Peru Two Cultures Cusco & Puno 9 Days
Peru Two Cultures Cusco & Puno 9 Days
Overview
*Cusco *Sacred Valley **Machu Picchu ** Rainbow Mountain
Visit the most beautiful attractions, such as Cusco, Rainbow mountain, the Sacred Valley, and experience the unforgettable Machu Picchu. Experience the unforgettable crossing of the Peruvian Andes between Cusco and Puno.
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-7 pax | 8-10 pax | 11-14 pax | 15-16 pax | 17-20 pax |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$ 4,547.40 | $ 4,144 | $ 3,964 | $ 3,856.80 | $ 3,740.40 | $ 3,644.40 | $ 3,568.80 |
Included/Excluded
- All the transfers indicated in the itinerary
- All the tours indicated in the itinerary
- Guided tours as mentioned in the itinerary (Local official guide in English or Spanish)
- All meals specified in the itinerary
- All entrance fees to the above-mentioned excursions
- Train ticket Expedition Ollanta /Machu Picchu Pueblo /Ollanta or Poroy
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes
- All applicable taxes
- Three lunches & Three Dinners
- English-guided tours as described in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights
- Flights Lima/ Cusco / Lima
- Airport & aerodrome taxes
- Baggage excess
- Alcoholic drinks, soda, or bottled mineral water
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- International or national personal telephone calls
- Meals not mentioned
DAY 1: …/CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY
Arrive at Cusco Airport via scheduled flight.
Upon your arrival at Cusco, you will collect your luggage and be met by the Nature Horizons representative and transferred to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.
En route you will enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning landscape of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit Textil Local Center, where weavers from more than 12 communities of Southern Peru exhibit the spinning, dyeing, and weaving of traditional Andean textiles helping to preserve the traditional costumes. Your visit includes the opportunity to observe an exhibition and explanation of the four types of South American camels. Here you will find the finest traditional and industrial Andean textiles in South America.
Continue to the town of Pisac, renowned for its colorful market where the locals meet to sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. The handicraft market is open every day and is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artifacts.
Arrive at your hotel.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Meals included: — / — / —
DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY
At 09:30 am, we will visit the town of Chinchero. This traditional Andean town is known as “the birthplace of the rainbow,” and it has the full complement of photogenic attractions: Inca ruins, Andean village houses, an elaborate colonial church built on Inca foundations, and of course the lively weekly market. Visit the market to buy vegetables from the local traders, and Andean handicrafts from the Quechua stallholders.
We will continue to Moray, where you will find “the Inca laboratory.” The circles were used for the development of different strains of crops. Between the highest and lowest terraces there is a difference of up to 15 degrees. Although the difference between neighboring terraces is small, it is great enough to create distinct microclimates that change growing conditions and allow the propagation of a huge variety of plants each with slightly different growth requirements.
Take an optional hike to the ancient town of Maras (approx. 2 hours) with its out-standing Spanish door arches and vast church. We then drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the salt pans of Salineras. Here more than 5000 terraces are still in production and many families of Maras bring their salt to the market of Urubamba on mules.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —
DAY 3: SACRED VALLEY / MACHUPICCHU
In the morning, we will visit the town of Ollantaytambo, the site of one of the great Incan fortresses and sacred areas in the Urubamba Valley. The town is one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in the Americas. The sixteen massive terraces spread before you are a testimony to the magnificent Incan masonry. Climb the steep stone steps up to the imposing fortress at the top of the mountain -around 260 steps! From here the view down the valley is superb and you can admire the huge monoliths that form the Temple of the Sun.
Before Lunch: Experience a “Payment to the Earth” Ceremony
Payment or Offering to the Earth is an ancient, ancestral custom still performed by indigenous Andean cultures today. Led by a shaman, it consists of laying out small amounts of native Andean cereals, grains and fruits, along with coca leaves, as offerings. The ceremony ends with the ritual burning of the offerings so that they can return whence they came, rising into the sky while any remaining ashes are buried in the earth to complete the cycle.
After lunch, we will transfer to the train station, where you will travel to Agua Calientes on board the Expedition. The rest of the day is yours to do with as you please.
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch /–
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Visit this unique Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes on a private visit. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Incan Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces, and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Entrances to the citadel are included.
In the afternoon we will board the bus to Aguas Calientes where you will take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo. Then you will transfer to our hotel in Cusco.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch /–
DAY 5: CUSCO
09:30hs This morning begins your day with a visit to Cusco’s city, Qoricancha Temple, and Santo Domingo Church, which together form perhaps the most vivid illustration in Cusco of Andean culture’s collision with Western Europe and the Cathedral of Cusco, found on one of the streets of the main square of Cusco.
Accompanied by your guide, we will walk to San Pedro Market and San Blas district, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods of Cusco. Just two blocks away from the Plaza de Armas (main square), For centuries it has been home to artisans and craftspeople skilled in metalwork, pottery, painting, and carving. Today it continues to attract admirers enjoying the numerous craft displays and art exhibitions, as well as the vibrant bars and restaurants.
14:30hs Visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco. You will be impressed by the beauty and monumental scale of this important Incan monument. Continue to Qenqo, one of the finest examples of artfully carved rock showing complex patterns of steps, seats, geometric reliefs, and a puma design.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch /–
DAY 6: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
This experience might be one of the most powerful. It is hard to say, they are all overwhelming in beauty/energy / and awe. We are going to have a 1.5-hour session at this location. Rainbow mountain. You have just watched the video. Manifest your experience here. We are here to bring you to a private location to hold your space directly in the middle of this magical land.
Early morning pick up, 6:00 am from your hotel, you will journey through an undiscovered land of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, herds of alpaca, and arrive at the ultimate destination- the painted hills hidden deep in the Andes. Throughout your journey, you will pass through a vibrant green valley with the impressive Ausangate Mountain towering in the distance. You will experience firsthand how locals live in the mountains. Our tours are immersive. We want to bring you into that culture firsthand.
Upon your arrival at Qesiuno, which is the starting point, you will enjoy your fresh breakfast on the way. As you get closer to Rainbow Mountain, you will begin to see the first signs of the colored minerals that formed the painted hills. Your guide will explain what makes up the existence of the Rainbow Mountain, and finally, with one last push, you will hike up to a vantage point that gives you a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscapes that make up this sacred land.
You will have some free time to enjoy the scenery before starting the hike to Qesiuno for your box lunch served on the route. Finally, after your lunch and your session, you will return to Hotel.
It’s time to get to our hotel for the night. This adventure took all day long. It was worth every second and more. What a magical experience today was.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Meals included: Breakfast /Box Lunch /–
DAY 7: CUSCO /PUNO
At the agreed-upon time, please meet your Nature Horizons representative at the lobby for your private transfer to tarin station to take the Titicaca Train to Puno.
Enjoy unrivaled service aboard this beautiful train, dining in 1920s-style Pullman carriages and absorbing breathtaking landscapes. The open-air Observation Car is a dream for photographers’ keen on capturing quintessential panoramas. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca train is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world.
The once-in-a-lifetime adventure lasts approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. At the start of the journey, you are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) or the Puno Station, where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will have the finest in gourmet food and indulgent afternoon tea. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed.
Arrival in Puno – Overnight in Puno
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —
DAY 8: PUNO
08:30hs Depart by boat to the Uros floating Islands. “URU” was the name of a very particular ethnic group that co-existed in Lake Titicaca with the Incas, Aymaras and possibly with older civilizations.
Continue to Taquile Island, and its beautiful beach. Taquileños are known for their handwoven textiles and clothing, which are regarded as among the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru. Knitting is exclusively performed by males, starting at age eight.
Enjoy lunch (Set Menu) at Collata Beach with a demonstration of typical dance and artisan work.
Arrival in Puno – Overnight in Puno
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —
DAY 9: PUNO / JULIACA/LIMA
At 08:15 am, please meet your Nature Horizons representative in the lobby for your private transfer to Juliaca Airport for your scheduled flight home. On route you will visit Chullpas de Sillustani.
Upon your arrival in Lima, a Nature Horizons will meet and assist you with your international connecting flight.
ACCOMMODATION
With Tourist Class Hotels:
Cities | Hotels / Hab. Standard | NT |
Cusco | 4* Casa Andina Premium *** https://www.casa-andina.com/en/destinations/cusco/hotels/casa-andina-premium-cusco | 3 |
Valle Sagrado | 4* Aramwa Sacred Valley *** https://aranwahotels.com/hoteles/aranwa-sacred-valley-hotel-wellness/ | 2 |
Machu Picchu | 3* El Mapi ByInkaterra*** https://www.inkaterra.com/byinkaterra/el-mapi-hotel/the-experience/ | 1 |
PUNO | 3* Casa Andina Puno*** https://www.casa-andina.com/es/destinos/puno | 2 |
Total Nº of nights | 8 |
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What Should I pack?
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
- Short and long-sleeved t-shirts
- Rain gear
- A fleece jacket
- Jeans or casual trousers
- Camera
- Backpack
- Insect repellent, lip balm and sun block
- Binoculars
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- WHAT TO PACK
- Passport
- Backpack to carry all your stuff and the sleeping bag. It should be a comfortable technical hiking backpack of 30 to 35 liters. If you have a bigger one works as well
- Sleeping bag at least minus 5 cº. If you do NOT have one, you can rent from us for 10 dollars for the whole trek. The sleeping bag weighs 1.5 kilos approx
- Trekking Poles – We recommend for people with problems with knees, ankle, or you used to use hiking poles. If you do NOT have one, you can rent a pair of trekking poles for 10 dollars from us.
- Wool hat or beanie
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- 2 – 3 t-shirts, if you have long sleeve better
- Two layers (sweater, fleece)
- Two pairs of long pants if you have leggings, you can do on leggings
- Hiking shoes
- 2 – 3 pairs of wool socks
- A jacket Rain gear (Pants, jacket, if you do not have you can buy rain poncho) is crucial, especially for the wet season.
- Small towel.
- Small headlamp.
- Toothbrush and other personal toiletries.
- Toilet paper.
- Sun cream.
- Insect repellent.
- Sandals / Flip flops.
- If you have warm clothing, you can take them, which not that important.
- Some snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, candies, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Extra Cash in Soles
- IF YOU HIRE PORTER SERVICE, we provide you with a duffel bag. You can pack 7 kilos of your stuff which will Carry by the porters. You get the duffle bags the night before the trek, on the briefing day.
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