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Classic Cusco with Lima and Puno (10 Days)
- Duration10 days / 9 nights
- DifficultyEasy
- Max. altitude3,830 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Classic Cusco with Lima and Puno — Culture, history and Machu Picchu
A complete journey through the different landscapes and cultures of Peru!
Explore the Sacred Valley and the Maras Salt Mines, live the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu, travel the traditional Route of the Sun to Puno and discover Lake Titicaca. Then get to know Lima and its celebrated cuisine, plus the famous Huacachina oasis, on a trip that blends history, culture, nature and unique experiences.
Who this package is for
Ideal for first-time visitors who want to see as much of Peru as possible in 10 days without demanding hikes: the Andes, the high plateau and the Pacific coast in a single easy-rated itinerary, with a free day in Cusco and a free afternoon in Lima.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. The itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in addition to your nights in Cusco, Puno and Lima (Miraflores). If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
- Route of the Sun from Cusco to Puno
- Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile Island
- Ballestas Islands, Ica vineyard and Huacachina
- Free day in Cusco and free afternoon in Lima
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.
No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
Day 2Andean women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, we leave Cusco for the Valley, a lower-altitude area that is ideal for an unhurried day.
Our first stop is with the Andean Women, where you will see the traditional process of making wool by hand, from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving textiles decorated with geometric designs that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.
Next we visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces, and then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, with hundreds of salt pools built by the Incas on the mountainsides and still in use today.
After the visits we return to Cusco, arriving at around 3:00 pm at Plaza Regocijo, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 3Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.
After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Day 4Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The big moment of the trip has arrived! In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.
After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, with free time for lunch before the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Day 5Free day in Cusco
Enjoy a well-deserved rest after your round trip to Machu Picchu! Relax and enjoy Cusco at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up the charm of the city.
Day 6Route of the Sun – Cusco to Puno
Today you travel from Cusco to Puno on a beautiful journey through stunning Andean landscapes, visiting some of the main sights along the way.
At around 6:00 am we pick you up at your hotel to begin the experience. En route we stop at the church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas"; the Raqchi Archaeological Site, with its impressive Inca remains; and the Pukara Museum, where you will learn more about one of the oldest cultures in the region.
Arrival in Puno is expected at around 5:00 pm. On arrival, a car will be waiting to take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
A journey that combines history, culture and Andean scenery in a single day!
Day 7Lake Titicaca – Uros floating islands and Taquile
After breakfast, at around 7:00 am, we pick you up at your hotel for a special day on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
We board a motorboat to visit the famous Uros Floating Islands, handcrafted from totora reeds, where you will learn about the history and way of life of their inhabitants. We then cross the lake to Taquile Island, known for its beautiful scenery, ancestral traditions and local culture.
At the end of the tour we return to Puno, finishing at around 5:00 pm.
A day to experience Andean culture, the landscapes of Lake Titicaca and the age-old traditions of its peoples.
Day 8Flight from Juliaca to Lima
Time to say goodbye to Puno!
At the agreed time we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Juliaca airport, the closest to Puno, for your flight to Lima.
On arrival in Lima, our driver will take you to your hotel in Miraflores. The rest of the day is free.
Please note: the Juliaca–Lima flight is not included in the package.
Day 9Ballestas Islands, Ica vineyards and Huacachina
Departure from Lima at 5:00 am for Paracas, where we take a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galápagos", with the chance to spot sea lions, penguins and many seabirds, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra.
Next we visit a traditional Ica vineyard for a tasting of Peruvian wines and piscos, then continue to the incredible Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by desert dunes, where you can enjoy dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
At the end of the day we return to Lima, arriving at around 9:00 pm.
Day 10Departure / return home
Time to say goodbye to Lima!
At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Lima airport for your flight home.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.
What's included
Included
- 1 transfer in Cusco: airport / hotel
- 1 transfer in Cusco: hotel / bus terminal
- 1 transfer in Puno: bus terminal / hotel
- 1 transfer in Puno: hotel / Juliaca airport
- 2 transfers in Lima: airport / hotel / airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- Maras, Moray and Andean Women tour (entrance fees not included)
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide
- Round-trip train ticket, Expedition or Voyager class
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Route of the Sun tour Cusco–Puno with lunch (entrance fees not included), stopping at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukara
- Lake Titicaca tour: Uros floating islands and Taquile Island (entrance fee and lunch included)
- Paracas & Oasis tour: includes entrance fees, Paracas boat ride, vineyard tasting, sandboarding and dune buggy at the oasis
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley and Moray
- Maras Salt Mines entrance fee
- Entrance fees for the sites visited on the Route of the Sun
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Warm clothes for Puno and Lake Titicaca (cold mornings and nights)
- Comfortable sneakers
- Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
- Rain poncho during the rainy season
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
Can the 10-day itinerary be customized?
Yes! We can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile, pace, interests and preferences, subject to availability.
Is the itinerary very tiring?
No. This itinerary is rated easy and does not include demanding hikes. There are gentle walks at the archaeological sites and some days start early (Route of the Sun, Lake Titicaca and Paracas), so we have built in a free day in Cusco and a free afternoon in Lima to rest.
Does the itinerary include Machu Picchu?
Yes! Machu Picchu is included in this itinerary. We arrange the train (Expedition or Voyager class), the shuttle bus up and down, the standard entrance ticket and a professional guide so you can enjoy the visit worry-free.
How do we travel between cities?
From Cusco to Puno we travel overland on the Route of the Sun tour, with sightseeing stops along the way and terminal transfers included. From Puno to Lima you fly from Juliaca airport: we arrange the transfers, but flights are purchased by the client.
How do I handle the altitude in Cusco and Puno?
Your first day in Cusco is free for acclimatization. Puno sits even higher, at about 3,800 meters (12,500 ft), but since you arrive after several days in Cusco, your body will already be better adjusted. Stay hydrated, eat light and avoid overexertion.
Are the tours shared or private?
We offer both group tours and private tours. With private services you get an exclusive vehicle and guide, more flexible timing and a more personalized experience.
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