Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake 8 Days / 7 Nights

This tour showcases the highlights of Cusco and the Sacred Valley bringing you to key archeological sites found in the folkloric story told over 500 years ago. Be deeply moved as you take in the citadel of Machu Picchu firsthand before finally traveling to the ethereal Lake Titicaca: the birthplace of the Inca.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Transfer to Your Hotel Lima City Tour

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, a local guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, embark on a panoramic afternoon tour of Lima’s highlights.

Visit the pre-Incan archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, a stunning adobe pyramid nestled in the heart of the city. Continue to the historic San Francisco Convent, famous for its colonial architecture and eerie underground catacombs.

End the day at the iconic Parque del Amor in Miraflores, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and a perfect photo opportunity at sunset.

• Overnight in Lima.
• Meal Include: None.
• Entrance Ticket: Included.

Day 2: Flight to Cusco – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuaman – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay

After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Lima’s airport for your morning flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in the Imperial City, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. We recommend taking the rest of the morning to rest, acclimate to the high altitude.

At 12:20 p.m., your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin an enriching half-day city tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas, cathedral, Qoricancha Here, you’ll witness a striking contrast between Inca masonry and Spanish colonial architecture.

Then, we will continue by bus just 25 minutes outside the city to Sacsayhuaman, a breathtaking archaeological complex with colossal stone walls weighing up to 200 tons. Listen to your guide’s insights, then enjoy time to explore at your own pace.

Continue with a short drive to Q’enqo, known for its mysterious altars carved into stone, followed by the circular military site of Puca Pucara. The final stop is Tambomachay, an ancient water temple believed to be used for ceremonial baths and water worship.

The tour concludes in Cusco’s main square unless you’re on a private tour, in which case we’ll return you to your hotel.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals Included: None.
• Entrance Tickets: Included.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac Ruins – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

Begin your journey through the Inca heartland with a full day Sacred Valley tour. The Sacred Valley of the Incas, just outside of Cusco, is a gorgeous sprawling span of green farms, lofty terraced mountains along with numerous quaint towns unmoved by time. The Sacred Valley is the center of lively festivals and the best handicrafts in Peru.

Our first stop is Pisac, a charming town known as the artisan capital of Cusco. This town is famous for its vibrant artisan market in the main square, which is especially lively on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Here, local artisans display a colorful array of handmade goods, including finely woven textiles, alpaca wool garments, traditional ponchos, hand-carved gourds, and replicas of ancient Inca jewelry.

After exploring the market and soaking up the Andean atmosphere, we will continue our journey to Urubamba, where a delicious lunch awaits us. After a delicious lunch in Urubamba, we’ll travel Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that remains inhabited.

This traditional town is a wonderful example of pre-Colombian architecture. Here we will explore the expansive ruins overlooking the town and discuss their history and traditional beliefs of the people of the Sacred Valley.

Later in the afternoon in Ollantaytambo we’ll catch the train to Aguas Calientes to get ready to explore Machu Picchu early the next morning.

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• Meal Include: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch.
• Entrance Ticket: Included.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before boarding one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, ensuring you arrive in time to witness the magical sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas—an unforgettable sight you won’t want to miss.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead a two-hour tour through the most significant areas of Machu Picchu Citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and purpose. Explore the site’s three main sectors: the agricultural terraces, the residential area, and the religious sector, gaining insight into how the Inca civilization once thrived in this awe-inspiring mountain retreat.

After soaking in the spectacular views, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure, you may also explore the town, visit the local market, stop by the museum, or relax in the hot springs.

In the afternoon, board your train at 2:30 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the Urubamba River through the stunning Sacred Valley. As the train winds through the narrow canyon, keep an eye out for the spectacular Wiñay Wayna ruins, visible high up on the mountainside.

After a two-hour journey, you will arrive at Ollantaytambo, where a private bus will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your hotel, concluding your incredible adventure.

Important Note: Machu Picchu archeological site is different from Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The mountain requires a separate permit for those wishing to hike it. If you are interested in adding this experience, please let us know in advance so we can arrange it for you.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals Include: Breakfast.
• Entrance Tickets: Included.

Day 5: LLactoc – Rainbow Mountain – Llactoc – Cusco.

Our staff will pick you up from your hotel at 4:20am, and then continue in our private van for 2 hours towards the town of Cusipata (3310 masl), where it will be the first stop for breakfast (rustic restaurant).

After tasting our breakfast we return to the transport, which will take you along a path, passing through several small towns in the heart of the Andes mountain range, the transport will take 1 hour to reach Llactoc (3,887 masl), this is the starting place After the walk, you will be accompanied by our tour guide, who will give you a prior talk about the walk and we will give you a walking stick.

We will begin to walk along a flat path (Andean plain), with few non-steep climbs, the height will make each step a little difficult, however it will be comforting to be surrounded by nature crossing the Andes. This first phase of the walk is 1 hour. On the way you will see the Apachetas, which are small towers built stone upon stone.

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reached our destination: Rainbow Mountain! (5,020 m /16,466 ft) After admiring the unique beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just enjoy the view. We will be at the top for approximately 30 minutes.

After appreciating the rainbow mountain we descend again along the same path for 1 hour. Then, we will take our transportation to Cusipata where we will enjoy our lunch. Afterwards we have a 2-hour trip back to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.

****There is the option to rent a horse from local people right at the starting point of the hike!

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals Include: Breakfast and Lunch.
• Entrance Tickets: Included.

Day 6: Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – La Raya – Puno.

We will pick you up at your hotel at 6:00am to take you to the Tourist bus station. Our buses provide excellent service with an English-speaking tour guide, and a waiter who is ready to assist you with hot and cold drinks on board.

During the trip, you will stop to visit some Inca ruins, museums and the Andahuaylillas Church, which is considered to be the Sistine Chapel of South America because of its amazing frescos.

Then, we stop at the Racchi Inca ruins, which used to be a religious and resting place for Inca travelers. The next visit is at La Raya, the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno, where the most traditional animals of Peru can be seen, llamas and alpacas.

In Pucara, we will visit a museum where it is possible to see some pre-Inca remains. Finally, by 5:30 pm we arrive in Puno, where our representative will pick you up to take you to your hotel.

Optional: Andean Explorer Train to Puno.
The Belmond Andean Explorer train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian Highlands. During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quaint essential Andean landscapes.

• Overnight in Puno.
• Meal Include: Breakfast and Lunch.
• Entrance Ticket: Included.

Day 7: Puno – Uros Island – Taquile Island.

After our delicious breakfast at your hotel. the tour leader will pick you up to take you to the port of Puno. There, you will embark on a 30-minute boat ride until arriving at the floating islands. You will be welcomed by the locals, who will show you the island and the products they weave.

Then, we will have a two-hour boat ride to arrive at Taquile Island. The inhabitants still live according to their ancestral traditions and dress with gorgeous colored traditional ropes. They are also famous for the magnificent weavings which are traditionally made by men, not women. You will have some time to learn about ancestral farming techniques and try to use a few Inca tools.

We will have lunch in a traditional restaurant, where you can try local dishes. Then, we take the boat back to Puno and your hotel for the end of the tour.

• Overnight in Puno.
• Meal Include: Breakfast and Lunch.
• Entrance Ticket: Included.

Day 8: Juliaca Airport – Lima – Connection to International Flight.

After visiting Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake 8 Days 7 Nights, it is time to say good bye to your private guide. At the coordinated time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your domestic flight to Lima, and then home.

There is still time to find the perfect trip in Peru Tours. Contact Cusco Journeys and we will help you to personalized your Peru travel experience.

Important: We highly suggest booking your return flight to Lima from Juliaca. It’s the most convenient and closest option after your visit to Puno and Lake Titicaca.

• Overnight: None
• Meals: Breakfast.
• Entrance Ticket: None

Cusco Tours and Titicaca 8 Days 7 Nights Packing List:

After spending a lot of time travelling around Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake 8 Days 7 Nights, we have come up with our definitive list of what to pack for a trip to Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake.

• Original Passport.
• Light weight rain poncho
• Down or thermal jacket.
• Sun protection; sunscreen and providing hat.
• Layerable clothing: t- shirts, heavy shirts and jackets, thermals, hiking pants and shorts.
• Toiletries pack with toilet paper, tissues and a lightweight towell
• Day pack
• Reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste.
• Personal first aid kit with prescriptions, pain relievers, antihistamine & stomach aids
• Spare prescription glasses, contacts & lens solution plus a copy of prescription
• Ear plugs for sleeping comfort.
• Warm hat, scarf & gloves.
• Extra zip lock bags of various sizes always come in handy.
• Insect repellent.
• Camera with extra batteries and SD cards.
• Combination locks to protect luggage and useful while traveling & in hotel rooms.
• Extra cash (Soles) to buy souvenirs (optional).

Price per person:

The price is flexible and can be customized based on your travel dates, accommodation preferences, and any added services during the Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake 8 Days 7 Nights.

Discounts:

• 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
• Under 18 years old: $25 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $30 USD.  Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!