Inca Pathways : Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today.  After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Ramada Costa del Sol Hotel.  Settle into your room and rest up after your travels.  You have an exciting trip ahead, filled with ancient ruins, local markets and the beautiful Andes Mountains!

Day 2 Fly to Juliaca - Transfer to Puno (B)

Day 3 Islands of Lake Titicaca (B)

Depart this morning with your local guide for the floating islands of the Uros people. Peru's floating islands are built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow along Lake Titicaca, and these reeds are interwoven to make homes, boats, and crafts.  In the afternoon, visit Taquile Island. Climb the steps to the plaza at the center of the island for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Return to Puno and relax this evening on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 4 Journey to Cusco (B,L)

A spectacular bus ride to Cusco crosses the 14,403 feet La Raya pass. Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru's altiplano. Along the way, enjoy optional visits to the "Sistine Chapel" of Peru and a pre-Incan site, as well as a huge lunch featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine.  Entrances to the sites are additional (around $10 per person), but the lunch is on us! Your final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!

Day 5 Explore Cusco (B)

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own.  You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.  Live folk music and excellent food abounds in Cusco!

Day 6 Sacred Valley (B,L)

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru.  The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why!  You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today.  Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops.  Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night.

Day 7 Train to Machu Picchu (B)

Follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. As visitors, you are welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of Machu Picchu, you'll return to the village of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu).  Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants or end your day soaking in the hot springs after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Day 8 Free Day at Machu Picchu (B)

Day 9 Fly to Lima and Fly Home (B)

Or with more time, extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon.  Click here to see our Peru extensions!