will explore its vibrant artisan market and discover the ancestral technique of Andean weaving. Then, we visit Moray, an astonishing Inca agricultural laboratory with circular terraces designed to study microclimates. We continue to the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular landscape of over 3,000 salt ponds exploited since pre-Inca times.

At midday, we head to Urubamba for a buffet lunch surrounded by the imposing beauty of the valley. Later, we make a brief stop at a panoramic viewpoint before arriving at Ollantaytambo, an archaeological gem where we explore the Temple of the Sun and its impressive terraces.

Afterward, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will accompany you to your hotel to relax and rest. Optionally, you may enjoy the medicinal hot springs for an additional cost of 10 S/, a perfect experience to revitalize before the magical adventure awaiting you the next day: exploring the majestic Machu Picchu citadel.

Day 3: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

In the early morning, we transfer you to the bus station to begin the exciting ascent to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the majestic Inca citadel.

Once there, an expert guide will take you on an approximately 3-hour tour, revealing fascinating aspects of Cusco’s Inca culture and the ingenuity behind their impressive stone constructions. You will marvel at unique buildings full of mystery and energy. The citadel has both agricultural and urban zones, including plazas, temples, paths, stairways, terraces, and aqueducts, all supported by stone retaining walls. Machu Picchu is a true feat of architecture and engineering, and it’s no surprise it is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world.

After your tour, we return by bus to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for a delicious lunch. Then, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 4: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain

The Rainbow Mountain excursion is an unforgettable adventure that begins with hotel pickup at 4:00 a.m. from Cusco. We will embark on an approximately two-hour drive to the district of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a comforting Andean breakfast before continuing the journey.

After a brief rest, we pass through base checkpoints in the communities of Tintinco, Paucarpata, and Chillihuani, the starting point of our hike. The 1 hour 30-minute ascent will take us to the majestic Vinicunca Mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain, a natural gem situated at 5,036 m / 16,515 ft above sea level.

From the summit, you will witness a spectacle of vibrant colors, ranging from intense reds to emerald greens, framed by the impressive Andes Mountains. After enjoying the landscape and capturing unforgettable photos, we begin the descent and head to Cusipata for a traditional Andean lunch.

Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 p.m., after a day full of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments.

Day 5: Cusco – Puno

Early in the morning, we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. and transfer you to the bus station. You will board a comfortable tourist bus equipped with air conditioning, onboard service, a bilingual guide, and an audio system for each passenger. At 7:00 a.m., we depart for the city of Puno via the famous “Sun Route,” a cultural and scenic journey through the southern Andes of Peru.

During the trip, we make several significant stops:

• Andahuaylillas: Visit the Church of San Pedro, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its impressive murals, golden altars, and Baroque-Mestizo decorated ceilings.

• Raqchi: Explore the Temple of Wiracocha, one of the most important structures of the Inca Empire, surrounded by colcas (warehouses) and ancient ceremonial channels.

• Sicuani: Stop for a delicious buffet lunch with typical regional dishes, served at a tourist restaurant with views of the Andes.

• Abra La Raya: Cross the highest point of the route at 4,335 m / 14,222 ft, enjoying stunning snow-capped peaks and Andean landscapes.

• Pukará: Visit the Pukará Lithic Museum, learning about pre-Inca monolithic sculptures and the history of the famous “Toritos de Pukará.”

Finally, we arrive in Puno around 5:00 p.m., where our staff will transfer you to your hotel to rest.

Includes: Tourist bus transport, entrance fees, professional guide, and buffet lunch.

Day 6: Lake Titicaca Tour – Uros and Taquile

At 7:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel in Puno to begin the tour of the magnificent Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. We board a motorized boat from Puno port to start our journey.

• Floating Islands of the Uros: Our first stop is the Uros Islands, entirely built with totora reeds. We will learn about the customs of this ancestral community, their floating homes, their self-sustaining lifestyle, and have the opportunity for a brief ride in a traditional totora boat (optional).

• Taquile Island: Continue to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua descendants who maintain a unique community organization, where men are recognized for their hand-weaving skills. We walk along trails surrounded by spectacular landscapes and enjoy a typical lunch prepared with local products such as trout and quinoa.

After lunch and a brief exploration, we board the boat again to return to Puno, arriving in the late afternoon.

Includes: Boat transport, entrance fees, local guide, and typical lunch.
Overnight in Puno.

Day 7: Transfer to Juliaca Airport – End of Trip

After breakfast and according to your flight schedule, our staff will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and transfer you to Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca (approximately 1h 15min by road).

Upon arrival at the airport, assistance will be provided for your boarding, marking the end of this unforgettable journey through southern Peru.

Includes: Tourist or shared transport to the airport.

Note: Train schedules may vary as they are subject to availability.