Lima, Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Puno 9D/8N

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Reception at Lima airport – 1/2 Day Lima City Tour
• Day 2 : Fly from Lima to Cusco – 1/2 Day Cusco City Tour
• Day 3 : Cusco – Sacred Valley Tour – Ollantaytambo
• Day 4 : Ollantaytambo – Km104 – Wiñaywayna – Aguas Calientes
• Day 5 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Tour – Cusco
• Day 6 : Rainbow Mountain Full Day Tour – Cusco
• Day 7 : Cusco – Tourist Bus from Cusco to Puno
• Day 8 : Puno – Lake Titicaca Tour (Floating Islands and Taquile)
• Day 9 : Puno – Sillistani – Juliaca – Return flight to Lima

DAY 1: RECEPTION AT LIMA AIRPORT – 1/2 DAY CITY TOUR OF LIMA

The 9 day tour will start with a personal reception at Lima airport by your guide and driver, who will accompany you in your private transport to your hotel in Lima. At 1:30pm you will be collected from your hotel to begin a 4-hour tour of the city of Lima. The first half of the tour you’ll visit the historic center of the Peruvian capital. Sites include:

• The Plaza de Armas (the main square)
• The Government Palace
• The Cathedral of Lima
• The Archbishop’s Palace
• The Cordano Bar (Lima’s oldest bar)
• San Franscisco Museum

The second half of the tour will be a visit to the Pueblo Libre district, which is home to the Privately owned Larco Museum. Here you will find more than 45 thousand pieces of original pottery, located in an 18th-century mansion, built on a pre-Columbian 7th-century pyramid. Marvel at the countless treasures displayed in one of the world’s most prestigious museums for gold and silver. The Larco Museum’s exclusive collection of pre-Columbian erotic ceramics, make it one of the most popular attractions in South America. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel in Lima.

DAY 2: FLY FROM LIMA TO CUSCO – 1/2 DAY CITY TOUR OF CUSCO

Day 2 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Lima.

Your private transport will then pick you up and drive you to Lima airport to board your mid-morning flight to Cusco.

After a 90 minute flight, you will land in Cusco to be greeted by your guide and driver, who will accompany you in your private transport to your hotel in Cusco.

Once at the hotel you can relax and enjoy an aromatic cup of coca-leaf tea and take lunch (not included) in one of the local restaurants, before beginning the afternoons’ tour of Cusco.

At 1.30pm you will regroup with your tour guide and private transportation to commence the tour of the Inca capital. The 4-hour tour will take you on a journey through Cusco’s most prominent historical sites such as the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, which was the religious, geographical, and political center of Cusco during the period of the Incas. The astounding Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, whos stonework is so impeccable that it is said ‘will endure as long as the world itself’. And finally, Q’enqo, a sacred Incan pilgrimage site, that once served as an astronomical observatory and mummification house.

On the City Tour Cusco, your personal tour guide will also accompany you round the famous San Pedro market and Plaza de Armas before returning you back to your hotel for 6pm.

DAY 3: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY TOUR – OLLANTAYTAMBO

Day 3 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Cusco.

At 7:30am you will be collected in your private transport and driven for 1-hour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, until you reach the Mirador de Taray. Here you can capture breathtaking photos of the valley from one of its famous viewpoints.

A further 30 minute drive will bring us to the archaeological park of Pisaq, the home of the famous Intihuatana ‘sundail’, and the first Inca fortress of the tour. Fulfilling many functions including ceremonial, religious & astronomical, the 15th century Inca refuge of Pisac is rich in history and offers one of the most spectacular views of the Sacred Valley from above.

After guiding you through the incredibly well-preserved stonework of the archaeological site, your guide and your transport will accompany you back down the valley for a peruse through the towns iconic market, cobbled streets and authentic plazas.

The afternoons’ tour will begin surrounded by the natural beauty of Urubamba. The largest town in the sacred valley and our lunch destination for the day. With a multitude of restaurants to choose from, you can treat yourself to anything from local cuisine, to a buffet lunch from only $20 USD (optional extra cost).

After lunch, your transport will take you alongside the Urubamba River, to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Here your guide will accompany you through the bustling local markets and the famous Inca fortress that towers above the town. The strategic position and architectural sophistication of the site, offers visitors some of the most spectacular views of the sacred valley from above. The exquisite stonework and rich history of Ollantaytambo will take you and your guide on an impressive journey through Inca antiquity, before you complete the Sacred Valley tour at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

After checking you into your hotel, your guide will leave you to explore the town of Ollantaytambo alone.

DAY 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES

Day 4 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

At 7am you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the train station. The 7:20am train will transport you for 1-hour to the start of the hike at Kilometre 104, 2,200m / 7217 ft.

After crossing the bridge over the Willkamayu River (Sacred River in Quechua), you will arrive at the first checkpoint of the Inca trail. Here you will show your Passport to pass into to the national park. Then you will walk for 15 minutes to first archaeological site of the day, Chachabamba (valley of the trees in Quechua).

After Chachabamba, you’ll begin the 3-hour climb up the mountain trail to Wiñaywayna. The hike is tough but steady, and will treat you to spectacular views of agricultural stepped terraces, cloud forests and glistening waterfalls. Here you’ll also get to know the local flora and fauna unique to the region. Such as the Wiñay Wayna orchid, the Molle shrub and the Qeuña (Polylepis racemosa).

At around midday, you’ll arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna. The name means Forever Young in Quechua and is inspired by the beautiful orchids that surround the site. Located at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft, the complex is situated upon the steep slopes of the hillside, amongst 40 levels of agricultural stepped terraces, overlooking the Urubamba river. Built by the Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century, the citadel is one of the most famous sites within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and was once an important venue for agriculture, religion and administration. Here your guide will take you on a journey through its history and provide you with an opportunity to rest and eat the lunch box we have prepared for you.

After lunch in Wiñayhuayna , you’ll begin the afternoons’ hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The Andean path and stone steps will be a challenge to the best of us, but after enduring the climb for an hour or so, you will be greeted by the most breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, the sun gate is strategically located to welcome noble visitors of the Inca citadel, acting as a control gate for its elite visitors. As well as offering one of the most stunning views of the sanctuary and its surrounding mountains, the sacred site is also famed for framing the sunrise during the winter solstice in June.

With a camera full of photos of that unforgettable view, you will follow the trail onward to Machu Picchu. Descending for 45 minutes, to the gates of the Lost city of the Incas at 2,490 m / 8,169 ft. Your first encounter with the citadel will be a relatively short one, but since our arrival will be late in the afternoon, there will be few tourists around to share it with.

As there will be plenty more time to befriend the Inca city on day 5, you and your guide will take the 30 minute bus from Machu Picchu entrance to the town below, Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is situated at 2,160 m / 7,086 ft, 300m lower than Machu Picchu, and will be your resting place for the night in one of our recommended hotels. It is also home to a public ATM, a collection of thermal baths (hot springs) and a multitude of bars and restaurants. Once your guide has accompanied you to your hotel for check in, they will also direct you to the restaurant where you will be treated to an a la carte menu that evening, and possibly a celebratory drink.

*If you wish to relax in the hot springs, they are only a 10 minute walk from the town center and are open for visitors until 8pm. Entrance fee is 10 soles (optional extra cost).*

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Day 5 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

At 6:30am your guide will escort you the bus station where you will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The scenic route from Aguas Calientes takes you on a 30 minute bus ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Once inside, you will be taken on a 3-hour tour of Machu Picchu where you will make your way through the Inca city with your personal guide. Aswell as visiting the famous sites of the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the stepped terraces, you will have plenty opportunity to take the bucket list photos you came for atop the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Before boarding the bus back down the mountain, your guide will also allow you time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.

Once you have regrouped with your guide and taken the bus back to Aguas Calientes, there will be time to take lunch in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There you’ll be greeted by your guide and private transportation who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6.30pm.

*There will also be time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in this tour after your guided tour of the Inca citadel. However please be aware, this will be an extra cost of $70 USD per person and will involve an extra 2-hours hiking. Return to Cusco will therefore be aboard a later train and arrival time in Cusco will be approx 8.30pm.*

DAY 6: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR – CUSCO

Day 6 starts with pick up at 5am from your hotel in Cusco.

Your private transportation will take you on a 2-hour drive through the picturesque towns and valleys of the Peruvian Andes until we reach the town of Cusipata. Here we will stop for a delicious breakfast in a local restaurant amidst the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountain range.

After breakfast, your driver will transport you a further 90 minutes up the valley to the start of the hike. Accompanied by your guide, you will begin at elevation 4,650 m / 15,255 ft. If you do not wish to hike the 90 minute trail to the first viewpoint, our Rainbow Mountain tour offers you the option to hire the services of a horse to carry you for the first hour up the trail to viewpoint. Please bear in mind that if you wish to reach the highest viewpoint, you will need to hike the final 20 minutes on foot, to the summit at 5,040 m / 16,535 ft.

Once you have arrived at the viewpoint, you will be treated to the beautiful views of Vinicunca and its natural formation of mineral rich striking colours, including vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.

The mountains surrounding Vinicunca comprise the breathtaking hills of the Red Valley. The mountains get their name from the distinct presence of iron oxide in the rock, giving visitors a unique viewpoint of a deep red mountain range. Should you wish to view the valley from the Mirador del Valle Rojo, your guide will accompany you along the trail for a further 30 minutes to treat you to an even more astonishing photo of the Red Valley. Thankfully, it is much quieter than the trails of Rainbow Mountain, gifting you to an exclusive experience amongst the Cordillera de los Andes.

Once you have taken in your surroundings and bagged as many photos as you can carry, you will descend back down the mountain with your guide. Your driver will be waiting for you to return at the end of the hike, ready to transport you back to the restaurant in Cusipata for a well-deserved rest and lunch.

The final leg of the tour will be the 2-hour drive back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is approximately 4pm.

DAY 7: CUSCO – TOURIST BUS TO PUNO

Day 7 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Cusco.

At 6:15am you will be collected in private transport from your hotel in Cusco and driven to the bus terminal ready for the 7am departure.

The Bus tour takes you on the scenic route from the Inca city of Cusco to Puno, a Peruvian city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The 10-hour journey will take you through picturesque Andean towns and mountainous valleys, showcasing the beauty of the Cusco/Puno region.

The bus makes 5 stops along the way, treating you to 3 guided tours. These include the Sistine Chapel of America, the Temple of the god Wiracocha, and the Lithic Museum of the Pukará Culture. Aswell as a buffet lunch in the Andean town of Sicuani and an opportunity to take breathtaking photos atop the highest point of the route, the Abra La Raya Pass.

The tourist bus will be equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable journey to Puno. This includes; heating and air conditioning, toilets and sanitary facilities and refreshing drinks served on board such as tea, coffee, Coca Cola and water.

At 5pm, the bus will arrive in the city of Puno, where you will be met by your private transport and transferred to your hotel in Puno.

DAY 8: PUNO – LAKE TITICACA TOUR (FLOATING ISLANDS AND TAQUILE)

Day 8 of the tour begins with breakfast in your hotel in Puno.

Your private transport will then pick up from your hotel in Puno at 6:45am. You’ll then be driven to the nearby port of Puno where you will take the 7:15am boat to the floating islands of Uros, located 10 km (30 mins by boat) from the port.

The indigenous Uru people, construct their islands out of huge blocks of Totora Reed, an aquatic plant native to Lake Titicaca. The islands are covered with a fresh layer of reeds every 20 days, and are able to float due to porosity of the blocks that release gases produced by decomposition. These blocks are then joined together and anchored to the lake bed using eucalyptus sticks.

The Uru culture is one of the oldest ethnic groups on Lake Titicaca, who have inhabited its waters since the Incas began expanding their territories over the plateau hundreds of years ago. They dedicate themselves to fishing and bird hunting and are entirely dependent on the Totora reed with which they build their islands, houses, rafts and also serves as food and fuel for the people.

After saying goodbye to the Uru people, you’ll take the boat a further 1-hour to the island of Taquile. When you arrive, you’ll walk along a wide trail to the Plaza de Armas, all the while admiring the breathtaking deep blue shores of Lake Titicaca. Throughout your tour of the island, you will visit places where local artwork is made and take lunch at a local family home.

After lunch, you’ll return by boat to the port of Puno and be transported by car back to your hotel in the city for 5pm. The evening is then yours to rest and explore at your leisure.

DAY 9: PUNO – SILLUSTANI TOUR – JULIACA – FLIGHT TO LIMA

Day 9 will begin with breakfast in your hotel in Puno.

At the appropriate time, you’ll collected by private transport and driven 45 mins to the Sillustani archaeological site on the shores of Lake Umayo. The complex is a pre-Inca cemetery consisting of tombs built above ground in in tower-like structures called Chullpas. These are the vestiges of the Qulla people, who are the Aymara people conquered by the Inca Empire in the 15th century.

After a guided tour, you’ll be driven a further 1-hour to the Inca Manco Capac airport in Juliaca in time to board your onward flight to Lima. Here your guide will bid you farewell and provide you with the necessary tickets and boarding passes to enable a smooth check in.

In-flight time from Juliaca to Lima : 90 minutes.