7-Day Machu Picchu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Machu Picchu itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Peru, incl. Cusco and Machu Picchu

  A 7-day route to Machu Picchu combines Sacred Valley visits with the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek. Ancient ruins like Llactapata, scenic mountain camping sites, and Sun Gate sunrise entry are featured. Porter support and authentic meals included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco

    You'll begin in Cusco at 11,152 feet (3,400m). Take it slow today to adjust to the altitude. Most visitors experience headaches and shortness of breath even if they're physically fit. Spend time exploring the historic San Blas neighborhood with its artisan workshops. One traveler shared: "I knew I'd put in a lot of work training and preparing for the trip but was still nervous about the altitude. Take that first day slow and drink lots of coca tea."

    
  • Day 2

    Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo

    The drive to Sacred Valley takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Visit the women's weaving co-op in Ccaccaccollo to see traditional textile making in action. Stop for lunch at Parwa Community Restaurant and try their local quinoa soup. If you're up for it, climb the ancient granaries in Ollantaytambo for spectacular valley views. The town's cobblestone streets remain exactly as they were in Inca times.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Inca Trail Trek

    Your 26-mile trek starts at KM 82. While porters handle the heavy equipment you'll hike with just a daypack. The second day brings Dead Woman's Pass at 13,769 feet. Start this section early since afternoon clouds are common. A hiker's insight: "The food was incredible considering they cook in makeshift kitchens. The porters wake you with coca tea and somehow always have camp set up before we arrive." The trail offers a mix of ruins mountain passes and cloud forest. Day 3 includes two more passes including Runquraqay at 13,113 feet. You'll camp near Phuyupatamarca, known as the "town above the clouds." Bring hiking poles. You'll need them for the countless stone steps especially in wet weather.

    
  • Day 6

    Machu Picchu

    Wake up before dawn to reach the Sun Gate for sunrise over Machu Picchu. The first view is breathtaking even in cloudy conditions. Take the 1.5-hour guided tour then catch your afternoon transport back to Cusco (4 hours total). Look for hotels with lower elevation in Cusco since many buildings don't have elevators.

    
  • Day 7

    Cusco

    Your final morning in Cusco. If you're still feeling adventurous sign up for the Rainbow Mountain day hike. Or spend time at San Pedro Market shopping for alpaca goods and local coffee. Most international flights leave in the afternoon to avoid morning fog delays.

    

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• 7 Days in Peru, incl. Cusco and Machu Picchu

  The final 5km stretch to Machu Picchu leads from Wiñayhuayna camp through the Sun Gate for sunrise views. Visitors explore the Guardian House viewpoint, Temple of the Sun, and three porticos, with optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco Arrival and Acclimatization

    You'll start in Cusco at 11,152 feet elevation. Many travelers recommend the coca tea offered at check-in to help with altitude adjustment. This first day needs to be low-key since even walking up stairs can leave you breathless. Book accommodation near Plaza de Armas so you'll have easy access to restaurants and pharmacies.

    
  • Day 2

    Sacred Valley Exploration

    Your day starts early with a 7 AM departure for Chinchero at 12,343 feet. Visit the colonial church and textile center in the morning when the light is best for photos. Next is Moray's agricultural terraces. Bring good sun protection since there's no shade. In the afternoon visit the Maras salt mines. The white pools make for great photos but watch your step on the slippery paths. Your day ends with a train ride to Aguas Calientes at 6,693 feet where you'll spend the night.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Inca Trail Trek

    The 26-mile trek starts at KM 82. The first day covers 7.5 miles to Wayllabamba camp at 9,842 feet. On day two you'll face Dead Woman's Pass at 13,829 feet. One hiker's advice: "The altitude really hits you here. Take small steps and plenty of breaks." Day three includes several Inca sites and 3,000 stone steps down to Wiñaywayna camp. Your guides will set a good pace and porters take care of the camping setup.

    
  • Day 6

    Machu Picchu

    Start with a pre-dawn hike to Sun Gate for sunrise. Take a guided tour in the morning before the crowds get heavy. The site opens at 6 AM. You might want to book an afternoon ticket for extra exploration time. A recent visitor shared: "Getting there for sunrise was worth the early wake-up - the morning mist gradually revealing the ruins was magical." Head back to Cusco by train and bus.

    
  • Day 7

    Cusco Departure

    You'll have a free morning for shopping at San Pedro Market or seeing any sites you missed. Plan for airport transfers about 3 hours before your flight since delays are common out of Cusco.

    

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• 7 Day Peru Itinerary, incl. Cusco and Machu Picchu

  A comprehensive 43km Inca Trail trek spans 7 days, connecting 5 major sites including Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Guests stay 3 nights at Tandapata Boutique Hotel, 3 nights camping, visiting Runkurakay ruins and Phuyupatamarca's cloud forest.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cusco Arrival & Acclimatization

    Land in Cusco at 11,000 feet and give yourself time to adjust. Rest in the morning and plan your city tour for later in the day. You can visit the Inka Museum and Koricancha temple without pushing too hard. A recent visitor shared: "Take coca tea when you arrive and avoid alcohol your first day - it really helps with the altitude adjustment."

    
  • Day 2

    Sacred Valley Exploration

    You can stay in Cusco or opt for a Sacred Valley tour. If you choose the tour, start at Chinchero early to see textile demonstrations before crowds arrive. Visit Ollantaytambo mid-morning before the sun gets intense. The Pisac market is best in the afternoon when it's bustling. Remember to bring layers. The Valley temperature can change by 30°F in one day.

    
  • Day 3

    Inca Trail Day 1 (Km 82 to Wayllabamba)

    Your pickup comes at 5:30 AM for the drive to Km 82, sitting at 8,923 feet. You'll walk 12km along the Urubamba River. It's a good warm-up day. Stop at Patallacta ruins but save your energy for the climb to Wayllabamba camp at 9,842 feet. One hiker's advice: "Break in your boots well before the trek. Even small blisters become major issues by day three."

    
  • Day 4

    Dead Woman's Pass

    This is your toughest day. Start at 6 AM for the climb to Dead Woman's Pass at 13,829 feet. You'll need trekking poles. Take short breaks but keep moving. The path down to Pacaymayo camp is steep. A reviewer noted: "The porters serving hot tea at rest stops were lifesavers on this tough stretch."

    
  • Day 5

    Archaeological Day

    You'll see amazing ruins but face some tricky terrain. Visit Runkurakay and Sayacmarca, both with original Inca steps to navigate. Watch your step in the cloud forest section. You'll camp at Wiñayhuayna at 8,694 feet. "Bring a good headlamp - the evening toilet runs through mountain terrain require careful navigation."

    
  • Day 6

    Machu Picchu

    Wake up at 3:30 AM to reach Sun Gate for sunrise at Machu Picchu. The site gets busy with day visitors. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, book permits months ahead and go late morning when fog usually lifts. Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to protect your knees. Catch the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo then bus to Cusco.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Book an afternoon flight if possible. Cusco morning traffic can make airport trips unpredictable. Many visitors say they wish they'd stayed an extra day in Cusco after their trek to process the experience.

    

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