Cusco, Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca Tour 11 days

---

Welcome to the historic capital of the Inca Empire! Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our representative will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. We recommend a light walk around the cobbled streets of San Blas, a visit to the vibrant San Pedro Market, or simply relaxing as you begin acclimating to the altitude.
At 6:30 p.m., your briefing session for the Inca Trail will take place at the Uros Expeditions office. You’ll meet your guide and fellow trekkers, receive your duffel bag, and go over the final details before your adventure begins.

• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals: Not included
• Entrance Tickets: Not required

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 a.m., and together you’ll begin your journey into the breathtaking Sacred Valley. As you travel along the winding mountain roads, your first stop will be at El Mirador, a scenic lookout offering panoramic views of the valley below. From here, your guide will share insights into the importance of this region to the Incas, known for its fertile lands, extensive terracing, and complex irrigation systems.
Next, you’ll visit the remarkable Pisac archaeological site, where you’ll explore masterfully carved stonework and learn about ancient agricultural practices. Afterwards, descend to the colonial town of Pisac, where you can browse its colorful artisan market, famous for local textiles, silver jewelry, and ceramics.
Lunch will be at a local Andean restaurant (not included), or you’re welcome to choose your own spot — just let your guide know your preference.
In the afternoon, you’ll follow the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town known for its imposing fortress, ritual temples, and the enigmatic Wiracocha face carved into the mountain. After exploring the site, you’ll settle in for the night in Ollantaytambo to prepare for your Inca Trail departure the next morning.

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

Your Inca Trail adventure begins early today. A representative from Uros Expeditions will pick you up between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. in Cusco, 5:30 to 6:00 a.m. in Urubamba, or 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. in Ollantaytambo, depending on your location. Exact times will be confirmed during your briefing. You’ll head first to our porter house in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and meet your team of porters and cooks before continuing on to Km 82, the starting point of the legendary Inca Trail.
At the checkpoint, make sure to have your original passport ready to officially enter the trail. The first section of the trek is a gentle hike through the Andean landscape, with stunning views and your first encounter with Inca ruins at Patallacta, an ancient checkpoint used by the Incas.
After exploring the site, you’ll hike for about two more hours to reach your lunch spot, where your chef will prepare a nourishing meal. In the afternoon, continue for another 2.5 hours toward the Ayapata campsite (3,300 m / 10,827 ft), passing through a couple of small local communities. If needed, this is a good chance to buy snacks, drinks, or batteries.
Upon arrival around 5:00 p.m., you’ll have time to settle in, enjoy a hot drink and snack, and relax with your trekking team. Dinner will be served at around 7:30 p.m., after which you can rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

• Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles (6–7 hours)
• Campsite altitude: 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
• Level: Moderate (good acclimatization day)
• Weather: Warm and breezy
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Entrance Tickets: All included

Your day begins with a gentle wake-up call and a warm cup of coca tea brought to your tent by our team. After breakfast, we set off early for what is considered the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek.
The morning starts with a steady 4-hour ascent to the highest point on the trail: Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 m / 13,829 ft). Upon reaching the summit, you’ll take in the sweeping mountain views and feel a true sense of accomplishment. From here, we descend for about 1.5 hours into the beautiful Pacaymayu Valley (“Hidden River”), where a well-deserved lunch awaits.
Reenergized, we begin a 2-hour uphill climb to the second major pass: Runkurakay. Along the way, we visit a small, oval-shaped Inca watchtower of the same name and admire dramatic waterfalls cascading down the surrounding cliffs.
After reaching the second pass, we descend for about an hour to one of the most fascinating sites of the day: Sayacmarca, a mysterious and partially hidden Inca settlement nestled on a mountain ledge. We’ll take time to explore this ancient site before continuing a short 20-minute walk to tonight’s campsite at Chaquicocha (3,600 m / 11,811 ft).
After dinner, take a moment to enjoy the unpolluted night sky, where you can spot Inca constellations and gaze at the stars shimmering above the Andes and cloud forest—an unforgettable sight far from modern light pollution.

• Walking distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles (7–8 hours)
• Campsite altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Level: Demanding (highest passes of the trail)
• Area: High Andes & Cloud Forest
• Weather: Cold and possibly rainy
• Accommodation: Tents
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Entrance Tickets: All included

Waking up to birdsong and mist rolling over the ridgelines, you’ll enjoy a relaxed morning with warm tea brought to your tent and a nourishing breakfast to fuel what many consider the most enchanting stretch of the Inca Trail.
Today’s journey leads you deeper into the lush cloud forest, following a gently undulating path—what we fondly call “Inca flat.” The landscape transforms with every step: vibrant orchids, moss-draped trees, and panoramic vistas of Mount Salkantay and the Vilcabamba range. You’ll feel as though you’re walking through a living postcard.
After a gradual two-hour ascent, we’ll reach Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”), an awe-inspiring Inca site perched at 3,600 meters. Here, we’ll pause to absorb sweeping views of the Urubamba River snaking through the valley below. As we descend a beautifully preserved stone staircase toward our final campsite, you’ll visit the stunning archaeological terraces of Intipata, followed by the incredible Wiñay Wayna—a spiritual jewel of Inca architecture set on a dramatic hillside.
We arrive at camp just in time for a chef-prepared lunch, with the afternoon reserved for rest and reflection. Later, your expert guide will lead you through the Wiñay Wayna site, weaving together the story of the Incas in preparation for your upcoming arrival at Machu Picchu.
As night falls, we gather for a heartfelt farewell celebration with our dedicated porters and chefs. A special dinner is served, honoring the bond created on the trail. Tonight is not just about rest—it’s about gratitude and anticipation, as tomorrow you’ll walk through the Sun Gate into the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (approx. 5 hours)
• Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate – mostly downhill
• Ecosystem: High Cloud Forest
• Meals: Gourmet breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Luxury tented camp
• Included: All entrance tickets & guided visits

Wake-up call is at 3:30 a.m. After a light breakfast at 4:00 a.m., we’ll head to the final checkpoint and wait for it to open at 5:30 a.m. As we begin our last stretch of the Inca Trail, we’ll say goodbye to our amazing team of porters and chefs. The trail leads us through misty mountains toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we’ll witness our first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu bathed in the golden morning light. From there, we descend for about an hour to reach the Lost City of the Incas. Around 7:40 a.m., we’ll enter the archaeological complex and begin a private guided tour lasting approximately two hours. Afterward, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy some free time or, if pre-booked, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Your guide will optionally meet you in the town for a final lunch (not included), during which you’ll receive your train tickets. The Expedition train departs around 2:55 or 3:20 p.m. for Ollantaytambo, where a Uros Expeditions driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Considered: The most exciting and magical day (early wake-up at 3:30 a.m.)

• Area: High Cloud Forest & Subtropical Jungle
• Weather: Warm and very humid (carry plenty of water)
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals: Breakfast
• Entrance Tickets: All included (except Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – must be arranged in advance)

We’ll pick you up early between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco for the drive to the trailhead at Phulawasipata (4200m / 13,800ft), arriving around 7:00 a.m. There, our chef will prepare a hearty breakfast before we start the 2-hour uphill hike to Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, you may spot llamas, alpacas, and incredible mountain scenery.
Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the colorful striped mountain and the mighty Ausangate Glacier in the distance. Your guide will explain the geological history behind the vibrant colors and offer plenty of time for photos. Afterward, instead of returning the same way, we’ll continue to a scenic viewpoint of the Red Valley, often considered even more impressive than Rainbow Mountain itself.
Following the hike, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before returning to Cusco, arriving around 5:30–6:00 p.m. Your guide will check in with you regarding the final day’s activities.

• Considered: A rewarding high-altitude day with incredible landscapes
• Area: Andes Mountains – Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
• Weather: Cold in the morning, sunny by midday
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Entrance Tickets: All included

After an early breakfast, we’ll pick you up between 6:00 and 6:20 a.m. and transfer you to the bus station for your full-day journey to Puno. This scenic route includes guided stops at fascinating Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites, with time to explore and enjoy a buffet lunch along the way.
Upon arrival in Puno, our local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. You’ll receive a short briefing about the next day’s activities—either in person or via phone call.

• Considered: Scenic travel day through the highlands
• Area: Southern Andes – Route from Cusco to Puno
• Weather: Cold mornings and evenings, sunny daytime
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Entrance Tickets: All included

We’ll pick you up between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. and head to the port for a boat ride to the fascinating Uros Floating Islands, where you’ll learn about their unique lifestyle and reed structures. Then, continue across Lake Titicaca to Amantani Island, where you’ll be welcomed by a local family for a traditional homestay.
In the afternoon, hike up to the Temple of Pachatata to witness a spectacular sunset over the lake. In the evening, enjoy a simple yet unforgettable dinner and join a festive gathering with your host family.
Considered: Cultural immersion and moderate hike

• Area: Lake Titicaca – Uros & Amantani Islands
• Weather: Sunny days, cold nights
• Accommodation: Homestay with local family on Amantani
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Entrance Tickets: All included

After breakfast with your host family, you’ll board a boat to Taquile Island, a peaceful place renowned for its vibrant weaving traditions and strong sense of community. Enjoy a scenic walk with lake views and learn about Taquile’s unique social system and sustainable tourism efforts.
After a local lunch overlooking Lake Titicaca, we’ll return to Puno by boat, arriving around 3:30 p.m. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the town before tomorrow’s journey.
Considered: Cultural experience with light walking

• Area: Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
• Weather: Sunny with cool breezes
• Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno
• Meals: Breakfast
• Entrance Tickets: All included

It’s time to say farewell after an unforgettable journey through southern Peru. After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll transfer you to Juliaca Airport for your flight. We hope this adventure has filled you with lasting memories and stories to share.
Considered: Departure day

• Area: Puno – Juliaca
• Weather: Mild and dry
• Accommodation: None required
• Meals: Breakfast
• Entrance Tickets: Not required