Lake Titicaca & Inca Trail Journey – 12 Days

Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel. There are no scheduled activities for today, allowing you to check in, unwind, and recover from your international flight. Enjoy your first evening in Lima with a comfortable overnight stay as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to relax. In the afternoon, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Lima, the «City of Kings.» This comprehensive excursion showcases the city’s three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary. You’ll learn about Lima‘s pre-Columbian cultures dating back thousands of years and its role in the Inca Empire before its founding by Francisco Pizarro in 1535.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Lima Airport for your flight to Juliaca (Puno). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Puno. En route, visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, impressive 40-foot-high stone cylinder burial chambers used by the Aymara people for their important leaders. The picturesque Lake Umayo in front of the chullpas adds to the beauty of the site, where you might also spot wild guinea pigs, birds, and other local wildlife.

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin a two-day excursion on Lake Titicaca. A morning motorboat trip takes you to the unique Floating Islands of the Uros. These ancient «Water Tribe» inhabitants construct their islands, homes, and boats entirely from «Totora» reeds. Continue by motorboat to Amantani Island, home to Quechua-speaking natives who preserve ancient traditions, specializing in ceramics and textiles. Enjoy lunch on Amantani and spend the night experiencing the warm hospitality of a local islander’s home.

Following breakfast at your host family’s house, take some time to wander the charming streets of Amantani Island. Later in the morning, a motorboat will transport you to Taquile Island, another island inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives renowned for their efficient social systems and exceptional hand-weaving techniques. To reach the village, you’ll ascend a stone staircase of over 567 steps amidst terraced greenery. Enjoy lunch on Taquile, followed by a walk through the island’s hills and archaeological sites. In the afternoon, return to Puno.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart around 7:00 AM for a transfer to the bus station, beginning your scenic journey to Cusco. Along the way, you’ll witness beautiful Andean landscapes and visit important archaeological sites like Raqchi, as well as the village of Andahuaylillas, famous for its «Sixteen Chapel» (the Chapel of San Pedro Apóstol), built in the mid-17th century. Lunch will be served in Sicuani. Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart at 8:30 AM for a full-day tour of the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is the town of Pisac, famous for its vibrant market, where ancient «exchange transactions» (bartering) once took place. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase beautifully handcrafted local products. On Sundays, a special mass is celebrated in Quechua and conducted in Spanish, attended by mayors playing traditional «pututos» instruments. After a typical Peruvian lunch, you’ll visit the magnificent ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachakuteq, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui during the Inca rebellion against the Spanish. In the afternoon, return to Cusco.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before an early 6:00 AM transfer to Km 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. The hike begins by crossing a bridge over the Urubamba River, following its left bank northwest. After trekking along flat terrain, you’ll reach Miskay (9,184 ft / 2800m) before ascending to an overlook with impressive views of the Inca city of Llactapata (8,692 ft / 2650m). The journey continues through the valley formed by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until you reach the community of Wayllabamba (9,840 ft / 3000m), your first campsite.

After breakfast, prepare for the most challenging part of the trek: an abrupt and steep 5.6-mile (9 km) ascent. This climb leads to the first and highest pass, Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass (13,828 ft / 4215m). From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After reaching the summit, a steep descent will take you to your next campsite in Pacaymayo Valley (11,975 ft / 3650m).

Today involves further trekking with visits to several significant Inca archaeological sites. From Pacaymayo, you’ll ascend to the second pass, Runkurakay (13,123 ft / 4000m), offering spectacular views. Descend to explore the ruins of Runkurakay and Sayacmarca (11,811 ft / 3600m). The trail then leads through cloud forest, revealing the impressive agricultural terraces and buildings of Phuyupatamarca (12,073 ft / 3680m), also known as «Town in the Clouds.» After another descent, you’ll reach the beautiful site of Wiñay Wayna (8,858 ft / 2700m), meaning «Forever Young,» an exquisite Inca complex of terraces and a waterfall. This is your final campsite before Machu Picchu.

An early start today! After a final breakfast on the trail, you’ll walk to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), reaching it just as the sun rises over Machu Picchu, offering an unforgettable first view of the citadel. You’ll then descend into Machu Picchu itself for a comprehensive guided tour of this awe-inspiring Inca Lost City, exploring its temples, palaces, and agricultural sectors. After your guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore independently or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if permits were secured in advance). In the afternoon, take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll catch your train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, followed by a transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Cusco Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable Lake Titicaca & Inca Trail Journey.