Physical Level

Easy

Trip Style

Max Altitude

Group Size

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Discover the best of southern Peru over six days filled with historical landmarks technical insights and remarkable landscapes with our Complete Andes Package. Your journey starts in Cusco (11,150 ft 3,400 m) where you will be introduced to its Inca legacy and colonial heritage through a detailed City Tour.

On the second day you will venture into the Sacred Valley with a connection to the charming town of Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m) and on the third day you will experience a guided visit to the impressive Machu Picchu, a site that will remain in your memory for real.

Day four takes you along the historic Route of the Sun toward the city of Puno (13,123 ft 4,000 m) with a journey marked by significant historical stops and breathtaking scenery. On day five you will explore the legendary floating islands of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft 3,810 m) a water body that hosts ancient cultures and traditions.

The tour concludes with your transfer departure leaving you with a comprehensive experience and unforgettable memories of the Peruvian Andes. You know what I mean when I say this itinerary leaves no stone unturned no worries at the end of the day.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

ARRIVAL IN CUSCO + CITY TOUR

Upon arrival in Cusco (11,150 ft 3,400 m) our representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name to transfer you to your selected hotel. It is advisable to take a flight arriving in Cusco between 9 and 10 in the morning so you have ample time to rest and enjoy a relaxed lunch. Later between 12:30 and 12:50 our team will visit your hotel to begin the tour. Accompanied by your guide you will visit the Cusco Cathedral also known as the Church of Triumph constructed in 1539 over the former palace of Viracocha Inca currently serving as an auxiliary chapel. Next you will visit the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun where you will spend about an hour learning about Andean symbolism the astronomical connections and its relevance to the Inca calendar; just so you know the details here are technical and precise. Your group will then board our tourist transport to travel to the famous ruins outside the city; the first stop is the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park where you can observe massive stone walls inspired by the deity Rayo. Afterwards you will visit Q’enqo to see the city’s most significant ceremonial huaca then proceed to Tambomachay to view ceremonial fountains that have functioned flawlessly since Inca times. The tour concludes with a stop at Puka Pukara a military fortress used as a control point during the Inca era offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes. The tour ends around 18:30; no worries if you feel the schedule is tight as it has been designed with precision.

DAY 2:

SACRED VALLEY with Connection to AGUAS CALIENTES

Your transfer or guide will collect you from your hotel between 06:30 and 06:50 in the morning to board the tourist transport and commence the journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After an approximate 40-minute drive you will reach the archaeological center of Chinchero a town that retains its original Inca culture where local artisans showcase traditionally woven textiles using ancient techniques. Next the route proceeds to Moray where you will encounter experimental terraces with various microclimates used for plant acclimatization and hybridization. Later you will visit the Salineras de Maras which have been in operation since pre-Inca times featuring over 3000 natural salt ponds fed by saline water filtered from the hill known as Qoripukiu (Source of Gold). The journey continues toward Urubamba where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring regional flavors; for real the meal is a highlight. After lunch you will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo a strategic military religious and agricultural center known for its stone terraces and imposing constructions over four meters high reputed as a refuge for Inca royalty and nobility. Following this detailed exploration you will head to the train station to board a train that takes you to Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m). Upon arrival a hotel representative will welcome you and assist with check-in while your guide provides necessary details and preparations for the exciting Machu Picchu excursion scheduled for the next day.

DAY 3:

MACHU PICCHU EXCURSION and Return to CUSCO

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m) our staff will meet you at the main square to guide you to the bus boarding point for transport to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. The bus journey offers an additional opportunity to appreciate the surrounding nature of this remarkable site. Once inside the citadel you will have approximately 2 hours to explore under the guidance of an expert who will explain in detail the significance and technical achievements of the Inca constructions that blend security sustainability and meticulous planning high in the mountains. After this in-depth exploration you will return by bus to the town where you can enjoy a hearty local lunch at one of the restaurants followed by free time for shopping and a required stop at your hotel to collect your luggage. At the appointed time you must present yourself at the Aguas Calientes train station 30 minutes before departure. After an approximately 2-hour train journey you will arrive back at Ollantaytambo and then transfer by road to return to Cusco.

DAY 4:

ROUTE OF THE SUN, Heading to Puno

Around 06:15 you will be picked up from your hotel to be transferred to the bus station which will take you on this historically rich experience. The journey starts at the impressive Andahuaylillas Chapel a 17th-century architectural gem also known as the “Sixtine of the Andes” noted for its exceptional murals gilded details and paintings of the Cusco school. Next you will proceed to Raqchi known as the “Temple of the god Wiracocha” where you will witness a concentration of storage structures (Colcas) and admire constructions built with stone and adobe. The route continues with a scheduled stop for a buffet lunch in the charming city of Sicuani. The final leg takes you to the Paso de la Raya a geographical point located above 14,215 ft (4,330 m) marking the border between Cusco and Puno; from this high altitude the impressive snow-capped Chimboya mountain is visible serving as the source of the Amazon River. The last stop is the Pukará Lithic Museum where you will discover a fascinating collection of ceramics and sculptures mainly depicting zoomorphic figures. The day concludes with your arrival in the beautiful city of Puno approximately at 17:00; assistance will be provided at the terminal and you will be transferred to your chosen hotel.

DAY 5:

EXCURSION TO UROS AND TAQUILE

After breakfast at your hotel you will meet at 07:00 to begin a day of exploration. You will be transferred to the port in Puno where a motorized boat awaits to commence your journey. This boat trip will first take you to the astonishing Floating Islands of the Uros on Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft 3,810 m) where your guide will explain the fascinating lifestyle of the communities living on these man-made islands; you will have free time to walk around take photographs and optionally ride on traditional totora reed boats (this ride is not included). Continuing this unique experience you will sail to Taquile Island a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage particularly renowned for its textile art. Upon docking at the island’s pier you will start a guided walk including one or more stops to explore the local traditions customs and rich history. During the walk you will have the chance to observe various medicinal plants native to the area and witness local residents engaged in daily activities; just so you know these observations add to the authenticity of the experience. The excursion concludes with a visit to a local tourist restaurant where you will share a satisfying lunch before embarking on the return to Puno, with the trip finishing around 17:00.

DAY 6:

DEPARTURE TRANSFER

After breakfast at the hotel and according to your flight schedule you will be transferred to the airport 3 hours in advance to catch your flight back to Lima ensuring a smooth departure with technical precision

Inclusions

City tour excursion with visits to 4 ruins and thorough historical explanations
Sacred Valley tour with a buffet lunch featuring regional specialties
Machu Picchu excursion on a tourist train including an executive lunch providing a practical insight into local cuisine
Excursion to the Uros and Taquile islands with a basic lunch and detailed cultural briefing
Route of the Sun journey from Cusco to Puno including a basic buffet lunch and stops at key historical sites
Entrance fees to all listed tourist attractions ensuring access to technical details
Shared service transportation on tourist vehicles maintaining a consistent schedule
Professional guiding in shared service format offering technical and authentic commentary
02 nights accommodation in Cusco with secure lodging facilities
01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes with reliable amenities
02 nights accommodation in Puno in well-regarded hotels
Transfers for both arrival and departure at the airport or bus terminal to ensure punctuality
Continuous assistance available in person via WhatsApp or phone calls providing support along the way

Domestic and international flights which must be arranged separately
Travel insurance not provided in the package
Meals not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary to maintain clarity
Personal expenses varying by individual choice
Additional costs that may occur due to delays or itinerary modifications caused by weather security health issues political instability or strikes an uncertainty that every traveler should be aware of Tour Plan

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
- The name of the university
- The student’s name and photo
- A valid expiration date
ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

The traveler is older than 25
The ID is expired
The ID does not have an expiration date
ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “ITAN Adventure”?

“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.

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