Start: Cusco City | End: Puno City | Min Group: 1 People | Max Group: 12 People | Difficulty: Moderate
Embark on a definitive 5-day journey through the beating heart of the Inca Empire and the sacred waters of the world's highest navigable lake. This meticulously curated expedition blends the architectural marvels of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with the mystical sunrise at Machu Picchu, culminating in a cultural odyssey across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca. Designed for travelers who seek a balance of iconic landmarks and hidden cultural gems, this tour offers a deep dive into Andean traditions, breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, and expert-led historical insights. From the pink salt mines of Maras to the floating reed islands of Uros, every moment is crafted to provide an authentic, comfortable, and soul-stirring Peruvian experience.
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. After acclimatizing to the high altitude, you'll explore the city's most impressive archaeological sites. Day two takes you through the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day three fulfills the dream of visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise, followed by a comprehensive guided tour. After returning to Cusco, day four takes you on a scenic journey across the Altiplano to Puno, visiting colonial churches and Inca temples along the Sun's Route.
The journey culminates on day five with an exploration of Lake Titicaca's Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, experiencing the unique cultures that thrive on the world's highest navigable lake.
Original passport required (no copies). Students under 25 need valid ISIC card for discounts. Keep digital copies of all documents.
Dry season (April-October) offers clearest views. June-August is peak season. Rainy season (November-March) has fewer crowds but bring rain gear.
Moderate fitness level required. This 5-day tour spans multiple altitudes from 2,430m to 4,335m. Arrive in Cusco 1-2 days early to acclimatize.
Cusco sits at 3,400m. La Raya Pass reaches 4,335m. Puno is at 3,827m. The gradual altitude changes and overnight stays help with acclimatization. Coca tea recommended.
Temperatures range from 0°C to 24°C (32°F-75°F). The Altiplano can be very cold. Early mornings are cold - dress in layers. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Book 2-3 months in advance during peak season. Entry tickets, train seats, and bus tickets sell out fast. Confirm all reservations 48 hours before.
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Embark on a definitive 5-day journey through the beating heart of the Inca Empire and the sacred waters of the world's highest navigable lake. This meticulously curated expedition blends the architectural marvels of Cusco and the Sacred Valley with the mystical sunrise at Machu Picchu, culminating in a cultural odyssey across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca. Designed for travelers who seek a balance of iconic landmarks and hidden cultural gems, this tour offers a deep dive into Andean traditions, breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, and expert-led historical insights. From the pink salt mines of Maras to the floating reed islands of Uros, every moment is crafted to provide an authentic, comfortable, and soul-stirring Peruvian experience.
"Traveling from Cusco to Puno on the Sun Route, the highest point is La Raya at 4,335m. Take quick photos, breathe deeply, and bundle up at the pass before descending to Lake Titicaca."
Exploring Inca Heritage & Altiplano Wonders
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. After acclimatizing to the high altitude, you'll explore the city's most impressive archaeological sites. Day two takes you through the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day three fulfills the dream of visiting Machu Picchu at sunrise, followed by a comprehensive guided tour. After returning to Cusco, day four takes you on a scenic journey across the Altiplano to Puno, visiting colonial churches and Inca temples along the Sun's Route.
The journey culminates on day five with an exploration of Lake Titicaca's Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, experiencing the unique cultures that thrive on the world's highest navigable lake.
Exploration of the ceremonial fountains and Inca aqueducts at the water temple of Tambomachay.
Tour of the red military fortress that guarded the strategic entrances to the valley.
Visit to the labyrinthine temple of Qenqo, an ancient Inca ceremonial center carved into rock.
Marvel at the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its massive interlocking stone walls.
Immerse yourself in the premier Inca sun temple over which Santo Domingo Convent was built.
Guided tour of the grand Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, masterpiece of colonial art.
Explore Pisac's extensive agricultural terraces and cliffside Inca cemetery.
Stroll through Pisac's vibrant craft market for traditional textiles and silverwork.
Discover the concentric circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural research laboratory.
Walk among thousands of ancestral pink salt pans operated continuously since pre-Inca times.
Gourmet à la carte Andean lunch at a countryside restaurant in Urubamba.
Tour the massive Sun Temple and defensive terraces of Ollantaytambo fortress.
Walk through the cobblestone streets of the oldest continuously inhabited town in the Americas.
Board the scenic train at Ollantaytambo station heading to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Take the scenic morning shuttle bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Enter and enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour through the urban, agricultural, and sacred sectors.
Descend by shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes town.
Free time to enjoy lunch at local restaurants and explore the town.
Board the return Vistadome train with panoramic views toward Ollantaytambo.
Arrive at Ollantaytambo railway station.
Board our exclusive private transfer heading directly back to Cusco.
Arrive at your hotel in Cusco for the evening.
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to the tourist bus terminal.
Begin your premium bus journey across the scenic Andean Altiplano to Puno.
Visit the church of San Pedro Apóstol, celebrated for its ornate colonial murals and gold-leaf ceilings.
Explore the massive stone and adobe columns of the temple dedicated to Wiracocha.
Lunch featuring fresh regional Andean specialties.
Photo stop at the highest point of the route (4,335m) on the border between Cusco and Puno.
Visit the stone museum of the ancient Pucara culture, birthplace of the iconic Andean bulls.
Arrive in Puno on the shores of sacred Lake Titicaca.
Check-in and evening rest at your hotel in Puno.
Hotel pick-up and private transfer to Puno harbor.
Board our motorboat and navigate the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca to Uros.
Reach Taquile Island and learn about indigenous textile traditions honored by UNESCO.
Arrive at the peaceful community of Llachon on the Capachica Peninsula.
Ancestral underground-cooked Pachamanca lunch with fresh organic local ingredients.
Return to Puno harbor and private transfer to your hotel. End of services.
Yes. While there is walking involved at archaeological sites, this is not a trekking tour. Most paths are well-maintained. We recommend a basic fitness level.
We schedule the City Tour for the afternoon of Day 1 to allow for rest. Drinking coca tea, staying hydrated, and eating light meals upon arrival are key strategies. The gradual altitude changes throughout the tour help with acclimatization.
The Expedition train provides comfortable seating with standard panoramic windows. Your return journey is already upgraded to the Vistadome train featuring panoramic overhead windows and live cultural dances. An upgrade for the outbound journey is available for an extra cost (see Add-ons section).
Absolutely. You can leave your main suitcases at your hotel in Cusco or in our secure storage office while you travel to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. For the Cusco-Puno leg, your luggage travels with you on the tourist bus.
No, the tour concludes in Puno. However, we can arrange a private transfer to Juliaca Airport (approx. 1 hour drive) for an additional $50.00 USD.
Yes! Permits for Huayna Picchu are strictly limited and sell out months in advance. We recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead of your trip. The additional cost is $60 USD per person.
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