Cusco & Puno in 7 Days

🥾 Walking distance: Moderate archaeological exploration
⏱️ Estimated duration: 8 to 9 hours
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 2,970 m (9,744 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Andean buffet lunch included

We depart early toward the fertile Sacred Valley, stopping first at Písac to explore its magnificent terraced citadel perched over the Vilcanota River and browse handmade textiles and ceramics at the Písac artisan market.

Next, we continue down the valley to Urubamba for a countryside buffet lunch featuring organic garden greens and native Andean cuisine. In the afternoon, we explore the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo and climb its monumental fortress terraces where Inca resistance held back Spanish cavalry in 1537.

In the late afternoon, we board the scenic Expedition or Voyager train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), checking into our comfortable 3-star hotel at the base of the citadel for a restful night.

🥾 Walking distance: 3 to 4 km (2 to 2.5 miles) guided circuit
⏱️ Estimated duration: 3 to 4 hours on site
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included at hotel

We ascend early by Consettur shuttle bus to Machu Picchu to experience the morning mist clearing over the white granite palaces. Your licensed guide will lead you through Circuit 2, explaining the engineering and spiritual purpose of the Guardian’s House, the Sun Temple, the Sacred Plaza, the Three Windows, and the Royal Enclosures.

After our comprehensive guided tour and photography session, we take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, pick up our daypacks, and board the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, connecting with our private van transfer directly to your hotel in Cusco.

🥾 Walking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) round-trip
⏱️ Estimated duration: 3 hours hiking
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 5,036 m (16,522 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch included

An early morning departure takes us through the southern valley toward the Ausangate glacial mountain range. Now fully acclimatized from previous days, we hike along the alpine trail toward the classic viewpoint of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), taking in the stunning natural mineral striations and views of snowy Mount Ausangate. We return to Cusco around 6:00 PM.

🥾 Walking distance: Easy cultural stroll
⏱️ Estimated duration: 6 to 7 hours
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 3,762 m (12,342 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Not included

We explore the extraordinary pre-Inca salt pans of Maras, where over 3,000 evaporation pools are still hand-harvested by local families. Nearby, we visit the concentric circular agricultural amphitheaters of Moray, an ancient Inca botanical laboratory with microclimate variations.

We also visit Chinchero, known for its colonial church built over Inca palaces and living textile weaving traditions. In the evening, we connect with our comfortable first-class executive bus toward Puno on Lake Titicaca.

🥾 Walking distance: Short island walk
⏱️ Estimated duration: Full day lake cruise & cultural visits
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 3,812 m (12,506 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch and dinner included on island

At 8:00 AM, we embark on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. We visit the famous Uros Floating Islands, handcrafted entirely from woven totora reeds, learning how local families build and preserve their floating ancestral homes.

We then navigate to Amantaní Island for a deeply authentic cultural immersion. We stay overnight in comfortable private rooms hosted by a welcoming local family, sharing home-cooked traditional meals and climbing to the ancient temples of Pachatata or Pachamama at sunset.

🥾 Walking distance: 3 km (1.8 miles) gentle ascent
⏱️ Estimated duration: Full day (evening finish)
⛰️ Maximum elevation: 3,950 m (12,959 ft)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Following breakfast on Amantaní, we cruise to Taquile Island, world-renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textile art woven exclusively by men using pre-Columbian techniques. We enjoy a fresh lakeside trout lunch and sweeping panoramic views of the Royal Bolivian Andes.

In the afternoon, our fast boat returns to Puno port, where our private vehicle transfers you to Juliaca Airport (JUL) for your flight to Lima, or drop-off at your Puno/Cusco hotel.

The Route of the Sun is a comfortable first-class tour bus ride with guided visits to Andahuaylillas Chapel, Raqchi Inca Temple, La Raya Pass (4,335m), and Pucara, including an Andean buffet lunch.

You will visit the world-famous Uros Floating Islands, hand-built from totora reeds, and Taquile Island, renowned for its ancient weaving traditions protected by UNESCO.

Yes, private transfer from your Puno hotel to Juliaca Airport (JUL) is included on Day 7 for your flight back to Lima.

Yes, all essential tickets are included, including Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), official Machu Picchu Citadel permits, Consettur bus passes, round-trip trains, and Lake Titicaca fees.

Since Puno is visited on Day 5 of the itinerary, your body will already be thoroughly acclimatized after staying in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, ensuring a comfortable experience.