Adventure yourself into this marvellous three-day trip that gives you the opportunity to explore picturesque villages, interesting museums, churches and temples while admiring the inspiring beauty of nature on a journey with breathtaking sceneries between Cusco and Puno. Join this wonderful tour and travel back in time visiting the fascinating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
TOUR OVERVIEW:
Andahuaylillas: Visit the Renaissance-Baroque church of St. Peter the Apostle, also known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’ and catch a glimpse at its intricate frescos and murals.
Racchi: Thought to be the largest roof structure of the Inca empire, the Temple of Wiracocha is a striking rectangular building, 30 meters wide by 20 meters high that promises to amaze your eyes.
Lake Titicaca: Take a ride on a catamaran on the highest navigable lake in the world and enjoy memorable stops in Taquile Island and the floating islands of Uros.
Day 1: CUSCO – PUNO (357 km -10hrs)
Begin your adventure with the transfer from your hotel to Cusco bus station at 28 de Julio Avenue where you board your bus. Please note this is a tourist bus, on a shared basis and there is no guide, only an assistant. Hop in and start the beautiful journey (8 to 10 hours) to Puno, passing through the mesmerising scenery of the Andes. Get ready to have three memorable stops. The first one is at Andahuaylillas, a charming town located 40 kilometres from Cusco. The main attraction here is the breathtaking church of Andahuaylillas, also known as ‘Sistine Chapel of America’, thanks to its gilded baroque interior and delicate frescoes. Admire this beautiful landmark built in the 16th century and catch a glimpse at the recently restored original pipe organ hosted inside before continuing your journey to Racchi. Here, applaud the imposing Temple of Wiracocha, an interesting rectangular building, similar to a wall with windows and doors, measuring 30 meters wide by 20 meters high. Afterwards, continue your adventure and enjoy a delectable lunch in Sicuani, followed by a short stop at La Raya, the highest point of the journey between Puno and Cusco, 4,313 metres above sea level. Next, visit the charming town of Pucara, the first urban settlement in the lake itself, developed between 100 and 300 AD. Check out the interesting Pucara Lithic Museum, before driving to the city of Puno and reaching your hotel.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 2: PUNO – LAKE TITICACA: UROS AND TAQUILE (3hrs by boat)
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the port of Puno, where a boat is waiting to take you to the beautiful islands of Uros. The Uros are an ancient society who populate a series of artificial islands built on the basis of the cattail reeds, which grow in the lake itself. On top, the inhabitants build their houses, also made of reeds. They always cook outdoors in order to prevent possible fires. After a memorable hour-and-a-half tour, continue your trip to the island of Taquile, a charming piece of heaven that was once part of the Inca Empire. You can still see vestiges of the culture in its structures. Once here, receive a brief explanation of the island and witness a cultural activity. Then indulge in a mouthwatering lunch and return to Puno.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 3: DEPART PUNO
Have a delicious breakfast and transfer from your selected hotel to the airport.
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
