Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca 6D/5N | Luxury Andes Experience

The city tour can be done in the morning (08:00 am) or in the afternoon (01:00 pm). We begin by picking you up from your hotel and then start the tour of the Imperial City of Cusco. The first place to visit is Koricancha, the ancient Inca Palace and the main center of worship to the Sun God Inti.

Our tour continues to the archaeological site of the Sacsayhuaman fortress. According to some archaeologists, the construction raises questions about how the stones were transported to the site.

We will then explore the archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, and finally the textile center Manos de la Comun

• 3* Accommodations: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
• 4* Accommodations: Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection & N

We depart at 7:30 am from your hotel in Cusco in a private vehicle, heading toward the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is the Taray Viewpoint, where you can admire sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and its traditional farming communities, landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Continuing onward, we visit the Pisac Archaeological Site, famous for its extensive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs, impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, and a fascinating Inca tunnel system. We spend approximately two hours exploring this important citadel before descending to the vibrant Pisac Market, rich in local culture and handicrafts.

Afterward, we drive to Urubamba to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Moray, often referred to as the “Greenhouse of the Incas.” This extraordinary site features concentric circular terraces carved into a deep basin, creating distinct microclimates that archaeologists believe were used for agricultural experimentation and crop adaptation.

Our journey continues to the colonial town of Maras, overlooking the ancient Salt Mines (Salineras). These thousands of salt pools have been used since pre-Inca times, fed by a natural underground saltwater spring. This is one of the few places in the world where naturally occurring pink salt is produced.

Finally, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in existence. With our guide, explore the monumental Inca ruins and ascend the impressive terraces to the Temple of the Sun, learning about the strategic importance of this site during the early days of the Spanish conquest.

In the evening, after dinner, we board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Train Schedule: Ollantaytambo (19:04) → Aguas Calientes (20:45)

Accommodations

• 3★: Ferre Hotel Machu Picchu
• 4★: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (Superior Room)

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

This is the highlight of your journey. After an early breakfast, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, allowing you to experience the magic of sunrise over this legendary citadel.

Enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours, exploring the most important sectors of Machu Picchu and learning how the site is divided into agricultural, residential, and religious areas. Your guide will share insights into Inca engineering, astronomy, and daily life within this extraordinary sanctuary.

After the visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may have free time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting the local museum or hot springs.

In the afternoon, board the Vistadome Train back to Ollantaytambo (departure options: 3:20 pm, 4:22 pm, 4:43 pm or 6:20 pm), enjoying scenic views along the Urubamba River and, weather permitting, glimpses of Wiñay Wayna high on the canyon walls. Upon arrival, our private driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Estimated arrival in Cusco: Between 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm.

Note: During the rainy season (January–April), the Vistadome Train operates only to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transportation to Cusco is provided.

Accommodations

• 3★: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
• 4★: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, hot drinks & snacks on the train

Optional: Huayna Picchu Mountain hike (unguided, must be booked in advance)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at 10:00 am and transferred to the train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s most luxurious train.

This exclusive rail journey features an open-air observatory car, elegant lounge areas, live Andean music and dances, and exceptional personalized service. Throughout the journey, enjoy panoramic views of remote Andean landscapes while savoring gourmet meals prepared onboard.

Spend the night in your private cabin, arriving in Puno around 7:00 am the following morning. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel.

• Accommodation: Overnight private cabin on the train
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (onboard)

Breakfast is served at 6:00 am, followed by transfer to the port of Puno for your boat excursion at 8:30 am.

Your first visit is to the Uros Floating Islands, home to indigenous communities who construct their islands entirely from totora reeds. Learn about their unique way of life, traditional housing, and ancestral customs.

Continue to Taquile Island, known for its strong cultural identity and textile traditions. The island’s inhabitants primarily speak Aymara, and its heritage dates back to the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, enjoy a cultural presentation including traditional dances, artisan demonstrations, and lunch.

In the afternoon, return by boat to Puno and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodations

• 3★: Casa Andina Standard or Tierra Viva
• 4★: Casa Andina Premium Puno or Sonesta Hotel Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy free time in Puno until your scheduled departure. In the late morning or afternoon, optional private transfer to Juliaca Airport (approximately 1.5 hours) for your return flight to Lima.

• Optional Transfer: USD 60 per group
• Meals Included: Breakfast