Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Adventure

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for our flight from Lima to Cusco.

Upon arrival, enjoy free time to rest and adjust to the altitude before beginning our exploration of this historic Andean city.

Cusco was considered a sacred city by the Incas and an important pilgrimage destination. Known historically as Qosqo, it was regarded as the center of their world.

Today, Cusco offers a fascinating combination of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Churches, monasteries, convents, and ancient Inca remains can be found throughout the city.

Many streets feature beautifully constructed Inca stonework that later served as foundations for Spanish buildings during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner at a traditional restaurant featuring a Peruvian folklore show.

Enjoy Andean music performed on traditional instruments while dancers dressed in colorful costumes present historic Peruvian dances.

Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and some free time for souvenir shopping.

This afternoon, begin our guided sightseeing tour of historic Cusco.

Visit the Main Square, the Cathedral, and the famous Temple of the Sun, also known as Korikancha.

Continue outside the city to explore important Inca archaeological sites, including Kenko, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara.

One of today's highlights is the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically situated on a hill overlooking Cusco.

This remarkable Inca complex is famous for its enormous carved stones, assembled with extraordinary precision to create massive walls.

Some stones are more than 30 feet tall and weigh over 350 tons.

Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco

Today, discover the magnificent Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its picturesque villages, agricultural terraces, and remarkable archaeological sites.

Visit the colorful Market of Pisac, a traditional Andean marketplace where local residents sell handicrafts and other regional products.

Enjoy time exploring the market and discovering local Peruvian traditions.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.

This afternoon, travel through the towns of Calca and Urubamba toward the impressive Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo.

Built to protect the entrance to the valley, Ollantaytambo features massive stone terraces and long staircases carved into the mountainside.

Walk through the charming streets of the nearby town, which served as an important religious and agricultural center during the Inca Empire.

Continue to the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero, where the remains of the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui can be found.

Admire the preserved Inca walls in the Main Square and visit the beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations.

Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco

Begin the day with an early morning transfer to the train station for our unforgettable journey toward Machu Picchu.

Enjoy a scenic train ride through the spectacular Andean landscape, following the Urubamba River as it winds through green valleys beneath towering mountains and Andean glaciers.

After approximately three and a half hours of travel, arrive in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before traveling up the mountain to the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas.

Upon arrival, begin our guided exploration of this extraordinary archaeological wonder.

Visit the Main Plaza, Circular Tower, Sacred Sun Dial or Intiwatana, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, and various ancient burial grounds.

Following the guided tour, enjoy time to explore the archaeological site and appreciate its breathtaking mountain setting.

Return to Aguas Calientes for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Hatun Inti Boutique

Enjoy the opportunity to wake up early and experience the beautiful mountain surroundings of Aguas Calientes.

Spend the morning exploring the town, enjoying the scenery, or visiting the local thermal hot springs.

Optional activities described in the itinerary include a second visit to the Machu Picchu citadel for an additional fee.

More adventurous travelers may wish to consider hiking Huayna Picchu, subject to weather conditions, permits, and availability.

This challenging mountain hike offers extraordinary views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean landscape.

The published itinerary estimates approximately two and a half hours to reach the summit.

In the afternoon, return to Cusco by train and transfer to our hotel.

The evening is free. The itinerary recommends dining at the hotel and enjoying an early night.

Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco

This morning, depart Cusco by bus for our scenic journey through the Andean highlands toward Puno.

Travel past beautiful Wacarpay Lake, where surrounding mountains are reflected in the peaceful waters.

Visit the pre-Inca archaeological site of Pikillacta, a remarkable ancient settlement containing more than 700 structures.

Some surviving walls at Pikillacta rise nearly 40 feet high.

Continue to Andahuaylillas to visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, often called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.

Admire its beautifully decorated interior and colorful ceiling.

Along the way, stop at an impressive Inca sanctuary dedicated to Wiracocha, an important deity in Inca mythology.

Continue through La Raya, where herds of vicuñas and llamas may be seen in the surrounding highlands.

Stop in the town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile center, to explore the Temple of Kalasaya, associated with the ancient Pucara culture.

Enjoy lunch at a countryside restaurant, sampling the traditional cuisine of the region.

Arrive in Puno later in the afternoon and check in to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Inn Puno

Today, experience one of Peru's most fascinating cultural destinations during an unforgettable motorboat excursion across Lake Titicaca.

Begin with a visit to the remarkable Floating Islands of the Uros.

The Uros people, traditionally associated with life on the lake, have created floating islands using layers of totora reeds.

These reeds are also used in the construction of traditional homes and boats.

Learn about this distinctive way of life and the traditions that have developed around Lake Titicaca.

Continue by motorboat to Taquile Island, home to Quechua-speaking communities known for their unique social traditions and exceptional handwoven textiles.

These traditional weaving techniques have been passed down through generations.

Enjoy lunch at a local inn on Taquile Island.

After lunch, take a walk through the island's hills and archaeological sites while admiring beautiful views of Lake Titicaca.

Return to Puno following our island excursion.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Inn Puno

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima.

Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Peru's historic capital, known as the City of Kings.

Explore the Historical Center of Lima and discover important landmarks associated with Peru's colonial heritage.

Highlights described in the itinerary include the Main Square, Government Palace, City Hall, and Lima Cathedral, which contains the tomb of Francisco Pizarro.

The tour also includes the Cathedral Museum, Temple of Santo Domingo, Temple of San Pedro, Lima's famous colonial balconies, Torre Tagle Palace, Paseo de Aguas, and the Convent de los Descalzos.

Continue with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology for an introduction to Peru's remarkable pre-Columbian history.

Discover archaeological collections including Chavin stone sculptures, Paracas textiles, Nazca and Mochica ceramics, and Chimu metalwork.

The museum also features paintings, documents, and objects related to Peru's colonial and republican history.

Tonight, celebrate the conclusion of our Peruvian adventure with a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a traditional folklore performance while sharing unforgettable memories with your fellow singles and solo travelers.

Accommodation: Jose Antonio Hotel

Today marks the end of our unforgettable Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Adventure.

Say goodbye to your new travel friends and fellow adventurers as we prepare for our journey home.

Transfer to the airport for your international return flight.

Take home wonderful memories of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the remarkable cultural heritage of Peru.