Discover the Peruvian Highlands Tour

8 Days

From $ 1,049

About this SAAT Travel tour: Discover the Peruvian Highlands

Adventure, beauty, and wild open spaces are what you’re going to encounter on this fantastic travel deal to Cusco and Puno. You’ll visit the Inca heartland of the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu before heading south to the incredible high altitude Lake Titicaca with its fascinating floating communities. We offer amazing travel experiences at the best possible prices, so if you’re intent on experiencing the ultimate that the Inca heartland and Southern Peru have to offer, travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and Puno with South America Adventure Travel. All tours are tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca for less with South America Adventure Travel

Day 1
To The Ancient Andean Capital

Lima to Cusco
The flight tp Cusco takes about an hour, and as soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.

Day 2
Historical Highlights of Cusco

Cusco
After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley
After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)

Day 4
Citadel in the Clouds

Machu Picchu
Following a relaxed breakfast your South America Adventure Travel guide will deliver you to the train station where you'll take a morning departure bound for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Once there our guides will meet you; and while one takes you directly up to the majestic ruins, our other representatives will ensure your luggage arrives safely at your hotel. Machu Picchu is probably best described as being indescribable. The setting alone is unique and leans quite seriously towards the spiritual. It's not easy getting one's head around just how the Inca managed it all; stones the size of houses are beautifully carved and fitted jigsaw-like together with amazing craftsmanship. The Inca hadn't even invented the wheel, and yet somehow they built Machu Picchu. This is all discussed on your tour around the area following which you'll have some time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon transportation is provided back to Aguas Calientes where you may choose to enjoy the evening in the relaxing hot springs located at the end of town. (Meals - B) *** Note: Ask your travel specialist about our promotional upgrade to Vistadome Train and Private Guided Machu Picchu Tour!

Day 5
Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco

Machu Picchu to Cusco
If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, you can return again today for another look. It's best to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative, and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)

Day 6
The Valley between Cusco and Titicaca

Cusco to Puno
It's an early start this morning, and following breakfast in your hotel you'll be collected and driven to the bus terminal in Cusco where you'll be helped onto a first class bus to Puno and the amazing Lake Titicaca. You'll stop at several sites along the way and be given tours of Rachi, Andahuayillas, and la Raya. These places offer a fascinating insight into Andean communities and the legacy of the Inca culture itself. The tours break up the journey to Puno and give you the chance to acclimatize gradually to the changing altitude. As you arrive in Puno you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)

Day 7
The Islands of Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a breathtaking experience in more ways than one! This vast high-altitude lake is intensely blue and has an other-worldly quality to it - it's hardly any wonder that the Incas believed the lake to be the birthplace of all humankind. Your tour around the lake begins on a fast boat which will take you out to the floating Islands of Uros. A string of man-made islands crafted from tortora reeds that bob about the lake like ice cubes. The islands have small settlements built on them, which you'll have the opportunity to visit before setting out for the larger, natural Island of Taquile - a fascinating place, home to around 1700 inhabitants. You'll be invited to enjoy lunch on the island and then in the evening you'll return to your hotel in Puno and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)

Day 8
Return to Lima and End of Tour

Puno to Lima
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast in preparation for your trip to Lima, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Juliaca, taking with you incredible memories of the experiences shared with us in Peru. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)