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Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tours

4.8 (156 reviews)

Explore the highlights of the Peruvian highlands with multi-day tours that combine the floating islands of Lake Titicaca with the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. These comprehensive 6- to 10-day itineraries include guided excursions, accommodation, and overland transportation.

🏨 Includes hotel accommodation
🚌 All transfers and transportation
Highly rated by travelers
🗓️ 6 to 10-day itineraries
6-Day Best of Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca Tour
4.8 (128) ⏱ 144h

6-Day Best of Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca Tour

Explore Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca on this 6-day guided tour.

Best of Peru in 6 days: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
5.0 (20) ⏱ 144h

Best of Peru in 6 days: Cusco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

Explore the heart of the Inca Empire and the high-altitude wonders of Lake Titicaca on this 6-day guided tour.

10-day Tour from Lima: Amazon Jungle, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
4.8 (8) ⏱ 240h

10-day Tour from Lima: Amazon Jungle, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

A 10-day journey from Lima to the Amazon jungle, the ruins of Machu Picchu, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Lake Titicaca — from practical tips to personal highlights.

E
Elena R. Australia, Jun 2026
5.0

"Did the 10-day Amazon, Andes, and Lake tour and it was the trip of a lifetime. Going from the humid jungle to the freezing high Andes was wild. The speedy motorboat to Uros saved us a lot of time. Everything ran like clockwork, and our guide spoke perfect English."

C
Chloe S. New Zealand, Mar 2026
4.9

"I was worried about booking everything separately, so this 6-day package was a lifesaver. They handled the MP permits, trains, and the Titicaca boat. Seeing the Maras salt mines before heading to Aguas Calientes was a massive highlight. Make sure you pack a small bag for the train, they check the size!"

L
Liam J. United Kingdom, Dec 2025
4.5

"Great value for a 6-day package. We saw the Sacred Valley, MP, and Titicaca without feeling too rushed. The only downside was the freezing night in Puno—bring a heavy jacket! The locals on the floating islands were super welcoming, and the textile work on Taquile is beautiful."

D
David M. United States, Nov 2025
5.0

"The 6-day Best of Peru tour took all the stress out of planning. Our guide in Machu Picchu was incredibly knowledgeable about Circuit 2. The bus ride to Puno was long but scenic, and walking on the squishy Uros reed islands was a trip! Highly recommend upgrading to the 4-star hotels."

M
Marcus B. Germany, Jul 2025
4.3

"Very well organized tour. Machu Picchu was crowded but our guide navigated us through perfectly. The tourist coach from Cusco to Puno was comfortable and included drinks. I gave 4.3 stars just because the 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes was a bit noisy, but overall a solid experience."

S
Sarah T. Canada, Jun 2025
4.8

"Absolutely breathtaking experience, literally and figuratively. The altitude at Lake Titicaca is no joke—definitely drink the coca tea! The logistics were flawless, from the airport pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train. Taquile island was peaceful, though the hike up those stone steps winded me."

What to Expect on Your Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour

Combining Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu into a single tour offers a profound journey through the heart of the ancient Inca empire. You will transition from the lush, cloud-forested peaks of the Sacred Valley to the vast, deep blue expanse of the world's highest navigable lake, experiencing unparalleled archaeological wonders and vibrant indigenous cultures along the way.

⛰️

Machu Picchu Citadel

Explore the legendary lost city of the Incas. Most tours include a guided walking tour of Circuit 2, allowing you to marvel at the intricate stone architecture and panoramic mountain views.

🛶

Uros Floating Islands

Step onto extraordinary man-made islands constructed entirely from native totora reeds. You'll learn how the indigenous Uru people build their homes and boats on these springy, floating surfaces.

🧶

Taquile Island

Walk along terraced hillsides on this scenic island known for its UNESCO-recognized textile tradition, where men begin learning to knit at age eight and agricultural work is done entirely by hand.

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The Sacred Valley

Journey through the Urubamba River valley before reaching Machu Picchu. Highlights often include the agricultural terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo.

🚂

Scenic Andean Travel

Travel the 389 km route between Cusco and Puno via a guided sightseeing bus or a premium train ride, passing through high Andean passes, local villages, and stunning mountain landscapes.

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Local Homestays

Some extended itineraries offer nights with local families on islands like Amantaní, where you can eat home-cooked meals, help with chores, and experience authentic rural Andean life.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning a multi-day trip to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca requires careful preparation, especially regarding altitude and ticketing. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Multi-Day Packages

Tours combining these destinations are typically 6 to 10-day comprehensive packages. They include overland transfers, domestic train/bus tickets, accommodations, and guided excursions to save you the hassle of booking logistics separately.

Book Well in Advance

Machu Picchu entry tickets (especially Circuit 2) sell out months ahead of time. It is highly recommended to book your tour at least 2 to 3 months in advance to guarantee your preferred dates and circuits.

Passport Requirements

You must provide your full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality exactly as they appear on your passport at the time of booking. A valid passport (with 6+ months before expiration) is required on the day of travel to enter Machu Picchu.

Altitude Considerations

Lake Titicaca sits at a staggering 3,812 meters (12,507 feet), which is significantly higher than Machu Picchu. Travelers should have a moderate level of fitness and plan for a 24-48 hour acclimatization period in Cusco or Puno.

Luggage Restrictions

Trains to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) and Amazon lodge extensions have strict luggage limits. You will need to pack a small overnight backpack, while your main luggage is securely stored at your hotel or the tour operator's office.

Accommodation Choices

Most 6-day tours offer tiered pricing based on your hotel preferences. You can choose anything from basic 2-star hostels to luxurious 5-star properties like the Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes or GHL Lake Titicaca in Puno.

Cancellation Policies

Because these tours involve purchasing non-refundable train tickets and government-issued Machu Picchu permits upfront, most 6-day tours have an 'all sales are final' policy. Longer 10-day tours may offer tiered refunds if canceled 44+ days in advance.

Which Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu Tour Is Best for You

6-Day Classic Highlights Tour6-Day Best of Peru (Moray & Maras)10-Day Amazon, Andes & Lake Tour
Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights6 Days / 5 Nights10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations Included Cusco, Sacred Valley (Pisac/Ollantaytambo), Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca (Uros/Taquile)Cusco, Sacred Valley (Moray/Maras), Machu Picchu, Lake TiticacaLima, Amazon Jungle, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca
Accommodation 2 to 5-star hotel optionsTiered 2 to 5-star hotelsHotels & Jungle Lodge
Price from $799 USD$799 USD$2,325 USD

Plan Your Visit to Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca: The lake itself is open year-round, 24/7. However, boat tours to the Uros and Taquile islands typically depart from Puno between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM and return in the late afternoon.

Machu Picchu: The citadel has strict entry times based on your pre-purchased ticket circuit. Entry is typically allowed from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and the site closes at 5:30 PM. Multi-day tours will manage your specific entry slot.

Travel Logistics: Airport pickups in Cusco are generally available 24/7. Briefings with your guide usually happen on the day of your arrival at your hotel.

Multi-day tours handle the complex logistics of moving between these regions, but here is how the journey breaks down:

  • To Cusco/Machu Picchu: Most tours begin with a pickup at Cusco Airport (CUZ). From Cusco, you will take a bus to Ollantaytambo, followed by an Expedition or Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, and finally a shuttle bus up to the citadel.
  • Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca): The 389 km journey south takes about 7 hours via a guided sightseeing bus (the 'Sun Route'), or 10.5 hours on the luxury PeruRail Titicaca train.
  • Leaving Puno: Tours often conclude with a transfer to Juliaca's Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL), which is about a 45-minute (45 km) drive from Puno, offering direct flights back to Lima.

Dry Season (May to October): This is the absolute best time to visit both Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The months of June to August offer peak visibility, clear blue skies, and dry trails. Daytime temperatures are pleasant (15°C to 20°C), though nights on the lake frequently drop below freezing.

Rainy Season (November to April): January and February are the wettest months. Heavy downpours can cause muddy trails, poor visibility, and rough, choppy waters on the lake. However, if you visit in early February, you can witness Puno's vibrant 18-day Candelaria Festival.

Mobility Challenges: Standard combined tours are highly challenging for wheelchair users. Machu Picchu involves uneven stone steps, and Lake Titicaca boats require navigating steep, narrow platforms. Travelers with mobility issues should seek specialized agencies that provide portable ramps and personal assistants.

Altitude: Elderly visitors and those with poor cardiovascular health must take the altitude seriously. Lake Titicaca is at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet). Walking on islands like Taquile involves steep stone paths, so a slow pace is mandatory.

Children: Kids can enjoy the educational aspects of the Uros reed islands, but parents must monitor them closely near the water and ensure they are protected from the intense high-altitude sun.

Lake Titicaca Islands: Facilities are extremely limited. Islands like Taquile and Amantaní have no cars, hotels, or modern machinery. Electricity is sparse, relying mostly on solar panels. Bring extra camera batteries and power banks.

Machu Picchu: There are no bathrooms inside the citadel itself. You must use the facilities located just outside the main entrance gates before beginning your circuit.

Currency: Many small shops, island communities, and boat operators do not accept credit cards. Always carry Peruvian soles in small denominations for tips, local souvenirs, and minor entrance fees (e.g., 30 soles for specific regional sites).

Documentation: You must carry the exact physical passport you used to book your Machu Picchu tickets. Discrepancies will result in denied entry.

Prohibited Items: Single-use plastics are banned on Lake Titicaca's islands and protected areas. Drones are strictly prohibited at Machu Picchu and require special permits for commercial filming at the lake.

Dress Code & Etiquette: Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against severe UV rays. Warm layers are essential for freezing nights. Always ask permission before photographing local indigenous residents or military personnel, and note that flash photography is banned inside colonial churches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca included in the tours?

Yes, standard multi-day packages include your Machu Picchu entry ticket (usually Circuit 2, subject to availability), round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to the citadel, and admission/boat fees for the Lake Titicaca excursions.

How far in advance should I book a combined tour?

You should book at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Machu Picchu tickets, especially for the popular Circuit 2, sell out very quickly, and your passport information is required immediately to secure the permits.

How do we travel between Cusco and Lake Titicaca?

The tours typically include a guided sightseeing bus journey along the 'Sun Route' from Cusco to Puno, covering 389 kilometers in about 7 hours. Upgraded luxury train options via PeruRail are also available on some itineraries.

Will altitude sickness be a problem on this trip?

It is a significant consideration. Lake Titicaca is situated at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet), which is higher than Cusco and Machu Picchu. You should plan to rest for the first 24-48 hours, eat light meals, and drink local coca tea to acclimatize.

What are the Uros floating islands made of?

The indigenous Uros people construct their floating islands by continuously stacking layers of organic totora reeds that grow in the shallow parts of the lake. They also use these reeds to build their homes and traditional boats.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Titicaca?

Swimming is generally not recommended. The water is extremely cold, averaging around 14°C (55°F), which poses a severe risk of hypothermia and rapid physical exhaustion at such a high altitude.

Are there cars or hotels on the Lake Titicaca islands?

No. Islands like Taquile legally ban cars and modern machines; all agricultural work is done by hand. There are no traditional hotels on the islands, though some tours offer homestays in traditional mud-brick houses.

What should I pack for a 6-day tour?

Pack layers, including a warm jacket and beanie for freezing nights, and breathable clothing for the daytime. You will also need high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a small overnight backpack for the Machu Picchu train.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my 6-day tour?

Most 6-day combined tours have a strict 'all sales are final' policy with no refunds. This is because the operators must purchase non-refundable train tickets and government Machu Picchu permits immediately upon booking.

What kind of hotels are included in the tour packages?

Tour operators usually offer tiered pricing based on your hotel preference. You can select accommodations ranging from basic 2-star hostels to premium 5-star properties like the JW Marriott in Cusco or Inkaterra in Aguas Calientes.

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