7 Days Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Tour from Cusco
About this experience
We will explore the iconic Machu Picchu, walking through ancient terraces and temples. The hike will offer breathtaking Andean landscapes and panoramic views. We will learn about Inca history and culture while visiting key archaeological sites.
We will continue to Puno, sailing on Lake Titicaca to see the floating Uros Islands. We will meet local communities and experience traditional crafts and daily life. The journey will combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable scenery.
During the tour, we will also visit the colorful Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley. We will enjoy guided walks, local markets, and authentic Peruvian cuisine. This seven-day adventure will provide a complete Andean experience.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Cusco
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
We will receive you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. We will rest and prepare for high-altitude exploration. You will have time to walk around nearby streets and enjoy light meals. We will suggest drinking water, wearing sun protection, and dressing in layers for variable temperatures.
Day 1 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: airport → hotel ≈ 10 km
- Highest altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level
- Lowest altitude: 3,000 meters above sea level
- Route: Airport → Cusco city center
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 2:
Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray – Connection (Cusco → Ollantaytambo)
Day 2: Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray – Connection (Cusco → Ollantaytambo)
We will depart at 06:00 AM and visit Chinchero, known for its colonial church, markets, and terraces. Next, we will explore Moray, with circular terraces used for Inca agricultural experiments. Then, we will visit Maras, famous for its 3,000+ pre-Inca salt pools. Lunch will be in Urubamba at a local restaurant. Finally, we will arrive in Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Machu Picchu.
Day 2 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: ~120 km
- Highest altitude: 3,700 meters above sea level (Moray)
- Lowest altitude: 2,800 meters above sea level (Urubamba)
- Route: Chinchero → Moray → Maras → Ollantaytambo
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3:
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
We will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu after breakfast. We will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the main citadel, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Sacred Plaza. The ancient architecture and panoramic views will leave us in awe.
After exploring, we will return to Aguas Calientes for free time. We can visit local shops, enjoy the hot springs, or explore the town. In the evening, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue to Cusco, arriving around 10:00 PM.
Day 7 Statistics:
- Total Distance Traveled: 112 km train + bus transfers
- Highest Altitude: 2,430 meters above sea level
- Lowest Altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level
- Route: Machu Picchu Pueblo - Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu Pueblo - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Day 4:
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
We will depart from Cusco at 3:30 AM to Cusipata for breakfast. Afterward, we will continue to Phulawasipata, the starting point of our hike. The trail ascends gradually for 1.5 hours to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at 5,200 meters above sea level.
We will admire breathtaking colors across the Andes and learn about the natural minerals that formed this beauty. Afterward, we will return to Cusipata for lunch and then back to Cusco by 05:00 PM.
Day 4 Statistics:
- Total Distance Traveled: ~150 km round trip
- Highest Altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level
- Lowest Altitude: 3,300 meters above sea level
- Route: Cusco - Chirihuani - Fulawasi - Vinicunca - Cusipata - Cusco
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Day 5:
Ruta del Sol to Puno
Day 5: Ruta del Sol to Puno
We will depart early from Cusco, traveling along the scenic Ruta del Sol. We will stop at the Chapel of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi Archaeological Complex, La Raya Pass, and Pukará Lithic Museum. Each stop will provide cultural insights and photo opportunities.
We will enjoy lunch with a live show en route before arriving in Puno around 6:00 p.m. The journey will combine breathtaking Andean landscapes with local traditions and historical sites.
Day 5 statistics:
- Distance traveled: 385 km
- Highest altitude: 4,335 meters above sea level (La Raya Pass)
- Lowest altitude: 2,850 meters above sea level (Cusco)
- Route: Cusco – Andahuaylillas – Raqchi – La Raya – Pukará – Puno
- Difficulty: Moderate, mostly bus travel with short walks
Day 6:
Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile Islands
Day 6: Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile Islands
We will explore the floating Uros Islands, interacting with local communities and learning traditional lifestyles. We will take a boat to Taquile Island and hike to the viewpoint overlooking Lake Titicaca. The panoramic views of the sacred lake will be unforgettable.
We will enjoy local meals and cultural demonstrations, appreciating Andean heritage and customs. This tour will immerse us in one of South America’s most unique ecosystems and cultural experiences.
Day 6 statistics:
- Distance traveled: 70 km
- Highest altitude: 3,950 meters above sea level (Taquile Island viewpoint)
- Lowest altitude: 3,810 meters above sea level (Lake level)
- Route: Puno – Uros Islands – Taquile Island – Puno
- Difficulty: Moderate, includes boat rides and hiking
Day 7:
Transfer to Airport
Day 7: Transfer to Airport
We will coordinate your transfer from the hotel to Juliaca or Puno Airport according to your flight schedule. This day will provide time to reflect on our journey and prepare for departure. We will travel safely back to Lima if needed. The memories of culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes will remain with us.
Day 7 Statistics:
- Distance traveled: 1,250 km (if returning to Lima)
- Highest altitude: 3,950 meters above sea level (Lake Titicaca)
- Lowest altitude: 154 meters above sea level (Lima)
- Route: Puno – Airport – Lima
- Difficulty: Easy, transfer day
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Airport transfers (airport ↔ hotel ↔ airport).
- 3 nights accommodation in Cusco with daily breakfast.
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
- Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) covering multiple archaeological sites.
- Cusco City Tour.
- Entrance to Humantay Lagoon.
- Breakfast and lunch during Humantay Lagoon excursion.
- Entrance to Vinicunca / Rainbow Mountain.
- Breakfast and lunch during Vinicunca / Rainbow Mountain excursion.
- Sacred Valley tour including Maras and Moray.
- Entrance to Maras Salt Mines.
- Lunch during Sacred Valley tour.
- Lunch during Sun Route (Ruta del Sol) tour.
- Entrance fees included for all sites visited during Ruta del Sol.
- Machu Picchu entrance with bus transfers (up and down).
- Train tickets (Voyager) for both Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes segments.
- Tourist transportation Cusco ↔ Ollantaytambo ↔ Cusco.
- Professional local guides throughout the tour.
- 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
What's not included
- International flights to/from Peru.
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and additional activities.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and porters.
- Optional horse or mule rental for hikes (approx. 80 PEN / $22 USD per person).
- Any services, excursions, or entrance fees not mentioned in the included itinerary.
- Travel insurance, medical or cancellation coverage.
- Upgrades or extra hotel services not included in the package.
Recommendations
Before traveling
- Book the tour at least 30 days in advance.
- Minimum of 1 participant required to confirm the tour.
- Tours are conducted in both English and Spanish.
- Carry your original passport or personal ID used for the booking (copies not accepted).
- Bring a light backpack or bag (approx. 20 liters) per person.
- Wear trekking shoes or comfortable sneakers suitable for walking.
- Dress according to the season: rain poncho, windbreaker, layered clothing.
- Bring sun protection: sunscreen, insect repellent, and a wide-brim hat.
- Carry necessary personal medications and hygiene items.
- Bring a camera or video recorder for capturing the trip.
- Carry local currency (Peruvian soles), not US dollars, due to low exchange rates.
Policies
To confirm any tour or travel package, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total cost is required. The remaining balance must be paid before the start of the tour.
Payments can be made via PayPal, credit or debit card, bank transfer, or cash.
It is mandatory to provide accurate passport or ID details for the purchase of tickets and travel services.
CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Tours that DO NOT include Machu Picchu
- Cancellations 48 hours in advance: 25% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations 24 hours in advance: 50% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations within 24 hours or NO SHOW: 100% penalty
- Special offers and promotions: non-refundable
Tours that DO include Machu Picchu
- Cancellations up to 5 days before the tour: 50% penalty + 6% payment processing fee
- Cancellations less than 5 days before the tour: 100% penalty
Important: Machu Picchu tickets, train tickets, and bus tickets are non-refundable, as they depend on third-party providers.
Force Majeure: In cases of strikes, natural disasters, or health emergencies, we will offer rescheduling or itinerary modifications. If the service cannot be operated, a 25% administrative fee will apply.
Refunds: Refunds will be processed within 7 to 45 business days, depending on case evaluation.
Payments made via PayPal or international transfers may be subject to additional fees. These must be covered by the passenger.
Contact for Changes or Cancellations: To request cancellations or modifications, please contact us at: info@machupicchutours.com
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
Frequently asked questions
We answer your questions about this tour
1 How can we reserve the tour?
We will verify availability if you contact us via WhatsApp at +51 962230162. We will then send a payment request via PayPal, credit/debit card, or bank transfer. Once we receive your payment, we will confirm your reservation and coordinate all travel details.
2 When should we book the tour?
We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance. We will advise early booking during high season to secure spaces. Seasonal tourism affects availability and prices.
3 What is the cancellation policy?
We will lose 100% of the tour cost for cancellations made 30 days or less before departure. For cancellations made 31 days or more in advance, fees may vary depending on the route. Always consult our travel agent for details.
4 Do we need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It will protect us against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected delays.
5 What should we pack for the tour?
We will carry trekking shoes, layered clothing, rain poncho, sun protection, a 20-liter backpack, and personal medications. Cameras and local currency in soles are also essential.
6 Are the tours conducted in English and Spanish?
Yes, all tours include professional guides who speak English and Spanish. We will adapt explanations to your preferred language.
7 Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, we will accommodate most ages, but some hiking sections are moderate to high difficulty. We recommend evaluating personal fitness before departure.
8 What meals are included?
We will provide daily breakfasts and selected lunches on excursions. We do not include other meals or beverages unless specified.
9 How will we travel between destinations?
We will use comfortable tourist buses, vans, and boats on Lake Titicaca. Internal flights and trains are included where indicated in the itinerary.
10 Can we request private tours or upgrades?
Yes, we will offer options for private tours, hotel upgrades, or custom itineraries. We will provide pricing upon request.
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