Peru and the Sun Path 7 days

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Group size

2 / 16

Activity level

Moderate / Challenging

Overview

8-day Inca Trail Machu Picchu Tourist Package, including Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Lake Titicaca. The package covers hotels, transfers, tents, entrance fees, and guides. Reserve your spots in advance to secure your place on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 1 | LIMA.

Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel.

The tour starts with picking up passengers from their hotels in Lima. We then visit Intihuatana Park on the Malecon of Miraflores, where we’ll enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Our tour continues through the modern residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro, and we’ll see the exterior of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial pyramid that has withstood Lima's urban expansion.

Next, we will explore El Olivar Park and the Financial Center before heading to the Historic Center of Lima. Declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1991, this area was the heart of the Spanish colony in the 16th century, featuring the earliest buildings. We’ll visit Plaza San Martin, view old balconies and houses, Plaza Mayor, and important landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace, and Desamparados Station.

We will also tour one of the most significant 17th-century monasteries, where relics of the three Peruvian saints—Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macías—are preserved. We will then return to Miraflores, where you can either visit the Indian market in Larcomar or head back to your hotel to conclude the tour.

DAY 2 | LIMA - CUSCO

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Lima airport.

Flight from Lima to Cusco (on behalf of the passengers).

Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be received and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy a free afternoon to acclimate to the altitude or explore activities on your own.

DAY 3 | SACRED VALLEY

Breakfast at the hotel.

The tour starts with picking up passengers from their hotels and heading to the Vilcanota River and the Sacred Valley. We will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac, which consists of a series of terraces and structures scattered across the slopes and mountaintop. Next, we will explore the Pisac Indian market, offering a chance to learn about local customs. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Ollantaytambo fortress and citadel, designed to protect the entrance to the valley from potential jungle tribes. On our return to Cusco, we will stop in the charming village of Chinchero to see the remains of the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Day 4 | CUSCO - INKATRAIL TO KM 104.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by ITEP Van from Cusco to the train station, followed by a train ride to Km 104, the entrance to the Inca Trail.

Today’s trek covers one of the most impressive sections of the Inca Trail. We’ll explore stunning Inca sites, observe diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes. Our 16 km journey starts in the Sacred Valley, progressing along the original Inca Trail to the site of Wiñay Wayna, and continues to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

As we approach Machu Picchu, we’ll pass through the lush cloud forest of the mountain, where we might see various plants, flowers, birds, and possibly larger mammals like Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears if we’re fortunate.

After a full day of trekking, we’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon, offering our first views of Machu Picchu below. The light at this time is ideal for photos, with fewer tourists around, making it perfect for capturing images of the site. Following our visit to the Sun Gate, we’ll continue along the trail briefly before taking a side path to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll check into our hotel.

DAY 5 | MACHUPICCHU THE SUNRISE EXPERIENCE

Waking up early (04:00am), we'll take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu to enter as soon as it opens (06:00am). We will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site, where you'll learn about the Inkas and explore the most significant areas of the citadel. After the tour, you'll have free time to explore on your own, and if you have permits, you can hike Huayna Picchu (2-hour round trip) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3-hour round trip).

You’ll also have the option to:

To return to Cusco, you will first travel by bus to Aguas Calientes, then board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Train departure times may vary based on the schedule and availability. At Ollantaytambo, you’ll meet our private van for the transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

DAY 6 | CUSCO - PUNO

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the bus station for your trip to Puno. If staying in a 4 or 5-star hotel, you will travel by Perurail Titicaca train, which operates only on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On other days, the journey from Cusco to Puno will be by tourist bus.

Upon arrival in Puno, you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation.

Overnight stay in Puno.

DAY 7 | PUNO: TITICACA LAKE

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the designated time, we will embark on a tour of two of the most popular islands on Lake Titicaca. First, we’ll visit the Uros Floating Islands, home to an ancient community living on floating islands made of cattails, with over 90 islands to explore. Next, we’ll head to Taquile Island, where we’ll take a walk of about 35 minutes to learn about its history and customs, and enjoy a delicious lunch. The trip is designed to be manageable, and we will return from Taquile to Puno in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing ample time to explore both islands.

Return to Puno for an overnight stay.

DAY 8 | PUNO OUT

Breakfast at the hotel.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport.

Includes