7-Day Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour: The Great Andean Crossing

Tour Summary: Seamless Logistics Across the Andes

This itinerary is expertly paced to guide you from the valleys of Cusco up to the vast Andean plateau, ensuring you adjust to the increasing altitudes comfortably.

• Day 01: Welcome to the Andes. Private transfer to your Cusco hotel for essential rest and altitude adjustment (11,152 ft / 3,400 m).
• Day 02: Uncovering Cusco. A guided half-day exploration of the Qoricancha Sun Temple and the massive megalithic walls of Sacsayhuaman.
• Day 03: The Sacred Valley Journey. Full-day tour featuring the hillside terraces of Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
• Day 04: The Machu Picchu Experience. Early morning guided tour of the Lost City (prioritizing the panoramic Circuit 2 permits). Afternoon train back to Cusco.
• Day 05: The Route of the Sun. A luxurious, guided journey across the high plateau from Cusco to Puno, exploring the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” and the Raqchi temple along the way.
• Day 06: The Waters of Titicaca. A full-day motorboat excursion exploring the floating Uros Islands and the culturally rich, textile-weaving community of Taquile Island.
• Day 07: Departure from the Altiplano. Private transfer from your Puno hotel to the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca for your flight home.

Detailed 7-Day Itinerary: From Inca Valleys to Sacred Lakes

Our fluent English-speaking guides transform standard sightseeing into a masterclass on Andean history, taking you deep into the culture of both the Quechua and Aymara people.

Day 01: Arrival in the Imperial City

Upon landing at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (Cusco), our local team will warmly welcome you. We handle your luggage and drive you directly to your handpicked boutique hotel in the historic center. Because you are starting your journey at a significant elevation, today is exclusively designated for resting. Sip some herbal Coca tea, stay hydrated, and allow your body to oxygenate. Later in the afternoon, step out for a relaxed, independent walk around the picturesque Plaza de Armas.

Day 02: The Megaliths of Cusco

Dive straight into Inca history after breakfast. We start at the Qoricancha, the former golden heart of the empire, which now serves as the foundation for a colonial convent. Next, we head into the upper hills to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where you will marvel at limestone blocks weighing dozens of tons, fitted together seamlessly without mortar. We’ll also visit the ancient shrines of Qenqo and Tambomachay before returning you to town. You have a free afternoon to explore Cusco’s renowned culinary scene.

Day 03: The Sacred Valley Expedition

Your valley expedition begins with a morning drive to the dramatic hillside terraces of Pisac and its bustling, colorful artisan market. After enjoying a premium Andean buffet lunch in Urubamba (included), we explore the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. From this historic station, you will board the afternoon train, winding through the spectacular Urubamba gorge until you reach the cloud forest town of Aguas Calientes for the night.

Day 04: The Pinnacle: Machu Picchu

We take an early Consettur bus up the winding mountain road to the sanctuary. Thanks to our dedicated booking team, you will enter the ruins with a coveted Circuit 2 ticket (based on advance booking), ensuring you capture the classic postcard view from the Guardhouse. Your private guide will explain the astronomical mysteries of the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Condor during a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour. Later, we take the train back to the Sacred Valley, where your driver will be waiting to return you to Cusco.

Day 05: The Route of the Sun (Cusco to Puno)

Today, we trade the Inca capital for the vast, sweeping plains of the Altiplano. Boarding a premium, well-equipped tourist bus, we embark on the famous Route of the Sun. This scenic corridor includes guided stops at the stunning 16th-century church of Andahuaylillas (famous for its vivid murals), the towering Inca temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, and the spectacular La Raya Pass, the highest point of the journey at 14,222 ft (4,335 m). Following a buffet lunch en route, we arrive in Puno by late afternoon, where our team will transfer you to your lakeside hotel.

Day 06: Exploring Lake Titicaca

Wake up to views of the highest navigable lake on Earth. We head to the port and board a comfortable motorboat to visit the legendary Uros Floating Islands, entirely constructed from buoyant totora reeds by the indigenous families who live upon them. Next, we navigate the deep blue waters to Taquile Island, a community globally renowned for its male master weavers and Mediterranean-like terraced hillsides. After enjoying a lunch of fresh lake trout (included), we sail back to Puno for your final night.

Day 07: Departure from Juliaca

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the waters of Titicaca. Our team will pick you up at your hotel at the scheduled time for a private, comfortable transfer to the Juliaca Airport (approximately 1 hour from Puno), ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for your onward flight to Lima.

What’s Included in Your 7-Day Premium Package?

We believe in a frictionless travel experience. All major logistics and entry fees are covered so you can travel without constantly reaching for your wallet.

Included:

• Private Transfers: Dedicated airport pick-ups and drop-offs in both Cusco and Juliaca, plus all local hotel and train station transfers.
• Accommodation: 3 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, and 2 nights in Puno (daily breakfast included).
• All Entrance Tickets: The full Boleto Turístico for Cusco/Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu entry, all Route of the Sun attractions, and Lake Titicaca island fees.
• Transport Logistics: Round-trip scenic train to Machu Picchu, round-trip bus tickets to the ruins, and the guided premium bus ticket from Cusco to Puno.
• Expert Guides: Highly rated, fluent English-speaking professionals in every destination.
• Select Meals: 3 Premium Buffet/Set Lunches (Sacred Valley, Route of the Sun, and Taquile Island).
• 24/7 Monitoring: Constant assistance from the Via Inca Travel headquarters.

Not Included:

• Flights: Domestic airfare (Lima-Cusco / Juliaca-Lima).
• Unlisted Meals: Dinners and lunches not explicitly mentioned.
• Hike Upgrades: Permits for Huayna Picchu (must be requested at the time of booking).
• Gratuities: Optional tips for your guides and transfer staff.

Tour Prices and Accommodation Categories

At Via Inca Travel, we handle all the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy Peru. Our multi-day packages include carefully selected accommodations, safe transfers, and unforgettable daily tours:

• Pricing Details: Our rates are calculated in US Dollars (USD) per person, based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a Double or Matrimonial room. The final price depends on your chosen hotel category (Standard, Superior, or Luxury).
• Important Note: The prices displayed on this page apply to our Group Packages (Shared Excursions). If you wish to upgrade to the exclusivity of a Private Package, please contact us directly for a personalized quote.
• Traveling Solo? We’ve got you covered! Contact us to adjust your itinerary with a single room supplement or to design a custom trip just for you.
• Flexible Payments: For your convenience, you can pay in USD or your local currency (Soles, Pesos, Reales, etc.) according to the daily exchange rate.

Available VIP Upgrades:

• Vistadome Panoramic Train: +$75 per person (Larger windows, glass ceilings, and onboard cultural entertainment).
• Huayna Picchu Hike: +$75 per person (Subject to strict government availability).

Essential Expert Advice for the Southern Corridor

Altitude Progression: You will experience significantly varying elevations. While Cusco sits at 11,152 ft (3,400 m), Puno and Lake Titicaca are even higher at 12,500 ft (3,810 m). The gradual progression of this 7-day tour helps your body adjust naturally, but drinking plenty of water and discussing altitude medication (such as Diamox) with your physician before the trip remains crucial.

Baggage Logistics for the Train: PeruRail strictly enforces a luggage limit for the train ride to Machu Picchu. You must pack a light overnight bag (max 5kg / 11 lbs) for Day 3 and 4. The rest of your larger suitcases will be securely stored at your Cusco hotel. You will reunite with all your bags before departing for Puno on Day 5.

Extreme Climate Variations: Prepare for striking temperature shifts. The cloud forest of Machu Picchu is warm, humid, and prone to rain. In stark contrast, the early mornings and evenings in Puno feature freezing, biting winds coming off the lake. Bring a heavy winter jacket, a waterproof shell, and layers that you can easily shed as the sun comes out.

The Reality of Advance Booking: Securing the panoramic Circuit 2 for Machu Picchu requires booking this package at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Late reservations significantly reduce our ability to secure the classic route, especially during the dry season (May through September).