Andean Dream: Cusco and Machu Picchu in 7 Days

 ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE TO CUSCO  AND CITY TOUR IN CUSCO

Upon your arrival at Cusco’s airport, our friendly staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the city. Once at the hotel  we will give you a brief orientation, and then you’ll have a few hours to rest and acclimate to the high altitude before beginning your adventure.

In the afternoon, your City Tour in Cusco begins. Board our comfortable transportation as we head to the historic city center.

Our first stop is Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, a remarkable site where Inca and Spanish cultures intertwine. After exploring Qoricancha, we’ll travel just outside the city to visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archaeological complex famous for its massive stone walls and remarkable Inca architecture. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its significance in the Inca era.

Next, we continue a short drive to Qenqo, a mysterious ceremonial site full of intriguing history and legends.

To complete the tour, we visit Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, where you’ll learn more about the ingenuity and culture of the Inca civilization.

Finally, we return to Cusco, where our transportation will take you back to your hotel to rest and prepare for the adventures ahead.

• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 2: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Salineras and Ollantaytambo) – AGUAS CALIENTES

Today, we will begin by picking you up from your hotel at 7:30 a.m. From there, we’ll drive for approximately 50 minutes to the town of Chinchero, where we’ll visit the renowned textile center. During this visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe traditional weaving techniques and see local animals such as llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. We’ll also explore the Inca archaeological site of Chinchero, a place full of mystery and impressive Inca architecture.

After our visit, we’ll continue our journey to the Maras Salt Mines, which have been of great importance since pre-Inca times. Today, they are still used to extract salt from a natural spring with salty water. The water flows through a system of channels into small pools, where it evaporates under the sun, leaving crystallized salt behind. This ancient technique remains in use today, and the Maras salt is recognized for its purity and traditional value.

Next, we’ll travel 25 minutes to Moray, an important Inca site known for its circular agricultural terraces. Here, we’ll learn about its historical and agricultural significance.

After visiting Moray, we’ll drive about 40 minutes to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll stop at a restaurant to enjoy a pleasant lunch (not included).

Following lunch, we’ll continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. We’ll spend about one hour exploring its highlights, including the Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, water fountains, and other remarkable Inca structures.

After the tour, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes at 3:37 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5:00 p.m., we’ll check into our hotel and later enjoy a delicious dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, & Dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
• 3* Accommodation:Hotel Tara Machu Picchu,
• 4* Accommodation: El Mapi or Tierra Viva
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas. The sight of mist rolling over ancient terraces and temples is truly magical a moment you’ll never forget!

Your expert guide will lead you on a two-hour tour, exploring the most iconic areas of the Machu Picchu Citadel. Discover how this incredible city is divided into three sectors agricultural, residential, and religious and learn the fascinating stories behind its construction and purpose.

After soaking in the exceptional views and capturing unforgettable photos, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you can enjoy some shopping, a leisurely stroll around town, or even a visit to the museum or hot springs.

At 2:55 p.m., board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, traveling along the stunning Urubamba River.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private driver will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m. after a day filled with wonder, history, and the unforgettable magic of Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Breakfast
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel hoteles
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 4: CUSCO – SOUTH VALLEY TOUR OF CUSCO – CUSCO

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before embarking on an unforgettable journey to the South Valley. Our private transportation will pick you up at 8:30 a.m. to begin the adventure.

Our first stop is the Tipón Archaeological Site, a remarkable place where ancient Inca streets and ingeniously constructed water channels showcase the brilliance of Inca hydraulic engineering. Wander through this stunning complex as your guide reveals its secrets and historical significance.

Next, we head to Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca settlement where you can marvel at the impressive ruins, ancient streets, and archaeological discoveries that tell the story of civilizations before the Incas. A guided tour will immerse you in the life and culture of these early Andean societies.

Finally, we visit the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to the Andahuaylillas Temple, famously known as the «Sistine Chapel of the Americas.» Admire the exquisite murals, intricate paintings, and the unique blend of Andean Baroque art with colonial influences a true masterpiece of culture and history.

Experience the perfect mix of history, architecture, and art on this captivating tour of Cusco’s South Valley, And to conclude this great experience, it is optional to make a short stop for lunch (not included) at some places where typical dishes from the Cusco region are offered. And if you wish to try guinea pig, a traditional dish of Inca culture, this is the best place.

• Meals: Breakfast
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel hoteles
• Difficulty: Easy

DAY 5: CUSCO – HUMANTAY LAKE – CUSCO

Get ready for an unforgettable day! We begin our adventure bright and early at 4:00 a.m., picking you up from your accommodation in Cusco. As the sun begins to rise, we travel on a scenic three-hour journey through the majestic Andes, watching the mountains slowly awaken with the morning light. Our destination: Soraypampa, the gateway to one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Once we arrive, we prepare for our hike to the stunning Humantay Lake, perched at 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) at the base of the towering Humantay Mountain. The two-hour trek winds through spectacular high-Andean landscapes snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and panoramic views that will leave you amazed at every step. Keep your eyes open you may even spot local wildlife along the trail.

At the lake, prepare to be mesmerized by its crystal-clear turquoise waters, framed by dramatic mountain walls. You’ll have time to relax, explore, breathe in the fresh Andean air, and capture unforgettable photos of this magical place. If you prefer a more relaxed ascent, horses are available for rent from the local community (optional).

After enjoying this natural paradise, we begin our descent with a one-hour hike back to Soraypampa. From there, our private transport takes us to Mollepata, where a delicious lunch made with fresh, local ingredients awaits to recharge your energy.

We end our journey with a comfortable return drive to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 p.m. bringing an extraordinary day in the Andean wilderness to a perfect close.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Trekking distance: 7 km / 4,34 miles
• Walking time: Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenge
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel hoteles

DAY 6: CUSCO – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – RED VALLEY – CUSCO

Your unforgettable journey to one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes begins bright and early at 4:00 a.m., when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Settle in as we embark on a scenic three-hour drive two hours on a paved highway and one hour on a rustic Andean road until we reach the trailhead.

Upon arrival, enjoy a tasty box breakfast to fuel up before the hike. Then, our adventure begins as we start the ascent to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. The hike takes about one hour (depending on your pace), leading you through expansive Andean valleys, where herds of llamas and alpacas roam freely and local vendors offer coca tea, drinks, and snacks. Reaching the summit is a moment to remember. You’ll have plenty of time to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views, admire the natural rainbow-striped slopes, and capture unforgettable photos. We typically spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at the top, depending on weather conditions and group pace.

But the adventure doesn’t end there next, we take a short 30-minute hike to the mesmerizing Red Valley, a surreal landscape painted in deep crimson tones that few travelers get to experience. After exploring this hidden gem, we hike about one hour back to the trailhead. From there, we drive approximately one hour to the town of Cusipata, where a delicious lunch awaits to recharge your energy.

We then return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:30 p.m., depending on road and traffic conditions ending an incredible day filled with color, nature, and Andean magic.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• The Highest Elevation: 5036 m / 16,515 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenge
• Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles.
• 3* Accommodation: Hotel el Prisma or Yawar Inka Hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel hoteles

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

Following breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your remaining time in the city of Cusco, perhaps by visiting a few museums or traditional markets. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

• Meals: Breakfast