/
Peru
/
Cusco
/
Tours & Activities
/
10-Day Best of Peru Tour: Machu Picchu, Cusco and Puno
10 days
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: CUSCO – INKA MUSEUM AND KORICANCHA
Pass By: Cusco
Shuttle from the airport to hotel. The rest of the morning will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). In the afternoon we will visit the Inka Museum, home of thousands of years of Andean culture. Here we will become more familiar with the origens and beginnings of Andean civilizations.
Stop At: Qorikancha, Cusco, Cusco Region
Continuing with the tour we will move onto the temple of Koricancha, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo, that was and still remains the pinaccle of organization, architecture, and religion of Inka civilization. During its construction they had already achieved the greatest advances of their time, and this temple may have been the exact representation of the center, or “Navel of the World” and therefore the center of the world, as dictated by the pre-hispanic Andean cosmovision.
Duration: 2 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 2: SAQSAYHUAMAN – TEMPLE OF THE MOON – TRANSFER TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco Region
We will begin our day with the journey to Saqsayhuaman. This Inka architecture with its magnificient qualities and colossal stones is considered in humanity’s history one of the greatest constructions on the face of the Earth. From here we will continue on to the Temple of the Moon, a place for spiritual connection and encounter with the feminine energy of the Moon Goddess.
In the afternoon we will travel by car to the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station to Machu Picchu awaits our transfer to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
You will have the option to visit and enjoy the hot springs.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 3: MACHU PICCHU
Stop At: Machu Picchu
Today we will rise very early for breakfast and ascend to the citadel Inka of Machu Picchu (approx 25 minutes by bus) to appreciate sunrise in this magical place, a famous masterpiece of architecture and engineering, believed to have been a santuary and energetic center. Today Machu Picchu is recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven wonders of the world and a World Heritage site.
Optional: The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu, a rigorous climb on steep trails with impressive ruins and spectacular views, a round-trip of 2 hours.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Golden sunrise *** or similar.
Day 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MORAY
Stop At: Ollantaytambo Sanctuary
Return to “living” Inka town of Ollantaytambo by train and continue by car to Moray, an ancient construction designed for agricultural investigations and studies of different crops in a range of altitudes. Here the many concentric “rings” of terraces produce a fine gradient of micro-climates; the warmth of the lowest central ring slowly dissapates as the rings ascend outward and upward, creating reductions in temperatures until reaching the ground-level norm.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco Region
Chinchero: the rainbow village, home of the ruins of the royal palace of the Inka Túpac Inca Yupanqui, a picturesque community located on a high plateau overlooking the many snowcapped peaks of the Cusco region. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery.
Moving on we will participate in a wonderful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times. Traditional food will be prepared for lunch here.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel ***
Day 6: ANIMAL SANCTUARY – PISAQ – PISAQ MARKET
Stop At: Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas towards the town of Pisaq. We will stop on the way to visit the animal sanctuary of Cochawasi: here we may observe many of the native Andean species such as the puma, Andean cóndor, alpacas, and many more. Further en route we will stop for at a spectacular viewing location to observe the Urubamba river as it curves like a serpent through the mosaic-like agricultural lands.
As we continue towards the town of Pisaq, we may also observe the construction design of the archaelogical site of Pisaq, which many say portrays the profile of a condor. Pisaq is known mainly for two reasons – for its famous craft market and for its archaelogical site. Here we will have free time for wandering the market to interact with the many local artisans. The ruins of Pisaq, high above the modern town on the mountain, are one of the most important of the Sacred Valley.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 7: DEPARTURE TO PUNO (ROUTE OF THE SUN)
Stop At: Puno
In the morning we will depart from the bus terminal and head towards Puno. This is a special journey by bus which allows us to visit the many diverse locations along the way on the route of the sun. There will we planned stops to visit the following:
Andahuaylillas (the sistine chapel of the Americas; this temple is one of the best examples of the fusion between Catholic and Andean religions)
Raqchi: A Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha, construction of monumental dimensions, an estimated 100 meters long, 26m wide, 14m high. This is the only known temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, creator of the Universe.
La Raya: Midway point on our journey and highest point on the road – 4335 m.s.n.m. The impressive views here allow us to admire the rugged high altitude, full of tall peaks, many of which are snow-capped, and herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. This is the geografic border between two cultures, the Quechua of Cusco and the Aymara of Puno.
Pucara: This ceremonial center is one of the oldest and most important of the high plains, well known for its lithic structures and tombs.
Duration: 9 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Qalasaya hotel **** or similar.
Day 8: UROS (FLOATING ISLANDS) – AMANTANI ISLAND
Stop At: Amantani Island, Isla Amantani, Puno Region
A full day of boat excursion afloat Lake Titicaca. We will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands. The islanders will give us a presentation about their lifestyle upon their man-made islands, built using the totora reed which grows among the shores of the lake. We will learn about their existence on these small islands and how they have adapted to its conditions.
Continuing across the lake we will arrive to the island of Amantani. Here we will meet the Quechua families that will offer us a cosy home-stay style lodging and prepare us traditional food for lunch. After lunch we will make the short ascent to the two hilltops of the island while observing the daily lifestyle of the local people. Atop of the island we will visit two ancient pre-Inka temples, Pachatata and Pachamama (father & mother cosmos). In the evening after dinner the community members will hold a small welcoming party for us.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Amantani home stay.
Day 9: TAQUILE – PUNO
Stop At: Puno
After breakfast on Amantani we will board the boat again to make the short trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. Here we will ascend the beautiful stone paths to the community, a small and quite shy population, not to mention very hard-working and wise, a culture full of art and tradition. Taquiles’ people are cheerful and proud of their origen and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Qalasaya hotel **** or similar.
Day 10: DEPARTURE DATE FROM JULIACA -PUNO
Pass By: Puno
A brief transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca. (End the tour)
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Read more
Show less
Day 1: CUSCO – INKA MUSEUM AND KORICANCHA
Pass By: Cusco
Shuttle from the airport to hotel. The rest of the morning will be reserved for resting to adapt to the altitude, approximately 3400 meters (11,000 feet). In the afternoon we will visit the Inka Museum, home of thousands of years of Andean culture. Here we will become more familiar with the origens and beginnings of Andean civilizations.
Stop At: Qorikancha, Cusco, Cusco Region
Continuing with the tour we will move onto the temple of Koricancha, the famous Sun Temple of Qosqo, that was and still remains the pinaccle of organization, architecture, and religion of Inka civilization. During its construction they had already achieved the greatest advances of their time, and this temple may have been the exact representation of the center, or “Navel of the World” and therefore the center of the world, as dictated by the pre-hispanic Andean cosmovision.
Duration: 2 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 2: SAQSAYHUAMAN – TEMPLE OF THE MOON – TRANSFER TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco Region
We will begin our day with the journey to Saqsayhuaman. This Inka architecture with its magnificient qualities and colossal stones is considered in humanity’s history one of the greatest constructions on the face of the Earth. From here we will continue on to the Temple of the Moon, a place for spiritual connection and encounter with the feminine energy of the Moon Goddess.
In the afternoon we will travel by car to the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station to Machu Picchu awaits our transfer to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes).
You will have the option to visit and enjoy the hot springs.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 3: MACHU PICCHU
Stop At: Machu Picchu
Today we will rise very early for breakfast and ascend to the citadel Inka of Machu Picchu (approx 25 minutes by bus) to appreciate sunrise in this magical place, a famous masterpiece of architecture and engineering, believed to have been a santuary and energetic center. Today Machu Picchu is recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven wonders of the world and a World Heritage site.
Optional: The trek to the peak of Huayna Picchu, a rigorous climb on steep trails with impressive ruins and spectacular views, a round-trip of 2 hours.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Golden sunrise *** or similar.
Day 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MORAY
Stop At: Ollantaytambo Sanctuary
Return to “living” Inka town of Ollantaytambo by train and continue by car to Moray, an ancient construction designed for agricultural investigations and studies of different crops in a range of altitudes. Here the many concentric “rings” of terraces produce a fine gradient of micro-climates; the warmth of the lowest central ring slowly dissapates as the rings ascend outward and upward, creating reductions in temperatures until reaching the ground-level norm.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: CHINCHERO (TEXTILE INTERPRETATION CENTER)
Stop At: Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco Region
Chinchero: the rainbow village, home of the ruins of the royal palace of the Inka Túpac Inca Yupanqui, a picturesque community located on a high plateau overlooking the many snowcapped peaks of the Cusco region. Here we can admire the well-preserved Inka walls of the main square as well as the many altars. We will also visit the beautiful colonial church, unique for its interior artwork and imagery.
Moving on we will participate in a wonderful introduction and learning experience of the art of Andean textiles; throughout the afternoon we will become acquainted with the wisdom of Andean weavings as maintained since long before Inka times. Traditional food will be prepared for lunch here.
Duration: 6 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel ***
Day 6: ANIMAL SANCTUARY – PISAQ – PISAQ MARKET
Stop At: Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Travel to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas towards the town of Pisaq. We will stop on the way to visit the animal sanctuary of Cochawasi: here we may observe many of the native Andean species such as the puma, Andean cóndor, alpacas, and many more. Further en route we will stop for at a spectacular viewing location to observe the Urubamba river as it curves like a serpent through the mosaic-like agricultural lands.
As we continue towards the town of Pisaq, we may also observe the construction design of the archaelogical site of Pisaq, which many say portrays the profile of a condor. Pisaq is known mainly for two reasons – for its famous craft market and for its archaelogical site. Here we will have free time for wandering the market to interact with the many local artisans. The ruins of Pisaq, high above the modern town on the mountain, are one of the most important of the Sacred Valley.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Tandapata Boutique Hotel *** or similar.
Day 7: DEPARTURE TO PUNO (ROUTE OF THE SUN)
Stop At: Puno
In the morning we will depart from the bus terminal and head towards Puno. This is a special journey by bus which allows us to visit the many diverse locations along the way on the route of the sun. There will we planned stops to visit the following:
Andahuaylillas (the sistine chapel of the Americas; this temple is one of the best examples of the fusion between Catholic and Andean religions)
Raqchi: A Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha, construction of monumental dimensions, an estimated 100 meters long, 26m wide, 14m high. This is the only known temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, creator of the Universe.
La Raya: Midway point on our journey and highest point on the road – 4335 m.s.n.m. The impressive views here allow us to admire the rugged high altitude, full of tall peaks, many of which are snow-capped, and herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. This is the geografic border between two cultures, the Quechua of Cusco and the Aymara of Puno.
Pucara: This ceremonial center is one of the oldest and most important of the high plains, well known for its lithic structures and tombs.
Duration: 9 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Qalasaya hotel **** or similar.
Day 8: UROS (FLOATING ISLANDS) – AMANTANI ISLAND
Stop At: Amantani Island, Isla Amantani, Puno Region
A full day of boat excursion afloat Lake Titicaca. We will visit the ancient culture of the Uros and step foot on their floating islands. The islanders will give us a presentation about their lifestyle upon their man-made islands, built using the totora reed which grows among the shores of the lake. We will learn about their existence on these small islands and how they have adapted to its conditions.
Continuing across the lake we will arrive to the island of Amantani. Here we will meet the Quechua families that will offer us a cosy home-stay style lodging and prepare us traditional food for lunch. After lunch we will make the short ascent to the two hilltops of the island while observing the daily lifestyle of the local people. Atop of the island we will visit two ancient pre-Inka temples, Pachatata and Pachamama (father & mother cosmos). In the evening after dinner the community members will hold a small welcoming party for us.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Amantani home stay.
Day 9: TAQUILE – PUNO
Stop At: Puno
After breakfast on Amantani we will board the boat again to make the short trip to the neighboring island of Taquile. Here we will ascend the beautiful stone paths to the community, a small and quite shy population, not to mention very hard-working and wise, a culture full of art and tradition. Taquiles’ people are cheerful and proud of their origen and culture, happy to share with us the beautiful atmosphere of island life upon the immense lake Titicaca.
Duration: 7 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Qalasaya hotel **** or similar.
Day 10: DEPARTURE DATE FROM JULIACA -PUNO
Pass By: Puno
A brief transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca. (End the tour)
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- Accommodation included: 8 nights
- 7 night accommodation in 3-star hotel (double occupancy)
- 1 night accommodation in 4-star hotel (double occupancy)
- 1 night accommodation at Amantani island with a home stay
- 9 breaskfast
- Bus to Puno
- Uros, Amantani, Takile tours
- Expedition train to Machu Picchu (round-trip)
- Buses to Machu Picchu
- Andean ceremony in Temple of the Moon
- Andean Master
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Tour guide during the whole trip
- All transportation and transfer.
- Entry/Admission - Qorikancha
- Entry/Admission - Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Entry/Admission - Machu Picchu
- Entry/Admission - Ollantaytambo Sanctuary
- Entry/Admission - Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Entry/Admission - Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
- Entry/Admission - Puno
- Entry/Admission - Amantani Island
- Entry/Admission - Puno
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Single supplement (USD 400)
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Huayna Picchu entrance fee
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Date of birth and passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Note: Please make sure to coordinate your flights into Cusco accordingly for this tour
- Important: Huayna Picchu entrance fee is USD$25 per person and must be purchased prior to your travel date. If you require the tour operator to purchase these tickets, please make a note in the "Special Requirement' field at the time of booking, and it is to be paid directly on the commencement of your tour.
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
30%
You may also like
See all 27 Collections
Click to discover other experiences
See all
Collections
Machu Picchu Trip
231 Activities
Collections
Machu Picchu Tour
116 Activities
Collections
Private Tour
125 Activities
Collections
Sacred Valley
130 Activities
Collections
Other Trips
104 Activities
Collections
Humantay Lake
37 Activities
Collections
Salkantay Trek
41 Activities
Collections
Rainbow Mountain
69 Activities
Collections
City Tour
75 Activities
Collections
Archaeological Sites
37 Activities
