7 days in Peru: Machu Picchu & Inca Trail adventure

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco!

Upon landing at Cusco's airport, take a private car transfer towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Because of its lower elevation (2,870m or 9,415ft) and peaceful atmosphere, this valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days while you acclimatize.

En-route, you could make some quick visits to Maras and Moray, two unconventional Inca sites. Moray consists of circular terraces upon a natural depression, which apparently was used as an experimental agricultural site. Maras is a salt extraction complex comprised of thousands of small white ponds hanging on to a mountain slope. Locals have been collecting and selling the salt at the regional markets long before the Incas!

Finally, you’ll continue to your hotel in the lower valley. Don't do too much on your first day - it is best to get used to the altitude first.

Ollantaytambo

Day 2: The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Take a soft hike to Ollantaytambo off the hectic routes, and see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. Starting at Yanahuara, pass by farms and colorful mud-brick houses. On clear days, you will see the snow peaks of the Vilcanota mountains. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the rural countryside of Cusco. During the hike, transport is always nearby in case you wish to reach Ollantaytambo faster.

Ollantaytambo village has not changed much since Inca times: it has an impressive Inca site with stonework only seconded by that of Machu Picchu. After an included lunch, wander along the narrow cobblestone streets of the village or hike a little further uphill to the Pinkulluna viewpoint.

Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Huayllabamba

Day 3: Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Today, you will begin one of the most amazing experiences in Peru, a four-day hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! The trail starts in Piscacucho, where you'll meet a team of porters, cooks, and assistants that will be on hand throughout the trek.

After passing the registration checkpoint at Piscacucho, giving passports and entrance tickets to the officers, you’ll cross the Urubamba River and start a gentle climb alongside the river. Reach the Llactapata archaeological site, where you’ll stop for lunch in a tent.

Afterwards, leave the Urubamba Valley and set off for the Kusichaca River, hiking uphill to your first camp within the Huayllabamba community, where you'll spend the night.

Huayllabamba - Pacaymayo

Day 4: From Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

Many travelers consider the second day of the trek to be the hardest, as it involves a climb from 3,000m (9,842ft) to 4,200m (13,776ft) and backs down to 3,590m (11,788ft).

Your morning starts with a steep one-hour climb to Ayapata - enjoy the lush vegetation of the trail as it hugs the Llullucha River. The path becomes even steeper along the way, but your efforts will be rewarded with incredible surroundings. After 3km you’ll reach Llulluchapampa, the last point of the trail, where you can buy snacks and bottled water, and use the restrooms.

The path continues on the left side of the valley up to Wamiwañusca - known by the local villagers as the Dead Woman's Pass, and the highest point of the Inca Trail at 4,200m (13,776ft). From here, you'll have an incredible view of both sides of the mountain range. After a rest, start the way down to your Pacaymayo campsite.

Pacaymayo - Wiñaywayna

Day 5: From Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

Early this morning, start with a steep ascent towards Runcurakay, an archaeological site surrounded by imposing mountains. From the Runcuracay Pass at 3,950m (12,960ft), enjoy breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba mountains and the snow-capped Veronica Mountain behind.

Then, descend to the archaeological site of Sayaqmarka, at 3,600m (11,811ft). After visiting this impressive site, you’ll take the stairs and pass through an Inca tunnel carved into the rock, towards the Puyupata pass (3,660m/12,007ft).

After lunch, a 10-minute hike will take you to the Phuyupatamarca site, above the clouds at 3,630m (11,909ft). From there, the descent into the cloud forest is a great example of masterly Inca engineering. After three hours you’ll reach Wiñaywayna (or Forever Young) at 2,700m/8,858ft, one of the most beautiful Inca sites where you'll enjoy a last night of camping.

Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 6: Machu Picchu calling

Only a light 90-minute hike and final 40-minute descent separate you from the amazing citadel of Machu Picchu. After passing the last control station, you'll be all set to explore its famous grounds! Make sure to have your passport ready, since it's required to access Machu Picchu.

Visit together with a private expert guide, offering wonderful insight into the citadel and Inca culture. After the exploration, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo and then a private car to your hotel in Cusco.

Upon request, you could opt to include a hike to Huayna Picchu (Machu Picchu Mountain) for an extra fee.

Cusco

Day 7: Hasta la vista, Peru!

Today, you have free time to explore the area at your leisure - maybe take a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets. Then, at the right time, you’ll be taken to Cusco’s airport to board your flight to Lima and connecting flight home.

You will hopefully be filled with happy memories, encounters with new friends, and great pictures of your time in Peru. Have a safe trip back!