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3 days
Cusco
Machu Picchu by Vistadome: Cusco, Sacred Valley & The Citadel (3 Days)
Description: del Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
This tour invites you to explore the most breathtaking treasures of the Peruvian Andes by following the legendary Inca Routes. We begin in modern and vibrant Lima, where the energy of the capital will surprise you. Then, we travel deep into the heart of the Andes, reaching the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll pass through the majestic Sacred Valley, a place where the living legacy of the ancient empire still echoes through every corner. As the journey unfolds, you’ll discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain, a geological marvel painted in vibrant tones. This surreal landscape will leave you breathless and deeply connected to the unique energy of the highlands. Afterward, we continue toward the mythical Lake Titicaca, birthplace of Andean legends and home to communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions for centuries.
As the highest navigable lake in the world, it offers an unparalleled sense of peace and spiritual connection. Following the authentic Inca Routes, you’ll explore ancient archaeological sites, engage with local communities, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization. The Sacred Valley will be a highlight of the trip, a sacred land where spirituality and ancestral wisdom are present in every temple, mountain, and path. This itinerary is designed to seamlessly connect culture, nature, and history. It promises a meaningful experience as you walk some of the most iconic trails of the Andes. Prepare yourself for a journey filled with wonder, learning, and unforgettable moments. The Inca Routes are waiting to offer you a truly transformative adventure.
Considerations: Inca Routes
Book in advance: Since top destinations like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca have limited availability, it’s essential to book at least 60 days ahead. This way, you’ll secure train tickets, site entries, and accommodation without hassle.
Altitude and health: The itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization. Still, staying hydrated, resting well, and avoiding heavy meals during the first days is highly recommended. Moreover, altitude sickness can often be prevented by following your guide’s advice.
Smart packing: Bring comfortable clothing, a light rain jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, and hiking shoes. Additionally, a small backpack with natural snacks and a reusable water bottle will be handy for excursions like Rainbow Mountain or the Sacred Valley.
Carry local currency: Although ATMs are available in cities like Cusco, rural areas such as Chinchero or Taquile often require cash payments. For that reason, we suggest bringing small-denomination Peruvian soles.
Digital disconnection: Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are not always available during the journey. That said, it’s a great chance to unplug and reconnect with yourself, and the majestic landscapes of the Inca Routes.
Extend your adventure: If you’d like to enhance your experience, consider combining this journey with the Short Inca Trail 2 Days, a perfect and accessible way to live the Inca Trail in a shorter format.
Advantages
Comprehensive journey through the Andes: This tour links Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca in a single, well-paced itinerary. Moreover, it includes expert guides and cultural insight every step of the way.
Iconic archaeological landmarks: Each day you’ll visit impressive sites from the Inca Empire like Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. In fact, few trips offer such a rich archaeological experience as the Inca Routes.
Comfortable and worry-free logistics: From land transportation to the train to Aguas Calientes, everything is prearranged. Therefore, you can focus solely on enjoying your trip while we handle the logistics.
Ideal for travelers seeking depth without intense trekking: Unlike the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu 3 days, this tour delivers cultural depth and scenic beauty without demanding physical strain, making it accessible for most travelers.
Authentic cultural encounters: Beyond landscapes, you’ll enjoy immersive cultural moments: artisan markets, live textile demonstrations in Chinchero, and a traditional lunch with a local family in Taquile.
Photographic highlights: From the surreal colors of Vinicunca to the concentric terraces of Moray, every location offers a unique opportunity to capture unforgettable moments.
Easy to combine with other adventures: You can enhance this journey by adding tours like Treasures of the Andes 8 days, or challenge yourself with the more demanding Salkantay Trek 5 days.
Knowledgeable local guides: Finally, you’ll be accompanied by expert guides who not only explain but also connect you emotionally with Andean traditions and worldviews.
Itinerary Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
Day 1 – Arrival in Lima
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Free time to explore the city.
Day 2 – Lima City Tour
Tour of the Plaza de Armas and the historic center.
Visit to Casa Aliaga.
Stroll through the bohemian district of Barranco.
Day 3 – Flight to Cusco and City Tour
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco.
Morning free for acclimatization.
Visit to Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Day 4 – Sacred Valley and Trip to Aguas Calientes
Exploration of Pisac and its traditional market.
Visit to Ollantaytambo.
Train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu
Bus ride to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of the Wonder of the World.
Return by train to Cusco.
Day 6 – Rainbow Mountain
Hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 7 – Maras, Moray and Chinchero
Visit to the Maras Salt Mines.
Exploration of the agricultural laboratory of Moray.
Visit to Chinchero and its textile heritage.
Day 8 – Cusco–Puno Route (Temples and Monuments)
Overland trip to Puno with stops in Andahuaylillas, Racchi, and La Raya.
Arrival in Puno in the afternoon.
Day 9 – Lake Titicaca (Uros & Taquile Islands)
Boat navigation on Lake Titicaca.
Visit to the floating Uros community and Taquile Island.
Lunch at a local home and return to Puno.
Day 10 – Return to Lima and Farewell
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima and international connection.
Includes Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
Airport pick-up
Hotels
Meals mentioned as included
Private and collective ground transportation
Round trip train to Machu Picchu
Boat on Lake Titicaca
Domestic flights
Airport assistance
Guides in French, English and Spanish
Excursions mentioned in the program
Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
Not Included Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
Insurance
International flights
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the program (between 5 and 10 USD per meal)
Drinks
Gratuities
Recommendations Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
Light and comfortable clothing for day visits.
Hiking shoes and sneakers
Warm clothes for the evenings
Sunglasses, sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Extra money
Caps and/or hats
Bring a poncho or waterproof clothing throughout the year, especially between October 15 and April 15.
Photo Gallery Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
Frequently Asked Questions Inca Routes 10 days: Colonial Lima, Rainbow Mountain and Titicaca
What makes the "Inca Routes" different from other 10-day tours?
This itinerary focuses heavily on visual landscapes. While many tours focus only on history, this one prioritizes the "Instagrammable" natural wonders of Peru. It combines the deep history of Machu Picchu with the surreal, multi-colored minerals of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the vast, high-altitude mirrors of Lake Titicaca.
How does the tour begin in Lima (Day 2)?
Your journey starts in "Colonial Lima." You’ll explore the Historic Center, including the San Francisco Convent and its famous catacombs. This gives you a taste of the Spanish influence and the "City of Kings" before you head into the mountains to see the heart of the Inca resistance and culture.
What is the strategy for reaching Machu Picchu (Day 4)?
The tour uses the Sacred Valley as a launchpad. You’ll visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo before taking a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. By spending the night at the foot of the mountain, you ensure you can enter Machu Picchu early the next morning, avoiding the mid-day heat and the largest crowds from Cusco.
How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain trek (Day 6)?
This is the most physically demanding day of the trip. You will reach an altitude of approximately 5,030 meters (16,500 ft). While the path itself isn't technically difficult (it's a steady walk), the thin air makes every step feel much heavier. Terres des Incas schedules this after several days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to ensure your body is properly acclimatized.
What if I’m worried about the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
You don't have to be an elite athlete. Local communities offer horse rentals (optional and paid on-site) for most of the ascent. This allows you to save your energy for the final 15-minute climb to the viewpoint, where you can take in the spectacular views of the Ausangate glacier and the colored ridges.
How do we get from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Day 8)?
You travel via the "Sun’s Route" (Ruta del Sol). This is a 10-hour journey across the Altiplano in a high-end tourist bus. It’s a "road trip" with purpose: you’ll stop at the baroque church of Andahuaylillas, the Inca ruins of Raqchi, and the Pukara Museum. It turns a long transfer into a day of cultural discovery.
What is the experience on Lake Titicaca (Day 9)?
You’ll spend the day on the world's highest navigable lake. The tour takes you to the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll see how the Uru people maintain their reed-based lifestyle. You then continue to Taquile Island, where the unique social structure and world-class textile traditions (recognized by UNESCO) offer a glimpse into a very different side of Peru.
Who is the ideal traveler for this 10-day route?
This is for the "Modern Explorer." It’s ideal for people who want the classic cultural experience (Cusco/Machu Picchu) but also want to test their limits and see the dramatic, colorful landscapes that have made Peru famous in recent years. It offers a higher "adventure" factor than the standard 7-day tours.
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
