WONDERS OF PERU - 9 DAYS – Cusco & Puno

Highlight of the day: You will walk through the picturesque city of Cusco and witness downtown!

It would be a pleasure to welcome you to the Imperial City of Cusco (3,350 m / 11,151 ft). On this day, we will be waiting for your arrival at the airport ready to assist you with your transfer to your hotel.

Cusco city is located in the heart of the Andes Mountains. Therefore, we understand the importance of proper acclimatisation before embarking on this adventure. So, you will spend the first day exploring Cusco’s downtown while adapting to the altitude on your own.

• Highest altitude: 3,399m / 11,152 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 3,399m / 11,152 ft.
• Overnight: Cusco (Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar).

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).

Highlight of the day: Hike towards one of the places that will leave you open-mouthed with its crystalline waters, guarded by the Apus: the Humantay Lake.

Early in the morning, we will leave Cusco city heading northwest to Mollepata town (2,803 m / 9,196 ft). In Mollepata an energizing breakfast awaits us before continuing on to Soraypampa (3,880 m / 12,729 ft), the starting point of our trek to Humantay Lake.

During the ascent, we will get the chance to witness the impressive biodiversity such as Andean condors, alpacas, llamas and native trees; as well as beautiful landscapes adjacent to the majestic Salkantay (6,271 m / 20,574 ft) and Humantay mountains (5,473 m / 17,956 ft).

Upon arriving at Humantay Lake, we will restore ourselves with the incredible natural energy of the surroundings, and delight in the amazing turquoise colour of the waters contrasting with the majestic snow-capped Humantay mountain in the background. A view that will remain forever in your memories.

On the way back, we will use the same ascent path, and have lunch in the same place previously designated for breakfast. Later, we will return to Cusco.

• Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
• Lowest altitude: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft.
• Meals: breakfast and lunch.
• Overnight: Cusco (Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar).

Highlight of the day: Feel the sky above 16000 ft and explore the south part of Cusco towards Rainbow Mountain.

Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco to head southeast through picturesque valleys landscapes and Andean towns beside the Vilcanota river.

After breakfast near Cusipata town, we will return to our transport and head to the trek starting point, Phuluwasipata (4,626 m / 15177 ft). After a hike of approximately 2 hours through high Andean terrain, we will reach our final destination, Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). At this point, we will take time for about 30 minutes to contemplate the landscape, have a snack and soak up the mountains’ energy at this considerable altitude, over 16,000 ft!

Afterwards, we will descend along the same path until we return to the trek starting point, where we will board our transport. After a short trip, we will return to the place where we had breakfast, but this time we will eat lunch there.

Finally, we will return to Cusco in the afternoon.

• Lowest altitude: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft.
• Highest altitude: 5,020 m / 16,466 ft.
• Meals: breakfast and lunch
• Overnight: Cusco (Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar).

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.

Our journey begins with a visit to the ancient Uros culture, where we’ll step onto their remarkable floating islands. The islanders will share insights into their unique lifestyle, living on these man-made islands constructed from the Totora reed, which grows along the lake shores. We’ll gain an understanding of how they have adapted to their environment.

Continuing our voyage across the lake, we’ll reach the serene island of Amantani. Here, Quechua families will warmly welcome us into their homes for a cozy homestay experience and treat us to traditional meals for lunch. Later, we’ll embark on a gentle hike to the island’s hilltops, observing the daily rhythms of local life.

At the island’s summit, we’ll explore two ancient pre-Incan temples, Pachatata and Pachamama, representing the father and mother cosmos. In the evening, following a delightful dinner, the community will host a small celebration to welcome us warmly.

• Lowest altitude: 3,812 m / 12,506 ft.
• Highest altitude: 4,130 m / 13,549 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel), lunch and dinner in the Homestay.
• Overnight: Amantany Island (Homestay).

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

At sunrise, a delicious breakfast will delight your palate and recharge your energy to visit our next destination, Taquile Island (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). This beautiful island is world famous for its outstanding textile tradition and ancestral weaving art. The island has been recognized by UNESCO for its unique skill in the making of high quality textile garments which are mostly made by men.

The men’s skill in spinning, weaving and becoming masters has been inherited. On this day, you will have an opportunity to learn about the techniques and appreciate their impressive skill in creating textiles; and if you wish, you can purchase a textile or souvenir. After the tour, we will enjoy a delicious lunch on this historic island.

Before returning to Puno, we recommend you live the last moments in this magical place to the fullest, and we will also have time to take beautiful pictures. After a few minutes, we will board the boat for 2.5 hours towards Puno. Upon arrival in Puno, we will take you back to your hotel, ending this unforgettable experience on majestic Lake Titicaca.

This itinerary combines adventure, culture and nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the life of the local communities. It also allows you to explore the richness of Lake Titicaca and its magical islands. We hope you enjoy every single moment of this unforgettable journey!

• Lowest altitude: 3,817 m / 12,506 ft.
• Highest altitude: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
• Overnight: Puno (Qalasaya inn*** or similar).

Highlight of the day: Walk around and explore more before saying goodbye to our adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will have the morning free in Puno to relax and explore the city on your own.

However, you will be transferred promptly to the Juliaca airport based on your flight schedule by our professional staff, so our service ends here.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel).

Cusco and the entire Andean region have two seasons: rainy and dry season. These seasons are present in areas such as Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. During the rainy season, which occurs from January to March, significant amounts of rainfall are likely to occur. It is during this period, from May to October when the weather is clear and there is rarely rain; therefore, this is the best time to visit. There is some uncertainty between April to November due to the fact that they are transitional months.

In terms of climate, Peru is an incredibly diverse country, due to its varied geography. This means that weather conditions vary greatly from region to region and provide unique vacation opportunities.

• If you wish to visit the Peruvian coast, which includes cities such as Lima, Paracas, and Ica, the best time to do so is during the summer months, which run from December to March. In these months, you will be able to enjoy warm temperatures and little rain, making this the ideal time for exploring this region.
• A dry season occurs from May to October in the Peruvian highlands, including Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and Puno. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, with cool temperatures during the day and cool nights. Additionally, rain is rarely encountered, making it the ideal time to enjoy activities in this mountainous region.
• It is recommended to visit Peruvian jungles, including Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, during the dry season. This coincides with the Andes’ weather, from May to October because less rain falls, which is ideal for our activities.

The cost of travel to Peru can vary depending on several factors, including the length of your trip, your travel style, your accommodation preferences, the food you choose, internal transportation, and the activities you wish to engage in. In addition to flight prices vary depending on the season and airline, accommodations also range from budget to luxury according to the location. In addition to delicious street food stalls and gourmet restaurants, Peruvian food is accessible to all budgets. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, is usually reasonably priced, although taxis and private services can be more expensive.

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.

This travel package starts picking you o from the airport. Depending on your package and itinerary, pick-up will be from the Jorge Chávez airport in Lima and the Alejandro Velazco Astete airport in Cusco. When you arrive at these airports, a Waman Adventures representative will greet you holding a sign with your name.

However, the package ends in the Juliaca airport. You will be transferred to this airport on time.

Furthermore, we recommend that, when speaking with our sales agents, you obtain detailed information about your airline tickets in order to be able to make the appropriate arrangements.

We’re excited that you’re considering our services and package deals! To ensure you have the best experience, we recommend making your reservation at least one month in advance. This will allow us to guarantee entrance tickets to the various attractions we plan to visit together.

Please contact our sales agents for more details and reservations. They are here to answer all your questions and doubts.

NOTE: Before making your reservation, it is necessary to contact our sales agents, as this package will be subject to Machu Picchu entrance availability.

It is advisable to travel to Peru carrying U.S. dollars. It is recommended to look for an exchange house with a reasonable exchange rate. Airport exchange rates are often unfavourable.

It is recommended that you exchange your currency for dollars (Mexican pesos, Colombian pesos, Argentinean pesos, etc.). Once in Cusco City, the exchange rate for non-dollar currencies is usually lower.

The most convenient place to sell your dollars is on Sun Av. This avenue is near the Main Square and has many exchange houses. However, our staff is always available to guide you on this matter.

You should take Peruvian soles with you since most tourist businesses accept soles and a few dollars during the tour.

This package offers small group services, that means below 12 people.

For the Cusco to Machu Picchu Tour, accommodation is included for the 3 days of the tour, based on double occupancy. We can offer double rooms, single or double beds. We can offer you a triple room with 3 single beds or any 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, you must pay an individual supplement for your accommodation in the hotel.

The accommodation we work with in Cusco is the Ayni Cusco Hotel or similar. In Machu Picchu Pueblo, also called Aguas Calientes, is the Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar. In Puno is the Qalasaya Hotel and in Lima is Miramar Hotel.

The minimum age recommended for these experiences is 6 years old. It is not appropriate for children from 0 to 7 years old. It is also compulsory for all children to be accompanied by responsible adults (over 18 years old) at all times. See the “Extras” section in the packages or contact our sales agents directly to find out the charge for children up to 11 years of age at the time of travel. Seniors 12 years and older are charged at 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, the agency is not responsible for mishaps. The recommended minimum age is 6 years old and the maximum age is 60 years old (this age can be higher as long as the participants are in proper 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.

Peru is an ideal destination for travelling with young children, offering a wide range of family activities and places to visit. In Lima, they can enjoy the Park of Legends, the Magic Water Circuit and museums. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, exploring sites such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac are accessible by tourist buses. Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience accessible by train. Arequipa offers colonial architecture and the Colca Canyon. Paracas is famous for its marine life and beaches, while the Peruvian Amazon provides opportunities to explore flora and fauna with lodges and tours designed for families.

When travelling to Peru with young children, prioritise their safety, medical care and comfort. Also, check current travel restrictions and requirements.

Of course, you can charge your electronic devices at the hotels included in your tour package. Peru’s voltage is 220 volts or 60HZ AC. Be careful, if you connect electrical devices made for lower current voltages, you will damage them. If you want to take care of your electrical appliances, you should bring a voltage adapter with you.

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 scheduled package activities will be a free day for you to explore the city of Puno. The time depends on your scheduled flight time. We recommend you make the most of this time recovering the streets and buying souvenirs.

A Waman Adventures’ driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport. Once you are at the airport, our services will be completed.

It is necessary to inform us in advance of any injury or special medical condition. It is imperative that you consult your doctor before travelling. As a responsible travel agency, we care about our travellers’ well-being.

In order to provide you with the needed items for your care, the information you provide will be of great importance to our team. If you require special medication, you must carry it with you during your travels. In addition, we must be informed about your condition so that our guide is prepared to help you and avoid possible mishaps due to it.

It is very important to acclimatise to fully enjoy your trip and overcome altitude challenges, especially if you are coming from areas below 1000m/3280 ft. This package includes visits to Cusco 3350 m/11154 ft, Rainbow Mountain 5020 m/16469 ft, Humantay Lake 4200 m/13779 ft and Puno.

For these reasons, Waman Adventures allocates the first day in Cusco to rest or activities close to the city, so that you can acclimatise. It is recommended to stay well hydrated to favour oxygenation and to try the ever-present coca leaf, either in infusions or sweets, which will help you fight altitude sickness.

People from countries such as Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia can enter Peru by presenting only their national identity card. For countries such as Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, and others, they must present a valid passport with an expiry date of not less than 6 months from the date of entry into Peru. A visa is not required, except for travellers from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Kosovo.

For convenience and comfort, leave your heavy luggage in the hotel. Most hotels offer luggage storage for free.

You must carry no more than 5 kilos of luggage on the second day of your train trip. For this reason, and for your comfort you should only carry a daypack with the necessary items to spend one day in Machu Picchu while you are away from your hotel in Cusco.

The safety of your trip to Peru will be determined by several factors, but you can enjoy a smooth and safe trip by taking some simple precautions.

If you plan to visit Peru, you need to know about the areas you plan to explore and follow a few basic recommendations if you plan to visit this country. Anywhere in the world, it’s sensible to avoid displaying valuables and remain alert in crowded places.

Furthermore, we recommend that you check your government’s travel warnings to be aware of the current situation in Peru, so that you can make informed decisions and enjoy your trip as much as possible.

Most tourists who take safe precautions are safe in Peru. Its people are friendly and hospitable, so don’t hesitate to explore this beautiful country.

Because of factors outside the travel agency’s control, these tours are non-refundable. We arrange all visits and tours months in advance of your trip to secure tickets and fares. Check out our terms and conditions.

The companies in charge of rail transport, such as Peru Rail and Inca Rail, do not allow passengers to pick the seat number in the train cars. Instead, they allocate seats randomly, depending on availability for the chosen travel date. In order to provide a more comfortable experience for our travellers, Waman Adventures purchases tickets for your travel date, ensuring the proposed services are guaranteed, and specific seat selection is also addressed in the background.

Both trains make the same trip during the same period of time, along the same train tracks and on very similar schedules. However, the Vistadome is a little more comfortable than the Expedition train service. The windows and ceilings of the Vistadome train are wider than those of the Expedition train. There are also slightly larger spaces between seats in the Vistadome.

Finally, another difference is that the Vistadome service from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) to Ollantaytambo offers a dance show and a fashion show with baby alpaca garments.

Waman Adventures works with passengers arriving from around the world, so we focus on the Peruvian services we provide. For this reason, international flights are not currently available. However, we have trained staff that will gladly help you quote and organize your flights better.

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

Yes, our offer prices are calculated on double occupancy, which means two people sharing the same room. For single travellers wishing to venture out on their own, an additional charge will apply, which you can discuss with our sales advisors at the time of booking. This is because you will be allocated a room exclusively for yourself (which does not vary significantly in space and price compared to a double room), and therefore a corresponding single supplement applies.

Waman Adventures owns comfortable transportation such as Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Hyundai H360. These transportation units undergo weekly technical revisions and are not more than 5 years old. As required by the law, all of this is done.

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 reserve extra nights we recommend contacting one of our sales agents. We will arrange extra nights and options.

Note: All hotel reservations are made 30 days before your reservation date.

There is no age limit; therefore, babies and children must be accompanied by their parents, teenagers, adults and even the elderly can visit Machu Picchu.

For your Cusco and Machu Picchu Tour, we recommend travel insurance.

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind and protection against natural disasters, injuries, illnesses, trip cancellations and other emergency.

Here are some travel insurance websites to check out:

assistcard.com

mapfre.com

intermundial.co.uk

fiatc.co.uk

During your travel package, you will have internet access in the hotels we include. However, you can also purchase a SIM card that will allow you to access the internet in Peru.

Peru offers a variety of options for all tastes, from economical to luxurious. When planning a trip to Peru, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and budget. With Waman Adventures, you can enjoy the best activities in the regions of Peru in a way that is tailored to your needs.

• How much money do I need to travel to Peru from Chile?

You should keep the following costs in mind when planning your trip from Santiago de Chile to Lima: plane tickets range from 150,000 to 375,000 CLP, accommodations range from 22,500 to 150,000 CLP per night, meals can cost between 15,000 and 40,000 CLP per day, and excursions can cost as much as 75,000 CLP per person.

• How much money do I need to travel to Peru from Mexico?

A trip from Mexico City to Lima is estimated to cost approximately 3,500 to 9,000 Mexican pesos for flights, 650 to 4,500 Mexican pesos per night for accommodation and a daily budget of 300 to 750 Mexican pesos for food. For popular activities and excursions, it is suggested that a minimum of 3,750 Mexican pesos be reserved per person.

• How much money do I need to travel to Peru from Colombia?

The approximate cost of a flight between Bogotá and Lima is from 900,000 to 2,100,000 Colombian pesos, accommodation options range from 135,000 to 900,000 Colombian pesos per night, a daily food budget of 75,000 to 187,500 Colombian pesos, and it is recommended that travellers reserve at least 375,000 Colombian pesos per person for popular activities and excursions.

• How much money do I need to travel to Peru from Spain?

Flights from Spain to Lima can cost between 500 and 1,000 euros, while accommodations range from 60 euros per night to 400 euros per night for luxury hotels. There should be a daily budget of 40 to 100 euros for food, and for popular excursions, you should set aside at least 200 euros per person.

It is important to remember that these are just general estimates, and actual costs can vary based on your choices and how prices fluctuate. You can get the best prices if you do your research and plan your trip in advance, and you can adjust your budget to fit your preferences and needs.

This is an important point because drones cannot fly over archaeological sites such as Saqsayhuaman, Machu Picchu or Tambomachay.

Sacred Valley, Main Square, Aguas Calientes, Lima, Inca, and Puno are some of the places where it can be used.

There is no need to worry when it comes to vaccinations for traveling to Peru! The country takes its visitors’ health and well-being seriously, so it has some important recommendations for them. If you plan on exploring the Amazon, you must receive the yellow fever vaccine prior to your arrival.

The Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is prepared to provide you with any other vaccinations you need if you have not received them before your trip. In this way, even if you discover you’re missing a vaccination at the last minute, you will have the chance to get it before starting your Peruvian adventure.