Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lake Titicaca
Discover Peru's must-sees
Travel across Peru's wildly different landscapes on this 9-night vacation! Begin and end your vacation in the capital of Lima before exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. Enjoy included tours, transportation, and some meals provided during your Peruvian journey.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lima (LIM)
- All airport and rail/bus station transfers
- 2 nights in Lima at the Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express, or similar
- Colonial & Contemporary Lima City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Museum
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 1 night in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Walking tour of Cusco
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour of the Citadel (Machu Picchu)**
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu by, or similar
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo Ruins & Pisac Market
- 2 nights in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Bus trip from Cusco to Puno with visit to Andahuaylilias Church, Raqchi Ruins, & Pucara, including lunch
- 2 nights in Puno at Casa Andina Standard Puno, or similar
- Lake Titicaca Boat excursion to Uros & Taquile Islands, including lunch
- One-way, economy class flight from Puno (JUL) to Lima (LIM)
- 1 night near Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel, or similar*
- Breakfast Daily
**Please note: Admission to Machu Picchu is capacity controlled, and in order to guarantee your entrance ticket, we will need your passport details (number, and full name as it appears). Once you've completed your booking you will receive a follow-up email requesting this information; it is very important that you respond to it immediately.
Great Ways to Explore
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Enjoy the salty cool air and colonial architecture in Peru's capital of Lima where you will begin and end your trip.
- Enjoy tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. See Pisac Market and enjoy a walking tour of Peru’s colonial city, Cusco, the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, a magnificent 7th World Wonder! From temples to homes, discover the beauty of the Lost City of the Incas.
Enjoy a boat tour of Lake Titicaca and visit two floating islands. Meet the locals and have a traditional Peruvian lunch.
-
Peru's food and drink won't disappoint: from ceviche to Pisco sours, you'll be amazed by every exotic flavor.
Head south of the equator for a vacation you'll never forget! From mesmerizing Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru is a true travel gem. Begin your 9-night adventure in Peru's capital city, Lima. Get acquainted with traditional Peruvian culture, admire colonial architecture like the Plaza Mayor, enjoy a night out dancing to the cajon drums, and dine on the best ceviche in the world!
From Lima, head south to Cusco, a city that seamlessly blends Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Sip coca tea to get adjusted to the high altitude and enjoy a walking tour taking you to some of the city's highlights.
You'll then board a train to the mysterious “lost city of the Incas" - Machu Picchu! Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel made up of aqueducts, granite and limestone temples, and incredible Inca architecture that is almost unbelievably preserved. Take photo after photo of this Wonder of the World!
From Machu Picchu, head back to Cusco. Enjoy a tour of the temperate Sacred Valley as you see the ruins of a quaint village and peruse the goods at a unique outdoor crafts market. Continue your journey south to Puno, Peru's folkloric capital! Enjoy visits to one of Peru's most beautiful churches and an ancient archaeological site before arriving in Puno. Journey by boat to Lake Titicaca as you explore two of its fascinating islands before returning to Lima for your flight back home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lima (LIM)
- All airport and rail/bus station transfers
- 2 nights in Lima at the Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express, or similar
- Colonial & Contemporary Lima City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Museum
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 1 night in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Walking tour of Cusco
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour of the Citadel (Machu Picchu)**
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu by, or similar
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo Ruins & Pisac Market
- 2 nights in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Bus trip from Cusco to Puno with visit to Andahuaylilias Church, Raqchi Ruins, & Pucara, including lunch
- 2 nights in Puno at Casa Andina Standard Puno, or similar
- Lake Titicaca Boat excursion to Uros & Taquile Islands, including lunch
- One-way, economy class flight from Puno (JUL) to Lima (LIM)
- 1 night near Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel, or similar*
- Breakfast Daily
**Please note: Admission to Machu Picchu is capacity controlled, and in order to guarantee your entrance ticket, we will need your passport details (number, and full name as it appears). Once you've completed your booking you will receive a follow-up email requesting this information; it is very important that you respond to it immediately.
-
Enjoy the salty cool air and colonial architecture in Peru's capital of Lima where you will begin and end your trip.
- Enjoy tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. See Pisac Market and enjoy a walking tour of Peru’s colonial city, Cusco, the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, a magnificent 7th World Wonder! From temples to homes, discover the beauty of the Lost City of the Incas.
Enjoy a boat tour of Lake Titicaca and visit two floating islands. Meet the locals and have a traditional Peruvian lunch.
-
Peru's food and drink won't disappoint: from ceviche to Pisco sours, you'll be amazed by every exotic flavor.
Head south of the equator for a vacation you'll never forget! From mesmerizing Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru is a true travel gem. Begin your 9-night adventure in Peru's capital city, Lima. Get acquainted with traditional Peruvian culture, admire colonial architecture like the Plaza Mayor, enjoy a night out dancing to the cajon drums, and dine on the best ceviche in the world!
From Lima, head south to Cusco, a city that seamlessly blends Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Sip coca tea to get adjusted to the high altitude and enjoy a walking tour taking you to some of the city's highlights.
You'll then board a train to the mysterious “lost city of the Incas" - Machu Picchu! Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel made up of aqueducts, granite and limestone temples, and incredible Inca architecture that is almost unbelievably preserved. Take photo after photo of this Wonder of the World!
From Machu Picchu, head back to Cusco. Enjoy a tour of the temperate Sacred Valley as you see the ruins of a quaint village and peruse the goods at a unique outdoor crafts market. Continue your journey south to Puno, Peru's folkloric capital! Enjoy visits to one of Peru's most beautiful churches and an ancient archaeological site before arriving in Puno. Journey by boat to Lake Titicaca as you explore two of its fascinating islands before returning to Lima for your flight back home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
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Day 1. Welcome to Lima!
Say "hola" to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After you settle in, explore the area and enjoy your first Peruvian meal near your hotel.
A Tip For Your Trip: If available, choose a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon so you can enjoy the day in Lima!
Transfer to Lima hotel
Check-in - Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express Lima
Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express Lima is located less than a mile from Playa La Estrella and Larcomar. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning and television. Complimentary WiFi is available. Other main attractions, including San Martín Square and Government Palace of Lima are just minutes away from this hotel's ideal location.
Day 2. Lima
Explore the vibrant colonial architecture surrounding the iconic "Plaza San Martín" and the central square "Plaza de Armas" in the historic heart of the city. Here, marvel at landmarks like the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipality. Venture to the San Francisco Monastery to uncover its intricate network of underground tunnels and catacombs.
Afterward, travel into Lima's modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where lush parks such as "El Olivar" and "Parque del Amor" complement contemporary shopping centers and sleek architecture. Conclude your journey at the Larco Museum, home to an extensive collection of over 45,000 artifacts including pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, and precious metal works. Don't overlook the museum's renowned and distinctive display of ceramics from the Mochica culture.
Lima Colonial & Modern City Tour with San Francisco Monastery & Larco Herrera Museum (5 hours)
Embark on a city tour through old and new Lima! Begin at the Plaza de Armas with its colonial buildings like the Government Palace, the Municipality, the Palace of the Archbishop and the Cathedral, among others. All these buildings are gathered around the history-laden square.
Then visit San Francisco Monastery with its maze of tunnels and catacombs that served as a mass grave. After touring the historic city center, head to the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. In San Isidro, stroll through the Olive Park (El Olivar) where old olive trees stand tall next to modern shopping centers. In Miraflores, visit the Park of Love (El Parque del Amor) from where you have a view over the cliffs and the Pacific.
Ending the tour, you will visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum. With more than 45,000 objects of pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles and gold and silver pieces, it houses one of the most impressive collections in Latin America. It is also known for its exhibition of erotic ceramics of the Mochica culture.
Day 3. Lima - Cusco
Today you will fly from Lima to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll receive a warm welcome and be driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Set out on your walking excursion at the renowned "Plaza de Armas," where you'll marvel at the magnificent Renaissance-style Cathedral. Wander through narrow passageways flanked by ancient Incan walls until you arrive at Koricancha, the revered temple dedicated to the sun deity, "Inti." Once considered the pinnacle of Incan religious sites, this temple met its demise at the hands of Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Witness the tangible collision of civilizations as its ruins were repurposed to construct the Catholic Church Santo Domingo.
A Tip For Your Trip: Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea will help you adjust to Cusco's high altitude.
Transfer to Lima airport (LIM)
Fly to Cusco!
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Check-in - Hotel Los Portales Cusco
Stay in the heart of Cusco at the elegant Hotel Los Portales Cusco. Right across from the sun temple Koricancha and four blocks from Plaza de Armas, this hotel puts you right in the center of everything. Each of the 50 rooms and suites is the essence of urban sophistication, decorated in pastel tones and dark green; they are fully carpeted and have flat-screens with cable TV and minibar. The hotel offers a full buffet breakfast which can be enjoyed at the checkered marble floor patio decorated with plants. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant offering a la carte dining options.
Walking tour of Cusco
Day 4. Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
At the scheduled time, you'll be transported from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Upon reaching the train station, embark on a panoramic train journey. Treat yourself to breathtaking vistas of the Andean landscape adorned with quaint villages and majestic snow-capped peaks in the Sacred Valley. You'll arrive at Aguas Calientes, a picturesque village nestled at the base of Machu Picchu, where you'll hop on the shuttle bus bound for the ancient citadel. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Inca civilization, delve into the site's discovery, and explore the myriad of theories surrounding this enigmatic and awe-inspiring archaeological marvel.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
Expedition train to Aguas Calientes!
Bus to Machu Picchu!
Bus to Aguas Calientes
Check-in - Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu boasts incredible views of the Vilcanota River and the nearby mountains. Guest rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, television, and a desk. The hotel features Sama Café which offers healthy and hearty meals. Enjoy a 5-minute walk to the bus stop towards Machu Picchu.
Tour of Machu Picchu (The Citadel) with guide
Enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away!
Day 5. Aguas Calientes - Sacred Valley - Cusco
At the appointed time, embark on a train journey traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, culminating in your return to Cusco.
En route, enhance your exploration by delving into the remarkable ruins of Ollantaytambo, a site immortalized in history as one of the rare locations where the Incas triumphed over the Spanish invaders. Ascend the ancient platforms and savor panoramic vistas overlooking the village and the valley below. Adjacent to the ruins, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional household, where you'll gain insight into the distinctive lifestyle upheld for generations in the Sacred Valley.
Proceed to the quaint town of Pisac, renowned among both residents and visitors alike for its vibrant open-air market. Here, peruse a diverse array of Peruvian handicrafts including ceramics, paintings, textiles, and jewelry, imbued with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Expedition train to Ollantaytambo!
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Check-in - Hotel Los Portales Cusco
Stay in the heart of Cusco at the elegant Hotel Los Portales Cusco. Right across from the sun temple Koricancha and four blocks from Plaza de Armas, this hotel puts you right in the center of everything. Each of the 50 rooms and suites is the essence of urban sophistication, decorated in pastel tones and dark green; they are fully carpeted and have flat-screens with cable TV and minibar. The hotel offers a full buffet breakfast which can be enjoyed at the checkered marble floor patio decorated with plants. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant offering a la carte dining options.
Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo ruins & Pisac Market
Visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archaeological complex that used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. After touring the ruins, continue along the Sacred Valley to Pisac, a beautiful village where Incan and Colonial influences have created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. Explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan market where you can find extraordinarily fine jewelry, ceramics and textile craftwork.
Day 6. Cusco
Hike up to the San Blas neighborhood and pick up a few souvenirs to take home. In the evening, indulge in a few of Peru's delicacies. Adventurous eaters may want to try the local specialty, cuy (guinea pig).
San Blas • Cusco
Day 7. Cusco - Puno
You'll be picked up at your hotel at the designated time and escorted to the bus station for your journey to Puno, with stops at intriguing landmarks along the route and a provided lunch. The highest point during the drive is La Raya, situated at an elevation of over 14,000 feet above sea level.
During the ride, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Andahuaylillas Church, often dubbed the "Sistine Chapel" of the Americas due to the exceptional quality of its interior artworks. Built atop what is believed to have been an important Incan structure, possibly a shrine or "Waka," the church's foundations incorporate intricately carved andesite, reflective of traditional Quechua architectural motifs. Next, discover the ruins of Raqchi, distinguished as among the best-preserved examples of adobe structures resting upon Inca stonework foundations. This architectural technique was once commonplace but has largely succumbed to the elements and Spanish influence over time. En route, visit Pucara, renowned for its pottery, notably the iconic "Toritos de Pucara" (Little Bulls of Pucara). Explore the "Museo Litico de Pucara" (Pucara Stone Museum), showcasing a fascinating array of anthropomorphic monoliths, zoomorphic sculptures, ceramics, and artifacts from the pre-Inca Pucara culture. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to visit the church situated in the main square. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Cusco bus station
Bus to Puno!
Transfer to Puno hotel
Check-in - Casa Andina Standard Puno
Located near the Plaza de Armas, Casa Andina Standard Puno is a comfortable and quiet hotel with spacious common areas, including a living room with a fireplace and a patio. Each of the 50 non-smoking room come equipped with complimentary WiFi, LCD TV and a safe-deposit box. The restaurant serves a full breakfast every morning with a variety of local and international dishes. The hotel is a short drive to the Port of Puno and the train station, meaning guests can easily access Lake Titicaca and the rest of Peru with ease.
Visit to Andahuaylilias & Raqchi, including lunch
Visit the pretty Andean village of Andahuaylillas, originally Antawaylla or "field of copper." While in town tour the lavishly decorated Iglesia de San Pedro. This classic country church, built by the Jesuits in the late 16th century, is a simple edifice made of thick adobe mud-brick walls, a single nave with a belltower and a façade with two solid stone columns.
You'll then visit the Raqchi archaeological complex, which includes many Inca ruins including a temple. Learn about the importance of Raqchi for the Inca military expansion toward the lake Titicaca. Have lunch in a local restaurant in Pucara famous for its pottery, especially the well-known “Toritos de Pucara” (Little Bulls of Pucara).
Pay a visit to Pucara Stone Museum, displaying a good little selection of anthropomorphic monoliths, zoomorphic sculptures, ceramics, and other objects from the Pucara pre-Inca Culture (original and replica pieces). The church located in the main square is also worth a visit.
Day 8. Puno
From Puno's dock, you'll head on an expedition to the extraordinary Uros islands, which float atop Lake Titicaca. Encounter local families adorned in vibrant traditional attire, who graciously invite you to explore their reed-made homes, boats, and islands. Witness their annual reed replenishment ritual, perpetuating the Aymara language and other time-honored customs.
Continue your voyage to Taquile Island, where you'll be captivated by intricate pre-Inca terraces and rustic pathways devoid of automobiles, electricity, or pollution. Delve into the timeless lifestyle of its inhabitants, steeped in communal traditions passed down for millennia. Discover the island's unique social fabric, where men master knitting and women excel in weaving, seamlessly integrating these crafts into their cultural identity. Your excursion includes a traditional lunch on Taquile Island.
Lake Titicaca Boat excursion to Uros & Taquile Islands, with lunch
Enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. The first stop will be Uros floating islands, a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. Uros' cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs.
Continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until reaching the picturesque Taquile Island, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Before making your way back to Puno, enjoy a local lunch.
Day 9. Puno - Lima
You'll be collected from your hotel in Puno and transported to the Juliaca airport. En route, you'll stop at the remarkable pre-Inca archaeological site of Sillustani. This sacred site serves as the eternal resting place for the nobility of the high plains, featuring towering chullpas (burial towers) reaching heights of up to 40 feet, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Umayo.
Transfer to Puno airport (JUL)
Fly to Lima!
Check-in - Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
With a connecting walkway linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport, the Wyndham Costa del Sol is Lima’s premier airport hotel. This hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort, whether you’re exploring Peru’s capital or just passing through. Experience legendary Peruvian hospitality as soon as you arrive with a free welcome drink upon check in. Savor our free breakfast buffet daily and an onsite restaurant and lounge.
Rooms are available either nightly or hourly to recharge during a long layover and feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes, as well as minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Enjoy your quiet guest room or relax in our spa and 24-hour fitness facilities, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and massage.
Day 10. Depart Peru
Make your way to Lima airport for your flight back home.