Peru Inka Highlights – 10 days
Join our group tours, Beginning every 1st & 15th of the month!
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca
10 Days / 9 Nights
Embark on a captivating journey that invites you to experience the rich cultural and natural wonders of Peru. From the ancient streets of Cusco and the breathtaking Sacred Valley to the iconic Machu Picchu, this expedition showcases the country’s diverse landscapes and historical treasures. You will explore the vibrant city of Cusco, trek the legendary Inca Trail or enjoy a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, and witness the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. Continue your adventure with a scenic journey to Puno, where you will immerse yourself in the unique culture of the floating Uros Islands and spend a night with a local family on Amantani Island, surrounded by the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca. Visit the island of Taquile, known for its exquisite textiles, and explore ancient pre-Inca archaeological sites. This journey is designed to provide an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty, offering you a true connection to Peru’s heart and soul.
Trip Details
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Begin your adventure with a scenic flight over the majestic Andes Mountains, arriving in Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, at 3,399 meters (11,151 feet). Upon arrival, a representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore the vibrant city at your own pace and acclimate to the altitude. Take in the unique charm, discover its hidden gems, and enjoy the views.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Welcome dinner
Day 2: Cusco City Tour and Cooking Class
This morning, embark on a city tour of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Your guide will take you through cobblestone streets, showcasing a beautiful mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Visit the Qoricancha temple, a sacred Inca site, followed by Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress with massive stonework. Continue to Qenqo and Tambomachay before returning to the city. Later, stroll through the bustling San Pedro market with a local chef, discovering the ingredients that define Peruvian cuisine. Then, head to the kitchen for a fun and interactive cooking class, preparing classic dishes like Lomo Saltado, Quinoa Chaufa, or Trout Ceviche, paired with a Pisco Sour.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Sacred Valley
After breakfast, your Sacred Valley exploration begins with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad, a llama and alpaca farm supporting local communities. Interact with these fascinating animals before continuing to the Pisac Market, where skilled artisans sell traditional handicrafts. Then, explore the Pisac archaeological site, rich in Inca history. After lunch in Urubamba, visit Ollantaytambo, a stunning archaeological site and “Living Inca Village,” preserving the spirit of the Inca civilization.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Option A – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, head to Ollantaytambo station to board the train that follows the scenic Urubamba River deep into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Upon arriving at Kilometer 104, disembark and cross the mighty Urubamba River to begin your trek. Your first stop will be the spiritual site of Chachabamba, a sacred location dedicated to the water deities. From there, embark on a three-hour ascent to Wiñay Huayna, an impressive archaeological site and spiritual sanctuary. After exploring Wiñay Huayna, continue to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you will be rewarded with your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. As the day comes to a close, descend to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and prepare for your guided tour of Machu Picchu the next day.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Option B – Leisurely Morning and Train to Aguas Calientes
Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast and take some time to explore your surroundings. After checking out of your hotel at 10:00 AM, you’ll take a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to explore this charming town at your own pace. You can visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum to learn more about the history and archaeology of Machu Picchu or take a rejuvenating dip in the town’s natural hot springs. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking in the local atmosphere before settling in for the evening.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast, take the bus to the majestic Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel. Your guide will explain the significance of its most important sites. For those seeking more adventure, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu is available. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
You’ll start early, departing from your hotel at 4:30 AM to head southeast toward Rainbow Mountain. After breakfast in the Ccolpa community, continue to the trailhead at Quesiuno.
Begin your hike through spectacular high-altitude landscapes, passing traditional Andean villages, herds of llamas and alpacas, and diverse flora and fauna. Upon reaching the summit (5,020 meters/16,466 feet), witness the stunning display of mineral-rich colored layers that create the iconic Rainbow Mountain. After taking in the views, descend and enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Journey from Cusco to Puno and Arrival at Lake Titicaca
After a delightful breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide for the journey to Puno, nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you’ll make several fascinating stops. First, visit Andahuaylillas, often called the Andean Sistine Chapel. Then, explore the impressive Inca temple of Raqchi before continuing to La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,350 meters (14,271 feet). Finally, stop at Pukara, the oldest ceremonial center on this side of Tiahuanaco. Upon arrival in Puno, enjoy your first breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca before transferring to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore and dine at your leisure.
Overnight: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Uros Floating Islands and Homestay on Amantani Island
After breakfast, transfer to the main port for a boat ride to Uros Island, where you’ll learn about the floating islands built entirely from totora reeds. You can also opt to take a ride on a traditional “balsa de totora” reed boat. From there, continue to Amantani Island, where a local family will welcome you into their home. After a traditional lunch, visit the pre-Inca Pachatata temple. In the evening, hike to the island’s highest point to witness a stunning sunset over Lake Titicaca.
Overnight: Amantani Island (Homestay Experience)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Taquile Island and Return to Puno
After breakfast, take a boat to Taquile Island, renowned for its intricate textiles and handicrafts. Learn about the island’s customs, including the significance of the locals’ traditional hats. Explore the island’s temples, terraces, and pre-Inca archaeological sites before enjoying lunch with a view. In the afternoon, return to Puno and settle into your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Departure from Puno and Flight Home
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima, where you’ll connect to your international flight home. If you prefer, you may also opt for a stay at the Wyndham Lima Airport Hotel for added convenience before your flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
End of Services
- Private transportation, including airport pickup/drop-off
- All tours are private service
- Vistadome Train and bus tickets
- Entrance fees to all sites
- Bilingual (English & Spanish) guides
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno)
- 24/7 support
Price per person:
With Short Inca Trail (Option A), 8 nights in a 3-star hotel and 1 homestay: $1,685 USD
With train to Machu Picchu (Option B), 8 nights in a 3-star hotel and 1 homestay: $1,585 USD
**Important Notes**:
- Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy. For single occupancy, it will cost $65 extra per night.
- A 50% deposit of the total amount is required to reserve your spot. Deposit is non-refundable, but in some cases may be transferable. Remaining balance is due upon arrival. A 6% PayPal processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions, including the deposit. To avoid the 6% charge for the remaining balance, we suggest bringing cash.
- Flights are not included in price.