Our Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour connects Puno and Cusco in an 8-day journey through southern Peru. Start with Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca, travel from Puno to Cusco, then explore the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain with hotels, transportation and guided tours arranged throughout the trip.
From US$1,350 per person · 8 Days / 7 Nights
Starts in Puno · Ends in Cusco
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Quick Details
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Starts: Puno
- Ends: Cusco
- Route: Puno → Lake Titicaca → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Rainbow Mountain
- Lake Titicaca: Uros Floating Islands + Taquile Island
- Puno to Cusco: Route of the Sun
- Sacred Valley: Guided tour + overnight stay
- Machu Picchu: Train, bus, entrance and guided visit
- Rainbow Mountain: Full-day excursion
- Accommodation: 7 hotel nights
- Guide: English-speaking professional guides
- Price: From US$1,350 per person
What Is the Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour?
The Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour is designed for travelers who arrive in Puno before continuing their journey through Cusco and the Peruvian Andes. In our experience operating tours in southern Peru, we often assist travelers who visit Puno and Lake Titicaca first and then continue to Cusco and Machu Picchu. For this reason, this itinerary follows that natural travel route rather than returning to destinations already visited, first, explore Lake Titicaca and its island communities, then, travel overland from Puno to Cusco before continuing through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Finally, experience Rainbow Mountain before departing from Cusco.
Why Choose This Puno to Machu Picchu Itinerary?
This itinerary connects several major destinations in southern Peru without requiring you to organize each stage separately.
During eight days, you can:
- Explore the Uros Floating Islands
- Visit Taquile Island
- Travel from Puno to Cusco along the Route of the Sun
- Discover Cusco and nearby archaeological sites
- Explore the Sacred Valley
- Reach Machu Picchu by train
- Visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Experience Rainbow Mountain
- Finish your journey in Cusco
Most importantly, the route follows a clear geographical progression from Lake Titicaca toward Cusco and Machu Picchu.
8-Day Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Puno
Welcome to Puno, the starting point of your journey through southern Peru. Our team meets you on arrival and transfers you to your hotel in Puno, after check-in, use the remainder of the day to rest and prepare for your Lake Titicaca experience the following morning.
Overnight: Puno
Day 2: Lake Titicaca – Uros & Taquile Islands
After breakfast, begin a full-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca. First, visit the Uros Floating Islands, where local communities maintain islands traditionally constructed using totora reeds, then, continue across the lake toward Taquile Island. During your visit, learn about local traditions and community life while enjoying views across Lake Titicaca. Afterward, return by boat to Puno and transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Puno to Cusco – Route of the Sun
Today, leave Puno and travel toward Cusco along the Route of the Sun, turning the transfer between both cities into a sightseeing journey through the southern Andes. Along the way, visit important cultural and archaeological stops, including Pucará, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas, a buffet lunch is included during the journey, later, arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast + buffet lunch
Day 4: Cusco & Archaeological Sites
After breakfast, explore Cusco with your guide. Discover important places connected with the city’s Inca and colonial history before continuing to archaeological sites around Cusco, the day’s program introduces you to the historical context of the former Inca capital before your journey continues into the Sacred Valley, after the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day in Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today, continue into the Sacred Valley. Travel through the valley with your guide, visiting traditional Andean communities, archaeological sites and viewpoints along the route, later, explore Ollantaytambo, where Inca archaeological remains form part of a town that remains inhabited today. Enjoy the included buffet lunch during your Sacred Valley excursion, instead of returning to Cusco, stay overnight in the Sacred Valley. This places you closer to the railway route used for the following day’s journey to Machu Picchu.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast + buffet lunch
Day 6: Machu Picchu Guided Tour
After breakfast, travel by train toward Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu., from there, take the bus to the entrance of the archaeological site. Your guide then leads you through Machu Picchu according to your assigned entrance circuit, providing historical and cultural context throughout the visit, afterward, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and take the train back toward the Cusco region. Continue to your hotel in Cusco for the night.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain
Start early for your full day excursion to Rainbow Mountain. Travel from Cusco through the high Andes before beginning the walk toward the main viewpoint. Because Rainbow Mountain sits at high elevation, this is the most physically demanding day of the itinerary. Therefore, travelers should consider both the altitude and the walking involved before choosing this excursion, after visiting the viewpoint, begin the return journey to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast + lunch
Day 8: Cusco Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and available free time according to your departure schedule. Finally, our team transfers you to Cusco Airport, where your 8 day journey from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included?
- 7 hotel nights
- 2 nights in Puno
- 4 nights in Cusco
- 1 night in the Sacred Valley
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and hotel transfers according to the itinerary
- English-speaking professional guides
- Lake Titicaca boat tour
- Uros Floating Islands visit
- Taquile Island visit
- Puno to Cusco tourist transportation
- Route of the Sun sightseeing
- Pucará, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas visits
- Buffet lunch during the Puno to Cusco journey
- Guided Cusco tour
- Sacred Valley tour
- Sacred Valley buffet lunch
- Train to and from the Machu Picchu area
- Bus transportation to and from Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance
- Guided Machu Picchu visit
- Rainbow Mountain excursion
- Rainbow Mountain lunch
- Tourist transportation according to the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Optional services and activities
Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour Prices
3-Star Hotel + Expedition Train
From US$1,350 per person
4-Star Hotel + Vistadome Train
From US$1,770 per person
5-Star Hotel + Hiram Bingham Train
From US$3,290 per person
8 Days / 7 Nights
Prices are currently based on the package structure and hotel/train category. Final services, availability and pricing are confirmed at the time of booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu?
Yes. This itinerary starts in Puno with a Lake Titicaca tour and then travels overland to Cusco. From Cusco, the journey continues through the Sacred Valley before reaching Machu Picchu by train.
What is the best way to combine Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu?
One practical option is to visit Lake Titicaca from Puno first and then travel from Puno to Cusco. This avoids returning along the same route and allows you to continue naturally toward the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
What do we visit on Lake Titicaca?
The itinerary includes a full-day boat excursion to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. These visits introduce travelers to two different island communities and cultural traditions on Lake Titicaca.
How do we travel from Puno to Cusco?
You travel by tourist transportation along the Route of the Sun. Instead of making a direct transfer, the journey includes stops at Pucará, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas, plus a buffet lunch.
Is Rainbow Mountain included?
Yes. Rainbow Mountain forms part of Day 7. However, it is the most physically demanding portion of the itinerary because of its high elevation and the walking required to reach the viewpoint.
Does this tour require the Inca Trail?
No. You do not need to complete a multi-day trek to visit Machu Picchu. The package uses train transportation to reach the Machu Picchu area and bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the archaeological site.
Can I choose a different train to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The current package structure offers different hotel and train categories, including Expedition, Vistadome and Hiram Bingham. Availability and the exact service are confirmed when you book.
Continue from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu
Start your journey in Puno, explore Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca, cross the Andes toward Cusco, and continue through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu before finishing with Rainbow Mountain.
Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour – 8 Days / 7 Nights
From US$1,350 per person
Reserve Your 8-Day Peru Tour
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