+3 photos
Cusco & Puno (7 Days)
- Duration7 days / 6 nights
- DifficultyModerate
- Max. altitude5,036 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Cusco & Puno — Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
For travelers looking for an experience deeply connected to Andean culture and Peru's landscapes. The itinerary combines the magic of Cusco and Machu Picchu with Puno and Lake Titicaca, for a journey full of history, tradition and unique scenery.
Who this package is for
Ideal for travelers curious about the living culture of the Andes. Most of the itinerary is relaxed; only the Rainbow Mountain hike calls for good fitness. Puno sits at about 3,800 m (12,500 ft), so your days in Cusco help you acclimatize.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. Keep in mind that the itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in addition to your nights in the other cities on the route. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley and train to Aguas Calientes
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike
- Route of the Sun: Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukara
- Uros floating islands
- Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca
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 2Sacred 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 3Machu 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, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time you will board 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 4Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca
At around 4:30 am, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Cusipata, where we stop for breakfast at about 7:00 am.
We then continue to the trailhead and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours uphill to the top of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with rest stops along the way. Although demanding because of the altitude, the route rewards you with incredible scenery, and your guide will share information about the site.
There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
After taking in the view and snapping photos, we begin the roughly 1.5-hour descent back to the vehicle. We then have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:30 pm. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.
Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. In the rainy season, bring a waterproof poncho.
Day 5Route 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 6Lake 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 7Departure / return home
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 home via Lima.
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 Puno: bus terminal / hotel
- 1 transfer in Puno: hotel / Juliaca airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- 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
- Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
- Route of the Sun tour Cusco–Puno by tourist bus, with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukara (entrance fees not included)
- Lake Titicaca tour (Uros and Taquile): includes entrance fees and lunch
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley
- Route of the Sun entrance fees (Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukara Museum)
- Horseback ride at Rainbow Mountain (optional, around 100 soles)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Warm clothing, hat and gloves for the high-altitude hikes
- 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
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
Cusco and Machu Picchu can be visited all year round.
High season – dry season: May to October, with less rain and more visitors. We recommend booking well in advance.
Low season – rainy season: November to April, with a higher chance of rain but fewer crowds and, at certain times, better prices.
What should I bring on the tours?
We recommend comfortable clothes in layers, suitable footwear, sun protection, a water bottle and a small backpack. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for cold, sun and possible rain.
For the high-altitude hikes, also pack warm layers, a hat, gloves and sneakers or boots with good grip.
Can I do this itinerary with children or older travelers?
Yes! Most tours in Peru are suitable for all ages, and we can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile and pace.
The exception is the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike. We do not recommend these hikes for children, as they are demanding high-altitude treks with steep climbs and less oxygen available.
For older travelers, we recommend considering fitness level and adjustment to altitude, especially on group tours, where everyone needs to keep up with the group and stick to the schedule. If mobility is a concern, private tours offer much more flexibility.
How do I leave Puno on the last day?
The trip ends in Puno: on the final day we transfer you from your hotel to Juliaca airport, the closest to Puno, for your flight to Lima and onward connection home. Flights are not included.
Can I add or remove tours from the 7-day itinerary?
Yes! We specialize in tailor-made itineraries and can adapt the tours to your interests, pace and available time.
Will you support me throughout the trip?
Yes! We provide personal assistance from start to finish, with WhatsApp support to guide you and help whenever you need it. While you enjoy Peru, our team takes care of the details.
Reviews
Be the first to review this tour after your trip.
Read our reviews on Tripadvisor
