Wisdom of the Andes & Sacred Lake Routes – 10D/9N

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you’ll be greeted with a warm Andean welcome and transferred by private service to your hotel, ideally located in the historic heart of the city. Along the way, enjoy your first panoramic views of the majestic Cusco Valley, the cradle of the ancient Inca Empire. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, adjust to the altitude, and take in the elegant blend of tradition, comfort, and Peruvian hospitality that surrounds you.

Accommodation in Cusco
5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

This morning, we explore the historic and spiritual richness of the former capital of the Inca Empire, beginning with a visit to the majestic Cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial art that showcases exceptional works from the Cusco School and a remarkable blend of Andean and European traditions.

We then continue to the Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha, the most important religious center of the Inca era, renowned for its finely carved stone walls.

Next, we visit the four principal archaeological sites surrounding Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, an impressive ceremonial fortress built with monumental stone blocks; Qenqo, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to sacred rituals; Puka Pukara, a strategic military lookout; and Tambomachay, the Temple of Water, where crystal-clear springs still flow.

At midday, enjoy a gourmet lunch at a panoramic restaurant overlooking the city, and in the afternoon, you will have free time to browse local boutiques, explore art galleries, or relax at your hotel in its peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation in Cusco
5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we head toward the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas, a landscape where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

Our journey begins with a visit to Moray, an extraordinary circular terrace complex that functioned as an agricultural laboratory, showcasing the Incas’ remarkable understanding of climate and cultivation. Just minutes away, we continue to the stunning Maras Salt Mines—thousands of gleaming white salt pools cascading down the mountainside, forming one of the Valley’s most iconic and photogenic views.

After exploring these impressive sites, you will enjoy a traditional pachamanca experience in Ollantaytambo, where ancestral cooking techniques use hot stones to prepare a flavorful Andean meal in honor of the earth. This cultural and culinary celebration offers a deeper connection to local traditions.

We then explore Ollantaytambo itself, a living Inca town that preserves its original stone streets, water channels, and ancient architecture, offering a vivid window into a civilization that continues to thrive.

At the end of the day, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax and unwind after an enriching day.

Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
5★: Tambo del Inka
5★: Inkaterra Hacienda
4★: Casa Andina Premium

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley and driven to the archaeological site of Pumamarca. From there, you’ll begin a scenic hike through ancient terraces and stunning mountain landscapes, eventually arriving at the traditional community of Willoq. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature—a perfect moment to unwind and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the Andes.

You’ll then be welcomed with traditional Andean music and dance as the villagers invite you to share in their daily lives. Take part in authentic activities such as herding llamas and alpacas and discovering the art of weaving on traditional looms. You’ll learn about the meanings behind their intricate textile designs and their deep connection to ancestral stories.

At the end of your visit, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, carrying with you the warmth and living traditions of this unique Andean community.

Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
5★: Tambo del Inka
5★: Inkaterra Hacienda
4★: Casa Andina Premium

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Early in the morning, you will board the panoramic Vistadome train for a scenic and enriching journey through the Sacred Valley toward Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus will take you to the legendary Machu Picchu citadel, where your private guide will lead you through its temples, terraces, and sacred sites—revealing the harmony between Inca architecture, nature, and the surrounding mountains.

After your guided visit, you will have free time for lunch, photography, or exploring the charming town of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you’ll take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying panoramic views and a comfortable ride. Upon arrival, our team will meet you and transfer you seamlessly to your hotel in Cusco, concluding an unforgettable full-day experience.

Accommodation in Cusco
5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, head to Chonta, a remote Andean village famous for its natural viewpoint where the sacred Andean condor soars gracefully through the canyon skies—a living symbol of freedom and connection between the earthly and spiritual worlds.

The route passes through the fertile Limatambo Valley, framed by rivers, terraces, and green ravines that preserve their ancestral charm. As we ascend, the scenery becomes more dramatic—vast cliffs, deep canyons, and crisp mountain air that mark the stunning territory of the condor.

At the viewpoint, you’ll have time to watch these majestic birds glide effortlessly on thermal currents, in a setting that evokes silence, reverence, and wonder.

Enjoy a lunch of fresh local products while taking in this timeless landscape before returning to Cusco in the late afternoon, your spirit renewed by the energy of the Andes.

Accommodation in Cusco
5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Embark on a fascinating overland journey along the Route of the Sun, connecting the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with the highland city of Puno, the city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Throughout the day, enjoy guided visits to historical and cultural landmarks.

Begin at Andahuaylillas, home to the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” famous for its baroque murals and gilded altarpieces. Continue to Raqchi, where the grand Temple of Wiracocha stands as one of the most significant Inca constructions. After lunch in Sicuani, ascend to La Raya Pass (4,335 m / 14,222 ft), the highest point of the route, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes.

Finally, visit the Pukara Museum, showcasing artifacts from one of the region’s earliest pre-Inca civilizations, famed for its iconic ceramic bull figurines. As evening falls, arrive in Puno, on the serene shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world.

Accommodation in Puno
5★: GHL Lago Titicaca
5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno
4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Experience the mystical allure of Lake Titicaca, a sacred body of water shimmering at over 12,500 feet above sea level. Begin your navigation toward the Uros Floating Islands, man-made islands crafted entirely from totora reeds — the same material used for their homes, boats, and crafts. Here, the Uros people share their ancient traditions, preserved through centuries.

Continue by boat to Taquile Island, celebrated for its remarkable community organization and UNESCO-recognized textile art. Discover their customs, admire the intricate handwoven garments, and enjoy a traditional lunch with sweeping views of the lake’s endless blue horizon.

This day is a journey through time, where the vastness of Titicaca and the warmth of its people reveal the true spirit of the Andes.

Accommodation in Puno
5★: GHL Lago Titicaca
5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno
4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy an early breakfast in your hotel before private transfer to the Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be greeted and driven to your hotel. After settling in, begin your journey in Lima, the “City of Kings,” with a guided city tour through its historic center.

Starting at San Martín Square, stroll along elegant streets until reaching the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll admire the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral from the outside. Along the route, you’ll also see the Church of La Merced and visit the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its impressive catacombs.

Afterward, head to Miraflores for a relaxing stop at Parque del Amor, known for its ocean views and romantic mosaics. Later, continue to the Larco Museum, set inside an 18th-century viceregal mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here, enjoy a delicious lunch at its renowned restaurant before exploring 5,000 years of pre-Columbian history.

The museum’s extraordinary collection of gold, silver, and ceremonial artifacts—along with its iconic erotic gallery—reveals the cultural richness and spiritual traditions of ancient Peru, offering a memorable and immersive experience.

Accommodation in Lima
5★: JW Marriott Lima
5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol
4★: Radisson Miraflores

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, you’ll have a private transfer to the Lima Airport. As you say goodbye to Peru, take with you the vibrant memories of Peru’s coast, highlands, and living Andean traditions. This final farewell marks the end of an unforgettable journey filled with cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful connections that will stay with you long after your departure.

Included: Breakfast

A cultural and spiritual journey that unveils the deepest secrets of the Andean heart.