1.- INTRODUCTION
Currently there are many routes that allow you to get from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, any of the options are impressive and unique not only for the beauty that shows you but for the historical and cultural value that you can find, a journey that connects two of the most important and emblematic places in the Peruvian Andes and appreciated around the world, each contains a portion of the history that is told of the pre-Columbian cultures united mainly by the most important, the Inca culture.
2.- Overview of the route
You must take into account that the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca most of the time starts in the city of Cusco which is also known as the most important city within the Inca culture, it is from this point where many travelers first make the journey to the Inca citadel passing first through the beautiful sacred valley and at the end of the journey the trip can take you south to the highest navigable lake in the world. The distance from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca is more than 600 km which can be done by train, day or night bus, and even private vehicles.
3.- Cultural and historical importance
3.1.- Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu not only has the official title of modern world wonder but also has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At present it has become a symbol that represents the Inca culture at its peak, although there are studies that point to its construction by the Inca Pachacutec, the reality according to the chronicles is that the city is much older, of course in a rustic way there were already settlers here when the Incas arrived and paddled everything for its purpose. Although there are also multiple theories about its specific function, it was determined that the Inca citadel is a multifunctional center because inside you can see enclosures for religious, urban, agricultural, storage, military and administrative purposes. Something that stands out for many travelers is that the construction in its entirety was given in an organic way that is to say that the same mountain was used as a base respecting natural spaces such as huge rocks and trails so it is the construction is aligned to conform in a natural way with the environment, this clearly shows the great advance of knowledge that the Incas had in terms of architecture.
3.2.- Lake Titicaca
A natural jewel that is located between two countries, Peru and Bolivia are fortunate to share the territory of the highest navigable lake in the world as it is located at 3800 m above sea level which makes it unique. There are legends about the origin of the Inca culture and one of them lies precisely in the waters of this lake from where it is said that two brothers Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, who entrusted by his father the Sun God took a golden rod looking for the right land to establish their new home, there are those who relate this legend with the period of decline of the Tiahuanaco culture who inhabited the surroundings of this side and for unknown reasons ended up perishing. Currently, Lake Titicaca has become one of the most important traditional and experiential destinations throughout the country containing within it traditional communities that have preserved their culture for generations, highlighting mainly the Uros culture who have changed their lifestyle to live on artificial islands made from the Totora plant in the middle of Lake Titicaca.
3.3.- Geographical context
Although the distance from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca represents a journey of at least six hours, the reality is that every minute is worth it, this journey crosses a large number of natural landscapes such as sub tropical valleys, high altiplano plateaus, mountain ranges and snow-capped mountains to extensive and dry landscapes. What stands out perceptually of the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca is the change in temperature because while the Inca citadel is very close to the jungle and has a warm and humid environment, Lake Titicaca has a much drier and colder climate that play perfectly in combination with the calm waters that await visitors.
4.- TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FROM MACHU PICCHU TO LAKE TITICACA
One of the fundamental aspects that you should consider in advance for your trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca is the mode of transportation, here if we can ensure that there is a way to travel for every pocket and planning in a particular way, among these options to travel from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca we have:
| “The one who returns from a trip is not the same as the one who left.” |
4.1.- Night bus
This is the cheapest option you can find, it costs around s/60.00 soles the ticket that allows you to make the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca departing from the city of Cusco. The particularity of this is that it is specific to get from one place to the other and the schedule that leaves at 22:00 pm does not allow you to properly enjoy the scenery so it is more used as just a transport, some of the companies that you can consider for this trip are undoubtedly Turismo Mer, Cruz del Sur and Avalos.
4.2.- Route of the Sun
This is an intermediate option in the economic aspect, it allows its users to enjoy a leisurely trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca. This experience also begins in the city of Cusco in a bus shared with other travelers along with the company of a specialized tourism guide who accompanies you on the tour, the particularity of this experience is that there are several stops along the way to visit unique places such as Andahuaylillas, Urcos, Raqchi, La raya, Pukara and finally you get to Puno. This experience can cost from $70.00 per person including the essential aspects such as transportation, tour guide, entrance ticket and lunch on the route, among your best options to enjoy it without a doubt are the companies Turismo Mer and Avalos.
4.3.- Private transportation
If you are looking for an option that allows you to enjoy the time at your disposal during the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, this is undoubtedly ideal for you. Private transportation is adequate to personalize your experience and it is easy to coordinate with your travel agency so that they can give you a complete and safe service. Remember that no matter the situation you should never take a street transport as you can put your safety at risk, there is also the option of hiring a service by application as UBER or InDriver however the budget may be higher.
4.4.- Train Travel
This mode of travel is within the list of the most eccentric, exclusive and expensive transports in the country. Thanks to the company Peru Rail it is possible to make this trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca in one of its highest category trains, keeping the Belmont line there are two services that can take you to the city of Puno.
- The first is considered as its standard version known as the Peru Rail Titicaca which consists of a one day trip departing from the city of Cusco and arriving in Puno in the afternoon, it is a similar version to what is experienced within the route of the sun because stops are also made along the way.
- The second option is considered the most exclusive and luxurious on board the Andean Explorer you can enjoy a trip that can last two days for this reason the service includes accommodation in one of the prestigious suites that contains in its wagons, this is a different experience because it can also provide entertainment service, food, interactive activities and many more emotions that you will live during the tour.
5.- STOPS ALONG THE WAY
5.1.- Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of America
This is the first stop on the journey from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, it is also known as the sixth chapel of America because it is its most important and outstanding aspect for the world, its church San Pedro Apostle was built during the sixteenth century and its interior contains the most impressive collection of paintings and ornaments with baroque style of all is southern sector. To the point that it has been considered very similar to the Vatican’s Sistine chapel, it is undoubtedly a colonial jewel that has 1000 stories to tell, of course it also highlights within its aspects a space where there is a door that is adorned by five different dialects so it is known as the Penta linguistic door, the languages that can be identified are Spanish, Latin, Quechua, Aymara and Puquina.
5.2.- Raqchi: Temple of Wiracocha
It contains the essence of two unique spaces of its kind, the first a traditional village that has been maintained for generations maintaining their customs and the second an impressive archaeological center that contains one of the largest constructions of the Inca culture, the temple of Wiracocha. This is the space that is visited during the tour from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, in its construction was used the mixture of adobe and stone which gives it a much more impressive appearance, you can also find some storage places known as qolqas, squares and urban sectors.
5.3.- La Raya Pass: The highest point
Within the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca this is the highest point reached, with 4335 m above sea level for many representing a new record achieved. This natural border is the pass from the Cusco region to fist and functions as a boundary between the two places. Precisely it is also from this point that the landscape changes little by little as well as the climate itself, from here views of small lakes and grasslands that extend as far as you could reach into the high plateau await you.
5.4.- Pucará: Pre-Inca archaeological site
One of the most popular places in the southern region and recognized for the archaeological and cultural legacy inherited for generations. Among the essential aspects that you can expect to know in this town is undoubtedly to get its most popular iconic sample, the Pucara bull. This symbolic element is a ceramic piece made for generations with fine ornaments and elements that simulate the strength of the couple, always coming in pairs so that it can bring good luck to families who begin to undertake their journey together.
6.- ANDEAN COSMOGONY
“Within the Andean belief there is the ideal of dualism that represents the man and the woman, it is for this reason that in the Andes when a house is finished, two little bulls of your face are placed on the roof in the highest part with other elements that represent good luck and protection for both the couple and the family.”
7.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How long does the journey from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca typically take?
The distance from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca is around 600 km so most direct trips can take between six to seven hours or up to 10 hours.
- What is the best way to travel between Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca?
The best way to make the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca will depend a lot on your planning however our recommendation is that if you have an intermediate budget for the route of the sun, however, if you can afford something much more exclusive enjoy the train ride believe me it is worth it.
- Do I need separate tickets for Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca?
You will only need the entrance ticket for Machu Picchu as Lake Titicaca does not require an entrance ticket to visit it.
- What’s the best time of year to visit both Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca?
Undoubtedly during the dry season that occurs between May and October time of year when the weather becomes more stable and there are no sudden weather changes or unexpected rains.
- How do I deal with altitude sickness during this journey?
The most important thing is to stay hydrated all the time, this way you allow your body to oxygenate constantly and you can easily combat the discomfort. Also you can try trying coca leaf infusions that allows the body to have a much easier adaptation.
- Are there any lesser-known archaeological sites between Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca worth visiting?
Each place has its charm and as such when making the trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca with a few stops you should consider visiting everything important.
You already know everything you need to start your trip from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, get to know these two places to make your trip unforgettable. Auri Peru seeks to give you more than just a vacation trip, we want you to have unique moments and memories that will last a lifetime in a safe way, contact us and together we will design a customized experience for you.
“Travel now, because sometimes later becomes never.”
