7-Day Machu Picchu & Cusco Cultural Tour

About the Tour

Discover Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the most impressive Andean landscapes in 7 days.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), South Valley, Humantay Lake

This 7-day itinerary in Cusco offers a comprehensive experience to discover the history, culture, and nature of the Peruvian Andes[cite: 221]. The journey begins with a City Tour of Cusco, visiting important archaeological sites like Qorikancha and the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman[cite: 222]. The adventure continues through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo, before taking the train to Aguas Calientes to visit the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu [cite: 223].

The trip also includes excursions to some of the region’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the famous Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the spectacular Humantay Lake[cite: 224]. Additionally, the itinerary allows you to discover the cultural circuit of the South Valley of Cusco, visiting historical sites like Tipon, Pikillaqta, and the colonial temple of Andahuaylillas[cite: 225].

Cusco

The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.

Tour Images

Step by step

Itinerary – Cultural Heritage 7 Days

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Day 1

Arrival in Cusco + City Tour

Airport reception and transfer to your hotel[cite: 226]. Afternoon City Tour visiting Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay[cite: 227].

⏱ Pick-up: 12:45 p.m. – End: approx. 6:30 p.m.

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Day 2

Sacred Valley VIP + Transfer to Aguas Calientes

Visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo[cite: 229]. Buffet lunch in Urubamba[cite: 229]. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes [cite: 230].

⏱ Pick-up: 6:30 a.m. – Train: 17:00 or 19:00.

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Day 3

Machu Picchu Full Day

Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel for approximately 2 hours[cite: 232, 233]. Afternoon return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and transfer to Cusco [cite: 233].

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Day 4

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Transfer to Cusipata for a buffet breakfast[cite: 235]. 1.5 to 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain[cite: 236]. Buffet lunch and return to Cusco[cite: 236].

⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: approx. 5:00 p.m.

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Day 5

South Valley Tour

Tour the South Valley circuit: Tipon, Pikillaqta, and the “Sistine Chapel of America” in Andahuaylillas[cite: 238].

⏱ Pick-up: 8:40 a.m. – Return: approx. 5:00 p.m.

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Day 6

Humantay Lake

Transfer to Mollepata for a buffet breakfast[cite: 240]. Hike to the stunning Humantay Lake[cite: 241]. Buffet lunch and return to Cusco[cite: 241].

⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: approx. 6:00 p.m.

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Day 7

Airport Transfer

Breakfast at the hotel and private transfer to the Cusco airport according to your flight schedule[cite: 242, 243].

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Included

Airport – hotel – airport transfers [cite: 244].
Shared tourist transportation for all tours [cite: 249].
Entrance tickets to all attractions (City Tour, Sacred Valley, Humantay, Vinicunca, South Valley) [cite: 244].
Machu Picchu entrance ticket and Consettur bus [cite: 244, 245].
Round-trip tourist train tickets [cite: 244].
Professional guide on all tours [cite: 245].
Hotel breakfasts, 2 buffet breakfasts, and 3 buffet lunches [cite: 244].
5 nights accommodation in Cusco and 1 night in Aguas Calientes [cite: 245].

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Not Included

Dinners and unmentioned meals [cite: 245, 252].
Drinks such as bottled water during meals [cite: 245].
Snacks, tips, and phone calls [cite: 245].
Personal expenses[cite: 252].

Tour duration

7 days / 6 nights.

Max altitude

16,522 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain)[cite: 248].

Difficulty

Difficult. Demanding level on high altitude hikes like Vinicunca and Humantay Lake [cite: 254].

Tour type

Adventure Tours

Destinations & altitudes

Cusco: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m [cite: 245]
Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m [cite: 246]
Humantay Lake: 13,780 ft / 4,200 m [cite: 248]
Vinicunca: 16,522 ft / 5,036 m [cite: 247]

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

Yes. The program starts with the City Tour and Sacred Valley to facilitate acclimatization before the higher altitude excursions [cite: 255, 256].

It is the highest point of the itinerary (5,036 m)[cite: 257]. The hike is moderate to demanding, although you can rent a horse along the trail [cite: 258].

Both require significant physical effort[cite: 259]. Humantay reaches 4,200 m and has a very steep incline [cite: 260].

Yes, provided the tour reservation is made well in advance, as daily tickets are very limited[cite: 262].

Recommendations

Prepare for the mountains and Andean weather

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Dress in Layers

The weather varies greatly. Wear thermal clothing in layers and a waterproof or windproof jacket [cite: 267].

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Proper Footwear

Wear non-slip trekking shoes, which are essential for the hikes to Humantay and Vinicunca [cite: 268].

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Altitude Sickness Prevention

Rest properly on the first day, hydrate constantly, avoid alcohol, and hike at your own pace [cite: 266].

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Original Documents

Always carry your original passport or valid ID; it is mandatory to enter Machu Picchu[cite: 269].

Cultural
Heritage

Discover Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the most impressive Andean landscapes in 7 days.

Itinerary – Cultural Heritage 7 Days

Any questions?

Prepare for the mountains and Andean weather

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