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Cusco
Machu Picchu by Vistadome: Cusco, Sacred Valley & The Citadel (3 Days)
Description: del Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
Embark on a comprehensive Machu Picchu & Titicaca in One Week exploring the heart of the Inca Empire and the Andean highlands. The adventure begins in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, with a guided visit to the Qorikancha and the colossal fortress of Saqsayhuamán, known for its immense, perfectly fitted stone blocks. The journey continues into the Sacred Valley, visiting the remarkable Pisac ruins and the preserved Inca town of Ollantaytambo. This segment focuses on archaeological wonders, culminating in the unique pre-Inca salt ponds of Maras and the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to Machu Picchu. After an early morning shuttle, you will enjoy a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel, taking in its terraces, temples, and astounding engineering, with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. The trip then takes a scenic route by bus from Cusco to Puno, stopping at the stunning colonial church of Andahuaylillas and the impressive Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi. This journey provides a fascinating transition from the Inca heartland to the vast, high-altitude Altiplano.
The final days are dedicated to the mystical Lake Titicaca. Board a private boat to visit the unique floating islands of the Uros, built from totora reeds. Continue to Taquile Island, famed for its ancestral community structure and UNESCO-recognized textile art. The tour offers a profound cultural experience, including an overnight homestay in Llachón, where you connect directly with local Aymara traditions. This circuit perfectly blends history, epic landscapes, and authentic community experiences before your final transfer and departure from Juliaca/Lima.
Duration: 7 days
Carrying: Only your daypack
Accommodation: Hotels and homestay
Guidance: English-speaking guide
Difficulty Level: Easy
Highlights of the Trip
Visit the most important archaeological and natural sites of southern Peru
Discover a variety of unique ecosystems (Altiplano, tropical forest, Lake Titicaca)
Enjoy all of this within just one week
Itinerary Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
Day 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR + 4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
In the early afternoon, begin your visit of the Inca capital with a guided tour of the cathedral—an impressive building that houses numerous paintings from the Cusqueña School and extraordinary colonial silverwork. Continue to the Santo Domingo Monastery, built atop the former Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha.
You will then leave the city center to explore the four major archaeological sites located on the outskirts of Cusco: Q’enqo, Tambomachay, Pukapukara, and finally Saqsayhuamán, an imposing fortress overlooking Cusco. Its immense stone blocks, perfectly fitted to the millimeter, reach more than 9 meters in height and weigh over 80 tons.
Included:
English-speaking local guide
Private vehicle
All entrance fees
Hotel in Cusco
Day 2: CUSCO – PISAQ – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Departure toward the Sacred Valley. Begin by visiting the archaeological complex of Pisaq, composed of agricultural terraces, water channels, observatories, and the region’s largest Inca cemetery (nearly 10,000 tombs). From here, the Incas controlled and protected the Sacred Valley.
On your way down, stop at the traditional artisan market of Pisaq before continuing along the Urubamba River toward Ollantaytambo. After a stroll through this remarkably preserved 15th-century village, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Free evening at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Note: Today, you will leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco and take only what you need for the next two days.
Included:
English-speaking local guide
Private vehicle
Train to Aguas Calientes
All entrance fees
Breakfast and lunch
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO
At dawn, take the shuttle bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu to enjoy the site before the peak crowds. Your guided visit covers its agricultural terraces, urban areas, temples, and astounding stone constructions built along dramatic mountain cliffs.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo.
Optional activities (not included, must be booked in advance):
Hike to Huayna Picchu (subject to availability)
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability)
Both mountains offer additional viewpoints and require separate entrance tickets with specific schedules.
Included:
English-speaking local guide
Shuttle bus
Private vehicle
Train to Ollantaytambo
All entrance fees
Breakfast and lunch
Hotel in Ollantaytambo
Day 4: OLLANTAYTAMBO – MARAS – MORAY – CHINCHERO – CUSCO
After breakfast, visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo under the soft morning light. Then drive across the Sacred Valley to the salt ponds of Maras, dating back to pre-Inca times and still harvested using ancestral techniques. A natural saltwater spring feeds hundreds of terraced evaporation pools where a thin layer of salt forms and is collected by local families.
Continue to Moray, a remarkable Inca agricultural laboratory used centuries ago to study crop adaptation to different microclimates. The day ends in Chinchero, the “Rainbow Town,” where you will visit its archaeological site before returning to Cusco.
Included:
English-speaking local guide
Private vehicle
All entrance fees
Breakfast and lunch
Hotel in Cusco
Day 5: CUSCO (3350 m) – PUNO (3820 m)
Early departure by tourist bus toward Lake Titicaca. Along the way, admire the fertile landscapes of the Cusco Valley and its remarkable contrasts of colors and light.
Stop in the village of Andahuaylillas to visit its famous colonial church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of South America” for its exquisite painted ceiling. Continue to Raqchi to explore the impressive temple dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha, built by Pachacutec. The site features a central wall with a stone base and adobe upper structure, flanked by circular columns and surrounded by ancient dwellings and storage buildings.
Proceed toward La Raya Pass (4338 m), marking the entrance to the Altiplano, then continue to Puno. Arrival in the late afternoon and reception by a member of our local team. Hotel check-in.
Included:
English-/Spanish-speaking guide (on the tourist bus)
Tourist-class bus
All entrance fees
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hotel in Puno
Day 6: PUNO – UROS – TAQUILE – PUNO
Board a private boat at the port of Puno toward Taquile Island, stopping first at the floating islands of the Uros. These Aymara communities have built their homes on large reed platforms (totoras) anchored to prevent drifting. They live primarily from fishing, handicrafts, and hunting.
Continue navigating Lake Titicaca—meaning “Stone Puma”—until reaching Taquile, an island shaped by centuries of terraced agriculture. The inhabitants maintain a community-based social structure inherited from Inca times. Although land ownership is private, labor remains collective: residents work one day for themselves and one day for the community. Taquile maintains a largely self-sufficient way of life guided by ancestral Inca principles: “Do not steal, do not lie, do not be idle.”
From the upper village, enjoy stunning views of the lake, Puno Bay, and the Bolivian Royal Range. After visiting the artisan market, continue by boat toward Llachón for an immersive evening with a local family.
Included:
English-speaking guide
Private boat
All entrance fees
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight homestay
Day 7: LLACHON – JULIACA – LIMA
Transfer to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel or connection with your international flight.
Included:
Airport assistance
Private transportation
Breakfast
END OF OUR SERVICES
Includes Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
PRICE INCLUDES
Domestic flight: Puno – Lima
Accommodation in standard 3-star hotels (local standards) and homestay
(For upgrades, please contact us)Meals mentioned as included in the program
Private and shared ground transportation
Airport assistance
English-speaking and Spanish-speaking/local guides
All scheduled excursions
All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary (expect USD 5–10 per meal)
Drinks
Tips (recommendation: USD 2 per person/day for guides)
Recommendations Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
Altitude Acclimatization
Walk at your own pace, rest during the first days, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol or heavy meals. Local infusions such as coca or muña often help relieve initial altitude symptoms.
Prevention & Personal Care
Bring a small personal medical kit (pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic, personal medication). Consult your doctor before traveling to discuss possible treatment for altitude sickness.
Hygiene & Food Safety
Drink only sealed bottled water, avoid ice and raw street food. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Sun Protection & Hydration
UV rays are stronger at high altitude. Use high-SPF sunscreen and drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.
Safety During Excursions
Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing. Always follow your guide, especially on Andean trails.
Rest & Balance
The itinerary alternates active days with lighter ones. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
Respect & Serenity
Take time to absorb the Andean environment. Calmness, deep breathing, and listening to your body contribute to wellbeing and a more meaningful experience.
Photo Gallery Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
Frequently Asked Questions Andean Express 7 Days: Machu Picchu, Maras & Titicaca Homestay
Why is this called the "Andean Express"?
It is designed for efficiency. In just one week, you cover the three pillars of Southern Peru: the Imperial City (Cusco), the Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu, and the High Altiplano (Puno). It uses strategic domestic flights and organized land transfers to ensure you spend more time at the sites and less time waiting in terminals.
What makes the Sacred Valley visit unique (Day 3)?
Beyond the famous ruins, this tour takes you to the Salt Mines of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray. Maras is a stunning visual spectacle of over 3,000 salt evaporation ponds that have been used since pre-Inca times. Moray looks like a Roman amphitheater but was actually an advanced Incan agricultural laboratory.
How do we reach Machu Picchu (Day 4)?
You travel by train through the dramatic Urubamba gorge to Aguas Calientes. The tour is timed so you can enjoy a guided exploration of the citadel, learning about its temples, sundials, and urban sectors. Because this is an "Express" tour, you return to Cusco that evening to stay on schedule for the journey south.
What is the "Homestay" experience at Lake Titicaca?
This is the heart of the trip. Instead of staying in a standard hotel in Puno city, you travel to the Llachón peninsula or Amantaní Island. You will sleep in the home of a local family. It’s an authentic exchange: you share a meal prepared with local ingredients (like quinoa and potatoes) and learn about their daily life on the world's highest navigable lake.
Is the homestay comfortable?
The accommodation is simple but incredibly warm. You will have a clean, private room with plenty of thick blankets for the cold Andean nights. While you might not have high-speed Wi-Fi or luxury amenities, the view of the star-filled sky over the lake and the genuine hospitality of your hosts are far more memorable.
What will we see on the lake during the day (Day 6)?
You will visit the Uros Floating Islands, which are constructed entirely out of totora reeds. You’ll also explore Taquile Island, famous for its "knitting men." The textiles here are so high-quality they are protected by UNESCO. Walking the stone paths of Taquile feels like stepping back into a world governed by ancient Incan laws.
How is the travel between Cusco and Puno handled?
You travel across the high plateau on a first-class tourist bus. It’s not just a transfer; it’s a guided tour. You’ll stop at the 17th-century "Andean Sistine Chapel" in Andahuaylillas and the massive Temple of Raqchi. It’s a comfortable way to see the landscape change from jagged peaks to the vast, golden plains of the Altiplano.
Who should choose this 7-day tour?
It’s perfect for culturally curious travelers who have a limited window of time. If you want the "Greatest Hits" of Peru but also crave a moment of quiet, authentic connection with local people, this balance of Machu Picchu and a Titicaca homestay is unbeatable.
Comments:
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
For responsible and sustainable tourism
The payment for each experience is distributed responsibly and transparently with the aim of generating a real and positive impact in Peru
