Today you have to say goodbye to the enchanting Lake Titicaca. A very varied journey from Puno over the plateau to Sicuani awaits you. On the way, we will make a stop in Lampa, known as “the pink city”, where we will visit the famous church “Santiago Apostle”. Afterwards we will continue to the beautiful canyon of Tinajani, whose rock formations, formed by wind and weather, we will get to know on a hike. If time permits, we will visit the temple of Raqchi before we continue to our hotel in Sicuani.
Today is a real highlight on your program. You will start your journey early in the morning to the rainbow mountain Vinicunca. After an approx. 1-hour drive, you will reach the small village of Cusipata (3,310m), where you will have the opportunity to do some last minute shopping. After another 1-hour drive, you reach Pulawasipata, the starting point for the hike to the Rainbow Mountain. After a hike of about 1 ½-hours, you will see the Vinicunca Mountain (5,020 m), the so-called Rainbow Mountain, which offers you a unique view in very different colours.
After you have enjoyed this view, you will start the way back and stop for lunch on the way. On this day, the maximum altitude you will reach is 5,020 meters and you will hike for about 3 hours (total of about 8 km). If time permits, you can visit the church of San Pedro of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes.
Day 9: Cusco
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and you will begin your tour of Cusco. You will visit the four ruine sites around Cusco – the water sanctuary Tambomachay, whose basins are still fed by the crystal clear water of underground springs, the ‘red fortress’ Pukapukara, which once served as a control and camp post; the labyrinth Q’enko, situated between craggy rocks, where you can admire holy altars and finally the extensive fortress of Saqsaywamán, which is located above the city and offers a magnificent view over the former capital of the Inca Empire.
Afterwards you will visit the old town with the stately cathedral and the temple of the sun Qoricancha. The evening is at your free disposal so you can enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of the city. There will be enough time for a last walk or a shopping tour through the old artists’ quarter San Blas or the lively market San Pedro, where you will get an impression of the local culture.
Day 10: Cusco – Inca Trail – Aguas Calientes
In the very early morning, you will take the group bus to Ollantaytambo station, where you will take the train to kilometer 104 (the beginning of the trek). A pedestrian bridge will take you over the Urubamba River and the trek continues through beautiful, green mountain canyons, past streams and the Chachabamba Inca ruins. In about 4 hours, you will climb over many steps to 2.700 meters of altitude.
Afterwards you take a short break and can enjoy your delicious lunch box with a unique view. In the afternoon, you will first arrive at the Inca ruins Wiñaywayna and later at the Sun Gate, where you will have the first impressive panoramic view of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. From there you will take the last part of the way towards the old citadel. Before reaching Machu Picchu you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and save your visit to Machu Picchu for the next day.
Day 11: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the early morning, you will take the bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu and visit the most important points of the Inca citadel during the 2 ½-hour guided tour. Afterwards, you will return to Aguas Calientes and continue via Ollantaytambo to Cusco. You will travel the first part of the route by train, and afterwards take a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 12: Departure or extension
Two eventful weeks come to an end today. We hope you have enjoyed your Peru trip and travel home with a suitcase full of memories.We recommend to continue with our 5-day group extension on the Galapagos Islands.
