Treasures of the South
Day 01: As you land in Cusco, a warm welcome awaits from an Inkayni Peru Tours representative. You’ll be escorted to our partner hotel in the enchanting historic area. Today is all about relaxation and acclimatizing to the altitude of around 3400 meters (11,000 feet). Join your expedition mates at 5:00 pm.
Day 02: Embark on a unique journey to the high plains, starting at Chinchero—Inca’s rainbow birthplace. Explore the colonial church atop ancient ruins and discover the art of weaving from local artists. Venture through Moray’s circular terraces, once an agricultural hub, and marvel at Maras’ ancient salt mines. Conclude the day with a train ride to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.
Day 03: Embark on an early morning journey to Machu Picchu, anticipating the enchanting sunrise if luck is on our side. Your guide will accompany you throughout the 2-hour guided tour, providing insights into the site. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore this extraordinary place. We’ll then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
Day 04: In the afternoon, we’ll reach Ollantaytambo and then head to Pisaq, where the Incas’ engineering prowess unfolds through terraces and structures on steep hills and peaks. Scaling a mountain, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Returning to Pisaq, explore a vibrant artisan market with a diverse array of goods, from textiles to instruments. Our journey back to Cusco includes a stop at Awanacancha, a weaving center where you can encounter Andean camel species—alpaca, llama, vicuña, and guanaco—and delve into the art of handcrafted weaving by Andean women.
Day 05: Seize the day! Explore the city on foot or join our day tours. Inquire with your guide or contact Inkayni Peru Tours for exciting options:
- Urban Expedition
- Raft the Vilcanota River
- Gallop through Saqsayhuaman Park
- Soar on a Zip Line in the Sacred Valley
- Navigate ATV trails in Killarumiyoc
Day 06: Embark on a morning adventure from the bus terminal to Puno, exploring diverse locations along the sunlit route. Planned stops include:
- Andahuaylillas: Unveil the fusion of Catholic and Andean religions in the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
- Raqchi: Encounter the monumental Inka temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha, a unique structure honoring the creator of the Universe.
- La Raya: Marvel at the highest point on the road (4335 m.s.n.m.), offering panoramic views of the rugged high altitude, snow-capped peaks, and the cultural border between Quechua and Aymara.
- Pucara: Discover the ancient ceremonial center renowned for its lithic structures and tombs on the high plains.
Day 07: Embark on an adventure to the Uros & Taquile Islands, departing from your hotel at 7:30 am. A private transport will take you to the dock at 7:45 am for a journey to the floating islands of Uros, a National Reserve on Lake Titicaca. Marvel at the panoramic views and learn about the Uros people’s unique culture, traditional fishing, and artisanal practices. With 75 well-organized islands, the Uros maintain their way of life, including hunting wild birds and collecting duck eggs.
After bidding farewell to Uros, embark on a 2.5-hour boat ride to the natural island of Taquile. Admire the royal mountain range during the journey. Taquileños showcase advanced textile skills, recognized by UNESCO. Men, starting from the age of eight, predominantly engage in spinning and weaving, while women focus on yarns and fabrics. Spend approximately 2 hours exploring Taquile, indulging in a delicious typical lunch for an hour. Support the community by purchasing their crafts, contributing to their sustainability and cultural preservation. The journey concludes in Puno at 17:00 hours.
Day 08: As per your flight itinerary, we’ll smoothly escort you to Juliaca airport, just an hour away from Puno city. Following this seamless transfer, our services will conclude with a fond farewell. (End of journey)