Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Adventure

Days

9+

Activity Level

Moderate

Host City

Peru

From

$5,995 USD

Peru’s highlands unfold as a tapestry of living history, sacred landscapes, and enduring culture. In Cusco, the pulse of the ancient Inca capital beats through cobbled streets, lively markets, and grand colonial architecture. The Sacred Valley stretches out in a patchwork of terraced hillsides, salt pans, and artisan villages where daily life still echoes ancestral rhythms. Mist drifts over Aguas Calientes, the mountain town humming with trekkers and dreamers drawn to the magic of nearby Machu Picchu and the promise of its restorative hot springs. Farther south, the vast expanse of Lake Titicaca glimmers beneath snow-capped peaks, where reed islands and timeless traditions preserve the spirit of Andean myth. Together, these places form a journey that feels both deeply rooted and endlessly transformative.


EXPLORE Lake Titicaca WITH TEP

Trip Highlights

Immerse yourself in the history of the former Inca capital and explore vibrant markets, ancient temples, and the impressive fortresses of the Sacred Valley. Visit Maras and Moray to uncover centuries-old agricultural ingenuity and enjoy a locally prepared picnic among stunning Andean scenery.

Trek the legendary Inca Trail Express, crossing hanging bridges and ancient ruins before arriving at the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Experience the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a guided exploration through its temples, terraces, and sacred stonework.

Exploring the archaeological sites around Lake Titicaca offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Andes. Visitors can discover Inca and pre-Inca ruins, such as the Temple of Pachatata on Amantani Island and the mysterious stone structures near Puno, all set against the lake’s stunning high-altitude backdrop.

Kayak from Llachon to Taquile Island and explore the Uros Floating Islands, where ancient traditions endure on the world’s highest navigable lake. Connect with local communities, enjoy Andean hospitality, and witness timeless craftsmanship in one of the most spiritually significant regions of Peru.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $5,995 USD per person
Our Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

Custom dates are available for our Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca all year round.

To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!

Duration

Starts at 9 Days / 8 Nights

Accommodations

Relax in comfort & luxury

max. group size

No minimum or maximum

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy/Moderate*

9 DAY / 8 NIGHT TRIP DAILY OVERVIEW

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco, Peru

Bienvenidos a Peru! Upon arrival at Cusco International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our team (your private driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal, holding a sign with the T.E.P. logo and your name[s]). Experience the scenery and history in the beautiful capital city of Cusco as you are transported to your hotel. This afternoon and evening, after settling in, you will have free time to explore this extraordinary high-altitude city (~11,000 feet / ~3,350 meters above sea level) and enjoy dinner with a special VIP guest at one of our favorite Cusco restaurants. Your guide will also coordinate with you to provide a detailed pre-trek Inca Trail briefing on Day 1.

Accommodations: Novotel (3.5 Star), Palacio del Inka (5 Star), or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (5+ Star)

Day 2: Cusco Tour

Begin your first full day in Peru with a private guided tour of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Explore remarkable archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay, and visit the Qorikancha temple and the grand Cusco Cathedral. Experience the city’s unique blend of ancient tradition and modern life before enjoying the afternoon and evening at leisure to discover Cusco’s vibrant streets and renowned dining scene.

Accommodations: Novotel (3.5 Star), Palacio del Inka (5 Star), or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (5+ Star)

Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour through the Sacred Valley, exploring the remarkable sites of Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo. Discover Moray’s ancient circular terraces, believed to be an Incan agricultural laboratory, and witness the striking salt ponds of Maras, still harvested by local families today. After a scenic picnic lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo to wander its original Inca streets and climb the impressive fortress terraces overlooking the valley before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.

Accommodations: Casa Andina (3.5 Star), Tambo del Inka (5 Star), or Sol y Luna (5+ Star)

Day 4: Inca Trail Express Hike

Begin your Inca Trail adventure with a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to KM104, where your hike begins. Cross a hanging bridge and visit the ancient ruins of Chachabamba before ascending through lush cloud forest to the terraced site of Wiñay Wayna. Continue to the Sun Gate, where breathtaking views of Machu Picchu unfold below, offering a powerful first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in the nearby village of Machu Picchu.

Accommodations: El Mapi (3.5 Star), Machu Picchu Pueblo (5 Star), or Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (5+ Star)

Day 5: Machu Picchu Sanctuary

Begin the day with a hike up Huayna Picchu for breathtaking panoramic views, followed by a guided exploration of Machu Picchu along the extended Circuit 2 route. Wander through temples, terraces, and ancient dwellings that reveal the grandeur of Inca engineering. After your visit, enjoy a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodations: Novotel (3.5 Star), Palacio del Inka (5 Star), or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (5+ Star)

Day 6: Cusco to Lake Titicaca

Today you will enjoy your last morning in Cusco before being transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to Cusco International Airport for your flight to Juliaca which serves the Lake Titicaca region.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Premium Puno (3.5 star), GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (5 star), or Titilaka (5 star+)

Day 7: Kayak from Llachon to Taquile

After breakfast you will kayak from Llachon to Taquile Island. Taquile Island, located on Lake Titicaca in Peru, is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional Andean culture, and vibrant textiles. The island is renowned for its well-preserved customs and traditional way of life, with its inhabitants maintaining age-old practices in weaving and agriculture. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the lake, explore charming village trails, and experience the unique cultural heritage of the island’s indigenous communities. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel to relax for the evening.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Premium Puno (3.5 star), GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (5 star), or Titilaka (5 star+)

Day 8: Return to Puno via Uros

After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, you’ll start your day by visiting the amazing Uros Floating Islands. You’’ll get to see a couple of them and learn from your guide about the people who live there. After that, you’ll have some free time to explore, take pictures, and buy souvenirs to support the local people if you wish. Next, you’ll head to Luquina Island, where the friendly locals will welcome you with music and dancing. You’ll enjoy a tasty lunch and have the chance to join in their daily activities, like helping with farming and going on a short hike and finally you will head to our hotel in Puno to have well deserved rest.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Premium Puno (3.5 star), GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (5 star), or Titilaka (5 star+)

Day 9: Sillustani Tombs and Fly to Lima

In the morning you will visit Sillustani Tombs on your way to the airport. The Sillustani Tombs are an ancient burial site located near Puno, Peru, on the shores of Lake Umayo. This archaeological site features impressive chullpas, or cylindrical stone towers, which were used by the pre-Incan Colla culture to entomb their elite and nobility. The tombs are renowned for their architectural precision and the mysterious way they were constructed, offering fascinating insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of the region’s early inhabitants. The site also provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding highland landscape. After our visit we will transport you to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Accommodations: N/A

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Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Peru Adventure

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Peru? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to.

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Peru!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
  • Just book with these guys, they are the best and I work in the industry! Had an amazing trip with Explorers Passage. Everyone from the start was so friendly and courteous and this got even better when we arrived in Chile. Guides, drivers and hotel staff were out of the world.
    Couple this with the stunning scenery and it’s one of my top vacation ever!”
    – Richard B.
  • “Explorer’s Passage made our W trek adventure not only possible but seamless and amazing. It was clear from the start that they had thought of everything – from the transfers to tickets to gear. We were very prepared from all their detailed checklists and training guide. And we knew what to expect from all our pre-trip calls and emails. The level of detail in all they do is remarkable. We were able to enjoy the adventure that much more because we had so much trust in their guidance as well as execution of all those details.”
    – Kate W.
  • “My wife and I just got back from Patagonia after completing the W Trek that Explorers Passage had arranged for us. From our first contact with Jeff Bonaldi to our last transfer, our experience was stellar. Jeff guided us through the rather complicated logistics and was very responsive to concerns before and during the adventure. His focus was always on how to make the adventure memorable not on the bottom line for his company. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so because our experience was beyond 5 stars.
    – Steve B.
relax in comfort and luxury

Hotel Options

For the nights you spend in each location, you can relax in the comfort and luxury of 3.5, 5, or 5+ Star premium accommodations.

Novotel | Cusco, Peru

The centrally located Novotel Cusco hotel is the perfect base for exploring this historic city and its surrounding wonders. Nestled in the heart of Cusco, the hotel seamlessly blends colonial charm with modern comforts. The architecture reflects a harmonious fusion of old and new, and this unique style extends into the spacious, elegantly appointed rooms, each equipped with free Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay. After a day of adventuring through the vibrant streets and ancient ruins of Cusco, unwind in the serene ambiance of the hotel’s lush courtyard. Relax under the shade of the canopy on the patio of this beautifully restored colonial house while sipping a traditional coca tea.

Novotel website

El Mapi | Aguas Calientes, Peru

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El Mapi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall eucalyptus dried branches, creating an ambience of order and wellbeing. Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most famous destination: the Machu Picchu archaeological site!

El Mapi website

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas | Urubamba, Peru

The hotel is located in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. It’s only a 30-minute bus drive away from the City of Cusco. It’s a cozy environment in the middle of the Urubamba Valley. Ideal if you want to relax and be close to the main tourist attractions of the valley. Alma Restaurant & Bar offers a breakfast buffet and a wide range of dishes. The hotel has games for children and they can also feed the sheep. The hotel organizes “pachamancas” [traditional Peruvian dish made with the aid of hot stones, of lamb, mutton, pork, chicken or guinea pig, marinated in spices].

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas website



Casa Andina Premium Puno | Punu, Peru

Set on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Casa Andina Premium Puno offers cozy comfort with spectacular views of the water and surrounding highlands. Warm, wood-accented interiors and local décor create a welcoming mountain-lodge feel, while the restaurant serves regional specialties made with fresh Andean ingredients. Guests can relax by the fireplace or stroll down to the private dock for serene lakefront moments.

5 Star Accommodations

Palacio del Inka | Cusco, Peru

Located in the heart of Cusco, Palacio del Inka is walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and museums. It is also located across from the Koricancha, the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire. The spacious rooms are exquisitely appointed, combining Peruvian art, handcrafted furnishings, as well as state-of-the-art technology. The on-site restaurant, Inti Raymi, serves particularly authentic Andean specialties, with ingredients organically grown in the Sacred Valley. Take advantage of the full service spa that draws on the ancient healing mysticism of the Andes.

One of the finest hotels in Peru and part of Starwood Resorts’ Luxury Collection, the Palacio del Inkais a 16th century mansion once occupied by Gonzalo Pizarro, half-brother of Francisco Pizarro (the Spanish conquistador who conquered Peru).

Palacio del Inka website

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo | Aguas Calientes, Peru

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. The property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – as well as the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant overlooking the river, as well as a relaxing spa and sauna.

Additionally, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Resort was rated the #3 hotel in Central and South America in Travel and Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best Awards.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo website

Tambo del Inka | Urubamba, Peru

Escape to a luxurious and mystical journey at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. This hotel in Peru is nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley and stands as a doorway to the vast cultural richness of this region. You’ll love lingering in your elegantly designed hotel room or suite with mesmerizing views of the Andes and the Vilcanota River from a private balcony. Savor the dining options available, with on-site restaurants featuring organic ingredients and local products.

Tambo del Inka website



GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca

Perched on Esteves Island, surrounded entirely by the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca, GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca offers panoramic views from every room. Elegant and modern, it features spacious accommodations, a refined restaurant highlighting regional cuisine, and direct access to the lake for boat excursions. Perfect for those seeking tranquility and luxury at the world’s highest navigable lake.

5+ Star Accommodations

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Cusco, Peru

Bedding down in a former convent isn’t necessarily what you might expect. Lovingly restored, 17th-century architecture gives each artistic room and suite a distinctly colonial feel. Recline on a four-poster bed splashed with hand-embroidered silk coverlets. Bathe beneath hand-painted frescos using soap perfumed by the Palacio’s own flowers. Some suites feature original Inca stonework; others boast balconies with hypnotic views of Cusco’s distant, mist-wrapped mountains. 

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas website

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | Aguas Calientes, Peru

Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, our lodge is an oasis of calm before or after a day exploring Machu Picchu. Unwind with a yoga session, take part in a traditional shaman ceremony in the garden, or sip muña tea in the Tampu Bar. Tranquility, wonder and beauty are at the heart of our unique experience. Cool botanical fabrics are offset by cherry-colored woods. King-sized beds provide space to unwind. Outside your windows, the mountains ripple into the distance.Signature dishes like a Jungle Landscape salad or Sacred Valley grilled trout evoke the Andean setting. Take a seat and let our authentic menu kickstart your Peruvian adventure.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge website

Sol y Luna | Urubamba, Peru

Each of their forty-three casitas is surrounded by gardens filled with flora native to the Sacred Valley and all face the Andes Mountains where the Incas believed their gods dwelled. Within each sanctuary, an outdoor terrace leads into the high ceilinged living space with terra cotta tile floors and some of our favorite Sacred Valley artifacts, Spanish colonial style furniture, a king size bed or two double beds made with goose feather duvets and Peruvian pima cotton sheets, and a spacious marble bathroom with deep soak bathtub.

Sol y Luna website

Titilaka

An exclusive lakeside retreat, Titilaka blends contemporary design with deep cultural authenticity. Set on a private peninsula, the all-inclusive lodge offers immersive excursions to local villages, islands, and Inca ruins, guided by expert naturalists. Inside, guests enjoy gourmet Andean-inspired cuisine, expansive lake-view suites, and personalized service that creates an atmosphere of pure serenity and connection to this sacred landscape.

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

Most travelers take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a short bus ride up to the ruins. Alternatively, you can reach the site via multi-day treks such as the Inca Trail, Lares, or Salkantay.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) when skies are clear and trails are in good condition. June and July are the busiest months, so booking early is recommended.

The most popular way is by boat tour from Puno, visiting the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. Many travelers also spend a night with a local family for an authentic cultural experience.

The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather with calm waters and clear skies. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes but occasional rain showers.

we’re Here every step of the way

Trip Support

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There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!