Cusco & Lake Titicaca 9 Days Tour of Peru

Upon arrival in Cusco, our team will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel located in the historic center of the city.
The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. We recommend taking a gentle walk through the cobbled streets, visiting the colorful San Pedro Market, or simply relaxing while your body acclimates to the high altitude.
In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing at the Uros Expeditions office. This is where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. Your guide will go over the trek details and help complete the check-in process.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals Included: None
• Entrance Tickets: Not required

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 a.m. From there, you’ll travel through the scenic mountain roads leading into the Sacred Valley. One of the first stops will be at El Mirador, a panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the valley and a chance to learn about its significance during the Inca period. The Sacred Valley’s fertile plains and impressive agricultural terraces were key to Inca civilization.
Next, you’ll head to the Pisac archaeological site, where you’ll explore sophisticated Inca stonework and farming systems built into the mountainside. Afterward, you’ll visit the colorful Pisac Market, known for its handmade textiles, jewelry, and Andean crafts.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant in the area (meal not included—feel free to ask your guide for alternatives). Later in the afternoon, continue your journey along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. Here, you’ll visit the iconic ruins and admire the Inca architecture, including the symbolic rock figures believed to represent Wiracocha, the creator god.
Tonight, you’ll stay in Ollantaytambo to prepare for the start of the Inca Trail the next morning.

• Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
• Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel
• Entrance Tickets: All included

Today starts early, with our team picking you up at your hotel around 4:00 a.m. for the scenic drive to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll board the 6:10 a.m. train that follows the Urubamba River deep into the cloud forest. The ride offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the mighty Urubamba—one of the main tributaries of the Amazon.
We’ll disembark at Kilometer 104 (2,000 m), the starting point of your trek on the Short Inca Trail. After a quick snack and group photo, we begin our hike with a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Chachabamba, where our guide will explain its strategic significance in Inca times. Then we ascend gradually, with panoramic views of the river valley, Machu Picchu mountain, and surrounding jungle.

After a few hours of steady hiking, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m), one of the most stunning and well-preserved Inca complexes along the trail. This site features intricate terraces, religious temples, and cascading fountains clinging to the mountainside. We’ll take time to explore and learn about its history before stopping for a hearty, freshly prepared lunch in a quiet, scenic spot organized by Uros Expeditions.

Following lunch and a short break, we continue toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—your first dramatic overlook of Machu Picchu. From this vantage point, the lost city of the Incas appears nestled in the mountains, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon. We then begin a gentle descent to the citadel, enjoying a quieter atmosphere as most visitors will have already departed for the day.

After capturing your first photos of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and check in at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner at Indio Feliz, one of the town’s most renowned restaurants. Afterward, we recommend an early night to rest up for tomorrow’s full exploration of Machu Picchu.

• Accommodation: La Cabaña Hotel or similar
• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner included
• Entrance Tickets: Included

We’ll start the day before sunrise to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, aiming to witness the citadel illuminated by the early morning light—an unforgettable moment. Upon arrival, your private English-speaking guide from Uros Expeditions will lead a comprehensive two-hour walking tour through the ancient ruins, revealing the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the site.
After the guided portion, you’ll have time to explore the citadel at your own pace. If you’ve reserved a ticket to Huayna Picchu, this is your opportunity to hike the steep trail to its summit. The round-trip climb takes about 1.5 hours and rewards you with a unique perspective of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.
Once your visit is complete, you can either walk or take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have some free time to relax, enjoy lunch, or explore the town. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a Uros Expeditions driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
• Entrance Tickets: Included (Huayna Picchu ticket not included)

We’ll pick you up early between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco for the drive to Phulawasipata (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain hike. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by our chef, featuring hot drinks, fresh bread, eggs, and fruit.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a gradual 2-hour hike uphill toward the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain. Depending on your pace and acclimatization, the ascent may take a bit more or less. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the area’s geography, and you might spot llamas and alpacas grazing on the hillsides.

The trail is wide and manageable, although conditions vary with the season dusty in the dry months and potentially slippery during the rains. Good footwear and trekking poles are recommended.

Once at the top (around 9:00–10:00 a.m.), you’ll have about an hour to take in the breathtaking scenery, including panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier, one of the highest peaks in Peru at 6,384 m (20,944 ft). Your guide will explain the geological origins of the mountain’s vibrant colors and its cultural significance.

On the return, instead of retracing the same path, we’ll take a quieter trail toward the Red Valley, often considered even more stunning than Rainbow Mountain itself. The descent takes about 2½ hours, ending near the original trailhead.
Back at the base, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before we drive back to Cusco, arriving between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Entrance Tickets: All Included

After an early breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel between 6:00 and 6:20 a.m. and transfer you to the bus terminal, where you’ll board a comfortable tourist-class bus to Puno. This full-day journey across the Andean highlands includes several guided stops at archaeological sites and cultural landmarks, offering a deeper look at the region’s Inca and pre-Inca heritage.
As the landscape changes, you’ll witness dramatic highland scenery and traditional Andean villages. A delicious lunch is included en route, and your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of each place you visit.
Upon arrival in Puno, a Uros Expeditions representative will meet you at the terminal and accompany you to your hotel. Once settled in, you’ll receive a short briefing about the activities for the next day, either in person or via phone.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Entrance Tickets: All Included

Between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the port of Puno, where your Lake Titicaca adventure begins. A short boat ride will take you to the fascinating floating islands of Uros, built entirely from layers of totora reeds. Here, you’ll have time to walk around and learn about the unique way of life of the Uros people.

After exploring the islands, the journey continues to Amantani Island, where you’ll be welcomed by a local host family and experience authentic Andean hospitality. Though the accommodation is simple and rustic, the experience is deeply immersive and meaningful, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life of the island’s indigenous community.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic hike to the Temple of Pachatata, the island’s highest point, to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the lake. Later, join your hosts and neighbors for a traditional cultural gathering with music and dance — a warm and joyful end to the day.

• Accommodation: Family homestay on Amantani Island
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Entrance Tickets: All Included

After enjoying a traditional home-cooked breakfast with your host family, you’ll board the boat for a journey to Taquile Island, a place renowned for its vibrant textile traditions and commitment to sustainable tourism. As you walk across the island’s scenic trails, you’ll get a deeper appreciation for the local Quechua culture and the stunning views of Lake Titicaca.

You’ll have time to explore and enjoy a fresh lakeside lunch, typically featuring local trout and Andean ingredients, before heading back to Puno by boat in the afternoon.

Arrival in Puno is expected around 3:30 p.m., leaving you with a relaxed evening to stroll the city, shop for souvenirs, or simply rest up before your flight to Lima the next day.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno
• Meals: Breakfast
• Entrance Tickets: All Included

It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable journey through the wonders of southern Peru. We hope your time exploring Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca has been truly enriching and filled with memories to last a lifetime.
After breakfast, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and provide a comfortable transfer to Juliaca Airport for your flight.
No additional services are scheduled for today.

• Accommodation: None
• Meals: Breakfast at hotel
• Note: All prices are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is available upon request.