7-Day Machu Picchu Tour Packages
Machu Picchu is always a dream come true, making your way through the Sacred Valley, along the Inca Trail. You’ll meet local communities, see the ruins of Ollantaytambo, and, of course, Machu Picchu itself. Acclimatising in Cusco is never a drama thanks to the beauty all around you. Are you ready to tick something off your bucket-list?
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Machu Picchu tour 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Private 7-day Cusco and Machu Picchu Package
A 2-hour guided tour unveils Machu Picchu citadel's secrets, accessed via Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo and bus from Aguas Calientes. Savor lunch at an exclusive restaurant with optional Huayna Picchu climb for additional $70.
Machu Picchu 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
The Inca Trail
7 Day package 'Trek to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail'
Private 7-day Cusco and Machu Picchu Package
7 Days From Glaciers to Jungles: Salkantay Adventure to Machu Picchu
Best of Peru
Inca Trail Express
7 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
07 Day Sacred Valley + Lares trek to Machupicchu
Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - 7 days
Salkantay Trek with Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days
What people love about 7-day Machu Picchu tours
- The Inca Trail
Excellent tour, well organised. Probably could do with providing a few more specific details before the trip and also before the hike, but besides that, it was excellent. The hiking guides, Miguel and John-Chales were outstanding and super helpful. The chefs cooked unbelievable food too!
Our guide Manuel was excellent and had a great understanding of the history of the Incas and he showed us many different temples and ruins. The porters worked really hard to transport all of the camping equipment and food and had everything set up for when we arrived in Camp. The 3 days of the trek were very hard and it was a great achievement to arrive at Maccu Piccu. It is a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to see such an iconic world famous site.
7 Day package 'Trek to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail'
- Private 7-day Cusco and Machu Picchu Package
I could not imagine a better company to do the Machu Picchu Trek with. The food, the people, the scenery, the pace, everything was really perfect. The crew, and especially our tour guide David were just perfect. Really caring, kind, motivating and always a smile and laugh on their faces. Can not recommend them enough!!
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