Peru Treasures Package - Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Puno and Lake Titicaca (5N)

Travel to Peru and Experience its Treasures with this 6D/5N Travel Vacation Package and Tour that includes Cuzco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Puno and Lake Titicaca

Destinations Visited

Cuzco, Peru

The "Home of Gods," as the Incas referred to it, became the capital of one of the largest pre-Colombian empires: Tiwantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua, Qosqo, means "navel of the world" because Cuzco served as a hub for a vast network of roads interconnecting virtually the whole of South America. Inca society was a surprising example of social and political organization for its vast knowledge of architectural engineering, medicine and agriculture. On March 23rd, 1534, Francisco Pizarro founded a Spanish city on top of what was already this established Inca metropolis.

Puno, Peru

The region of Puno played a very important role in pre-Inca and Inca times. According to the legend, Manco Capac, the first Inca, and his wife Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca instructed by their father, the Sun, to establish the Tahuantinsuyo Empire. Punos main attraction is Lake Titicaca: Situated at 3,809 meters above sea level (12,379 ft), Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, with a length of 120 miles (194 kilometers) and an average width of 40 miles (65 kilometers). Its depth exceeds 81 feet (25 meters) in places, and its colors range from deep blue to pale green. An extraordinary variety of wildlife makes its home by the lake, including flamingos, ducks, trout and local fish such as the suche and carachi. The totora reed, which grows all over the lake serves both as food (for people and animals), and building materials (for homes and rafts).

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Cuzco; once this city formed the heart of the Inca Empire, later to be conquered by the Spanish. They destroyed the town and used the foundations of the Inca constructions to build a new colonial city. Nowadays Cuzco is a beautiful colonial city, where ancient spirits still tell their colorful tales. City tour in the afternoon; you will visit various colonial buildings (like the cathedral on the main square) and different surrounding Inka ruins, among which the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the red fortress of Puka Pukara, The Inka Baths at Tambomachay and the temple of Qenqo.

Day 2

An hours drive from Cuzco in just about any direction you will find picturesque communities, impressive terraces and many important archeological sites. For a full day you will visit the colorful market of Pisac, the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and the church of Chincheros.

Day 3

A beautiful four-hour train ride leads to Aguas Calientes from where you will visit the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu. Archeologists presume that once Machu Picchu was a religious center, but the exact meaning of the city remains a mystery.

Day 4

Transfer to the bus station. You will travel in First Class bus in about 7 hours to Puno. Arrival in Puno, transfer to your comfortable hotel. The region of Puno played a very important role in pre-Inca and Inca times. According to the legend, Manco Capac, the first Inca, and his wife Mama Ocllo emerged from Lake Titicaca instructed by their father, the Sun, to establish the Tahuantinsuyo Empire.

Day 5

Full day tour on Lake Titicaca. Situated at 3,809 meters above sea level (12,379 ft), Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. Its colors range from deep blue to pale green. An extraordinary variety of wildlife makes its home by the lake, including flamingos, ducks, trout and local fish such as the suche and carachi. You will visit the five tiny inhabited floating Islands of Uros, made out of many layers of totora reed. After this you go to Taquile Island: Eighteen miles (30 kilometers) from Puno. The inhabitants of this island go to great lengths to maintain their cultural traditions which is apparent by their clothing, crafts and lack of vehicles.

Day 6

Transfer to the airport, train or bus station for connection to your next destination. End of services.