Upon your arrival at the Cusco airport, a representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. They will also provide information about the city’s main attractions and services, and assist you with your check-in.
Breakfast at the hotel. Around 8:00 AM, you'll be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley.
First, visit the town of Pisac, known for its artisan market and impressive Inca archaeological site, which includes an irrigation system, astronomical observatory, a solar clock or "Intiwatana", and extensive agricultural terraces.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, a former Inca military, religious, and residential center. The site includes a large temple, terraces, and urban zones. Two main areas can be distinguished: one related to worship and religion, and the other for housing.
After the excursion, board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early in the morning, you will board the bus for your guided tour of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas" — one of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire.
Although this "Lost City" was introduced to the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, locals had long known of its existence. Its original purpose, however, remains a mystery, as the Incas left no written records.
Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and, as you walk among the ancient stone walls, imagine what life may have been like in this majestic citadel, perched at around 8,000 feet above sea level.
In the afternoon, return by train to the city of Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 6:30 AM and taken to the bus station to begin your journey to Puno. This guided bus tour includes visits to four fascinating historical sites along the way:
- Andahuaylillas: Known as the "Sistine Chapel of South America", this church is one of the most stunning examples of Andean religious art.
- Raqchi (Temple of the god Wiracocha): A grand Inca temple measuring 100 meters long, 26 meters wide, and 14 meters high, featuring two naves with 11 large columns each.
- La Raya: The highest point of the route (4,300 m.a.s.l.), this scenic mountain pass offers breathtaking landscapes and views of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. It also marks the geographic border between the Quechua and Aymara cultures.
- Pukara: The oldest and most important ceremonial center of the Altiplano. This archaeological site was once the religious, administrative, and residential hub of the ancient Pukara civilization, built with finely crafted stone and clay mortar.
Arrival in Puno is expected around 5:00 PM. You will be transferred from the bus station to your hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the port to board a boat for your full-day excursion on Lake Titicaca.
Your first stop will be the famous floating Uros Islands, located in the bay of Puno at 3,810 meters above sea level. These islands, made entirely of totora reeds, date back to pre-Hispanic times and are inhabited by the Uros people, who preserve their ancient traditions.
Next, you'll visit Taquile Island, known for its warm and welcoming locals who maintain their traditional customs and dress. Taquileños are especially known for their intricate and symbolic handwoven textiles—recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
Return to Puno in the afternoon.
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at the scheduled time and transferred to the Juliaca Airport for your return flight to Lima.
This marks the end of your 6-day journey through Machu Picchu and Peru—with a few extra surprises along the way!
