Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

6 day/5 night

The overwhelming perfection of the stone buildings, attractive mountain towns and an “inland sea” in Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, make this route offers a myriad of attractions revealing ancient civilization’s remarkable sites, together with dramatic landscapes of the Peruvian highlands. Sail the lake and visit singular and beautiful islands in Peru or head towards the Sun Island in Bolivia.

Overwiew

  • DAY 1 Arrival in Cusco. Tour of the city and nearby archaeological sites
  • DAY 2 Excursion to the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero
  • DAY 3 Machu Picchu. Visit the World Heritage Site
  • DAY 4 Trip to Puno (by bus or by train). Visits en route
  • DAY 5 Excursion on Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile Islands
  • DAY 6 Departure. Optional: visit the Sillustani Necropolis

Option: Visit the Sun Island, Bolivia

  • DAY 5 Cruise ship to Sun Island-Bolivia, on Lake Titicaca
  • DAY 6 Sail across the lake with visits and return to Puno
  • DAY 7 Departure. Optional: visit the Sillustani Necropolis

Included

  • Round trip arrival and departure transfers
  • Accommodation in Cusco and Puno
  • Buffet breakfast
  • Cusco city tour
  • Sacred Valley excursion with lunch
  • Machu Picchu excursion with transfers, train and bus tickets
  • Bus or train Puno/Cusco. Visits en route and lunch
  • Excursion on Lake Titicaca
  • If selected, option to Sun Island includes accommodation on board the catamaran, 2 lunches and 1 candlelight dinner
  • Entrances and one-day pass to Machu Picchu
  • Professional guides

Not included

  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, bar, laundry, medical expenses, etc.
  • Air tickets

Day 1 Lima – Cusco

Upon arrival to Cusco in the morning, transfer to your hotel.

The afternoon tour will lead you to discover the captivating city and the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Start visiting the Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece with beautiful wood carvings and places of worship. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built with huge stones showcasing the exceptional work performed by the Incas, and continue on to the archaeological complex of Kenko with its zigzagging structures. Following this ancient route of the empire, get to the “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, presumed to be a military post, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay with its sophisticated canal system.

Day 2 Sacred Valley

Full day overland excursion to the gorgeous Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the colorful market at Pisac, where you can interact with the artisans and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with narrow cobbled stone streets and place of a great complex of buildings at its upper part, with an impressive ceremonial center used for water worship. Ollantaytambo, an example of Inca urban planning that is still live today, is undoubtedly one of the master works of the Incas. On the way back to Cusco, make a stop at the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and its colonial church.

Day 3 Machu Picchu

An unforgettable experience. Transfer to the station and depart on a scenic train ride to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu town (former Aguas Calientes), you will be driven to the citadel nestled in a location that can only be described as magnificent. Overseeing a deep canyon of the Urubamba River, fine stone carved stairways will take you to ceremonial shrines, the Sun Dial, agricultural terraces, squares and the urban areas. With a history dating back to the 15th century, this enigmatic site where the energy can be felt all around has not revealed yet the mysteries behind its construction. After the guided tour, free time to explore this wonder. Afternoon return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Optional: you may extend your trip and include an overnight.

Day 4 Cusco – Puno

There are two options to enjoy the beautiful land route between Cusco and Puno:

Travel by bus to Puno through a scenic Andean route, making stops in areas of interest. Visit the magnificent main church of Andahuaylillas, known as “the Americas Sistine Chapel” with its finely painted interior and proceed to Racchi Inca archaeological site to admire its impressive Temple dedicated to Viracocha God. After lunch in a typical village, stop in La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route and a prime location for taking photos, and continue on to Pukara, important urban settlement of the lake plateau, to visit its lithic museum. Afternoon arrival to Puno and transfer to your hotel.

Travel by train to Puno, a breathtaking experience crossing the Peruvian Andes with spectacular views while passing through valleys and beautiful traditional villages. This 10.5 hour journey allows you to admire the scenery in style and connecting with nature. The train has dining cars decorated as the Pullman cars of 1920s, a bar and an observation car -perfect for photographers -, and you will enjoy a snack, a gourmet lunch and an afternoon tea on board as well as entertainment. Local musicians provide background music while boarding this train which route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Evening arrival to Puno and transfer to your hotel.

Day 5 Puno - Lake Titicaca

A day in Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. A boat ride takes you to the floating islands of the Uros, artificially made since ancient times using the reeds (totora) to form a natural mat. After the visit, continue sailing to Taquile Island, where a traditional community will welcome you. Once part of the Inca Empire, its inhabitants wear their colorful traditional attire and preserve both a special social system and one of the most remarkable weaving techniques of the country. Stunning views of the serene lake from this point. Afternoon return to Puno and to your hotel.

Day 6 Puno

Transfer to Juliaca airport, one hour from Puno to take your flight to the next destination.

Optional: Visit to the pre-Inca Necropolis of Sillustani en route to the airport, an archaeological complex with huge cylindrical stone tombs named “chullpas”, where the ancient Aymara priests were buried. Its location close to Lake Umayo increases the beauty of this place.

Option: Visit the Sun Island, Bolivia
Day 5 Puno-Lake Titicaca -Sun Island

Morning transfer to Copacabana. You will visit the sanctuary before boarding the catamaran cruise ship towards the Sun Island. Buffet lunch on board. Visit Challapampa Village for a participative tourism. The local community has developed an innovative program and you will visit their own small museum, chapel, school and a typical house; you will sail in their vessels to an Inca holy temple and will participate in an Andean ritual before walking through Inca trails. Enjoy a candle light dinner and overnight on board the Catamaran in lake view cabins with private facilities.

Day 6 Sun Island-Puno

Sail across the lake enjoying the overwhelming panorama. Visit the Pilkokaina Inca Palace and the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako underground museum and a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titicaca traditional vessel. Visit the Reed Shipbuilders display center, a handicraft center and the Intica lounge. Learn about traditional medicine, see the agricultural Inca terraces and observe a large variety of camelids from a look out; the Inca Garden, stairways and fountain. Return to Puno. Buffet lunch on board and transfer to your hotel.

Day 7 Puno

Transfer to Juliaca airport, one hour from Puno, to take your flight to the next destination.

Optional: Visit to the pre-Inca Necropolis of Sillustani en route to the airport, an archaeological complex with huge cylindrical stone tombs named “chullpas”, where the ancient Aymara priests were buried. Its location close to Lake Umayo increases the beauty of this place.