Photo gallery
Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour photos
Tour overview
Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour at a glance
The classic southern Peru route. After Cusco and Machu Picchu, travel overland to Puno on a full-day sightseeing bus, then sail Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros islands and Taquile.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour
- Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- The Route of the Sun bus from Cusco to Puno
- Uros floating islands and Taquile island on Lake Titicaca
- Every ticket and boat tour included
Detailed itinerary
Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour itinerary: day by day
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Day 1 — Arrival and Cusco City Tour
We meet you at Cusco airport and take you to your hotel to rest and drink coca tea. In the afternoon your guide shows you the Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, and the great walls of Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay above the city.
Day 2 — Sacred Valley and train to Aguas Calientes
A full day in the Sacred Valley: the terraces and market of Pisac, a buffet lunch in Urubamba and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. In the evening the train follows the Urubamba River into the canyon to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 3 — Machu Picchu and back to Cusco
An early bus takes you up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the citadel, before the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and the transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Day 4 — Free day in Cusco
A day to rest or explore San Blas, the San Pedro market and the city's museums.
Day 5 — The Route of the Sun to Puno
A full-day sightseeing bus across the high plains, with a guide on board. You stop at the church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes; the Inca temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi; lunch on the way; the La Raya pass, the highest point of the route; and the museum of Pukara, before arriving in Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca.
Day 6 — Uros and Taquile islands
A boat takes you to the Uros, families who live on floating islands built from totora reeds, and on to Taquile island, famous for its woven textiles and its stone paths high above the lake. Lunch is on Taquile, and you return to Puno in the afternoon.
Day 7 — Departure
A transfer takes you to Juliaca airport (about 1 hour) for your flight.
What's included
What's included in the Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour
Included
- transfers
- hotels with breakfast
- city tour, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with every entrance fee
- trains
- bus
- Route of the Sun bus with lunch and entrance fees
- Lake Titicaca boat tour with lunch
- guides
Not included
- flights
- meals not listed
- travel insurance
- tips
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- an overnight homestay on Amantaní island instead of the day trip (quote)
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses the Machu Picchu circuit available for your date, confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport (the one used for your bookings) and student ID if applicable
- Small overnight bag or backpack within the train allowance (8 kg backpack or 12 kg carry-on); main luggage stays at your hotel
- Daypack of about 20 liters for the visits
- Layers: warm jacket for Cusco evenings, light clothes for Machu Picchu
- Rain jacket or poncho (essential from November to March), sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Insect repellent and a refillable water bottle
- Cash in soles for meals, small purchases and tips
- Extra warm layers for Puno nights and the boat (wind on the lake is cold)
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu tour FAQs
How high is Puno?
About 3,800 m, higher than Cusco. Visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu first helps you acclimatize before the lake.
Can we take the train to Puno instead of the bus?
Yes. The Andean Explorer or other train services can be added by quote, depending on dates.
Can the trip end in Puno or Juliaca?
Yes. Most travelers fly out from Juliaca airport, about 1 hour from Puno. We add the transfer in your quote.
What is the Route of the Sun?
A full-day tourist bus from Cusco to Puno with a guide, lunch and stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, the La Raya pass (4,335 m) and Pukara.
What do we see on Lake Titicaca?
The Uros, who live on floating islands made of totora reeds, and Taquile, where the men knit textiles recognized by UNESCO. Lunch is included on the boat tour.
Can we stay on an island?
Yes. You can swap the day trip for an overnight homestay on Amantaní island (quote).
Why do Cusco and Machu Picchu first?
Puno and the lake sit at about 3,800 m, higher than Cusco. Visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu first helps you acclimatize. Nights in Puno are cold all year.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Seamless Last-Minute Machu Picchu Trip!
“The entire process was seamless, and everyone was absolutely wonderful to work with.”
★★★★★
Once in a lifetime experience, curated by kind professionals.
“All this mess of mine was treated with kind understanding, prompt replies, and genuine friendliness.”
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
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