Explore Perú: Machu Picchu to Puno with Soul Medicine Travel

TrovaTrip will provide 3 arrival transfers from Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) to the hotel between 8 am and 6 pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to the trip departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 15-minute vehicle transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Peruvian flavors. Please note that your dinner includes one soft drink and one pisco sour cocktail. Any additional drinks can be purchased separately at the venue. During the dinner, a musician's performance and folkloric show will add the perfect touch.

Overnight in Cusco.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Xima Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, pack your luggage and check out of the hotel. Then, you will take a brief 15-minute transfer to the Sacsayhuaman ruins. Upon arrival, you will be awe-struck by the immense stone walls that were constructed with such precision that it's said not even a blade of grass can fit between the stones. These walls, made of massive limestone blocks, are a testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization. The visit to Sacsayhuaman typically lasts about 1 hour, during which you will learn about the history and significance of this archaeological site. You will cover approximately 0.5 miles on foot, following your experienced guide and visiting the terraces, Nusta fountain, the sun temple, Inkawatana fort, among other highlights. After the tour, you will immediately take a 15-minute transfer to continue your exploration with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad.

Your day continues with a visit to Manos de la Comunidad, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of local artisans. Located just a short 15-minute transfer from the Sacsayhuaman ruins, this community workshop is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Andean handicrafts. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the local artisans, who create unique goods using techniques passed down through generations. You will observe the intricate process of creating textiles with baby alpaca, learning about the process from the camelids to the final handcraft. The workshop also serves as a cultural center and museum, where you can learn about the history and significance of Andean handicrafts in local culture. The artisans are happy to share their knowledge and stories, providing a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and the cultural traditions that inspire their work. After exploring the workshop and witnessing the creativity and skill of the artisans, you will have the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs to take home, directly supporting the local community. Then, you will continue your way to Yucay, with a stop in Pisac to taste typical empanadas.

Once you finish your visit to Manos de la Comunidad, your journey will continue to your hotel in Yucay. After a scenic 40-minute drive, you will arrive at Pisac, where a tasty stop is planned. You will visit the house of Ernestina, a local cook known for making the best empanadas in town. Here, you will have an empanada cooking demonstration, conducted close to the oven, allowing you to observe the process up close. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to taste these delicious and traditional preparations. Two empanadas per person are included, along with one non-alcoholic beverage. Additional empanadas and beverages can be purchased at your own expense. The fillings are the most traditional of the region, including chicken, banana, ham, and pineapple. After tasting the empanadas and conversing with Ernestina, you will resume your transfer with 2 more hours of travel, arriving at your hotel in Yucay in the early afternoon.

Urubamba Valley

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Sonesta Posadas del Inca Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, a scenic 40-minute transfer will lead you to the Ollantaytambo ruins. This historic site holds significance as the place where the Incas successfully defended against the Spanish conquest. Your visit to the Ollantaytambo ruins reveals an essential Inca construction from their peak era. Accompanied by your guide for approximately 1 hour, delve into the hidden narratives of this Inca marvel. Please be aware that this activity involves walking approximately 0.5 miles with several stairs amidst the mountainous landscape. After concluding the visit, a 40-minute transfer will take you to our next attraction, the Moray Agricultural Terraces. The visit to Moray unveils a testament to Inca innovation and agricultural mastery. Nestled in the Andes mountains, this archaeological site showcases impressive concentric terraced circles, a testament to the Incas' advanced farming techniques. Plan to spend around 1 hour at the terraces, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. Afterward, a 30-minute transfer will take you to the next highlight: the Maras salt ponds. Upon arriving at the Maras Salt Ponds, embark on an intimate exploration led by your guide through this unique, centuries-old salt production site. Discover the intricate process of salt extraction, dating back to pre-Incan times, observing locals employing traditional methods to harvest salt from the natural springs that nourish these ponds. Plan for about 1 hour to explore these terraces, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. After concluding the visit, you'll board the vehicle for your journey back to your hotel, pausing at Maras Village for lunch at your own expense. After lunch, enjoy a 40-minute transfer back to your hotel, allowing for free time to enjoy a leisurely dinner. Please note that the order of the attractions visited could change. Bathrooms are available at the three attractions, with an additional fee.

Urubamba Valley

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Sonesta Posadas del Inca Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Following an early breakfast, a brief 35-minute transfer will take you to the train station. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, offering scenic vistas along the way. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short 30-minute transfer will bring you to the Machu Picchu gate.

Upon arrival at the "Lost city of the Incas", your guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour showcasing the highlights of this ancient town. Exploring Circuit Two, covering the main attractions along a 2-mile trail, unveils awe-inspiring terraces and stone structures. Gain profound insights into the historical significance and architectural marvels, including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone. The tour offers stunning panoramas of the Andes Mountains and the Urubamba River, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Post-midday, return to Aguas Calientes by transfer, with a stop at a local restaurant for a delightful lunch. Restrooms are available at the site's entrance for an additional fee. Please note that lunch is not included.

Once you finish your visit to Machu Picchu, you will have some free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes. Afterward, you will take a leisurely 5-minute walk to the train station. Relax on a scenic 1.5-hour journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the train station, a 2-hour transfer will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Xima Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After an early breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and hop into the vehicle. The total transfer from Cusco to Puno is about 8 hours, but there are at least 4 stops planned to make it comfortable and attractive. From Cusco to Andahuaylillas is about 1.5 hours, then from Andahuaylillas to Raqchi is another 1.5 hours. After that, it's about 45 minutes from Raqchi to Sicuani. The next leg, from Sicuani to Pucara, is about 2.5 hours. Finally, from Pucara to Puno, it's another 2 hours. These stops are not only for rest but also to explore some of the fascinating attractions along the way, making your journey from Cusco to Puno a memorable and enriching experience.

Your journey will start early in the morning from Cusco, and your first stop is planned in Andahuaylillas. Here, you will visit a church considered the "Sistine Chapel" of the Americas because of the quality of the artworks found inside it. You will explore the church and its surroundings for about 45 minutes, admiring the stunning frescoes and colonial architecture. After Andahuaylillas, your transfer will take you to the Raqchi ruins. These are the best-preserved and only surviving ruins that have adobe walls still sitting on a base of Inca rock walls. You will discover these ruins in a gentle stroll, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. Along the way, you will find amazing spots for photos, capturing the beauty and history of the site. Your next stop is Sicuani, where you will stop for 45 minutes at a restaurant located along the route to enjoy lunch. The lunch includes a buffet with a variety of options for starters, main courses, and desserts. The last stop before reaching Puno is Pucara, famous for its pottery. Here, you will stroll through the village to find the best pottery handcrafts, including the well-known “Toritos de Pucara” (Little Bulls of Pucara), which are traditional symbols of good luck and protection in Andean culture. Finally, you will arrive in Puno in the late afternoon, with time to unwind, freshen up, and have dinner at your leisure. Enjoy the comforts of your accommodation after a long journey.

A stop in Sicuani is planned at midday to enjoy lunch. Lunch will be served buffet style, and will offer 5 different options for starters, main courses, and desserts to choose from. A hot drink is included, and any additional beverages can be purchased at your own expense. The lunch break lasts about one hour, after which you will continue with your transfer to Puno.

Overnight in Puno.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Jose Antonio de Puno Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, take a brief 10-minute transfer to Puno’s dock. There, you will embark on a private boat, equipped with life jackets for each person and with a maximum capacity of 35 people. Your fascinating boat tour of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, will begin with a visit to the unique Uros Islands. These islands are literally floating on the lake's surface, constructed entirely of totora reeds. Meet the resident families dressed in traditional and colorful outfits, who will warmly welcome you to their homes. They will proudly show you their reed boats and explain how they construct and maintain their islands. You will also have a demonstration of hunting and fishing. Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours on the Uros islands. Continuing your journey, you will head towards the island of Taquile on a 1.5-hour navigation. As you approach the island, you will be amazed by the sight of elaborate pre-Inca terraces and the absence of cars, electricity, and pollution. Taquile is known for its unpaved roads and the preservation of its ancestral traditions. The islanders have maintained their way of life for thousands of years, with a strong emphasis on community collectivism. You will spend around 2 hours on Taquile, exploring the island with soft hikes, covering approximately 0.5 miles on uphill terrain. On Taquile Island, you will enjoy a typical lunch, giving you the opportunity to savor the local flavors and specialties, including quinoa soup, grilled/fried trout with potatoes, rice, and salad, vegetarian egg omelet, and hot drinks like tea or mate and coffee. Please note that additional beverages can be purchased at your own expense. Once lunch is finished, you will board the boat again and enjoy a 1.5-hour navigation back to Puno dock, where the vehicle awaits to take you to the hotel.

Overnight in Puno.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Jose Antonio de Puno Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your transfer to Chivay will start right after breakfast. The complete journey lasts about 6 hours, but your guide has planned some attractive stops along the way to make it comfortable and enjoyable. The first stop will be at Lagunillas lagoon, where you will have access to bathrooms and can take some photos of the beautiful lagoons. Another break is planned at Patahuasi, where you will be invited to drink coca tea and use the restrooms again. Your lunch stop is planned once you arrive in Chivay. Plan to arrive at your hotel in the early afternoon, giving you time to settle in and relax after the journey.

Once you arrive in Chivay, before checking in at the hotel, you will make a stop at a local restaurant to enjoy lunch. The included lunch is a buffet with 3 courses, featuring typical local flavors. Please note that beverages are not included and can be purchased at the restaurant at your own expense.

Once you have settled in at the hotel, you will be picked up for a 30-minute transfer to La Calera Hot Spring, a natural thermal bath known for its relaxing and rejuvenating properties. The hot spring features five pools of varying temperatures, allowing visitors to choose the one that suits them best. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, making them a great place to soothe tired muscles and relax after the long transfer from Puno. In addition to the pools, La Calera offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, river, and countryside, providing a tranquil setting. Please note that it is recommended to stay no longer than 30 minutes in the water at a time due to changes in your pressure. After a break, you can take a new bath. It is expected to spend 1.5 hours in the thermal complex before returning to your hotel. Please note that there are changing rooms for your comfort in the thermal area.

Overnight in Chivay.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Aranwa Pueblito Encantado Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Today's transfer will last for about 6 hours, but there are several stops planned to make the pace ideal. After one hour of your departure from your Chivay hotel, you will make a stop at Cruz del Condor. From there, you will continue the journey for 45 minutes to Maca, where you will visit its charming church. After that, you will continue for 45 minutes to Yanque, where you will have a chance to stretch your legs by strolling through the village. From there, you will continue for 1.5 hours to Patahuasi, where a restroom break is planned. You will then resume the transfer to Arequipa for 2 more hours.

After an early breakfast, pack your luggage and hop into the vehicle for a scenic 1-hour transfer to Cruz del Condor, a unique viewpoint perched on the edge of the canyon. This viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the canyon's depths and the surrounding mountains, offering breathtaking views and a chance to witness the majestic Andean condors in flight. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the condors are most active. These massive birds, with wingspans of up to 10 feet, can often be seen gliding on the thermal currents rising from the canyon depths, creating a spectacular sight against the backdrop of the canyon walls. You will spend about 1 hour at Cruz del Condor, and then resume your transfer to Arequipa, which lasts around 5 hours. Your guide will make stops in the towns of Maca and Yanque to break the transfer, making it more comfortable and attractive. These small villages are renowned for their small colonial churches and the Andean landscape around them. You will arrive in Arequipa in the early afternoon, with free time to settle in before starting the evening culinary experience.

A packed lunch is included for you to enjoy during your transfer to Arequipa. The box typically includes a choice of chicken or trout with vegetables or rice, a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a slice of cake. Additionally, a bottle of water and some candies are included.

In the afternoon, you will be picked up for a brief 15-minute transfer to the terrace of a local restaurant, where a local chef will greet you and invite you to join a memorable cooking experience. Each participant will have their own cooking station, and under the guidance of the chef, you will prepare a 2-dish menu, learning about Peruvian cuisine, considered one of the best in the world. During the cooking session, you will prepare the traditional cheese salad called 'Soltero de Queso' and a tasty shrimp soup called 'Chupe de Camarones'. Once you have finished cooking, you will sit down at the table to savor your own creations. As you enjoy your dinner, a dance and music show will provide the perfect ending to your trip. After dinner and the show, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

It's time to savor your own creations! Your final dinner will feature a starter, main dish, and dessert. Please note that a bottle of water is included, and additional beverages can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. Casa Andina Hotel breakfast includes a variety of options, such as scrambled eggs, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries and bread, jams, pancakes, waffles, hot drinks and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Trova Trip will provide two departure transfers from the hotel to Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon Airport (AQP) between 8 am and 12 pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to the trip departure based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to the airport.