Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Titicaca Lake (Puno)

Highlight of the day: The majesty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is present. Get ready, you will have a lot of history on every tour.

After breakfast, we will start the day by picking you up from your hotel, and going to the picturesque town of Chinchero (3,762 m / 12,342 ft), “The town of the Rainbow”. There, we will admire Chinchero’s temple and several Inca constructions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in the making of alpaca wool and fine Andean textiles.

Continuing our tour, we will visit the gigantic circular terraces of Moray (3,500 m / 11,483 ft), evidence of advanced Inca agricultural engineering.

Our next stop will be the Maras salt mines (3,500 m / 11,483 ft). In this place, you will find more than 3,000 salt wells which have been used for human consumption since pre-Inca times.

Finally, in the afternoon, we will take our train from Ollantaytambo station (2,792 / 9160 ft) to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town (2,050 m / 6,725 ft), the gateway to one of the world’s greatest treasures: Machu Picchu.

• Lowest altitude: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft.
• Highest altitude: 3,762 m / 12,342 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Overnight: Aguas Calientes (Golden Sunrise Hotel*** or similar).

Highlight of the day: Feel the energy of one of the world’s wonders that will dazzle you by its history and architecture: Machu Picchu.

On this day, we will wake up early for breakfast and then head to catch one of the first buses that will take us from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).

Once at the entrance, we will present our tickets and passports to start the tour with our guide, who will provide us with a detailed explanation of the history of this Incan marvel. During the visit, we will explore Machu Picchu’s most prominent spots, such as the Lower Platform, perfect for panoramic photos of the Incan citadel, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, Eastern Qolqas, the Sacred Rock, and the Room of Mirrors.

At the end of your guided tour, you will have time to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, if you have only purchased an entrance ticket for either of these places. These extra routes in Machu Picchu are optional, cost additional money and must be booked in advance due to maximum capacity.

After finishing your visit to the wonder of the world, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Once you have finished your lunch, you will board the train to return to Ollantaytambo, and finally continue in our transport to your hotel in Cusco city.

• Highest altitude: 3,399m / 11,152 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 2,050 m / 6,725 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel).
• Overnight: Cusco (Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar).

We will start our great tour, picking you up from your hotel to take you to the entrance of the Qoricancha’s Temple, also known as Temple of the Sun, an imposing Inca construction, which according to history served as a base of connection between the 4 of them (Antisuyo, Contisuyo, Chinchaysuyo and Collasuyu), a place full of energy that still holds mysteries and legends impressive. It was later sacked and modified by the Spaniards, who built above the complex, the famous Convent of Santo Domingo, whose purpose was to show an authoritarian religious change for all the conquered Incas.

Then we will start the famous tour of 4 ruins. Starting with a visit to the famous fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is located 2 km from the city of Cusco, an emblematic archaeological site for the use of huge stones in its construction, which was arranged with impressive precision. It is said that it may have had religious purposes due to the shape of its constructions and defensive because its strategic location shows a great view of the entire city of Cusco.

Our second archaeological site to visit is Qenqo, located 1.5 km from Sacsayhuaman, a center of Inca worship, as it has ceremonial and religious denotations of the Inca culture, in which we will observe carved rocks and small caves in which it is believed that rituals to the sun (main Inca deity) and payments to the earth were carried out.

The third Inca construction to visit in our Cusco City Tour is Puca Puccara is characterized as a fortress and a control post, for military purposes. Its size is not as large or elaborate, but it maintains its importance within the Inca context.

Our last but not least site to visit in the Cusco City Tour is Tambomachay, a place that today is known for its fountains and water channels that according to research, served as a spiritual center and purifying baths exclusive to the Inca elite.

At the end of the visit to Tambomachay, we will return to Cusco’s city to end this great tour.

• Lowest Elevation: 3,390 m./11,120 ft.
• Highest Elevation: 3,799 m./12,467 ft.
• Duration: 05 hours approx.

Highlight of the day: Explore the rich history of Cusco and Puno as you delve into the best-kept secrets of these ancient lands.

After breakfast, we will start our adventure on the Sun Route early, after picking you up from your hotel and heading to a private bus terminal to depart towards Puno.

Along the way, we will make strategic stops to admire Andean legacy jewels such as the Temple of Andahuaylillas (3,121 m / 10,240 ft), Raqchi Peru archaeological site (3,502 m / 11,489 ft), Raya Pass (4,338 m / 14,232 ft), and the Lithic Museum of Pukara (3,910 m / 12,828 ft). In the town of Sicuani, we will have a fantastic lunch.

At sunset, we will arrive in Puno (3,812 m / 12,506 ft), on the huge shores of Lake Titicaca. So, upon arrival at the terminal, we will transfer you to your hotel in Puno.

• Lowest altitude: 3,121 m / 10,240 ft.
• Highest altitude: 4,338 m / 14,232 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) and lunch.
• Overnight: Puno (Qalasaya inn*** or similar).

Highlight of the day: Share incredible and unique moments with the inhabitants of the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

In the morning, we will start our tour on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.

During the tour, we will visit the Floating Islands of Uros (3,812 m / 12,506 ft), an extraordinary group of artificial inhabitable islands built entirely of Totora reeds by the Uros people. Therefore, we will continue to Taquile Island (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). Before returning to Puno, we will eat lunch on this island with local ancestral textile experts.

• Lowest altitude: 3,812 m / 12,506 ft.
• Highest altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) and lunch.

The Cusco region and the entire Andean area in general is limited to two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. These are present in areas such as the rainforest jungle (Machu Picchu, Inca Jungle) with the added bonus that the temperature is warmer because of being jungle. The rainy season has a period of approximately three months (January to March), during these months it is likely to see a lot of rain. And the dry season or season extends from May to October, during this period the sky is clear, the rainfall is quite low, which is why these months is better for visits. The months of April and November are considered transition months, which can be months of unpredictable weather.

All our travel packages include pick up from the airport. Depending on the package chosen and according to the itinerary, pick-ups can be from Jorge Chavez airport in Lima or Alejandro Velazco Astete airport in Cusco. Upon arrival at these airports, a Waman Adventures representative will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it.

Likewise, at the end of your package and according to the place where our services end in the itinerary, our transportation will take you to the designated airport according to the flight schedule. For this purpose, we will coordinate with you the pick-up time from the hotel or place where you are. When you contact our sales agents, they will provide you with detailed information about your airline tickets in order to make the corresponding arrangements.

It is advisable to travel to Peru carrying U.S. dollars. It is recommended that you look for an exchange house with a good exchange rate for these dollars in your locality according to the currency of your country. Many times the exchange rates at airports are not good at all.

Our advice is to change the currency you have with you into dollars (Mexican pesos, Colombian pesos, Argentinean pesos, etc.). Once in the city of Cusco, the exchange rate to the currency of your country (if they are not dollars), is usually lower than if you bring dollars because the highest exchange rates in the city of Cusco, are to dollars.

It is also not advisable to change your money at the airports in Peru, as the exchange rates are usually low. Once you arrive in Cusco with dollars, or failing that, if you could not change your local currency to dollars, it is advisable to change those dollars or the currency of your country in Sol Avenue in the city of Cusco. There you will find many exchange houses where you can get a good exchange rate to Peruvian soles.

On the other hand, our staff will always be attentive to give you indications on this matter. Preferably, take money with you in soles during the days of the tour since at many of the stops most of the tourist businesses accept payment in soles and a few in dollars.

Waman Adventures offers its services in small groups. The minimum number of travelers for the packages or tours we offer is TWO, and if it is the case, you could join a group of no more than 17 travelers. If the group number is more than 12 people, your group will be integrated by a main guide and an assistant guide.

Our travel packages include accommodations according to the duration and are based on double occupancy. We can offer double rooms with 2 twin or double beds. If you are 3 travelers we can provide a triple room with 3 single beds or the type of accommodation you prefer. It is necessary to contact our sales agents to provide these details regarding the type of accommodation.

On the other hand, if you are only one person, it is necessary to pay an individual supplement for your accommodation in the hotels. This is due to the fact that the price of a single room and a double room in Peru is almost the same, which means that, if you are a single traveler, you must pay for a room for only one person.

The accommodation we provide in Lima is the Miramar Hotel. In Cusco it is the Ayni Cusco Hotel, Monasterio San Pedro or similar. In Picchu Pueblo, also called Aguas Calientes, is the Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar, in Puno is the Royal Inn Hotel, Kalayasa or similar. All hotels are 3 star category.

The minimum age recommended to live these experiences is 8 years old, it is not recommended for children from 0 to 7 years old. Also, it is mandatory that all minors are accompanied by responsible adults (18+ years old) at all times. Consult the “Extras” section in the packages or contact our sales agents directly to know the charge for minors up to 11 years of age at the time of the trip. Seniors 12 years of age and older are charged the regular rate. The maximum recommended age for this experience is up to 60 years of age.

Yes, of course. But under the responsibility of an adult, since the agency is not responsible for a possible mishap. The minimum recommended age is 6 years old and the maximum age is 60 years old (this age can be higher as long as these participants are in good physical condition and do not suffer from heart or respiratory problems, always under their own responsibility).

Extras:

• Children between 6 to 9 years old have a special discount of 85.00 USD.
• Children between 10 to 16 years old have a special discount of 25.00 USD.

The answer is yes. It is possible to charge your electronic devices in the hotels included in your travel package. The voltage in Peru is 220 volts or 60HZ AC. In case you connect electrical devices made for lower voltage current, you will damage them. In this case it is recommended to bring a voltage adapter to take care of your electrical appliance.

In Peru, the most common plugs are Type A (two parallel rectangular slits); Type B (two parallel slits plus a third circular plug); and Type C (two circular plugs).

The last day of our packages is usually a free day for you. You can tour the city or rest according to your flight schedule. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel to the airport. Once at the airport, our services will be concluded.

We strongly recommend that travellers should inform us prior to their trip if they suffer from any injury or special condition. It is imperative that you consult with your doctor if you are able to perform the activities of your trip. With this information our guides will carry first aid kits. If you have personal medication, you should bring it with you on the tours and be in constant communication with your guide regarding your condition and/or problems that may or may not arise due to it.

If you are coming from an area at sea level or from a very low area (below 1,000 meters above sea level or 3,000 feets), it is very important to acclimatize to the altitude of the city of Cusco (3,350 meters above sea level/11,990 feets). We recommend a day or two for this, resting, doing short treks and eating lightly. This way you will be ready for your activities.

Keep in mind that famous treks in the Cusco region such as the Rainbow Mountain or the Humantay Lake trek have a maximum altitude of 5020 and 4200 meters above sea level (16,469 and 13,779 feets) respectively.

We spent the first day of our travel package for acclimatization. It is highly recommended to hydrate yourself well upon arrival in Cusco to oxygenate your body. Coca leaf based products such as chocolates, drinks, or candies are highly recommended for their properties to combat the soroche.

People from countries such as Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia can enter Peru by presenting only their national identity card. In case of countries such as Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica and others; they must present their passport with a validity of not less than 6 months counted from their entry to the Peruvian territory. A visa is not required, except for travelers coming from countries such as Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo, which do require it.

For convenience and comfort, it is recommended that you leave your heavy luggage at your accommodation in Cusco. Most hotels have luggage storage services free of charge.

During your trip by train (mandatory section to get to Machu Picchu quickly) you will take the services of the railway company Peru Rail or Inca Rail, these railway companies will only allow you to carry 5 kilos of luggage. For this reason and for your comfort you should only carry a light backpack or small suitcase with the necessary items to spend the night and make the visits while you are away from your hotel in Cusco, to which you will have to return.

Being factors beyond the immediate control of the travel agency, these tours are non-refundable. All visits and tours are arranged months in advance of your trip to secure your entrance tickets and fares throughout your trip.

The railway company Peru Rail or Inca Rail, does not always allow the choice of seats in the train cars to travel agencies, these are assigned and purchased randomly according to availability for your chosen travel date. The agency will always try to purchase tickets for your travel date, with the number of specific seats taking a back seat.

The opposite case is to buy the train tickets on your own, however, we as a travel agency will purchase the tickets for your convenience.

Both trains make the same trip during the same period of time, along the same train tracks and with very similar schedules. However, if you want to enjoy a little more space and more panoramic views, it is advisable to opt for the Vistadome train. The scenery is very changeable during the train ride, from a mountainous area to the jungle (Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu village). The Vistadome train, unlike the Expedition train, has wider windows in its walls and ceiling. Vistadome also has slightly larger spaces between seats. All factors that make it easier to enjoy the beautiful scenery during your trip. Another difference is that the Vistadome service from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) to Ollantaytambo offers a dance show and fashion show with baby alpaca garments.

In Waman Adventures we work with passengers arriving from all over the world and we focus on the service we provide within Peruvian territory, for this reason it is not possible for us to include international flights at the moment. However, we have trained staff that will gladly help you to quote and organize your flights in a better way.

Note: Some of our travel packages do include local air tickets on the Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Lima and Juliaca-Lima flights.

Yes, our offer prices are based on double occupancy, i.e. 2 people sharing a room. If you are a single traveller, you will have to pay an extra charge that you will have to ask to our sales consultants, so that we can proceed with the reservation. This is because you will have a room just for you (this does not vary much in space and price with respect to a double room, so you pay an individual supplement).

The comfort of our passengers is our priority, that is why we always use modern tourist transportation, suitable for all our private or group services. These transportation units undergo weekly technical revisions and are units no more than 5 years old. All this according to the tourist regulations in force.

The answer is yes, at Waman Adventures we can arrange additional nights in the hotels we work with according to the particular requirements of each of our passengers.

For more information or to make the reservation of extra nights we recommend contacting one of our sales agents. We will make the corresponding arrangements about the extra nights and the options we can offer you.

Note: All hotel reservations are made 30 days in advance of your reservation date.

For your visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu there is no age limit; therefore, babies and children can visit with their parents, teenagers, adults and seniors.

Yes, you will have internet connection in the hotels included in your travel package. All the hotels we work with have wi-fi service. Also, if you like you can choose to purchase a local phone chip, and along with it opt for a data package ranging from 15 soles to more, always depending on the type of service you want.

No, the use of Drones is not allowed, since, by supreme decree of the Peruvian government, their use is not allowed in any archaeological place or attraction that we will visit during the tour days in Cusco. However, as long as they are not the mentioned areas, you can fly a drone over certain rural areas of the Andes. For more information, please contact our team.