Cusco to Puno Tour in 6 Days

Full itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco and Combined City Tour

We begin the day early with a pickup service at Cusco Airport. Our staff will be waiting for you with a personalized sign with your name to transfer you to your hotel.

• Duration: Approximately 5 hours (1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

The city tour starts at the impressive Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. This magnificent cathedral is a prime example of Spanish colonial art, with visitors able to admire its baroque altarpieces and paintings from the Cusco School.

The next stop is the Temple of the Sun, Qoricancha, the most sacred of all Incan temples. Built over by the Spanish conquistadors, the Santo Domingo Convent now stands on the remains of this ancient sanctuary.

After exploring the heart of the city, we head outside to visit Sacsayhuamán, a massive Incan temple. Known for its colossal stone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons.

Our tour continues with a visit to Qenqo, an archaeological site used for ceremonial rituals and sacrifices during the Incan era. The next stop is Puka Pukara, believed to have been a military checkpoint or a rest stop for noble travelers.

Finally, we visit Tambomachay, the water temple, characterized by its aqueducts, channels, and small waterfalls flowing through terraces made of stone. Water, a symbol of life and purification, has continuously flowed here since the time of the Incas.

Includes:

• Private transfer from your hotel in Lima to Jorge Chávez Airport
• Reception at Cusco Airport
• Private transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel
• Tourist transportation throughout the tour
• Bilingual tour guide
• Entry to all mentioned sites
• Hotel accommodation

Recommendations:

• Have your ID and boarding pass ready for check-in.
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight, especially due to Cusco’s altitude.

Day 2: Traditional Sacred Valley

• Duration: Full day (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and bring a camera.

We depart early from Cusco, picking up travelers at their respective hotels. We begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing through impressive mountain landscapes and fertile valleys. The first stop is at the Sacred Valley viewpoint, followed by a visit to the Pisac archaeological complex, located approximately 45 minutes from the city.

We arrive at Pisac, famous for its intricate agricultural terraces and its impressive Incan citadel perched atop a mountain. Pisac is not only an archaeological gem but also a spiritual place. We will explore its temples, terraces, and ancient dwellings, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley from this strategic point.

After exploring the archaeological complex, we stop at the traditional Pisac artisan market. Here, you’ll find local products, ceramics, silver jewelry, and unique souvenirs. This market is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and experience the vibrant Andean culture.

We continue our journey through the Sacred Valley, enjoying the surrounding agricultural landscapes and mountains along the Urubamba River. We will stop for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we head to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved Incan cities in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is a fortress that played a crucial role in the Incan resistance against the Spanish invasion. Exploring its terraces, temples, and stone structures will reveal the magnificent Incan engineering.

At the end of the afternoon, those wishing to return to Cusco will be transported back to the city, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m. For those continuing their journey to Machu Picchu, there is an option to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to prepare for the next day’s visit to the wonder of the world.

Includes:

• Private tourist transportation
• Specialized guide in Incan archaeology and history
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Entry to Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites

Not Included:

• Additional snacks and drinks
• Personal expenses

Day 3: Machu Picchu, The Lost Citadel

• Duration: Full day
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Recommendations: Wear light clothing in layers, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views. It is recommended to book Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance.

From Aguas Calientes, after breakfast, we will board a bus that will take about 30 minutes to zigzag up the mountainside to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
Once at Machu Picchu, you’ll explore the Lost City of the Incas, a sacred place filled with mystery, history, and architectural wonders. A specialized guide will lead you on a detailed tour of the most important sectors, explaining the function and significance of each in the daily life of the Incas.

After the guided tour, if you booked in advance, you can hike either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, two challenging but rewarding climbs offering spectacular views of the citadel and surrounding landscape.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board the return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where you can relax and enjoy the final views of the Sacred Valley. The train offers panoramic windows to continue appreciating the landscape during the return journey.

Upon arrival at the train station, transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding a day filled with history, mysticism, and adventure. Estimated arrival time in Cusco: 7:00 p.m.

Includes:

• Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Entry to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Professional tour guide
• Tourist transportation (train station to hotel in Cusco)
• Return train ticket (Peru Rail or Inca Rail)
• Hotel accommodation

Not Included:

• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Entry and hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires prior booking)
• Personal expenses

Day 4: Cusco – Puno (Route of the Sun)

• Duration: Full day
• Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to altitude)
• Recommendations: Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be low in La Raya and Puno. Use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense Andean sun. Carry a camera to capture the landscapes and historical sites. Bring a water bottle and snacks for the journey.

We begin our journey early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. You’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned tourist bus with reclining seats, accompanied by a specialized guide.

Our first stop is the town of Andahuaylillas, known for its church, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This colonial gem, dating back to the 17th century, features frescoes, gilded altars, and paintings from the Cusco School.

We continue to the archaeological complex of Raqchi, an ancient Inca city that houses the Temple of Wiracocha, dedicated to one of the most important deities in Andean cosmology. It’s one of the largest temples in the Inca Empire, with impressive stone and adobe walls.

We stop in the city of Sicuani for a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we continue our ascent to La Raya, the highest point of the Route of the Sun at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet) above sea level. Here, we will stop briefly to enjoy the stunning views of the Andean glaciers and the vast plains of the altiplano.

Our next stop is the town of Pucará, known for its famous pottery and as one of the oldest pre-Inca cultural centers in the highlands. We’ll visit the Pucará Lithic Museum, where we’ll learn about the Pucará civilization, which flourished between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D.

5:30 p.m. After a day filled with exploration and discoveries, we arrive in Puno, located on the shores of majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. You’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in Puno for some well-deserved rest.

Includes:

• Luxury tourist bus with air conditioning
• Specialized guide in history and archaeology
• Buffet lunch in Sicuani
• Entry to all archaeological sites and museums mentioned
• Tourist stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, and Pucará

Day 5: Puno – Uros Islands – Taquile Island – Puno

• Duration: Full day
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult (due to altitude)
• Recommendations: Bring warm clothing, as temperatures on the lake can be low, especially in the morning and evening. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on Taquile, as the island has steep paths. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the altitude and sunlight can be intense. Carry water to stay hydrated during the hike. Bring cash if you’d like to purchase handicrafts on the islands.

6:30 a.m. The day starts early with pickup from your hotel in Puno. From there, we head to the port of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above sea level. Onboard a boat, we begin our journey to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands.

Our first stop is the famous Floating Islands of the Uros, a group of artificial islands made from totora reeds that float on the surface of the lake. The Uros people, a pre-Incan community, have lived on these islands for centuries, maintaining their traditional way of life. During our visit, we’ll learn how the islanders build and maintain their islands, homes, and live in harmony with their surroundings.

After visiting the Uros Islands, we continue our journey to Taquile Island, one of the largest natural islands on Lake Titicaca. The boat ride takes about 2.5 hours, during which you can relax and enjoy the views of the vast lake and the surrounding Andes.
Upon arriving at Taquile, we’ll be welcomed by the locals, famous for their cooperative community and their incredible textile-making skills, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

We’ll begin a hike up the island’s stone paths, leading to the main square at the top. The hike is moderate, but as we ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
Once at the top, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients. Typical dishes include fresh trout from the lake, quinoa, potatoes, and vegetables, all served with muña or coca tea to help with acclimatization.

After lunch, we’ll have the chance to witness a weaving demonstration. In Taquile, men are responsible for weaving, while women spin the yarn, creating colorful textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

We’ll descend the island on a different path, offering new perspectives of the lake. Once we reach the dock, we’ll board our boat and return to Puno. We’ll arrive at the port around 5:30 p.m., and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, concluding a day filled with culture and exploration on the majestic Lake Titicaca.

Includes:

• Boat transportation from Puno to the islands and return
• Specialized tour guide (English and Spanish)
• Entry to Uros and Taquile Islands
• Traditional lunch on Taquile Island
• Cultural and textile demonstration on Taquile
• Hotel transfers in Puno

Day 6: Farewell, Puno – Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (Juliaca)

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Recommendations: Make sure to bring all necessary documents, such as your passport, ID, and boarding pass. Arrive at the airport early to avoid any issues, especially if your flight is international.

The transfer begins with prompt pickup from your hotel in Puno. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy views of mountains and small villages along the way.

Upon arrival at the airport and check-in, you’ll have free time to relax, grab a coffee, or engage in any other activities while you wait for your flight. Juliaca airport is small and efficient, allowing for easy navigation between check-in and the boarding gate.

Includes:

• Private transportation from Puno to Juliaca airport
• Assistance with luggage
• Professional and punctual driver