Peru · Culture

8-Day Route of the Ancestral Energies: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno & Titicaca Lake

8 Days Round trip from Lima Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic centre and visit the Larco Museum
  • 02 Discover Cusco’s landmarks, including Qorikancha, San Pedro Market, and the Cathedral
  • 03 Visit Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay
  • 04 Tour the Sacred Valley with stops in Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo
  • 05 Experience a guided visit to Machu Picchu
  • 06 Travel by tourist bus from Cusco to Puno with visits and lunch en route
  • 07 Cruise Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island
  • 08 Includes accommodation, airport transfers, and multiple breakfasts and lunches

Discover Peru through a rich 8-day journey that connects the country’s colonial heritage, Inca history, and living traditions. From Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic centre and the Larco Museum to the monumental sites of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, this itinerary brings together some of Peru’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Continue to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, then travel across the Andean highlands to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Along the way, explore archaeological sites, local markets, traditional weaving communities, and island cultures that still preserve ancestral ways of life.

This day, you will enjoy a wonderful time in connection with the energies of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cusco, Juliaca, Puno, Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Day 1: Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures

Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima. Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

2
Day 02

Day 2: Cusco, Capital of Inca´s Empire

Arrival to the city of Cusco, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyocfinding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

3
Day 03

Day 3: Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city.

4
Day 04

Day 4: Sacred Valley of Incas, Chinchero, Moray & Ollantaytambo

Let’s visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be in the town of Chinchero, the most typical and picturesque of the Sacred Valley where we will appreciate its Inca archaeological complex and its beautiful colonial Church. Chinchero is also famous for its women weavers, who may teach us the ancient Inca techniques for dyeing and spinning with Alpaca wool. We will continue to Moray, beautiful and curious Inca archaeological complex composed of colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. In Incas times, it served as an agricultural laboratory where diverse microclimates were recreated. Lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. Finally, we end our tour visiting the fabulous archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo important for the Incas as a military, religious and agricultural center. We will visit the Temple of the ten windows, the bathrooms of the ñusta, the Temple of the Sun among other places of interest. The postcards from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Overnight Stay in Sacred Valley area.

5
Day 05

Day 5: Machu Picchu, the lost citadel

Breakfast. This day, you will enjoy a wonderful time in connection with the energies of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Our staff will assist you on boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish your feelings with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. After a guided visit, we will have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. On time, return to Cusco. Overnight stay in Cusco.

6
Day 06

Day 6: Route to the Andean Altiplano, touristic Bus to Puno & Wiracocha temple remains

Breakfast. Departure on a tour bus to Puno. On the way we’ll stop to visit the attractions this beautiful route has to offer. Our first stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas. Visit to the beautiful chapel. We will continue our trip to Racchi, Temple of the Wiracocha god where the walls and narrow streets stand out. Then it’s lunch time and the opportunity to see the view at La Raya, natural border between Puno and Cusco. .Before our final destination, we will stop in Pucara Museum and a chance to get one of the local classic bull shaped ceramics. Then, we will arrive in Puno at the end of the afternoon. Overnight Stay in Puno.

7
Day 07

Day 7: Titicaca Lake, Uros & Taquile Islands

Breakfast. Full day tour to explore the Titicaca Lake. Our first stop will be the Uros floating reed islands. The friendly inhabitants of these handmade islands will welcome us and they show the techniques to build their reed boats and islands. Then our motorboat will ride to Taquile Island, a place in which the settlers still maintain their ancestral traditions and colorful typical clothes. A great opportunity to explore the island and get the best view of the lake. A typical lunch is provided in a local community restaurant. Nearly to sunset, our boat will go back to the pier in Puno. Stay in Puno.

8
Day 08

Day 8: Farewell day

Breakfast. On time, our vehicle will pick you to go to Juliaca Airport, one hour far from Puno. Have a great trip !!!

WEB-8RAEE / WEB-8RAEV

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lima 10 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Round-trip arrival and departure airport transfers
  • City tour
  • 1 night of accommodation - Daily breakfast
  • Half Day City tour and Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman
  • Premium Sacred Valley: Chinchero town, Moray and Ollantaytambo Inca Town (Included buffet lunch)
  • Machu Picchu excursion - Buffet lunch at Aguas calientes restaurant
  • Cusco / Puno by bus with visits and lunch on route
  • 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco - 1 night of accommodation in the Sacred Valley - Daily Breakfast
  • Transfer bus station / hotel / airport
  • Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island with typical lunch
  • 2 nights of accommodation - Daily breakfast

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Airport taxes ($11.00 for domestic flights and $32.00 for international)
  • Flights tickets Lima - Cusco and Puno - Lima

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants. Otherwise, your tour may not be confirmed.
  • When booking your flight from Lima to Cusco, it must be in the morning. Arrival by noon is too late.
  • Upon time of booking, please provide flight itinerary for international flights and domestic flights
  • Important: If you go suffer from altitude sickness, please bring medicine or ask your doctor for advice before you depart.
  • This tour beginnings in Lima and finish in Puno.
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • In Cusco, our staff will be providing your train tickets and entrance to Machupicchu the same day of the excursion.
  • Departure Point: Tour departs from the International Airport in Lima and coincides with your flight's arrival

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Lima, PE
Tour start
Lima, PE
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Lima.

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