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Cusco & Puno (8 Days)
- Duration8 days / 7 nights
- DifficultyModerate
- Max. altitude5,036 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Cusco & Puno — Machu Picchu, the Andes and Lake Titicaca
For travelers seeking an experience even more deeply connected to Andean culture, history and Peru's stunning landscapes. The itinerary combines the magic of Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu. Then follow the classic Route of the Sun to Puno and discover Lake Titicaca, on a journey full of culture, Andean traditions and unique scenery.
Who this package is for
Ideal for travelers interested in the living culture of the Andes, with good fitness for the two high-altitude hikes. Puno sits at around 3,800 meters (12,470 ft), and your days in Cusco help you acclimatize before heading on to Lake Titicaca.
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
- Humantay Lake, above 4,200 m
- Route of the Sun from Cusco to Puno
- Uros floating islands and Taquile Island
- Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world
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 5Humantay Lake
We start our journey with a hotel pickup at around 4:30 am, heading for the majestic Humantay Lake, one of the most impressive natural sights in the region.
The first leg takes about two hours to the village of Mollepata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast. We then drive another hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.
The hike up to Humantay Lake takes approximately 2 hours, on a trail that, while challenging because of the altitude, rewards you with spectacular scenery.
There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
Once at the lake, located more than 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level, you will have time to explore, admire its crystal-clear turquoise waters and capture the beauty of Andean nature at its finest.
After the visit we begin the descent, about 1.5 hours, back to the meeting point to board our van. Back in Mollepata, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 pm, wrapping up a day full of adventure, nature and unforgettable scenery. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.
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 8Departure / 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
- Humantay Lake tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
- Route of the Sun tour Cusco–Puno with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pukara: includes lunch (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)
- Optional horse ride on the hikes (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- 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
- Warm clothing (jacket, hat and gloves) for early starts and high-altitude hikes
- A warm layer for Lake Titicaca, where nights are cold
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
Are the tours very tiring?
Partly, yes. Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) are demanding high-altitude hikes, with about 2 hours of climbing, and call for good physical condition. Both offer the option of going up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site). The other days are more relaxed, although the Andean altitude can make you feel more tired than usual.
We design our itineraries with your well-being in mind and, when we chat on WhatsApp, we can add free days to rest according to your profile and travel pace.
How does acclimatization to Cusco's altitude work?
The first day is planned to be relaxed, giving your body time to rest and adjust to the altitude of around 3,400 meters (11,150 ft). We recommend staying hydrated, eating light meals and avoiding strenuous activity during the first few hours.
Keep in mind that Puno sits at around 3,800 meters (12,470 ft): the previous days in Cusco help your body arrive better acclimatized at Lake Titicaca.
Is Machu Picchu included in the itinerary?
Yes! The package includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu with a standard entrance ticket, the round-trip train (Expedition or Voyager class) and the bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and the sanctuary.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Accommodation is not included by default. We can add it to your package with comfortable, well-located hotels in the category you choose when booking.
Can the 8-day itinerary be customized?
Yes! We can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile, pace and interests, subject to availability.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 4 months in advance, especially in high season, as Machu Picchu tickets, trains and hotels have limited availability.
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