September 2nd - 13th, 2026

10 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS - $3,150 double occupancy, full escorted trip

with all tours included, daily breakfast, 9 lunches and 1 dinner

This will be our 8th Peru trip with Machu Picchu and Cusco and our 3rd time to Lake Titicaca. It's an amazing trip that will cover so much beauty and culture.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN JULIACA – TRANSFER TO PUNO WITH VISIT TO SILLUSTANI AND LUNCH EN ROUTE:

Upon arrival at Juliaca Airport, you will be met by our professional local representative and transferred by private vehicle to the city of Puno, situated on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca. En route, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable archaeological complex of Sillustani, renowned for its imposing funerary towers, or chullpas, constructed by the pre-Incan Colla civilization. This sacred site, set against the serene backdrop of Lake Umayo, offers a unique insight into ancient Andean burial practices and stunning views of the surrounding altiplano. Following your visit, a traditional lunch will be served at a local countryside restaurant. Afterward, continue to Puno where you will be assisted with check-in at your selected hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest and gradually acclimatize to the altitude.

Overnight in Puno: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno
Meals: Lunch

DAY 2: TOUR TO UROS AND AMANTANÍ ISLANDS WITH OVERNIGHT STAY:

Early in the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the port of Puno, where you will board a motorboat for a full-day excursion on the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca. The journey begins with a visit to the floating Uros Islands, a remarkable community built entirely on layers of totora reeds. During the visit, you will learn about the unique lifestyle, customs, and sustainable practices of the Uros people.

Continuing across the lake, you will arrive at the remote island of Amantaní, known for its peaceful atmosphere and the deep-rooted traditions of its Quechua-speaking inhabitants. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a local host family, with whom you will share a traditional lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, you may opt to hike to the island’s highest points—Pachatata or Pachamama temples—for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Dinner will be served at the host family's home, followed by an optional cultural gathering with music and dance, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the island's community. Overnight accommodation is provided in a modest, comfortable homestay, offering an authentic cultural experience.
Overnight in Amantani: Local homestay (included)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 3: AMANTANÍ – TAQUILE ISLAND – RETURN TO PUNO:

After an early breakfast, you will board the boat once again and depart for Taquile Island, known for its remarkable textile art and strong communal identity. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk along scenic pathways, learning about the island’s unique social structure and visiting its small village square. You will have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving techniques, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with lake views.

In the early afternoon, return by boat to the port of Puno, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Puno: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

DAY 4: TOURIST BUS JOURNEY FROM PUNO TO CUSCO WITH CULTURAL STOPS AND LUNCH EN ROUTE

Today, you will embark on a scenic full-day overland journey from Puno to Cusco aboard a comfortable tourist bus, enjoying guided visits to some of the most emblematic cultural and archaeological sites along the route. This experience offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and Andean culture.
Your first stop will be Pukara, an important pre-Incan archaeological site and ceremonial center of the Pukara culture, known for its distinctive stone sculptures and the small but informative site museum. Continue to La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route at 4,335 meters above sea level, where you will pause briefly to admire the dramatic mountain scenery and take photographs at this natural divide between the Altiplano and the Cusco Valley.

The journey continues to Raqchi, home to the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, a large and striking Inca structure built with volcanic stone and adobe, which served both religious and administrative purposes. Your exploration here will offer insight into Inca engineering and spiritual practices.

Afterward, enjoy a buffet lunch in the town of Sicuani, featuring local and regional dishes in a relaxed setting. The final visit of the day will be to Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" due to its richly decorated colonial church, adorned with vibrant murals, baroque altars, and religious artwork.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, where you will be transferred to your hotel. This immersive journey offers not only a means of travel but a cultural experience in itself.

Overnight in Cusco: COSTA DEL SOL WYNDHAM CUSCO
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 5: Free day in Cusco

Today is your day to enjoy in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco: COSTA DEL SOL WYNDHAM CUSCO

DAY 6: FULL-DAY CULTURAL AND ADVENTURE TOUR: SACSAYHUAMÁN, PISAC RUINS & BIKING TO HUAYLLABAMBA

This unforgettable full-day experience combines culture, history, and adventure in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Your day begins with a guided visit to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park, an awe-inspiring Inca fortress located just above Cusco. Marvel at its massive stone walls, intricate construction, and panoramic views over the city, as your guide unveils the significance of this ceremonial site in Inca cosmology.

You will then continue to the archaeological site of Pisac, perched high on a mountainside overlooking the valley. Explore its impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, and sweeping vistas while learning about the Inca’s sophisticated engineering and spiritual practices.

After your visit, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, featuring Andean flavors and regional specialties.
In the afternoon, the adventure continues as you embark on a guided biking tour from the village of Yucay to Huayllabamba. Ride through scenic rural landscapes, passing traditional Andean communities, farmland, and picturesque valley views. This leisurely ride offers a unique way to connect with the natural surroundings and local culture, far from the usual tourist routes.

Conclude your tour in Huayllabamba, a peaceful village that serves as a gateway to the Lares and Inca Trail regions. After some time to relax and appreciate the scenery, you will be transferred back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Overnight in Sacred Valley: Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: FULL-DAY SACRED VALLEY TOUR: OLLANTAYTAMBO, CHINCHERO, MARAS & MORAY WITH PICNIC LUNCH

Enjoy a full-day journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley, exploring some of the most remarkable archaeological and cultural sites of the region. Your day begins with a visit to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, home to an impressive Inca fortress with finely crafted stone terraces and panoramic views of the valley. Discover the site’s strategic importance and its role in resisting the Spanish conquest.

Next, continue to the picturesque village of Chinchero, known for its vibrant Andean traditions, colonial church, and Inca ruins. You’ll have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving demonstrations and learn about the cultural heritage preserved by local artisans.

From there, head toward the agricultural terraces of Moray, a fascinating Inca site believed to have been an experimental center for crop cultivation. Marvel at the circular depressions, each with its own unique microclimate, showcasing the ingenuity of Inca agricultural science.
Nearby, visit the iconic salt ponds of Maras, where thousands of evaporation pools have been used since pre-Columbian times to harvest natural salt from a subterranean stream. The dazzling white terraces set against the Andean landscape make for an unforgettable sight.

At midday, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Sacred Valley—an ideal moment to relax and take in the serene atmosphere.

Afterward, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, completing a day filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences.

Overnight in Sacred Valley: Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch

DAY 8: SHORT INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE FROM KM 104 TO MACHU PICCHU – ENDING IN AGUAS CALIENTES

Embark on an unforgettable full-day trek along the Short Inca Trail, a perfect blend of scenic hiking, ancient ruins, and the thrill of arriving at Machu Picchu by foot. Early in the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a train toward KM 104, the starting point of your optional trek*. If you elect to skip the hike you will remain on the train to Aqua Caliente.

*This is a fairly stenous hike of approximately 5 hours with an elevation gain 4,000 feet. We will need to use $100 of your deposit to add you to the hike which will be forfeited if you cancel in addition to our normal cancellation policy.

Upon arrival, cross a footbridge over the Urubamba River and begin your guided hike along the historic Inca Trail. The trail gradually ascends through lush cloud forest and stone-paved paths, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Andes. Along the way, visit the impressive archaeological site of Chachabamba, believed to have served as a ceremonial and administrative center.

Continue your ascent toward the remarkable ruins of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca complexes, featuring agricultural terraces, ceremonial baths, and dwellings clinging to a mountainside. Here, you will enjoy a box lunch, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and Inca architecture.

After a well-deserved rest, resume your hike toward the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you will get your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu—a truly awe-inspiring moment as the citadel reveals itself from above. From here, descend gently to the entrance of the site, where you'll take a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, you will be assisted to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, where you can relax and unwind after this rewarding day of adventure and discovery. Entrance to Machu Picchu is reserved for the following day, allowing for a more relaxed and in-depth visit.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El Mapi - Hotel Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Box lunch

DAY 9: August 31st: TOUR MACCHU PICCHU & HUAYNA PICCHU

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you will board the shuttle bus for a 30-minute ascent to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival, you will begin a guided tour of the main archaeological complex, exploring its temples, plazas, terraces, and ceremonial sites while learning about the rich history and sophisticated engineering of the Inca civilization.

Following the guided visit, you will begin the hike up Huayna Picchu, the towering peak that rises behind the citadel. This steep but rewarding climb offers unparalleled views over Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden ruins and narrow pathways carved into the mountainside, making the experience both exhilarating and deeply memorable. The round-trip hike takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and is recommended for travelers with a good level of fitness.

After descending, you will return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town on your own..

Overnight in Aguas Calientes: El Mapi - Hotel Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in Aguas Calientes

DAY 10: RETURN TRAIN TO OLLANTAYTAMBO AND TRANSFER TO CUSCO AIRPORT:

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, you will board your selected train service to Ollantaytambo, enjoying the scenic ride through the Sacred Valley as you bid farewell to the mystical landscapes of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the train station, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to the city of Cusco.

Once in Cusco, enjoy a guided visit to two of the city's most important historical and cultural landmarks. Begin at the Cusco Cathedral, located in the main square and renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, intricate woodwork, and priceless collection of colonial and religious art. Your guide will provide insight into the cathedral's rich history and the fusion of Catholic and Andean traditions.

Continue to the Temple of Qoricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the worship of the sun god Inti. Here, marvel at the exquisite Inca stonework and learn how the site was transformed during the Spanish conquest into the Convent of Santo Domingo, creating a powerful contrast between Inca and colonial styles.

Following your cultural visits, you will be transferred to the Cusco airport for your departure flight, concluding your journey with a deeper appreciation of the region's remarkable history and legacy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in Cusco

Cost: 10 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS - $3,150 double occupancy

Single supplement: $950 (excluded is one-night stay on the island at Lake Titikaka where there aren't enough rooms)

INCLUDES:

• 9-nights accommodations (double occ.)
• All ground transportation
• Daily Breakfast
• 9 lunches
• 1 dinners
• All entrance fees
• Option of mountain biking or tour of Ollaytatambo

 DOES NOT INCLUDE: International air
If arranging your own you will arrive in Juliaca and depart from Cusco the night of Sept 12th

OUR AIR: We should have our group air sometime around October 

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OUR HOTELS

PUNO - LAKE TITICACA

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca - 4 *
Website - Tripadvisor reviews

On the shores of Lake Titicaca, you can enjoy the warm hospitality that characterizes us. Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, in Peru, offers you a unique environment, surrounded by beauty and tranquility, to contemplate the wonderful landscape offered by the highest navigable lake in the world; its spacious rooms, restaurant, bar, terrace other environments. Visit the fascinating floating islands of the Uros built on reeds, the island of Taquile and its traditional weaving, Amantani and its magical sunset, the imposing Chullpas of Sillustani, among others.

Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, is a Hotel that ensures memorable experiences where you can discover a destination with easy access to all activities, from a private pier, oxygen service, free WiFi, business center, large area parking, meeting room and more.

CUSCO

Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco - 4 *
Website - Tripadvisor reviews

Welcome to the Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco Hotel. Let yourself be enveloped by the energy and mysticism of an ancient culture!

Imagine waking up every morning surrounded by the impressive colonial architecture of the former mansion of the Marquis of Picoaga, surrounded by stone archways, a beautiful courtyard with a pool, and murals typical of 18th-century architecture.

Our hotel is divided into a colonial wing and a contemporary wing , offering the comforts of a hotel that preserves details that convey history and vibrant culture, such as its rooms with high beamed ceilings and wooden doors.

Located just two blocks from Cusco's beautiful Plaza de Armas and a short walk from the city's main tourist attractions, 15 minutes from the airport and with easy access to the city's tourist sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, craft centers, and much more.

URUBAMBA

Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa - 5 *!
Website - Tripadvisor reviews

Discover a luxurious experience like no other at Tambo del Inka a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Valle Sagrado. Our upscale hotel in Urubamba Peru is nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and provides you with a gateway to the vast cultural richness of this region. Linger in an elegantly designed hotel room or suite that offers dramatic views of the Andes Mountains and the Vilcanota River from your private balcony. Sample the refined dining options at our hotel restaurants, which feature organic ingredients and local products from Peru. Or stop by our lobby bar in Urabamba for refreshing cocktails. Indulge in some self care at our therapeutic hotel spa and maintain your exercise routine in our fitness center and heated indoor pool. Adventure awaits at Tambo del Inka a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Valle Sagrado.

AQUA CALIENTE

El Mapi Machu Picchu Hotel - 4*
Website - Tripadvisor reviews

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi byInkaterra, 4 stars hotel amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall eucalyptus dried branches, creating an ambience of order and wellbeing.

Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most famous destination: the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

 

 

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