Magic and Charm 8 Days: Traditional Cusco and Lake Titicaca
Overview
Live an unforgettable journey where history, modernity and adventure come together with our 8 days and 7 nights tourist package. Explore the essence of the Andes on this fascinating trip that will take you through the best tours in Cusco and will allow you to discover the ancient charm of Lake Titicaca in Puno.
We will start in the imperial capital taking the inevitable City Tour in Cusco, marveling at the historic center of Cusco and the spectacular ruins of Cusco nearby. In the following days, you will delve into the living history of the Sacred Valley, discover the amazing circular terraces of Moray and the salt pools of Maras, crowning your stay in Cusco with the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu, and a challenging trek to the famous 7 Colors Mountain (Vinicunca).
Your expedition will continue towards Puno to enter the waters of Lake Titicaca. There, you will share with native inhabitants of the floating islands of Uros, Amantaní and Taquile, true masters of weaving and heirs of the Children of the Sun. If you are looking to discover the tourist attractions of Cusco and southern Peru in a complete and authentic way, this trip is for you. Book today and experience the best tourism in Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco and City Tour: Qorikancha and Ruins
Welcome
Transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel.
City Tour
Pick-up from the hotel will be between 1:00 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. At 1:30 p.m. We will start the City Tour in the city and nearby ruins. We will begin with a visit to the Cathedral (50 min. approx.), admiring its Renaissance structure and the fine paintings of the "Cusqueña School". Then we will go to Qorikancha (Coricancha) (50 min. approx.), the ancient Temple of the Sun, current Convent of Santo Domingo.
Surrounding Ruins
We will visit Sacsayhuamán (approx. 1:20 hrs.), the great fortress located 5 km from the city; Qenqo (30 min. approx.), sacred amphitheater and center of worship to the god Puma; the red fortress of Puka Pukara (Pucapucara) (10 min. approx.); and Tambomachay (approx. 30 min.), the water cult temple. We finished at approximately 6:30 hrs. (6:30 p.m.).
Day 2 – Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac and Buffet Lunch
Pick up from the hotel between 07:30 and 07:50 hrs. At 08:00 hrs. We begin the tour to the Sacred Valley. We will start in the traditional Pisac market (30 min.) to appreciate its local crafts, and then we will go up to its spectacular archaeological center (1:20 hrs.), an Inca city designed based on figurative traces of animals. We will continue to Urubamba (1:00 hr.) where we will enjoy a buffet lunch of local food.
Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
We will visit the military, religious and agricultural center of Ollantaytambo (1:10 hrs.) and we will end the day visiting the picturesque town of Chinchero (30 min.).
Day 3 – Tour to the Machu Picchu Citadel
Trip to Aguas Calientes
Pick up from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo station according to the chosen train schedule. We will travel by train (1:45 hrs.) to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will be received to ascend by bus (50 min.) to the citadel.
Exploration of the Citadel
We will enjoy a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu (2:30 hrs.) with free time later to tour the Sanctuary (1:30 hrs.). After the descent to Aguas Calientes (50 min.), you will have time for lunch (optional). Return to Cusco by train according to the chosen schedule.
Day 4 – Tour to Maras and Moray
Agriculture and Natural Salt
Pick up from the hotel between 8:00 and 8:20 hrs. At 8:30 hrs. We will start the half-day tour. We will visit Moray (50 min.), the amazing experimental center of Inca circular cultivation. Then we will move to the Salineras de Maras (50 min.) to admire the thousands of artisanal salt wells. The tour ends at approximately 2:20 p.m. with the return to Cusco.
Day 5 – Hike to the Mountain of Colors (Vinicunca)
Trekking to the Mountain
Pick-up will take place very early, between 3:30 and 4:00 hrs. At 4:00 hrs. We will leave for a three-hour trip and enjoy a continental breakfast. At 8:00 hrs. We will begin the exciting 2:30 hrs walk. approximately until arrival at Vinicunca (Mountain of 7 colors). We will have 1 hour to visit this natural setting.
Return
We will return to the starting point to enjoy lunch and begin the return to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
Day 6 – Transfer and Trip to Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Trip to Puno
Transfer from your hotel to the Bus Terminal (or by air) to begin your trip to the city of Puno.
Uros and Amantani (Start of the Puno 2D/1N Tour)
At 07:45, pick up in Puno to depart by motor boat towards the Uros, where we will observe life on these famous floating reed islands. We will continue our trip (3 hours) to the Island of Amantaní, where we will be received by the islanders in their humble houses (lodging). In the afternoon, we will walk to Pachatata Hill to see an archaeological site and a beautiful sunset. We will have dinner with our host family and attend a local folk festival.
Day 7 – Taquile Island and Return to Puno
Weaving Masters in Taquile
After breakfast in Amantani, we will say goodbye to our family and travel (1 hour) to the Island of Taquile, famous for its beautiful handmade fabrics (ponchos, belts, gloves). We will climb a beautiful inclined path (walking slowly at 3800 meters above sea level) for 45 minutes to the center of Taquile. We will visit a small museum and then our group will have lunch in a typical restaurant.
Return to Puno
We will have free time to visit the textile workshops before descending to the dock and returning to Puno, arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Day 8 – Farewell and Return Home
Transfer to the Airport
At the appropriate time, the transfer will be made from your hotel in Puno to the Juliaca Airport to take your return flight to Lima.
What's Included?
Included
- Transfers: Airport – Hotel in Cusco; Hotel – Terminal in Cusco; Hotel – Airport in Juliaca.
- Tourist Transportation for all the mentioned tours.
- Professional guide on all excursions.
- Entrance tickets: Entrance fees to all the places to visit detailed in the itinerary of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras Moray, Vinicunca and Puno.
- Train tickets (round trip) and bus up/down to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, continental breakfast and lunch on the Vinicunca tour; Meals with local families on Lake Titicaca (Dinner day 6, breakfast and lunch day 7).
- Accommodation: Nights of accommodation in Cusco (hotels) and rural accommodation in a family home on the Island of Amantaní (Puno).
Not Included
- Lunches (Days 1, 3, 4 and free in Puno).
- Dinners (Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and free in Puno).
- Entry to the Waynapicchu mountain (Huayna Picchu).
Recommendations
- Bring identification document: Original passport or ID.
- Bring the General Tourist Ticket (valid for the City tour, Sacred Valley and Maras Moray) along with the entrance tickets to the Cathedral and Qorikancha that will be purchased.
- The train schedules for the trip to Machu Picchu vary according to the availability of the train companies (Inca Rail and Peru Rail); plan ahead.
- Bring warm and windproof clothing, especially for visits to Vinicunca and Lake Titicaca.
- Bring cash (Peruvian Soles) for your food not included, purchase of textile crafts (especially in Pisac and Taquile) or tips.
- Use sun protection, water and very comfortable shoes, as there will be various hikes along steep Andean trails (like in Taquile).
FAQs
This complete program includes your transfers (airport/terminal/hotel), transportation for tours, professional guide, all entrance fees to the listed tourist sites, train and bus tickets, and the planned accommodations.
The package includes the main tour income (such as Machu Picchu and Puno). However, you must carry or purchase the General Tourist Ticket, as well as tickets for the Cathedral and the Qorikancha.
The train schedules (round trip) to Aguas Calientes are subject to the availability of the main operating companies (Inca Rail and Peru Rail) at the time of your reservation.
The Island of Taquile requires a walk along an inclined path to reach its center. As it is located at more than 3800 meters above sea level, it is advisable to walk very slowly and calmly to avoid fatigue.
Included is a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, breakfast and lunch in Vinicunca, as well as rustic and cozy meals with the local family on Amantani Island (Lake Titicaca). Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
During the visit to Puno (Day 6), you will spend the night in the humble and cozy houses of local families on the Island of Amantaní, living a unique experience of experiential and cultural tourism.