Peru Highlights Tour: Lima, Cusco and Puno (Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Adventure)

9-Day Journey: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca Adventure

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Upon your arrival at Lima airport, our Machupicchu Latin America representative will be waiting for you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in our comfortable private transport, and along the way, we’ll offer information about Lima, its attractions, and tips for making the most of your stay. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax at your leisure.

• Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour (B)

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at either 9:00 am or 2:00 pm, depending on your chosen schedule. You’ll start the tour by exploring the modern suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores. Highlights include the Financial Center, the Olive Grove Park, and a visit to the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid that has survived urban expansion. We’ll also stop at the Love Park (Parque del Amor), where you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the Miraflores Malecon.

In Colonial Lima, we will explore the historical center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll visit Plaza Mayor, see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the San Francisco Monastery including its famous catacombs. The tour ends with options to shop at the Indian Market or visit Larcomar Mall.

• Overnight: Lima

Day 3: Fly to Cusco + Free Afternoon (B)

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Lima airport to catch your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our Machupicchu Latin America representative will greet you and take you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to acclimatize and explore Cusco at your own pace. You can opt for a city tour of Cusco (extra cost) to get a glimpse of its rich Inca and colonial history.

• Overnight: Cusco

Day 4: Maras-Moray, Chinchero, and Salt Mines Tour (B)

Start your day with a visit to Chinchero, a charming village where we will visit the Tupac Inca Yupanqui Royal House and witness local women demonstrating ancient weaving techniques. Next, we’ll explore the Moray archaeological site, famous for its concentric circular terraces used for agricultural experiments by the Incas. Finally, we’ll visit the stunning Salineras de Maras salt mines with over 3,000 small pools that have been used since the Inca times.

• Overnight: Cusco

Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour with Pisac and Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (B)

Today, we embark on a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is the Pisac Inca site, where you’ll marvel at the ancient agricultural terraces and temples. We’ll continue to the village of Pisac to experience its vibrant market, where you can shop for local crafts. After a delicious buffet lunch in Urubamba, we’ll visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, with its massive stone structures and deep historical significance. From Ollantaytambo, we’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

• Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Day 6: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Cusco (B)

After breakfast, we’head to Machu Picchu by bus. Prepare for an awe-inspiring guided tour of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Our expert guide will share in-depth knowledge of the citadel, explaining the significance of the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and much more. After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the afternoon train back to Cusco.

• Overnight: Cusco

Day 7: Guided Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno (B, L)

Experience a scenic bus journey from Cusco to Puno, with guided stops along the way. We’ll visit the Andahuaylillas Church (known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”), the Raqchi Temple, the La Raya Pass (the highest point of the trip), and the Pucara Museum. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch in Sicuani before arriving in Puno by late afternoon.

• Overnight: Puno

Day 8: Full Day Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Tour on Lake Titicaca (B, L)

Set off on an exciting boat tour to explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, where you’ll learn about the unique lifestyle of the locals who have lived on these reed islands for centuries. We’ll then sail to Taquile Island, known for its hand-woven textiles and traditional customs. After a delicious lunch with a local family, we’ll return to Puno in the afternoon.

• Overnight: Puno

Day 9: Departure from Puno (B)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Juliaca airport for your flight back to Lima. If you prefer, there’s an option to take a bus back to Cusco for further exploration.

This comprehensive 9-day tour offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, stunning Inca sites, and breathtaking natural beauty, from the bustling city of Lima to the majestic Machu Picchu and the serene waters of Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

• Overview: Arrive in Lima, airport transfer to hotel, and briefing on the tour.
• Why it matters: Provides time to adjust after travel and relax before starting the adventure.

Day 2: Lima City Tour (B)

• Quick itinerary:
  • Explore modern Lima: San Isidro, Miraflores, and Huaca Pucllana.
  • Visit historic downtown Lima, a UNESCO site.
  • Tour the San Francisco Monastery and its famous catacombs.
• Why it’s significant: A deep dive into Lima’s colonial and pre-Inca history.

Day 3: Fly to Cusco + Free Afternoon (B)

• Overview: Fly to Cusco, transfer to hotel, and free time for acclimatization or optional city tour.
• Why it’s important: Acclimatizing to Cusco’s altitude is key for upcoming excursions.

Day 4: Maras-Moray, Chinchero, and Salt Mines (B)

• Key highlights:
  • Visit Chinchero, a traditional Andean village.
  • Explore the Moray terraces, ancient agricultural laboratories.
  • Visit the impressive Salineras de Maras, a salt mine still in use since the Inca times.
• Why it’s unique: Showcases the Incas’ advanced agricultural techniques and ancient ways of life.

Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour - Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes (B)

• Overview:
  • Begin in Pisac for a look at ancient Inca temples and agricultural techniques.
  • Visit the Pisac market for a local shopping experience.
  • Explore Ollantaytambo, a vital Inca fortress, before heading to Aguas Calientes by train.
• Why it’s a must: A historical journey through key Inca sites, leading to the gateway of Machu Picchu.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Guided Tour (B)

• Key experience:
  • Explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Learn about the site’s history, architecture, and Inca mysteries.
• Why It’s Special: Machu Picchu is the pinnacle of the tour, offering a deep connection with the Inca civilization.

Day 7: Scenic Bus Tour from Cusco to Puno (B, L)

• Quick itinerary:
  • Guided stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pucara.
  • Cross the La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route.
  • Arrive in Puno by evening.
• Why it’s valuable: The scenic journey connects the highlands of Cusco to the lakeside town of Puno.

Day 8: Lake Titicaca Tour - Uros Floating Islands & Taquile (B, L)

• Key highlights:
  • Sail on the highest navigable lake in the world.
  • Explore the Uros Floating Islands and meet the local people.
  • Visit Taquile Island and learn about its rich weaving tradition.
• Why it’s unforgettable: Experience the unique lifestyle on Lake Titicaca and its cultural significance.

Day 9: Departure from Puno (B)

• Overview: Transfer to Juliaca airport for the flight to Lima or optional bus ride back to Cusco.

This itinerary summary offers a seamless overview of the 9-day tour, providing key highlights and cultural insights for each day, ensuring an immersive experience.

Includes / Does not Include

Included

• Airport/Hotel pick up and drop off (door to door service).
• 8 Night hotel with private bathrooms and breakfast included (at your selected hotel in Twin/Double - Single - Triple rooms).
• Lunches on Days 7, 8.
• Lima city guided tour.
• Moray and Salt mines guided tour.
• Sacred valley guided tour.
• Machupicchu guided tour.
• Guided sightseeing bus tour from Cusco to Puno (Sun Route).
• Uros floating and Taquile Island tour on the Lake Titicaca.
• Roundtrip train tickets (at your selected train class) Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• Round trip bus tickets in Machupicchu (Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes).
• All admission including Machupicchu.
• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Overland transportation for all transfers during the 9-day program.
• 1 Bottle of Water.

Not Included:

• International air tickets.
• Domestic air tickets (Lima - Cusco / Juliaca - Lima).
• Waynapicchu admission ticket US$ 65, it must be requested at the time of your booking and will be provided if available.
• One-way Vistadome train upgrade US$ 55.
• Optional tour on day 1 (PM): Cusco city tour including Sacsayhuaman US$ 49.
• Admission tickets if you take the Cusco city tour 125 Peruvian sol cash.
• Meals (Lunch, Dinner).
• Travel insurance (Highly recommended).
• Additional and personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, snacks).
• Gratuity (optional).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS