3-Day Cusco to Puno & Titicaca Lake Small Group Tour

Exploring the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru is an unforgettable experience, and the 3-Day Cusco to Puno & Titicaca Lake Small Group Tour is an excellent way to do just that. This immersive journey takes travelers through the awe-inspiring Andes, from the UNESCO-listed city of Cusco to the serene waters of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, visitors will discover ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and have the opportunity to engage with local communities on the floating Uros Islands. With a focus on traditional Peruvian cuisine and the breathtaking scenery, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of Peru’s wonders.

About Your Stay

• This 3-day small group tour offers exploration of Cusco, Uros Islands, Amantani Island, and Lake Titicaca, providing an immersive cultural experience.
• The itinerary includes visiting historical sites, engaging with local communities, and sampling traditional Peruvian cuisine, ensuring a comprehensive tour.
• The tour provides a blend of accommodations, including a 3-star hotel and a homestay, enhancing the overall culture experience.
• Private transportation and boats are utilized throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.
• Adequate preparation, including recommendations for altitude sickness management, is provided to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.

Tour Highlights

Travelers on this 3-day tour from Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca will discover several remarkable highlights.

They’ll explore the enchanting colonial city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey continues to Titicaca Lake, where they’ll visit the floating Uros Islands and spend a night with a local family on Amantani Island.

Hiking to the island’s ancient ruins provides stunning vistas of the serene lake. Along the way, travelers will sample traditional Peruvian cuisine and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

This small-group tour offers an immersive and personalized experience, perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of the Andes.

Detailed Itinerary

The 3-day journey begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco.

Travelers will explore Pisac Market and the Pisac Inca ruins before reaching Ollantaytambo. After visiting the fortress, the group travels to Puno, stopping at the village of Raqchi and the La Raya Pass along the way.

On the second day, they visit the floating islands of Uros and the island of Taquile, experiencing the local culture and traditional weaving.

The final day starts with a boat ride to Amantani Island, where guests stay with a local family and participate in traditional activities.

The tour concludes with a return to Puno in the afternoon.

Accommodations and Meals

During the 3-day tour, travelers enjoy a mix of accommodations. They’ll stay in a 3-star hotel for two nights and experience a home stay on Titicaca Lake for one night. The home stay provides an immersive cultural experience, while the hotel offers modern amenities. Throughout the trip, meals are included, with a focus on local Peruvian cuisine.

Meal	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Breakfast	X	X	–
Lunch	X	X	X
Dinner	X	X	–

This blend of accommodations and meals ensures travelers enjoy a well-rounded and authentic Peruvian experience during the tour.

Transportation Arrangements

Throughout the 3-day tour, private transportation is provided for all transfers and activities. This includes pickup from your Cusco hotel or the designated meeting point, as well as private transportation for the tours in Puno.

For the journey between Cusco and Puno, a private vehicle is used. Once in Puno, private boats are utilized for the exploration of Lake Titicaca.

This ensures a seamless and comfortable travel experience, allowing you to focus on the stunning scenery and culture. The transportation arrangements are designed to optimize your time and minimize any logistical hassles, creating a smooth and enjoyable tour.

Packing and Preparation

Preparing for the 3-day Cusco to Puno and Titicaca Lake tour requires some forethought. With elevations reaching over 14,000 feet, proper packing and preparation are essential. The tour includes both hotel and homestay accommodations, so a mix of casual and sturdy clothing is recommended. Hikers should bring well-broken-in hiking boots, layerable tops, and sun protection essentials like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. To manage altitude sickness, travelers are advised to hydrate thoroughly and avoid heavy meals. The following table outlines key packing considerations:

Category	Essentials
Clothing	Hiking boots, base layers, insulating jacket, rain jacket
Accessories	Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, small backpack
Health	Medications, altitude sickness remedies, motion sickness medication
Documents	Passport, travel insurance, emergency contact information

Health and Safety

Traveling to high altitudes, like the Puno region, requires special consideration for health and safety. The tour’s maximum elevation reaches 4,335m at La Raya Pass, which can lead to altitude sickness. Precautions are essential:

1. Acclimatize gradually by spending time at intermediate elevations before reaching Puno at 3,822m.

2. Protect against intense UV rays with hats, sunblock, and sunglasses.

3. Manage motion sickness by avoiding heavy foods, choosing less volatile seats, and using over-the-counter medications as advised by a physician.

Maintaining proper health and safety measures will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience.

Cancellation and Policies

The tour’s cancellation policy is non-refundable, meaning no refunds are provided for cancellations. Customers should be aware of this policy before booking.

Confirmation of the tour is received at the time of booking. Gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price but are available for purchase.

Travelers should also note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequent inquiries about this tour often center around the acclimatization process and health concerns given the high elevations involved.

The tour starts in Cusco at 3,400m (11,150ft) and reaches La Raya Pass at 4,335m (14,225ft), so proper preparation is advised.

Key things to consider include:

1. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to minimize altitude sickness symptoms.
2. Bring medications like acetazolamide, which can help prevent altitude sickness when taken before the trip.
3. Spend an extra day in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize to the high altitude.

The tour operator provides helpful tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience despite the challenges posed by the Andes’ elevations.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes several meals, so bringing extra provisions may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any specific dietary requirements.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Hotel Accommodations?

Yes, guests can upgrade their hotel accommodations for an additional fee. The tour operator offers a range of higher-end hotel options, allowing travelers to tailor their experience to their preferences and budget.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, guests can request a private tour instead of the small group option. Private tours provide more personalized attention and flexibility, though they typically cost more. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about availability and pricing for a private tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Unfortunately, this tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $635.90 per person is fixed, regardless of age. Private tour options may be available at an additional cost.

How Strict Is the Maximum Group Size of 10 Travelers?

The maximum group size of 10 travelers is fairly strict, as the tour operator likely books tours based on this cap to maintain an intimate group experience. However, they may be able to accommodate a slightly larger group with prior arrangement.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The 3-Day Cusco to Puno & Titicaca Lake Small Group Tour offers an immersive experience through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Explore Cusco’s UNESCO-listed wonders, engage with local communities on the floating Uros Islands, and enjoy a homestay on Amantani Island. This tour provides an opportunity to savor traditional Peruvian cuisine and witness the stunning beauty of Lake Titicaca.