Highlights of this incredible 8-day tour include some of Peru’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring sites.
We visit Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and the spiritual home of the Incan empire; we follow in the footsteps of the Inca pilgrims, trekking high in the Andes on the world-famous Inca Trail; and we explore the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.
You’ll start your Peru adventure in Lima, the country’s fascinating capital. Lima’s history predates the colonial presence in the country, when the establishment of the viceroyalty transformed the city into the main political and administrative center of South America.
During this period, significant churches, monasteries, mansions and balconies were built. The arrival of modernity didn’t transform the historic center, which is now recognized as a World Heritage Site.
The exquisite cuisine available also gives the capital an authentic personality and makes tourism in Lima a truly unique experience. From Lima we continue to Peru’s 2nd city.
Cusco was an important center for the indigenous people and is widely recognized as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many believe that the city was planned as an effigy, built in the shape of a Puma, a sacred animal worshipped by the Incas.
We will explore the ancient architecture and fascinating museums, and enjoy the popular Cusco nightlife before venturing deeper into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our tour of the Sacred Valley takes us to the incredible Inca sites at Pisac and Ollantaytambo before beginning our unforgettable trek on the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Arriving at the spectacular Sun Gate, we spend a full half day exploring this ancient, spiritual citadel. From Cusco we follow the “Route of the Sun” to Puno where we will spend our final 2 days. We take a tour on Lake Titicaca, visiting the famed floating islands of Uros, as well as the Amantani island and the island of Taquile.
We stay overnight with a local family in Amantani experiencing their warm hospitality and traditional cooking. This is an 8-day adventure packed with so many highlights to truly make it a trip of a lifetime.
Join our Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca Tour in this incredible 8 day Journey!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Lima
Welcome to Lima, City of the Kings and the starting point for our epic 8-day journey! From Lima airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the exclusive area of Miraflores.
Whatever your arrival time you will have the remainder of the day free to explore the highlights of this fascinating city.
Visit the beautiful old square, flanked by Lima’s incredible cathedral on one side and the Presidential Palace on the other; take a stroll along the spectacular cliffs of Miraflores where you can watch people parascending; or maybe wander the Bohemian streets of Barranco, with it’s wonderful street art.
Whatever you choose, end the day in one of the many world class restaurants available and discover why Lima is known of one of the gourmet capitals of South America.
- Accommodations: Tierra Viva hotel or similar
- Lima altitude: Sea level
Day 2: Lima to Cusco
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, one of our representatives will meet you to take you to your hotel.
Cusco is a city nestled high in the Andes mountains so be sure to take it easy on this first day while your body gets used to the altitude.
Visit a museum, people-watch on the Plaza de Armas, wander through the artisan markets or simply find a cafe where you can relax.
In the evening, choose from one of Cusco’s many options for casual or fine dining.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva hotel (or similar)
- Maximum altitude: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour and overnight at Ollantaytambo
After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the stunning Sacred Valley. In Inca times the valley was littered with royal palaces and temples and today is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and stunningly preserved ruins.
Our first stop is at Pisac where the Inca ruins are notable for their striking, curved agricultural terraces. Here you can take in stunning views right across the Sacred Valley.
The town of Pisac sits below the ruins and hosts a bustling handicrafts market, where local artisans from across the valley come to sell their wares; a great place to buy some authentic local souvenirs.
Next, we visit the ancient military town of Ollantaytmbo. The focal point of this charming town is its namesake Inca fortress, which ascends the surrounding mountain slopes in a cascade of intricate stone terraces.
The winding cobbled lanes at the base of the ruins are one of the only remaining examples of an intact Inca street grid.
This is a truly fascinating place to visit. We will stop in Urubamba for lunch (not included) before driving you to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Samanapaq hotel (or similar) Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 3,380 m/11,088 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,792 m/9,160 ft
- Approximate tour duration: 8-9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
One of our expert tour guides will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning (around 6 a.m.) and then walk with you to the train station. Our train journey is to KM 104, and takes about 1.5 hours.
As the train carves along the valley floor there will be plenty of photo opportunities to be had from the comfort of your seat.
KM 104 is an unscheduled train stop and so you will probably feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing that the train is stopping especially for you! After leaving the train we pass the Inca Trail checkpoint and our time on the world-famous trail begins. We first pass the archaeological center at Chachabamba (2,170 m/7,170 ft).
These ruins were one of the last shelters that the Incas used before they reached Machu Picchu. This site was used as a religious and administrative center, and features several buildings that are still very well preserved.
We then make a steep ascent for about 2-3 hours, the trail still made in places from original Inca stone steps.
Our guides are experts in the flora and fauna of the area and provide a fascinating narrative to the trek.
We pass a waterfall before arriving at the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna at (2,650 m/8,700 ft), named after an orchid and meaning “Forever Young” in the Quechua language. Climbing to the top of the ruins we will enjoy lunch with an incredible view of Wiñay Wayna and the Sacred Valley before touring the site.
Sitting high on the mountainside the site features experimental terraces that the Incas used to grow different crops, a temple with 7 windows that was dedicated to the rainbow and a series of water channels that still function today.
After the tour we continue our hike for about 1 ½ hours on a relatively flat section of the trail. At about 4:00 pm we will reach the magnificent Sun Gate (2,720 m / 8,920 ft), called Intipunku in Quechua. It is from here that we will have our first stunning views of Machu Picchu.
No matter how many pictures you may have seen of this incredible site, nothing quite prepares you for seeing it for yourself. It is truly an experience of a lifetime!
We walk down to the entrance of the ruins to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will check in to your hotel.
The natural hot springs in town are an unbeatable way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner. Dinner will be at local restaurants in town.
- Meals: Breakfast, box lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Samanapaq Hotel (or similar hotel)
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m/8,920 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Approximate walking time: 6 hours
- Distance to walk: 13 km/ 8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After a very early breakfast prepared at your hotel we take one of the first buses (5:30 a.m.) along the winding road to Machu Picchu city, the city that was lost to the jungle but rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983, Machu Picchu exceeds all expectations. Perched high on an inaccessible hilltop the citadel is protected by huge cliffs and the raging Urubamba River.
If the weather is kind then you may get the chance to see the magnificent sunrise over the Andes before we make our way into the site.
Your entry ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the price of the trip. After taking a little time to absorb those first iconic views, your guide will give a 2-hour walking tour, sharing with you much of the history and stories of these legendary ruins.
If you have elected to climb Huayna Picchu mountain (for more spectacular views), you will begin the hike at 10 a.m. (Note: the price for hiking Huayna Picchu Mountain is not included in the trek price).
If you are not climbing the mountain you will have some free time to explore Machu Picchu. After taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes you will board the expedition train to either Poroy or to Ollantaytambo.
From Poroy or Ollantaytambo you will travel by private van to Cusco and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket, but is generally between 8 and 9 p.m.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel (or similar hotel)
- Maximum altitude: 2,440 m/8,052 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,040 m/6,691 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 6: Cusco – Puno “The sun’s route”
Today we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station to catch the “Inka Express” bus leaving at 6:50 AM.
The bus to Puno takes the whole day but makes a number of stops/tours at attractions along the way, including;
- Andahuaylillas Church
- Huaro/Raqchi Inca Remains
- Sicuani
- La Raya
- Museo Alcra Pukara
You will be provided a buffet lunch as part of your bus trip.
Upon your arrival in Puno (at around 5:00 PM) our representative will pick you up at the bus station and transport you to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva hotel (or similar hotel)
- Maximum altitude: 3,827 m/12,555 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,399 m/11,150 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 7: Uros Floating Islands Tour and Homestay at Amanti
On the morning of your Lake Titicaca Tour, you will be picked up at your hotel around 7:30 a.m. and transported to the dock.
You will take the motorboat to the famous floating Islands of Uros (tour included) before being transported to the Island of Amanti where you will dine and stay overnight with a local family
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Homestay at Amanti
- Maximum altitude: 4,150 m/13,615 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,827 m/12,555 ft
- Approximate walking time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 8: Amantani – Taquile Island and Puno
On the morning of our final day you will have a delicious breakfast prepared by your host in Amantani before taking a 2-hour trip by motorboat to the Island of Taquile.
An island full of color and bustling with life we take a walk of 50 minutes from the port by a footpath that takes us past traditional house and ancient ruins to the town’s Plaza de Armas.
Located on the top of the island, you may well feel a little out of breath as a result of the altitude, but you will have time to rest as we are treated to a typical lunch of fresh fish (rainbow trout).
There will also be time to explore the traditional craft fair on the plaza. We will take the motor boat back to Puno arriving at approximately 4:00 PM. We will then transport you either to your hotel or to the airport depending on your travel plans.
NOTE: If you are staying longer in Puno then we will transport you to the airport for whenever your flight is scheduled.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva hotel (or similar) Hotel
- Maximum altitude: 4,050 m/13,287 ft
- Minimum altitude: 3,827 m/12,555 ft
- Approximate walking time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. At Action Treks Peru we will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible.
INCLUDED
- Professional English speaking guide. Additional guide for groups over 8 people
- Pre-trek briefing before the Short Inca Trail trek
- Transport from the Lima airport to your Miraflores hotel on day 1
- Transport from your Miraflores hotel to the Lima airport for fly from Lima to Cusco on day 2 of your trip
- Transport from the Cusco airport to your Cusco hotel on day 3 of your trip
- Admission fees to all the archeological sites in the Sacred Valley tour.
- Pick up from your Ollantaytambo hotel to the train station
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 4. Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 5.
- Expedition return train from Aguas Calientes to either Poroy or to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport by private car from Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station to your Cusco hotel
- Admission Ticket to Machu Picchu Archaeological site
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 box lunch and 3 dinners
- 1-nighthotel in Lima city (double occupancy)
- 2-nights hotel in Cusco city (double occupancy)
- 1-night hotel in Ollantaytambo (double accupancy)
- 1-night hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- 2 nights hotel in Puno city
- 1-night homestay at Amantani island
- Private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank for all tours
- Transport from your Cusco hotel to the Bus station
- Tourist bus ticket to Puno
- Entrance fees for the stops on the Inka Express Route: Andahuaylillas church, lithic museum of Pukara and Raqchi Archaeological Complex
- Buffet lunch on the bus route to Puno
- Pick up from the bus station in Puno and transfer to your Puno hotel
- Transfers hotel – port – hotel
- Motor boat transportation
- Guided tours of Uros, Amantani and Taquile Islands with English Speaking Guide
- All entrance fees
- Overnight homestay on Amantani or Taquile island
- Transportation from your hotel to Juliaca airport
NOT Included
- Flights
- Airport taxes
- Huayna Picchu Permit (this permit can be purchased for an extra USD $75 per person)
- Meals (unless they are specified in the trip itinerary)
- Tip for your staff
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
What to bring
- Original passport ( if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking you MUST bring both)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, tops, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, poncho, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sun block (factor 35+ recommended)
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Camera + batteries*
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us) MUST have rubber tips
- Insect repellent – 15% DEET
- Snacks (while your crew will prepare the most amazing meals, everyone’s energy needs are different, particularly at altitude, and so you should pack some suitable snacks to make sure you are always fully energized)
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1430 (if the group gets bigger, the price will decrease)
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Action Peru Treks is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts:
- Under 18 years discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years discount: USD $35
Rentals:
- Hiking poles for the Short Inca Trail – USD $10 (pair)
Upgrades:
- Hotel Upgrades
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD $245 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Train Upgrades
- Return Vistadome train-USD $60 for trip from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Return Hiram Bingham train-USD $400 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- Private lodging
- Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes – USD $45 (prices for upgraded hotels will be higher)
- Machu Picchu
- Buffet lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu – USD $45 per person
