THE JOURNEY
An eight-day journey from the Imperial City of Cusco through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu to the sky-high waters of Lake Titicaca, birthplace of the Inca legend — with the scenic Route of the Sun in between.
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THE ROUTE
Welcome to Peru | Arrival in Cusco
On arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the Machupicchu Glory team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in the historic center, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire at 3,399 m.
Day | Gentle acclimatization
The morning is reserved for acclimatization: rest, sip coca tea and let your body adjust. In the afternoon, if you feel ready, stroll the cobblestone streets around the Plaza de Armas, admire the Cathedral at dusk and wander the bohemian San Blas quarter. Your guide provides a full briefing for the days ahead. Overnight in Cusco.
Free morning | The heart of the city
A free morning to explore Cusco's museums or relax on the Plaza de Armas.
Afternoon | Guided city tour
We begin at the Cathedral, a treasury of Cusco-school paintings including the famous "Last Supper" with roasted guinea pig, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the empire's most sacred sanctuary beneath the Santo Domingo convent. We continue uphill to Sacsayhuamán, the monumental ceremonial fortress; Q'enqo, a carved-rock shrine; Puka Pukara, the "red fortress"; and Tambomachay, the sacred "Bath of the Inca." Return to Cusco in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.
Morning | Pisac market and citadel
We depart toward the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. In Pisac we browse the colorful market and climb to the hilltop archaeological complex, with its ceremonial temples, ritual baths and cascading agricultural terraces.
Midday | Buffet lunch in Urubamba
We enjoy a hearty buffet lunch of regional Andean dishes.
Afternoon | Ollantaytambo fortress
We explore the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town whose massive terraces and Temple of the Sun rise above the valley, and walk its original Inca streets. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Morning | Train to the citadel
We board the panoramic train in Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba River through canyons and cloud forest to Aguas Calientes. A short bus ride climbs to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Midday | Guided tour of the wonder
Our guide leads a two-hour tour of the sanctuary — its temples, palaces, plazas, agricultural terraces and the Intihuatana ritual stone — set against soaring green peaks. Free time to explore, photograph, or walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Afternoon | Return to Cusco
We return by bus to Aguas Calientes, take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Full day | Across the high Andes
We travel by comfortable tourist bus along the legendary "Route of the Sun" connecting Cusco to Puno. We stop at Andahuaylillas to visit its 17th-century church, the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," then Raqchi, dominated by the colossal Temple of Wiracocha and its circular storehouses.
Afternoon | La Raya and Pukará
After a buffet lunch in Sicuani, we climb to La Raya Pass at 4,335 m, the highest point and border between Cusco and Puno, then visit the Pukará Museum with its pre-Inca monoliths and ceramics. Arrive in Puno in the evening. Overnight in Puno.
Morning | The Uros floating islands
We transfer to Puno's port for a full-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and, by legend, the birthplace of the Inca civilization. We visit the extraordinary Uros floating islands, hand-built from totora reeds, and learn how the community sustains its unique way of life on the water.
Afternoon | Taquile Island
We sail across the deep-blue expanse to Taquile Island, renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textile art. We climb to the village square with sweeping lake views toward the Bolivian cordillera and enjoy a traditional lunch of lake trout and quinoa soup before returning to Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Optional morning | The chullpas of Sillustani
An optional half-day excursion to the pre-Inca funerary towers of Sillustani, set on a peninsula above the beautiful Lake Umayo. These towering cylindrical stone chullpas, built to bury Colla and Inca nobility, are among the most impressive burial monuments in the Andes.
Day | Puno at leisure
Alternatively, spend the day exploring Puno, the "Folklore Capital of Peru": its lively main square, artisan markets and the Coca Museum. A gentle day to rest at altitude and absorb the Titicaca highlands. Overnight in Puno.
Morning | Farewell to the altiplano
Savor a final breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca. Depending on your onward plans, the Machupicchu Glory team transfers you to Juliaca's Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (about 1 hour from Puno) for your departure flight, or to the bus terminal if continuing to Cusco, Arequipa or Bolivia. End of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Inca world. End of our services.
THE DETAILS
Before You Go
MOMENTS ALONG THE WAY
TRAVELER STORIES
“Every detail felt considered before we even asked — the private train car, the guide who knew we loved photography and timed our arrival for the light. This is how Machu Picchu should be seen.”
“No crowds, no rush — just the two of us and nine hundred years of stone in the morning mist. Worth every mile.”
