National Program: Cusco – Puno and Arequipa 9D/8N
National Program: Cusco – Puno and Arequipa 9D/8N
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco / City Tour
Begin your exciting journey in Cusco with your arrival at Velasco Astete International Airport, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
At 1:00 p.m., our City Tour begins. We will start by visiting the impressive Temple of Qoricancha, which beautifully showcases the fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Then, we will continue by vehicle to explore the nearby archaeological sites.
Our first stop will be Sacsayhuamán, famous for its enormous, perfectly carved stones and its strategic location offering spectacular panoramic views of Cusco. Next, we’ll visit Qenqo, an ancient Inca temple where religious sacrifices were performed. We’ll then explore Puka Pukara, a former Inca military and control center, and finally, we’ll visit the enigmatic Temple of Tambomachay, known for its ceremonial water fountains.
We will return to the hotel around 6:30 p.m. for an overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 2: Super Sacred Valley
The tour begins with pickup at 6:30 a.m. We will head to our first stop — Chinchero, where we’ll visit its traditional market and archaeological site. Here, you’ll admire the impressive Inca architecture, farming areas, and the beautiful agricultural terraces. We’ll spend about an hour exploring this Inca citadel.
Next, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Moray, also known as the “Inca Greenhouses.” This fascinating site consists of a series of circular ecological terraces carved into a large natural depression, created by the Incas for agricultural experimentation. Each terrace has a different microclimate depending on its depth, allowing the Incas to study the optimal conditions for various crops.
We’ll then continue to the Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras), a place of great historical importance dating back to pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial times, and still vital today. The local inhabitants continue to benefit from traditional salt extraction, maintaining this breathtaking natural landscape.
Our journey continues to the town of Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Finally, we’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have time to explore the ancient and vibrant Inca town and its imposing ruins. Our professional guide will provide a complete explanation of this remarkable site.
Afterward, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night at a hotel.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Approximately one hour before your entrance time to Machu Picchu, our staff will assist you and accompany you to the bus station, where you will board the transport that takes you on a 25-minute journey up to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Upon arrival, you will begin a two-hour guided tour, during which you will discover the main archaeological sectors of this historic sanctuary. Alongside your professional guide, you will explore highlights such as the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Sun, and other impressive structures that showcase the advanced architectural and spiritual knowledge of the Inca Empire.
As you walk through terraces, stairways, and temples, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Huayna Picchu Mountain and the lush natural surroundings that embrace this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will be an unforgettable experience, blending history, mysticism, and a unique connection with the Andean nature.
After the guided visit, you will have free time to continue exploring on your own or enjoy lunch (not included) in the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafés overlooking the Urubamba River.
Later, you must arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at the train station to board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to transfer you by tourist bus back to the city of Cusco, concluding a day full of history and wonder.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
The tour begins early in the morning; we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. for a 1.5-hour bus ride heading south to the district of Cusipata (3310 m a.s.l.), where you will enjoy a semi-buffet breakfast.
We will then continue for two more hours along an unpaved road until we reach the control point and begin our hike to Kayrahuiri. The walk will take approximately 50 minutes, during which you will observe typical Andean flora and fauna, including llamas and alpacas grazing freely in the mountains.
As we ascend through beautiful valleys and admire snow-capped peaks, we will reach the Vinikunka Viewpoint or Rainbow Mountain (5080 m a.s.l.), where our guide will provide a detailed explanation about the mountain’s geology, ecosystem, and striking natural colors. You will have time to appreciate the Vinikunka mountain range (5020 m), take memorable photos, and enjoy the breathtaking Andean scenery.
Afterward, we will return along the same path to the starting point at Kayrahuiri, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusipata for a semi-buffet lunch.
Once lunch is over, we will begin our return trip to Cusco, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
At 9:30 p.m., we will transfer you to the bus terminal to board the sleeper bus bound for Puno, a journey of approximately 7 hours. Upon arrival around 5:30 a.m., our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your selected accommodation.
Day 5: Puno - Uros Island - Taquile
This day begins with pickup at the bus terminal and transfer to your selected hotel. You will be able to use the hotel’s facilities and leave your luggage, as on this first day you will not be occupying a room. Breakfast will be on your own, after which you will get ready to start your tour of Lake Titicaca.
A few minutes before 7:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and transfer you to the main port, where you will embark on an exciting journey across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Our first stop will be at one of the Uros Islands, home to a millenary culture of over 3,000 years, reflected in their floating homes made entirely from totora reeds, a native aquatic plant. You will have the opportunity to learn how they build their houses and gain fascinating insights into their unique way of life. You may also choose to take a ride on a traditional reed boat for an authentic local experience.
Next, we will continue to the island of Taquile, which served as a prison during colonial times. On this island, you will interact with local residents who will demonstrate their exceptional textile craftsmanship and share some of their ancestral customs. You will also have the opportunity to explore less-visited areas of the island, where you can find ancient temples, tombs, and pre-Inca terraces. Later, you will enjoy a traditional lunch in the area.
After a day full of discovery and cultural experiences, we will return to the port and board our boat back to Puno, arriving around 5:30 p.m.
You will spend the night in Puno, resting and recharging for the adventures to come.
Day 6: Puno - Colca
Between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m., our transport will pick you up from your hotel in Puno to begin the journey toward Chivay – Caylloma. Along the way, we will make several scenic stops to fully enjoy the beauty of the Andean landscapes.
Our first stop will be at Lagunillas, the natural habitat of elegant Andean flamingos, where you can admire these birds in their native environment. We will then continue toward Patahuasi and Pampa Cañahuas, located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy a coca or muña infusion (at your own expense) and use the restroom facilities.
The route then ascends to Patapampa, the highest point of the journey (4,910 m / 16,108 ft), known as the Viewpoint of the Volcanoes, from where you can admire the majestic Misti, Ampato, Hualca Hualca, and other Andean peaks dominating the horizon.
Around 12:30 p.m., we will arrive in Chivay, a charming Andean town, where you’ll have a buffet lunch (not included). Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest and acclimatize.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the relaxing hot springs of La Calera (optional activity, with an additional cost), perfect for enjoying the medicinal thermal waters surrounded by a unique natural setting.
Overnight in Chivay.
Day 7: Cross of the Condor - Arequipa
Early in the morning, we will begin our journey to the famous Cruz del Cóndor, located about 41 km from Chivay. This is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest canyons in the world.
From this privileged spot, we will admire the majestic Andean landscape, and with a bit of luck, we will witness the flight of the condors — sacred birds for the ancient Incas — gracefully soaring on the canyon’s air currents. It is truly a unique and moving experience, connecting you with the natural grandeur of Peru.
On the way back to Chivay, we will make stops at the charming traditional villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque, where local traditions, clothing, and the typical architecture of the valley are still preserved. We will also visit the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, from which you can appreciate pre-Inca terraces and agricultural fields built with remarkable ancient engineering.
Upon arrival in Chivay, we will enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included), where you can taste typical dishes of Arequipa’s and the valley’s cuisine.
In the afternoon, we will begin our return trip to the White City of Arequipa, crossing once again through stunning Andean landscapes of plains, volcanoes, and native wildlife such as vicuñas and alpacas.
Arrival in Arequipa is scheduled for around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of our tour services.
Day 8: City Tour Arequipa
We will begin our City Tour at 9:00 a.m. from your designated meeting point. Our first stop will take us to the district of Cayma, one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Arequipa. On the way, we will drive along the scenic route known as the “Bride of Chilina”, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, its agricultural terraces, and the Chili River.
In Cayma, we will explore its Main Square and Church, dating back to 1544, which now houses the Chapel of the Virgin of Candelaria, built by Dominican monks. We will then continue to the Añashuayco quarry area, famous for the extraction of sillar, the volcanic stone used in the construction of Arequipa’s colonial buildings. Here, our expert guide will provide insights into the origin and geology of the quarries, and you will witness firsthand the hard work of local stonecutters.
Next, we will head to Yanahuara, where we will visit its Main Square, offering an unparalleled view of the city and its surrounding volcanoes. Afterwards, we will continue to the San Camilo Market, for an authentic local experience, and then proceed to Arequipa’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas), where the guide will share information about the history and colonial architecture that surrounds this emblematic site.
We will conclude our tour by dropping passengers off at the entrance of the Monastery of Santa Catalina (optional visit) or, upon request, at the Main Square.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Day 9: Arequipa / Departure
At the coordinated time, you will be transferred to the Arequipa Airport for your departure.
End of our services.
Included:
- Transfer airport – hotel – airport (both in Cusco and Arequipa)
- 02 nights of accommodation in Cusco.
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 night accommodation in Puno.
- 01 night accommodation in Chivay (Colca).
- 02 night accommodation in Arequipa.
- 01 Buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley Tour.
- 01 Buffet lunch on the Colca cañon.
- 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch in the Tour of the Colors Mountain.
- 01 Lunch in Taquile.
- Tourist transport on tours
- Bilingual professional guide on tours.
- BTG (Cusco General Tourist Ticket).
- Entrance ticket to Qorikancha.
- Entrance ticket to Maras salt mines.
- Entrance ticket to rainbow mountain.
- Entrance ticket to Colca cañon.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
- Aguas Calientes bus ticket – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Voyager or Expedition tourist train ticket (Ollantaytambo route – Machupicchu and vice versa).
- Bus Ticket Cusco – Puno.
- First aid kit, oxygen balloon in the Tour of the Mountain of Colors and Laguna Humantay (group use).
- Permanent guidance and monitoring to the passenger.
Not included:
- International air tickets.
- Internal air tickets Lima – Cusco / Arequipa – Lima.
- unmentioned meals.
- Entrance to the thermal baths “La Calera” (15 soles).
- Consumption or personal expenses of passengers.
Recommendations
- Travel documents and money.
- Suitable clothing and footwear.
- Personal hygiene items and medicines.
- Sun protection and water bottle.
- Camera or phone.
- Plug adapter (if necessary).
- Map, travel guide and book.
- Padlock and resealable bags.
- Umbrella or raincoat (depending on the weather).
- Insect repellent (if necessary).
- Travel insurance and copies of itinerary and important contacts.
