Cusco to Machu Picchu and Titicaca Lake Tour 5 Days

From $677

OVERVIEW

This is the ultimate package for those on a tight schedule, but wish to explore the best of what South Peru has offer.

Your journey starts in the former capital city of the Inca Empire, Cusco/Cuzco/Qusqo (3 399m/11 152ft), a living museum overflowing with the country´s rich history and culture. The Sacred Valley tour takes us on a vast journey that passes through secluded weaving villages, handicraft markets and ancient ruins. Our unique tour includes complimentary sites like the Salt Mines of Maras and a Pre-Inca Archeological site, the farming terraces of Moray. We culminate this part of our trip with a visit to the world famous ¨Lost City¨ of the Incas, the majestic Machu Picchu.

We continue further east to the newly discovered natural marvel, the striking Rainbow Mountain. Its currently the second most visited tourist attraction in Peru after Machu Picchu.

The high plane of Puno (3 826m/12 549ft) ends our tour in a metaphorical and literal high. We visit the enigmatic and spectacular floating islands of Uros and thereafter Taquile islands. These are some of the few islands on Lake Titicaca 3,800mt/12,470ft that offer us a unique perspective into the indigenous lifestyle of its residents. We enjoy a truly immersive experience through dance, music, song and the genuine love of sharing of an ancient way of life that they still continue to uphold.

More information Less information

Service Level: Mid-tier hotels, modern vehicles with private driver and private chef for breakfast and lunch at rainbow mountain.

Physical Rating: Most of the tour only has slight walking around the archeological sites at high altitude, but easy activity in general. However, rainbow mountain is at very high altitudes with a steep incline.

Travel Style: Cultural immersion, trekking, adventure, mid-tier hotels, train, shuttle bus and private van.

Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

ITINERARY

Our all inclusive customized Machu Picchu & Titicaca Lake Tour Package begins in the Imperial City of Cusco, a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. We pick you up from your hotel and head to our first stop, The Cusco Cathedral, which was completed in 1560 after nearly 100 years of construction. Next, you will visit Qorikancha, the ancient Inca Palace and main worship center of the Sun Inti, which was once filled with gold until looted during the conquest. Our tour continues to the archeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Once a military compound for the Inca, this architectural marvel made from 100-ton boulders, not from the area overlooks the city. Finally, we explore the archeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay before heading back to your hotel in Cusco by the early evening.

3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
Meals: No meals included
Boleto Turistico: Entrance into Archeological sites

We pick you up from your hotel at 7:30 am with our private van and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas towards Pisac. Our first stop is the Mirador of Taray to enjoy a beautiful overhead view of the Urubamba valley. Next, we head to the Pisac archaeological site, where you can see the biggest Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There we can see the hand-carved farming terraces on the side of the Mountain, explore the Inca tunnel, and the religious site of this famous Inca ruin. Here we will spend approximately 2 hours exploring the Inca city. Then, we visit the colorful Pisac Market, the largest market in the area, see some unique handicrafts before driving to Urubamba for lunch.

After lunch, we visit Moray, which was an experimental farming site built in the form of an amphitheater, in which each level naturally has a different temperature to grow different types of crops. These levels of terraces were carved before the Incas took control of the Sacred Valley and then used by them to research optimal growing conditions for their crops.

We continue our journey to the colonial town of Maras, walking downhill to the pre-Inca salt mines. Over three thousand salt ponds have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times and still supply Peru with over 90% of its salt. A hot spring at the top of the valley runs a stream of salt water into salt ponds to produce salt. Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, to explore this traditional Inca village, and the Inca Ruins with your English-speaking guide.

You will have time in Ollantaytambo to eat dinner or get a takeout dinner to eat on the train. Then at 7pm, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a hotel.

3* Accommodation: Ferre Hotel
Meals: Breakfast at hotel / Lunch
Boleto Turistico: Entrance into Archeological sites

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm 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. Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

3* Accommodation: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin Hotel
Meal: Breakfast at hotel
Machu Picchu circuit ticket

***IMPORTANT:

You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
We can organize an earlier train ticket, please request at booking
The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4am, and begin with our amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure. We set out on our 3-hour drive through the South Valley; ending at the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near our breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Once we reach the trailhead, we start on our hike following a lovely stream. The hike has a continuous view of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. Interact with the locals still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words or phrases in Quechua, the indigenous language spoken in this area!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain (5,020m /16,466ft). Take pictures and some time soaking up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, there is an optional hike across to the top of the Red Valley. This walk takes about 45 minutes longer to get back to the trailhead.

At this point, we hike back down the way we came. The hike takes about an hour.

We will embark on the 2-hour drive on the way to Raqchi, lets explore this unique and amazing Inca city.

Finally we drive to Puno for 3 hours, arriving at our hotel by 6pm

*** We can offer your the Palccoyo Mountain instead the Rainbow mt!

Meals included: Lunch
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Accommodation: 3* hotel

We will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 7:30 am and transfer you to the port of Puno. We begin our tour on a speedboat (bathroom onboard) to visit the Uros floating islands. This group of people have been living on Lake Titicaca since pre-Incan times and still maintain their traditions of surviving by fishing, hunting birds, gathering eggs, and making the best use of the reeds, including eating them.

We will arrive at the islands around 8:30 am and be able to interact with the local families who are proud to show off their humble homes. They will give a demonstration of how they live their lives and how they construct the floating islands. You will have the option for a boat ride on the large reed boats built by the locals (not included). Next, we will travel to Taquile Island, arriving around 11 am. Here we will have the opportunity to experience local music, dance, and have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. There will be time to hike around the island to enjoy the surrounding landscape and views of Lake Titicaca. You will arrive back in Puno around 3:30 pm and back to your hotel.

***If you wish to stay another day and maybe do a Homestay, this is possible for an additional fee. Please request at booking.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel – Lunch
Transportation: Boat Service

*** Please Note: Boat tours in Lake Titicaca are done in big groups of around 20 people.

NOTE – Our tour ends in PUNO

You can continue your tour to Bolivia.
You can continue from Puno to Arequipa
You have time to travel back to Juliaca to catch a flight back to Lima.

Prices

This fantastic tour can be done on any date that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants.

No. OF PEOPLE	PRICE
2 to 12 people (with 4 nights hotel)	US$ 947 per person
2 to 12 people (without hotel)	US$ 777 per person

***Private service is available for $150 more per person.

***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 people, with a maximum of 12!

***The transfer from Puno to the airport of Juliaca is US$60 extra per group for a private service.

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: US$30 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: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Huayna Picchu Climb: $75. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $57.
Transfer from Puno to Juliaca Airport – $60 per group
Hotel Upgrade optional
Hotel single supplement: $50 for solo travelers.

Inclusions

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Transfers to and from your hotel.
Entrances to the Inca Cities and all Archeological Sites.
Private transportation.
Round Trip Expedition Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes and back to Ollantaytambo.
Hotel accommodations: Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Puno.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
Professional English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets to the ruins along the way to Puno
Tourist bus to Puno with English-speaking tour guide
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the port of Puno
Speed boat with English-speaking tour guide.
Visit of the Uros & Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Entrance fee to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes (optional).
Ticket for Huayna Picchu – US $75.
Upgrades train – For Vistadome train add US$57 per person.
Upgrade hotel for an extra fee
Optional boat ride on the Island of Uros .
Tips for your guide
Transfer to Juliaca airport

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu).
A change of clothing.
Comfortable shoes.
Camera.
Water to drink.
Rain jacket or poncho.
A fleece or jacket.
Basic toiletries.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent for mosquitoes.
Hat for the sun.
Some extra money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs.
Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it).

Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Learn more

EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews

Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

SEE MORE REVIEWS