Cusco - Machu Picchu - Rainbow Mountain - Humantay - Puno

We will meet you at Cusco Airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco (11,155 ft / 3,400 m). Your pickup will be coordinated with the flight details you provide. Flights to Cusco are not included.

The rest of the day will be free to settle in and rest. If you feel well, you will be able to take a gentle walk near your hotel and choose somewhere for dinner. There is no scheduled city tour, so you can keep this first afternoon relaxed.

After breakfast we will travel to Chinchero (12,343 ft / 3,762 m), where you will discover local weaving traditions and Inca stonework. We will then continue to Moray (11,417 ft / 3,480 m), known for its circular agricultural terraces.

At the Maras salt pans (10,499 ft / 3,200 m), you will see how spring water feeds the salt pools and learn about the work behind this distinctive landscape.

Later we will take you to Ollantaytambo station (9,160 ft / 2,792 m) for the train to Aguas Calientes (6,726 ft / 2,050 m). The stop in Ollantaytambo is for boarding the train; a guided visit to its archaeological site is not included. Bring a small overnight bag and check the luggage allowance for your confirmed service.

After breakfast we will take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (7,972 ft / 2,430 m). Bring the original travel document used for your admission ticket. Your visit will follow the circuit and entry time confirmed for your booking.

Your guide will explain the stonework, architecture and history of the areas along that route. Viewpoints and access vary by circuit, so let us know before booking if there is a particular view you hope to see. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional visits requiring separate tickets and compatible timing.

We will return by shuttle to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at your expense before the scheduled train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

We will leave Cusco early and travel toward Cusipata (10,925 ft / 3,330 m), stopping for breakfast before continuing by vehicle to the trailhead. From there we will begin the hike, taking breaks along the way.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) (16,470 ft / 5,020 m) is the highest point of this trip. Its mineral bands stand out against the surrounding Andean landscape, with their appearance changing in the sunlight and cloud cover. The elevation makes the walk demanding, even when the distance feels manageable.

After the visit we will retrace the trail, stop for the included lunch and drive back to Cusco. Bring warm layers, rain protection and shoes with good grip, and tell the guide promptly if you feel unwell.

We will leave Cusco early for Mollepata (9,196 ft / 2,803 m), where we will stop for breakfast. We will then continue to Soraypampa (12,730 ft / 3,880 m), the starting point of the walk.

The uphill trail will take us to Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m). We will make stops along the way so you can manage the climb at a steady pace. At the lake, you will have time to enjoy the water and surrounding peaks; clear views will depend on the weather.

We will descend along the same trail, have the included lunch during the return journey and drive back to Cusco. This will be your last night in the city, so prepare your luggage for the next day’s journey to Puno.

After breakfast we will join the tourist bus to Puno (12,507 ft / 3,812 m). Along the Route of the Sun, we will visit Andahuaylillas (10,240 ft / 3,121 m), known for its decorated colonial church, and Raqchi (11,490 ft / 3,502 m), associated with the temple of Wiracocha.

We will have lunch during the journey, cross La Raya Pass (14,232 ft / 4,338 m) and continue to Pukara (12,828 ft / 3,910 m) for the scheduled museum visit. The stops will break up the drive with short walks and a closer look at the region’s history.

On arrival in Puno, we will take you to your hotel. Keep a small bag ready for the following day’s boat excursion and overnight stay on Amantani Island.

After breakfast we will travel by boat across Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft / 3,810 m). We will first visit the Uros floating islands, where residents will explain how they use totora reeds to build and maintain their island homes.

We will continue to Amantani Island, meet your host family and have lunch. The afternoon will give you a closer look at island life. Your guide will explain the planned walk toward Pachatata and Pachamama and how it fits the day’s timing and conditions.

In the evening you will share dinner and stay in the family home. Expect simpler facilities than in a city hotel, and bring warm clothing, personal toiletries and a flashlight. Any community gathering will depend on the arrangements made for that evening.

After breakfast with your host family, we will leave Amantani by boat and continue to Taquile Island. You will learn about its textile traditions and the skills that local families pass between generations.

We will walk through the Taquile visitor areas (12,959 ft / 3,950 m), following uneven paths and steps. Take your time on the uphill stretches, bring drinking water and keep a layer handy for the wind on the boat. Lunch will be included during the island visit.

In the afternoon we will return to Puno and transfer you to your hotel for the final night. Check your onward flight details and have your luggage ready for the next day’s airport transfer.

After breakfast at your hotel in Puno (12,507 ft / 3,812 m), we will pick you up at the agreed time and take you by road to Juliaca Airport. Share your flight details in advance so we can coordinate the departure from your hotel.

You will have free time only if your flight schedule allows it. The nine-day program ends with the airport transfer; your flight is booked separately.