The Cusco to Puno tour by Machu Picchu is designed to offer you a deeper insight into the Inca civilization and the prominence of the archaeological complex in Cusco and en route to Puno.
What is special about this tour package is that, besides offering classic landscapes like the Sacred Valley, Maras-Moray, and Machu Picchu, the itinerary includes a trip to Puno, so you can take time to appreciate the beauty this trail offers.
You will also get to experience the world’s highest navigable body of water, Lake Titicaca. Besides being able to visit a local family, you can see part of the process of making the famous floating islands.
See the best of Peru with this guided tour.
Here are all of the attractions and locations you will visit with this unbeatable tour.
We are a fully locally owned tour operator based in Cusco. Our guides are passionate about Peru’s history and culture and have years of experience hiking to Machu Picchu.
This is a high-altitude experience. Although our tour guides will be carrying oxygen tanks and coca leaves, it is highly recommended to spend 3-4 days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
Take a moment to check out the reviews on Trip Advisor.
Check out our interesting facts about Machu Picchu.
Cusco Airport Pickup
Depends on your flight time
Welcome to Cusco! Today, our representative will meet you and assist you on arrival at the airport. We will transfer you to your hotel and assist with your check-in.
As Cusco is at a high altitude, (11,151 ft / 3399 metres above sea level) we do suggest to spend the rest of the day relaxing. We would also recommend arriving in Cusco in the morning so that you can acclimatize to the altitude for the rest of the day or come a day before you start this Cusco-Machu Picchu-Puno tour with us.
Sightseeing in Cusco City. The former capital of the Incas is home to their fascinating artworks that are still intact to this day with a mix of European-colonial styles.
1 pm: We will be leaving from your hotel. On this half-day tour we will be visiting one of the most captivating cathedral of Peru, Cusco Cathedral.
We will continue the tour by stopping at the temple of Coricancha (Sacred Temple of the Incas) and finish exploring the city by going to the nearest archaeological site of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman (12139 ft / 3700m).
6 pm: We end the tour by visiting Qenqo, Tambomachay and returning to the hotel.
7:30 am: Today we will visit one of the most iconic places in Cusco, The Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will pick you up and make our way to the first stop point, Awanacancha.
During the trip, we will have our first sighting of South America’s treasured animals, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. We will also have the opportunity to learn about the alpaca wool and have time to shop for some beautiful quality baby alpaca fabrics.
As we continue on with the tour, we visit the archaeological center of Pisac (9,750 ft / 2,972 m), one of the prominent ruins along the Sacred Valley. Pisac market is one of the most visited markets. Here you will find a variety of gifts and souvenirs for all types.
Afterwards, we will have lunch (included) offering a variety of options. Then we stop at a Peruvian bar (Chichería) and try the traditional Peruvian drinks.
Finally, we stop at the last archeological site, known as Ollantaytambo, to visit one of the oldest museums in South America. We will then continue by exploring the archaeological site.
6:30 pm: We will then return to Cusco. On our way, we will be stopping at Chinchero. It is home to the Andean weavers. The village also houses Inca ruins.
Check out our Sacred Valley Guide
9 am: Pick-up will start at your hotel. We will head to Moray, where we will have time to take photos and learn more about the Inca culture. We will then pass through the salt mines and have the opportunity to see up close the making of the product.
12:30 pm: After seeing these two beautiful places, we board the bus at Moray, and stop for lunch at a traditional Peruvian restaurant.
4:40 pm: We then make our way to the parking lot of the train station and board the train at 4:40 pm (or a similar train time). The journey will be from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes (approximately 2 hours).
6:40 pm: Arrive in Aguas Calientes. Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Special Information: We recommend leaving your suitcases at the hotel in Cusco before we make our way to Aguas Calientes. Unfortunately, suitcases and/or large bags are not permitted on the train. Carry only what is necessary for the trip using a small backpack.
7 am: Today, we hop on a bus ride and make the journey (30-minute drive approx.) to visit Machu Picchu, The lost city of the Incas.
Our tour guide will welcome you with a 2-hour guided tour and take you to the most important temples and enclosures Machu Picchu has to offer. After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
If you have booked a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our guide will direct you to the trailhead.
Alternatively, you can hike in Inti Punku or Sun Gate. This is the point of entrance to the citadel to those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
2:30 pm: After the full day tour of Machu Picchu, we will depart Aguas Calientes to board the train at 2:30pm (depending on availability) to Ollantaytambo train station. Here our representative will be meeting you and will be driving you back to Cusco.
7 pm: We will arrive at Cusco City at roughly 7 p.m.
6 am: Be transferred from the hotel, after breakfast, to make our way to board the tourist bus from Cusco to Puno.
Enjoy the panoramic view whilst we make some stops along the way. Our guide will impart further insight into the Puno tour, its history and culture. Visit Andahuaylillas ¨The Sistine Chapel of America¨ (11,154ft / 3400m), and Raqchi ¨Temple of Wiracocha¨ (11,318ft / 3450m).
The third stop will be in Marangani (11653ft / 3552m), enjoy lunch (included), and continue onto the border of Cusco and Puno la Raya (14,222 / 4335m).
We take a break to stretch and take photos of our surroundings. The last stop will be at the Pukara Museum (12795 ft / 3900 m) and the city of Puno (12467 ft / 3800m).
5 pm: We will be arriving in the city of Puno at approximately 5 pm.
7 am: Be transferred from your hotel towards Lake Titicaca to board our recommended boat. Today, we visit the Uros and Taquile Islands, which both have unique and different customs and traditions.
In Uros (12467 ft / 3800m) we get the chance to interact with the locals and learn their culture and the uniqueness the island offers. Following on, we visit a local family in Taquile (12795 ft / 3900 m).
Here, they will demonstrate the process of making one-of-a-kind fabrics, not only their designs but also the techniques used when making them. After the demonstration, we have lunch included within the premises.
6 pm: Afterwards, we return to the boat on a 2-hour ride back to the city of Puno.
We will be picking you up from your hotel and will be dropping you off at Juliaca Airport, and we’ll officially wrap up our fun-filled Cusco to Puno tour.
The cheapest way to get to Puno from Cusco is by direct bus. The average bus ticket from Cusco to Puno costs $20 and takes almost 8 hours to travel. It is the best way for a trip from Cusco to Puno if you’re tight on budget.
The fastest way to travel from Cusco to Puno is by taking the plane, which takes around 4 hours. This is the best option if you don’t have the access to drive from Cusco to Puno.
Yes, there is a direct train ride from Cusco to Puno. You can take the train to Puno that departs from Cusco—Wanchaq. It is the best way to get to Puno if you want to enjoy the stunning view along the way.
The distance from Cusco to Puno is around 389 km, or 387 km for a land route from Cusco to Puno.
When traveling from Cusco to Puno, you can choose from approximately 20 travel times with reputable bus companies like Transportes Libertad, Transzela, and Cruz del Sur.
The bus service offers departures from 7:00 AM to 10:45 PM, ensuring convenient travel options for your journey from Cusco to Puno.
Terminal Cruz Del Sur serves as the main departure point for most buses traveling from Cusco to Puno. Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself at the Puno Terminal. While these are the primary locations, keep in mind that there may be additional pick-up and drop-off points along the route to facilitate your journey.
