Caminos del Sol – 13 Days in Cusco, Puno, and the Salar de Uyuni
About the tour
“Horizontes del Sur” is a 15-day journey through Peru and Bolivia that combines ancient history, breathtaking natural beauty, and unique Andean landscapes.
An unforgettable journey to discover some of South America’s most iconic and stunning landscapes.
13 DAYS - 12 NIGHTS
BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE
TICKETS
INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION
Itinerary
- Upon your arrival, our team will welcome you and accompany you to the hotel to check in.
You’ll have the morning free to acclimate to the altitude of majestic Cusco, located at3,399 meters above sea level—don’t worry, breathing is a bit of a struggle at first, but it’s worth every breath. - In the afternoon (2:00–6:00 p.m.), theCusco City Tour begins, offering a deep dive into the living history of the ancient Inca Empire:
Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha): the holiest site in Tawantinsuyo
Sacsayhuamán: the imposing ceremonial fortress with cyclopean walls that seem to defy logic
Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: ancient ritual sites dedicated to water, the moon, and the spiritual protection of Cusco
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Between6:30 and 7:00 a.m., we will begin our journey through theSacred Valley of the Incas, a route where time seems to stand still amid mountains, terraces, and villages that still retain their ancestral spirit.
- Today's itinerary:
Chinchero: a visit to an artisanal community where you’ll learn about the ancient craft of weaving with alpaca wool, dyed with natural dyes and woven with centuries of patience
Moray: Marvel at its circular terraces, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory that harnessed the microclimate to cultivate sacred plants
Maras Salt Flats: includes more than 3,000 salt pans which have remained active since pre-Inca times, glistening in the sun like mirrors of the past
Urubamba: You'll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring the most authentic flavors of Andean cuisine
Ollantaytambo: You'll visit its Inca fortress, a monumental complex that combines history, energy, and living architecture. From here, you'll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes
- Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight stay inAguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Breakfast at the hotel.
We begin the most anticipated day of the trip: the ascent to the legendaryMachu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. - Depart by bus for the Inca citadel(tour subject to availability), enjoying the views that open up among mist-covered mountains and wild orchids.
- Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy aprivate guided tour(available exclusively for groups of two or more; if you’re traveling alone, you’ll join a small group of up to four people), during which you’ll visit the most iconic temples, agricultural terraces, and natural viewpoints from which the Incas used to watch the sunrise.
- You'll have free time to explore, meditate, or simply let yourself be enveloped by the energy of the place.
- Afterward, you’ll take a bus down toAguas Calientesto enjoy alocal lunchbefore boarding the train back toOllantaytambo.
- From there, you’ll be transferred byprivate vehicle to Cusco, where this unforgettable day will come to an end.
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Departure: between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. for Mollepata, the starting point of one of the most breathtaking routes in the Andes.
- After a traditional breakfast, we’ll set out on a hike of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Humantay Lake (4,200 m a.s.l.), a natural gem with turquoise waters nestled at the foot of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, guardian of the mountain range.
- Once you reach the summit, you'll have free time to take in the scenery, breathe in the mountain’s energy, and take photos that, for once, will truly do justice to what you see. Afterward, we’ll return to Mollepata to enjoy a hearty lunchbefore heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m..
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Departure between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. for Cusipata. Breakfast en route.
- Start of the hike to the Mountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca, 5,036 m.a.s.l.), one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes, where shades of red, turquoise, and gold paint the earth like a divine masterpiece.
- We’ll have some free time to take in the surroundings, take photos, and connect with the energy of the place.
We’ll return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch and then head back to Cusco (around 5:00 p.m.). - In the evening, departure by tourist sleeper bus to Puno (10:00 p.m.), with all the
amenities needed for a comfortable overnight trip.Cusco-Puno Bus Trip
- At dawn, we arrived in Puno (5:00 a.m.), the jewel of the Altiplano.
- After a hearty breakfast at a small local hotel, we headed to the shore of Lake Titicaca, where the cold waters reflected the first light of day.
- Aboard a motorboat, we’ll sail to the legendary Floating Islands of the Uros, ingenious platforms made of totora reeds that seem to float among the clouds and the water.
- There we will meet the locals, heirs to a millennia-old tradition that has stood the test of time.
- Later, we will continue on to Amantaní Island, a place of silence and peace where time seems to stand still.
- A local family will welcome us into their home, sharing their table, their story, and their way of life.
- The day ends with a home-cooked dinner under a starry sky
- Accommodations in Amantani.
- Breakfast at the family home.
- Boat trip to Taquile Island, known for its stunning viewpoint and traditional textiles, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch made with ingredients from Lake Titicaca, surrounded by serene scenery and panoramic views.
- In the afternoon, return to Puno (around 5:00 p.m.) and free time.
- Accommodations in Puno.
- The adventure begins very early, with pickup from your hotel in Puno (5:00 a.m.).
- We’ll take you to the bus station to board the tour bus bound for La Paz, the “Capital of the Heights.”
You’ll arrive around 2:30 p.m. and will have a room at a hostel (day use) to rest and acclimate before the next leg of the journey. - In the evening (8:00 p.m.), we’ll take you to the bus station to board the overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni, traveling through the Altiplano landscape under a starry sky that looks like it was painted by hand.
- Bus trip from La Paz to Uyuni.
- At dawn, you'll arrive in Uyuni (5:30 a.m.). Our team will meet you and take you to a small local café to enjoy alight breakfastand get ready for one of the most breathtaking days of the trip.
- The tour begins between9:30 and 10:00 a.m.
- Today's itinerary:
Train Graveyard: metal remnants of old locomotives that serve as a reminder of the region's railway history.
Colchani: a visit to their craft fair, where traditional salt-based products are made.
Piles of Salt and Salt Eyes: unique natural formations where the landscape becomes a work of natural art.
Dakar Monument and Las Banderas Beach: a symbolic space that celebrates travelers from around the world who cross this breathtaking white desert.
Playa Blanca Salt Museum: a structure built entirely of salt, showcasing the creativity and culture of the Altiplano.
Sunset over the Salar de Uyuni: an unforgettable experience with a special appetizers and a glass of wine, as the sky takes on unique hues over the salt flat.
- At the end of the tour, you will be taken to your accommodation.
- Accommodations in Uyuni.
- After breakfast, the guide will pick you up at8:00 a.m.to begin a day full ofcontrasts, vibrant colors, and highland landscapes.
- Today's itinerary:
Chiguana Salt Flat: a stunning white expanse in the middle of the high plateau, overlooking the Ollagüe Volcano Lookout, still active.
Cañapa Lagoon, Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Honda and Chiarcota Lagoon: home to pink flamingos and Andean wildlife in a setting of surreal colors.
Siloli Desert: one of the most arid landscapes of the Altiplano, famous for its rock formations and its almost lunar atmosphere.
Stone Tree: an iconic formation sculpted by the wind that seems frozen in time.
Laguna Colorada: the red jewel of the highlands, where the sun's rays and the minerals create a natural spectacle unlike any other in the world.
- In the evening, stay at arustic mountain lodge, surrounded by the kind ofabsolute silence that can only be found in the Andes.
- Accommodations in Uyuni.
- Wake up at5:00 a.m.to start themost magical day of the tour.
- During the trip, you’ll enjoybreakfast on the go while taking in the unique landscapes of the highlands.
- Today's itinerary:
Geysers of the Morning Sun: where the earth breathes steam and volcanic energy, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Natural hot springs: time to relax in hot springs surrounded by Andean scenery.
Dalí Desert: a surreal scene featuring formations that seem inspired by the Spanish painter's art.
Green Lagoon and White Lagoon: located at the foot of the volcano Licancabur Volcano, reflect the shifting hues of the sky in a landscape that looks like something from another planet.
- The tour ends in Uyuni around6:00 p.m. You’ll then havefree time for dinnerbefore boarding theovernight bus back toLa Paz.
- Bus trip from Uyuni to La Paz.
- You will arrive in La Paz at approximately 6:00 a.m.
- You will board yourreturn transportationto Puno, where you will arrive around 4:00 p.m.
- Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel.
- The end of a journey you'll remember every time you look up at the sky.
- Accommodations in Puno.
- Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll take you to the airport, our hearts filled with memories: the sunrises over the highlands, the echoes of the Inca temples, and the silence of the mountains.
- Every step of this journey leaves an indelible mark, because Peru isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to experience.
- End of our services.
INCLUDES
Transfers and Transportation
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Lima and Cusco.
- Tour transportation for all tours and excursions.
- Interprovincial tour buses: Cusco–Puno and Puno–Cusco (sleeper bus).
- Tourist train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Shuttle buses to and from Machu Picchu.
- Tourist boats on Lake Titicaca (Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile).
- Sightseeing bus from Puno to La Paz to Uyuni (140° reclining seats).
- Return transportation to Uyuni – La Paz – Puno.
Tickets
- Admission to all attractions listed in the itinerary:
- Cusco (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay)
- Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo)
- Machu Picchu
- Humantay Lake
- Maras and Moray
- Mountain of Seven Colors
- The Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile Islands.
- Tourism revenue for Uyuni.
Food
- Daily breakfasts at hotels or along the route.
- Lunches included in: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Humantay, Amantaní, and Taquile.
- Meals in Bolivia: 3 lunches / 2 dinners / 2 breakfasts.
- Traditional home-cooked dinner on Amantaní Island.
Activities and Experiences
- City Tour of Lima and Cusco with a professional guide.
- Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Guided hikes to Humantay Lake and the Mountain of Seven Colors.
- Cultural experience in the communities of Maras, Moray, Chinchero, and Amantaní.
- Walking across the Uyuni Salt Flats, a magical mirror.
Additional Services
- A professional guide in Spanish will accompany you on all tours.
- Hiking poles, a basic first-aid kit, and oxygen for high-altitude tours.
- Support available throughout the entire trip.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
- International airline tickets (country of origin – Peru – country of return).
- Domestic flights (Lima–Cusco–Lima).
Additional food
- Dinners and lunches not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages or personal snacks during the tours.
Insurance and personal expenses
- Travel insurance or international medical assistance.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Optional activities
- Vistadome Train (USD 40 one-way / USD 70 round-trip).
- Hike up Waynapicchu Mountain (USD 60).
Not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or have breathing difficulties.
Other positions
- Bank fees or transfer fees for international payments.
- Expenses not listed as included in the itinerary.
- Hotels
- Original passport valid for at least 7 months. This is required for entry; without this document, you will not be able to take the tour.
- Full sun protection: a cap or hat, sunglasses, andsunscreen. The Andean sun is intense even on cloudy days.
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. Ideal for walking safely on uneven terrain.
- A small backpack with the essentials:water, snacks like candy, cookies, chocolate, or nuts to keep your energy up during the hike.
- A camera or cell phone with enough battery life. You don't want to miss the best views or the most special moments of your trip.
Caminos del Sol – 13 Days in Cusco, Puno, and the Salar de Uyuni
Experience the essence of Peru on a tour that combines history, culture, and nature. Explore the heart of the Inca Empire, from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with the comfort and security of an all-inclusive service. This tour is available every day of the year, with guaranteed departures for both group and private tours.
- Price
Group rate:US$1,049.00 per person
- Easy booking:
Secure your spot with a deposit of 20% of the total amount.
- Payment of the balance:
You can pay the remaining 80% upon arrival by:
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
- Cash (soles or dollars)
- Pix
Access to Machu Picchu is organized through three official routes:
- Tour 1: Panoramic View (Classic Photo)
- Tour 2: The most comprehensive tour (panoramic views + temples)
- Tour 3: Temple Tour (no panoramic views)
Availability is limited and subject to demand, so we recommend booking in advance.
If we are unable to find availability for your travel dates, Andean Peru Exploor will assist you in purchasing your ticket in person in Aguas Calientes. This process involves waiting in line at the official ticket office, always accompanied by our team.
Important: This option is subject to daily availability and does not guarantee admission.
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