Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca 8 Days

TRIP CODE: MLT8D01
TYPE SERVICE: Group Service
TYPE ITINERARY: Customize
ACTIVITIES: Cultural & History, Family Friendly, Culinary, Experiential Tourism
DESTINATION: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca

 This tour package is fully customizable according to your interest and needs. 

Enjoy one wonderful trip to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
This 8-day tour package Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca is perfect to explore the imposing Andes, the magnificent Lake Titicaca, and the Lost Inca City of Machu Picchu. Full of classical Inca architecture and colonial buildings, Cusco is a wondrous town that tells tales about rich majestic history of the town that once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, considered as one the Wonders of the World, and explore the surrounding forests. Further, on the journey, you can visit Lake Titicaca, which at 12,500 feet above sea level is the highest navigable lake in the world.

Highlights

• A comprehensive adventure package that covers all of Peru’s main attractions including Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca.
• Take a stroll down the colorful Plaza Mayor in Lima.
• Become part of an adventurous trip to the Inca ruins while indulging in the rich and modern Quechua cultures and the Inca culture.
• Gain more information about the culture and the traditions that are commonly followed in the area at the Sacred Valley community centre.
• View the beautiful skies of Machu Picchu when the sun lights them up.
• Explore the regions of Machu Picchu on board a train.

Day 1 – International Arrival Assistance

• Arrive in Lima at any time.
• Our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign with your name on it and private transfer to your hotel.
• There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
• Meals included: None.

Day 2 – Gastronomic Tour & Lima City Tour

• Breakfast at Hotel; Hotel pick-up at 10:30AM.
• Enrich yourselves! On this tour you will learn about the history of world-famous Peruvian cuisine!
• The tour will begin from a traditional Peruvian market.
• You will have the opportunity to try a wide variety of typical Peruvian delicacies, even including exotic fruits such as lucuma, aguaymanto and pacae.
• We will visit the exclusive restaurant, where you will learn to prepare the renowned Pisco Sour from an expert bartender, as well as the delectable Ceviche prepared by the restaurant´s skilled chef.
• After, you will enjoy a delicious lunch, featuring the most famous dishes of the Peruvian cuisine.
• After the lunch we continue with our Lima City Tour, First, we will show you a panoramic view of “La Huaca Pucllana”. This magnificent piece of architecture was built back in the 4th century AD and possesses Incan religious significance.
• You will then visit the impressive Historical Downtown of Lima, also known as “the City of the Kings”, which is the cradle of its Colonial past.
• We will then stop at the Main Square of Lima which is home to the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
• Afterwards, we will visit the San Francisco Convent.
• The highlight of this tour will undoubtedly be the interesting, cryptic Catacumbas (catacombs) visit
• Lastly, we will visit the residential and financial districts of San Isidro as well as enjoy an unforgettable view of the Pacific Ocean from the Miraflores district.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3 – Flight to Cusco and City Tour & Archeological ruins

• Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas.
• On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel, where the rest of the morning is free time to rest in hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness.
• Pick up from the hotel at 13:20PM – Tour begins from Cusco’s Main Square, Plaza de Armas.
• Includes a visit to Cusco’s cathedral in which you will be able to see the intricate woodwork and colonial paintings that contain detailed Incan iconography.
• After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here!
• The tour continues with visits to 4 archeological sites: Sacsayhuaman is an archeological complex, a masterpiece of Incan architecture in which you will see mindboggling huge stone blocks, almost 9 meters in height that are still placed perfectly.
• Qenqo Temple is a temple dedicated to animal worship.
• Puca Pucara is another Incan archeological site located on top of a hill, used as a fort and administrative center. Tambomachay, which is also known as the Inca Baths.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 4 – Full day to Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo)

• Breakfast at hotel – pick up from your hotel at 07:45AM.
• We then will then embark on a journey back in time to the Incan´s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to firsthand witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
• Afterwards, you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully crafted locally hand-made products.
• After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
• Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
• Stop in Ollantaytambo from where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5 – Sunrise in Machu Picchu & Train back to Cusco

• Breakfast at the hotel; at 05:00AM take first bus to Machu Picchu citadel, you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site and tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience.
• Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate.
• You will then have the time and opportunity to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
  • Climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
  • You will be given some time to walk till the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
  • Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.
• Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes and, later on, board the train for the return trip to Cusco. On reaching Cusco train station, reception and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 6 – Spend the day travelling from Cusco to Puno by bus

• Breakfast at hotel; you will be picked up at 06:15AM from your hotel in Cusco and then transferred to the bus station where you will board the bus to Puno.
• Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Cusco to Puno, through the high Altiplano.
• You will enjoy several shorts stops to take in panoramic views and visit a historical ruin in Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya, Pucara and Sicuani where you’ll have a delicious buffet lunch and taste its unique Andean flavor.
• Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your Puno Hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7 – Full Day to Lake Titicaca (Uros Floating Islands & Taquile)

• Breakfast at hotel; you will be picked up from your hotel at 07:00AM and transferred to Puno´s port.
• Our journey will begin with the Uros Floating Islands. The Uros are the native people who live on these man-made islands made with cattail which is grown on Lake Titicaca. The houses are built atop, while the cooking is done outside to avoid fires.
• After spending an hour on the Island of Uros, you will proceed to the Island of Taquile. Here you will become aware that these locals speak Quechua instead of the predominant Aymara. The Island of Taquile was once a part of the Inca Empire, which still influences the style of the buildings today.
• Upon arrival to the island, you will receive some brief information as well as a tour until lunchtime
• In the afternoon, the boat will take you back to Puno. From Puno´s port, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 8 – Departure from Puno, Visit Sillustani and International Departure

• Breakfast at hotel; you will be collected from your hotel in Puno and transferred to Juliaca airport.
• In route to the airport you will visit the Chullpas at Sillustani, where you will be able to visit one of the largest cemeteries in the world which is home to almost 100 Chullpas (ancient funerary towers)! The specifics suggest that each of these towers stands at about 12 meters high with the width increasing from bottom-up. In keeping with ancient rites, objects such as jewelry, food, and stoneware were also placed in the tombs.
• Once you are done visiting the necropolis, you will continue on to the Juliaca airport.
• Take flight to Lima then connect at home at the same airport – Lima International departure.
• Meals included: Breakfast.

PRICES PER PERSON

Extra Optional Services

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 25 per person.
• Lunch at the Aguas Calientes Restaurant US$ 20 per person.
• Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restarant located outside the entrance of Machu Picchu US $ 46 per person.
• Upgrade train to Vistadome return to Cusco US$ 20 per person.

Is there any additional cost for Solo Travelers?
Yes, there is an additional cost for single travelers; make an inquiry about it.

INCLUDED

• Accommodation: 7 night(s) in hotel(s) in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Puno.
• Excursions: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca.
• Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca.
• Transfers: All airport transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
• Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
• Bus ticket: Cusco to Puno.
• Transport: bus, minivan, train, on foot, boat.
• Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local top quality English-speaking guides to accompany visits and excursions.
• 24 hour support by our local staff.

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru.
• Airport departure taxes (Approximate cost US$ 31.00 international flights, and US$ 7.40 for each domestic flight).
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items.
• Pre & post tour accommodation.
• Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain.