Southern Treasures: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Puno — 8 Days

DAY 1 · Arrival To Cusco

Arrival To Cusco

Start your adventure with our tourist package 8-Day Cusco and Machu Picchu "Southern Treasures" from your arrival at Cusco Airport, where you will be received by our staff, who during the transport to your hotel previously booked, will give you some details and recommendations for your next days in Peru.

Once you are in your hotel, you can rest and take the day off to walk the streets of the historic center, however, it is recommended to take it easy this day, because Cusco is more than 3,000 meters above sea level, it could generate the famous altitude sickness. This is why this day takes a lot of relevance to rest and thus ensures the best experiences during the next days.

DAY 2 · Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

This day we will start our adventure, picking you up from your hotel in the morning, to head to the Sacred Valley, our first stop in the Chinchero Village, an important Inca site, known as the birthplace of the rainbow, where we will visit the main site that stands out for its picturesque Colonial Church , located on the ancient Archaeological Site of Chinchero . Then we will continue the tour towards the local textile center where we will learn about the dyeing process and ancestral techniques of artisans.

Continuing the journey, we will visit the enigmatic Circular Terraces of Moray , where we will learn how these constructions served as an experimental agricultural center to selectively cultivate the best breeds of basic Andean crops at different temperatures. Later we will stop in the Village of Maras to visit the famous Maras Salt Mines , which are used by local families as an economic resource, offering products based on this mineral.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Ollantaytambo , not before having some time in Urubamba town for lunch (not included). Once we arrive at Ollantaytambo station and board the train, we will embark on a 2-hour journey to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night at the reserved hotel.

DAY 3 · Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

A special day within the itinerary of the tourist package «8 days Cusco Machu Picchu and Puno». So we will wake up very early to have a free breakfast at the hotel and be able to board the bus towards the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel, so we can receive the first rays of the sun at dawn, giving us a unique and incredible experience watching how this magical mountain lights up.

Start the guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu , which will last approximately 2 hours, time allows us to visit the most important places of the architectonic complex, having enough time to take the best photos and enjoy this world wonder.

Once the tour in Machu Picchu is finished, we will begin our descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then we will board the train again heading to Ollantaytambo , where our transport will be waiting to take you to the Cusco city and spend the night in your booked hotel.

DAY 4 · Full Day Rainbow Mountain Tour/ Vinincunca Mountain

Full Day Rainbow Mountain Tour/ Vinincunca Mountain

This day, early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin our journey south through the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.

Upon arrival in the village of Cusipata , we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing by vehicle to the trailhead at Phuluwasipata (4,626 meters / 15,177 feet). From there, we will begin a scenic hike of approximately two hours through stunning high-altitude landscapes until we reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain , also known as Vinicunca (5,020 meters / 16,466 feet).

At the summit, you will have around 30 minutes to take in the extraordinary scenery, capture unforgettable photographs, enjoy a light snack, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Andes at over 5,000 meters above sea level.

After enjoying this remarkable destination, we will hike back along the same trail to the trailhead, where our transportation will be waiting. We will then return to Cusipata to enjoy a well-deserved lunch before beginning our drive back to Cusco.

We expect to arrive in Cusco during the afternoon, where we will transfer you back to your hotel.

DAY 5 · Cooking class - Free Afternoon, Time To Relax In Cusco City

Cooking class - Free Afternoon, Time To Relax In Cusco City

Today begins with a truly memorable experience: A hands-on Peruvian cooking class . Guided by a professional chef we will start at 11:00 a.m., this day you will learn how to prepare some of Peru's most iconic traditional dishes while discovering the history and cultural significance behind each recipe. After the class, you will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you prepared yourself (vegetarian and vegan options are available too).

In the afternoon, you will have a well-deserved rest and free time in Cusco city, during which you will be able to walk around the city on your own, know more incredible places and at the same time take the best photos of the memory.

DAY 6 · Departure To Puno

Departure To Puno

This day we will continue with our «8 days Cusco Machu Picchu and Puno», heading to the bus terminal of Cusco, from where we will start our great trip to Puno. Certainly, this is a special bus trip that will allow us to visit many different places along the way, known as «The Route of the Sun» There will be planned stops to visit the following: Andahuaylillas (Also known as 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 the 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 we will observe herds of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas . This is the geographic 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. After all this journey, we will finally arrive at the bus station in Puno, where our transport will be waiting for you, and will take you to your previously booked hotel, where you can rest peacefully.

DAY 7 · Uros - Taquile Island

Uros - Taquile Island

Our adventure in Puno begins after a delicious breakfast, with a boat trip over Lake Titicaca. During this, we will visit the Uros (floating islands), where the islanders will give us a presentation on their daily lifestyle and traditions of their culture.

Continuing with the tour, we will arrive at Taquile Island (3,950 masl) where we will have a tour of 2 hours, discovering that their society is very cooperative and well organized, the reason why the taquileños have demonstrated their high degree of progress in the textile industry, receiving its prize from UNESCO. Afterward, we will taste a lunch prepared by the inhabitants.

Finally, we will start the return to Puno City, to which we will arrive at approximately 5:00 pm, an ideal time for you to have time to walk around the city before returning to the hotel and rest.

DAY 8 · Puno · Juliaca Airport

Puno · Juliaca Airport

According to your flight time, either in the morning or afternoon, you will coordinate a short transfer from Puno to the neighboring city of Juliaca, and from there you will board your plane to Lima Airport. Thus ending your adventure of our Package «8 days Cusco Machu Picchu and Puno».