Tour Details:
Discover the best of Peru on this immersive 6-day adventure, combining cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the historic city of Cusco and the breathtaking Sacred Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu, and ending with the magical Lake Titicaca and the charming city of Puno, this tour offers a complete journey through Peru’s most famous destinations.
Highlights:
- Explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with its rich history and colonial charm
- Visit the Sacred Valley, home to spectacular Inca ruins and vibrant artisan markets
- Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Enjoy a guided Cusco City Tour with visits to Koricancha and the Cathedral
- Travel through stunning Andean landscapes on the way to Puno
- Discover the unique culture of Lake Titicaca with visits to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island
- Professional bilingual guides (English-Spanish) throughout the tour
- Comfortable transportation and quality accommodations included
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome to Cusco – Optional City Tour in the Afternoon
Arrive in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, our Sungate Peru Travel team will be waiting for you with a sign to assist you. You will be transferred to your hotel to rest and acclimate to the high altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 feet).
In the afternoon, take advantage of an optional guided city tour to explore the rich history and culture of Cusco. Visit the impressive Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple. Discover Sacsayhuamán, a massive fortress famous for its precisely cut giant stones. Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological site with ceremonial and ritual significance. See Puca Pucara, the Red Fortress, and finally Tambomachay, known as the Inca Baths, believed to be a site dedicated to water worship.
This city tour offers a perfect introduction to Cusco’s blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture, preparing you for your adventure through Peru.
DAY 2: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, your Sungate Peru Travel guide will meet you at 6:30 AM and transfer you to the traditional village of Chinchero, famous for its authentic Peruvian weaving demonstrations. Here, local women dressed in traditional Andean clothing will show you how they wash, dye, and spin alpaca wool into colorful textiles and create beautiful alpaca jumpers, providing an unforgettable cultural experience. You will also visit the archaeological site of Chinchero, known as the palace of the tenth Inca emperor.
Next, the tour continues to Maras, where you can explore this charming village and learn about local customs. From Maras, you will head to the fascinating Moray archaeological site, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory. Its concentric circular terraces were designed to create unique microclimates, allowing the Incas to experiment with diverse crops and develop advanced farming techniques.
After Moray, you’ll visit the famous Maras Salt Mines (Salineras), where salt is still harvested using traditional methods in over 4,000 small salt ponds dating back to Inca times. This historic site highlights the economic and cultural importance of salt extraction in the Andes.
Following this, you will travel to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch (not included). Then, continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town built by Emperor Pachacutec. Explore the impressive Ollantaytambo archaeological site, including the Temple of the Sun, and learn about its strategic role during the Inca Empire.
In the afternoon, board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, hotel staff will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodations. Before the end of the day, enjoy a briefing about your upcoming guided Machu Picchu tour, preparing you for the unforgettable experience ahead.
DAY 3: Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo & Train to Aguas Calientes
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. According to your scheduled entry time and tour circuit, you will proceed to the bus station for a scenic 25-minute ride up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will show your tickets and begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Explore the world-famous Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the ancient Inca citadel, marvel at its breathtaking architecture, intricate terraces, and panoramic views of the surrounding Andean mountains.
Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and mysteries of Machu Picchu, allowing you to fully appreciate this iconic archaeological marvel.
After the tour, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch on your own at one of the local restaurants.
In the afternoon, board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Relax during the scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, reflecting on your incredible Machu Picchu experience.
Once back in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel or dropped off at San Francisco Square, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.
DAY 4: The Sun Route – Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Pukara Museum, and Arrival to Puno
After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, begin an unforgettable journey along the famous Ruta del Sol (The Sun Route), a scenic cultural route that connects Cusco to Puno, offering a rich blend of history, archaeology, and stunning landscapes.
Your first stop is Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Visit the beautiful Andahuaylillas Church, famous for its intricate baroque architecture, vibrant murals, and religious art dating back to the colonial period.
Next, travel to the impressive Raqchi Archaeological Site, home to the Temple of Wiracocha — one of the most important Inca temples. Explore the massive stone structures, ancient storehouses, and learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred Inca site.
Continue to the Pukara Museum, where you will discover artifacts from the Pukara culture, which predated the Incas. See ceramics, textiles, and stone carvings that reveal the region’s ancient heritage.
After the cultural visits, proceed to Puno, a charming city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after the day’s journey.
This day offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, archaeological discovery, and breathtaking Andean scenery.
DAY 5: Full-Day Tour to Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Puno, you’ll be transferred to the port of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level.
Begin your adventure with a boat ride to the famous Uros Floating Islands. These man-made islands are built entirely from totora reeds, which grow in the lake. Meet the Uros people, descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America, and learn about their unique lifestyle, traditions, and the ingenious techniques they use to build and maintain their islands.
Next, continue by boat to Taquile Island, located about 1.5 hours away. This UNESCO-recognized island is known for its vibrant Quechua culture and master weavers, whose textiles are considered among the finest in Peru. Explore the island’s stone paths and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca.
Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by a local family, featuring Andean ingredients like quinoa, trout, or muna tea. After lunch, you’ll have time to visit the local artisan market before heading back to Puno by boat.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories of this cultural and scenic journey through Lake Titicaca.
DAY 6: Departure from Puno – Transfer to Juliaca Airport
After breakfast at your hotel in Puno, you will be transferred to Juliaca Airport for your return flight or onward journey. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and offers scenic views of the high Andean plateau.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief stop along the way or simply enjoy the landscapes as you reflect on your unforgettable journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca.
Our team at Sungate Peru Travel will ensure your transfer is smooth and timely, assisting you with any final travel needs.
Thank you for choosing Sungate Peru Travel – we hope to welcome you again for another magical adventure in Peru!
Included / Excluded
- 5 nights accommodation in selected hotels + 5 breakfasts
- 03 lunches
- All transfers and transportation (guaranteed)
- Door-to-door service (hotel pickup and drop-off)
- Drop-off at your hotel after each tour (guaranteed)
- Drop-off at Juliaca Airport (JUL)
- Guided tour of the Sacred Valley (Chinchero Weaving Center, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo)
- Guided tour to Machu Picchu with expert local guide
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Train ticket (select your train class) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Entrance tickets to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Pukara Museum
- Entry ticket to Lake Titicaca, including the Uros and Taquile Islands
- Prices based on double occupancy (2 people per room)
- 1 bottle of water
- National and international airfare
- Entrance ticket to the Sacred Valley (90 Peruvian soles in cash)
- Optional Day 1: City Tour and entrance tickets (US$75 per person)
- Wayna Picchu Mountain entrance (US$70) – must be requested months in advance
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Single room supplement:
o 3-star hotel – US$210 (for solo travelers, payable in cash in Cusco)
o 4-star hotel – US$410 (for solo travelers, payable in cash in Cusco) - Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, or staff (optional)
What to Bring:
- Valid passport (required for permits and entrance tickets)
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Lightweight waterproof jacket and warm layers (weather can be cold and rainy)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (we recommend at least 2 liters)
- Personal medication and a small first aid kit
- Camera and extra batteries or power bank
- Small backpack (max 5 kg) for day essentials
- Snacks and energy bars (optional)
- Extra money (no less than 500 soles recommended)
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Insect repellent
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
