Cusco Machu Picchu and Puno tour 6 days
Embark on an exciting Cusco Machu Picchu and Puno 6-day Tour, a journey through some of Peru’s most emblematic destinations. We’ll begin in the city of Cusco, heart of the ancient Inca empire, where you can immerse yourself in its historical and cultural legacy by visiting jewels like the majestic Cathedral, the enigmatic Temple of Qoricancha and the impressive archaeological remains of Sacsayhuamán.
We’ll continue our adventure exploring the charming Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll discover Pisac and Ollantaytambo, two sites that combine living history with amazing landscapes. From there, we’ll begin the journey to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, where history merges with nature in a truly unforgettable experience.
The journey continues southward, toward the highland city of Puno. Along the way you’ll discover places full of history like Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America,” and the archaeological complex of Raqchi, with its imposing temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha.
In Puno, you’ll navigate the waters of the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on the planet. You’ll visit the incredible floating islands of the Uros, made of totora reeds, and Taquile island, famous for its traditional textiles and welcoming community. Here, you’ll experience ancestral customs up close and enjoy landscapes that seem taken from a dream.
Highlights
Day 1 – Cusco City Tour
Transfer to hotel and brief rest.
Visit to the Cathedral, Qoricancha and the archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Walk through Cusco’s Main Square.
Night in Cusco.
Day 2 – Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes
Tour of Pisac and its craft market.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Visit to Ollantaytambo Fortress.
Train to Aguas Calientes.
Night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3 – Machu Picchu → Cusco
Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours).
Optional free time at Aguas Calientes hot springs.
Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Night in Cusco.
Day 4 – Cusco → Puno (Panoramic Route)
Stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, Abra La Raya and Pukara Museum.
Buffet lunch included.
Arrival and transfer to hotel in Puno.
Night in Puno.
Day 5 – Lake Titicaca (Uros and Taquile)
Navigation on Lake Titicaca.
Visit to the Uros Floating Islands.
Tour of Taquile Island and traditional lunch.
Return to Puno.
Night in Puno.
Day 6 – Farewell
Transfer to Juliaca Airport for return flight to Lima.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Cusco and Cultural City Tour
Upon your arrival in Cusco, our team will give you a warm welcome and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. After settling in and taking a brief rest, we'll begin an afternoon guided tour through the Imperial City of Cusco, a journey through time between Andean and colonial heritage.
We'll visit the majestic Cathedral, an architectural treasure that houses imposing altarpieces, works from the Cusco school, and unique sculptures. We'll continue to Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, which surprises with its perfect Inca engineering and its contrast with colonial architecture.
The experience is completed by exploring the archaeological complexes on the outskirts of the city:
- Sacsayhuamán, with its colossal stone walls
- Qenqo, a mysterious underground ceremonial center
- Puka Pukara, the reddish fortress
- Tambomachay, the sanctuary dedicated to water
We'll end this first day at Cusco's Main Square, with time to enjoy the local atmosphere.
Overnight in Cusco
DAY 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we'll head to the magical Sacred Valley, cradle of ancestral traditions and fertile lands. The first stop will be at the archaeological site of Pisac, with its perfectly traced terraces and colorful artisan market.
At noon we'll head to Urubamba, where we'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with typical flavors from the region.
In the afternoon, we'll explore the impressive Fortress of Ollantaytambo, an amazing military, agricultural and astronomical center that shows Inca wisdom at its maximum splendor. From here, we'll take the train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
DAY 3: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
This day will be the highlight of your trip. In the morning we'll board the bus that will take us to the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we'll be enveloped by its mystical atmosphere, surrounded by high mountains and lush nature.
During the guided tour (approximately 2 hours), we'll explore its temples, agricultural terraces, sacred plazas and ceremonial dwellings, while learning about its history, symbolism and unparalleled architectural design.
At the end, we'll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. If time permits, you can visit the local hot springs. Then, we'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where transportation will take us back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
DAY 4: Scenic Route Cusco – Puno (Southern Valley)
This day we depart early on a scenic journey to Puno, crossing the Andes and diverse cultural and historical landscapes. Along the way we'll make stops at:
- Andahuaylillas, and its church decorated with baroque frescoes (the "Sistine Chapel of America")
- Raqchi, with the monumental temple of Wiracocha
- Sicuani, where we'll enjoy a buffet lunch
- Abra La Raya, the highest point of the route (14,222 ft above sea level), with spectacular views
- Pukara Museum, known for its pre-Inca archaeological pieces
Upon arriving in Puno, our staff will transfer you directly to your accommodation.
Overnight in Puno
DAY 5: Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile
In the morning, we'll head to the port to navigate the waters of the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first stop will be the fascinating Floating Islands of the Uros, made completely of totora reed.
Then we'll continue to Taquile Island, famous for its textiles and living traditions. We'll walk among Andean landscapes, meet local inhabitants and enjoy a traditional lunch facing the lake.
In the afternoon, we'll return by boat to the city of Puno, where you'll have free time to walk around or rest.
Overnight in Puno
DAY 6: Transfer – Juliaca Airport
After breakfast, at the scheduled time, we'll take you to Juliaca airport to catch your return flight to Lima, thus closing a unique experience through Peru's cultural and natural jewels.
What does it include?
Includes
- Private and group transfers (airport, hotel, stations)
- 5 nights accommodation (Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Puno)
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological and natural sites
- Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
- Train tickets, tourist bus and speedboat
- Tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Route of the Sun and Lake Titicaca
- Buffet lunches in Urubamba and Sicuani
Does not include
- Meals not specified
- Airline tickets (Lima – Cusco / Juliaca – Lima)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain
- Tips and personal expenses
- Services not detailed in the program
We Recommend Bringing:
- Bring comfortable and sturdy footwear for walking
- Light backpack with essentials: water, hat, sunscreen, camera and documents
- Layered clothing (temperatures change during the day)
- Passport or ID document at hand
- For altitude sickness, you can try coca tea or muña candies
- In high season, expect lines for entrance to Machu Picchu or buses
- Cash (in soles and dollars) for purchases or tips
Frequently Asked Questions
The guided tour in Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and includes explanation of the main temples, plazas and agricultural terraces. After the tour, you will have free time to explore or take pictures.
Yes, the panoramic trip from Cusco to Puno includes entrance fees to all the attractions en route: Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Pukara Museum and other scheduled stops, as well as buffet lunch in Sicuani.
You will visit the Uros Floating Islands, built with totora reeds, and Taquile Island, famous for its textiles and ancestral traditions, where you will also enjoy a typical lunch overlooking the lake.
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