Cusco Tours and Titicaca Lake 8 Days / 7 Nights

Trip Overview:

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: Arival to Lima – Transfer to the Hotel.

Welcome arrival by our 24/7 staff member at Lima airport. Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will have a tour through Lima’s streets and plazas. Starting at the Love Park in Miraflores, with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and then heading to the Huaca Pucllana, ceremonial center of the Lima culture. After this, we go on to the Main Square where the Government Palace and the Town Hall are located. We will visit the Cathedral and explore the Convent of San Francisco, where we find the largest cemetery of the Franciscan religious.

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

Day 2: Transfer Lima Airport – Cusco – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuaman – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay.

We transfer to Lima’s airport early in the morning for the flight to Cusco. On arrival we transfer you to your selected hotel. We recommend you take the rest of the morning to acclimatize to the altitude and have a light lunch in or near the hotel.

At 12:30 p.m., we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.

From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your bus 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths, you will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.

From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following, you will take another five minute drive to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca for bathing. We’ll then drive back down to Cusco where the tour ends in the main square, unless you are taking a private tour, in which case, we will 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 the artisanal capital of Peru, the small village of Pisac; It’s famous for its craft market in the main plaza, busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, where local natives come to sell their colorful woven cloth, alpaca wool ponchos and fashions, reproductions of ancient jewelry, engraved gourds and much, much more. Pisac is the best stop in Peru for mementos of your trip to bring home to family and friends and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.

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.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour of about two hours. See many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. 

The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:30pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. See the site of Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up the steep canyon wall! After 2 hours we will arrive at Ollantaytambo. From here we will take a bus to the city of Cusco and we will leave you at your hotel.

Note: Machu Picchu Inca site is different from Machu Picchu Mountain. When most people refer to Machu Picchu, they are referring to the archeological site. Machu Picchu Mountain requires a separate permit to climb. Please notify us if you are interested and we can book this for you. It must be done in advance and is a part of your entry into the site.

• 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 4:30am, and then continue in our private van for 2 hours towards the town of Cusipata (3310 meters above sea level), 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 meters above sea level), 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 pick you up at your hotel at 6:30am to take you to the tourist bus station to the city of Puno, a beautiful landscape route accompanied by the Vilcanota River and afterwards to the plateau of Collao, the Andean altiplano.
Our first stop will be at the Church of the Apostle St. Peter in Andahuaylillas better known as “La Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America). The walls and ceiling are full of mural paintings from the 17th century.

Then, we will Continue to Racchi, Temple of the God Wiracocha, where the remains of the columns and walls stand out and give us an idea of the monumental size of this construction during the Inca times. After visiting this beautiful place we will arrive at Sicuani where we will enjoy our lunch.

After our lunch, our path continues to the highest point La Raya at 4,800msnm, a place where there is the division of the waters of the basin of the Titicaca and the rivers that will go to the Amazonas.
Visit to the Site Museum of Pucara. This location is the cradle of the famous toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls). Arrival in Puno and transfer to the hotel.

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

Alternative travel options:

1.- Belmond Andean Explorer Train to Puno.

Travel in style on the Andean Explorer from Cusco to the shores of Titicaca Lake where Puno is located. Morning transfer to the local train station of Cusco where the Andean Explorer is waiting for your spectacular rail journey to Puno.

The glass-walled observation coaches provide the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route. First class lunch is served aboard the train in style. A music and fashion show and a bar-tending lesson will also be part of your experience aboard. On arrival in Puno we take you to your hotel.

Day 7: Puno – Uros Island – Taquile Island.

After having breakfast in 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 Titicaca Lake, it is time to say goodbye 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.

• 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, useful while traveling & in hotel rooms.
• Extra cash (Soles) to buy souvenirs (optional).

Price per person:

The price is fully customizable and can be tailored and flexible to your personal preferences and style, the price is basically based on final accommodation, travel dates and other custom preferences during the tour.

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: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Under 11 years old: $40 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!!!