Get ready for a lifetime adventure as you explore the best of Cusco City, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on an amazing Cusco Highlights & Inca Trail 7 days tour! This incredible journey is the perfect way to experience the highlights of Cusco and hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
And if you're looking for something extra special, why not extend your trip to include some of the area's most incredible activities? We invite you to explore our other fantastic experiences! Adventure, culture, and full contact will be waiting for you with the best service.
City Tour, Sacred Valley and Inca Trail 7 Days
The 7-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu offers the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the most popular hiking tour to Machu Picchu. Across 7 days / 6 nights, you’ll explore the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco, on a city tour, visit local markets, and discover stunning Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, which features rural charm, outdoor adventures, and archaeological wonders.
Thus, Cusco serves as gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail, rich in history and incredible landscapes. The adventure will continue with the famous 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, one of the world’s top trekking routes. The Inca Trail provides breathtaking mountain views and fascinating Inca ruins along the way.
The journey will culminate at Machu Picchu, where expert guides will lead you through its secrets. Join us for this unforgettable journey that blends culture, nature, and adventure in the heart of the Andes!
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy a Cusco City + Sacred Valley + 7 Day Inca Trail tour.
- Explore the most iconic sites of Cusco City.
- Marvel at the Sacred Valley's towns, land fields, and colorful markets.
- Hike the Inca Trail and explore stunning archeological sites on the way.
- Return on the exclusive panoramic trains.
Inca Trail 7 Days at a Glance:
The 7-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu offers the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the most popular hiking tour to Machu Picchu. Across 7 days / 6 nights, you’ll explore the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco, on a city tour, visit local markets, and discover stunning Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, which features rural charm, outdoor adventures, and archaeological wonders.
Thus, Cusco serves as gateway to both the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail, rich in history and incredible landscapes. The adventure will continue with the famous 4-Day Classic Inca Trail, one of the world’s top trekking routes. The Inca Trail provides breathtaking mountain views and fascinating Inca ruins along the way.
The journey will culminate at Machu Picchu, where expert guides will lead you through its secrets. Join us for this unforgettable journey that blends culture, nature, and adventure in the heart of the Andes!
Day 1: Cusco City Tour:
You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cusco. At 1:00 p.m., you will start your City Tour and explore its most important places: Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. You will then be dropped off at the hotel.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour:
After breakfast, leave the city to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Alpaca farm, Mirador Taray, Pisac Ruins, Pisac market, Moray, Salineras, and Ollantaytambo. Spend the night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo Village (Tunupa Lodge or Similar).
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Ayapata:
Start your adventure with a transfer to km 82, the beginning of the trail. Hike through small villages and fascinating archeological sites for 6 hours until the first campsite, where you spend the night.
Day 4: Ayapata – Chaquicocha:
Start early with a cup of coffee or coca tea in your tent and prepare for the most challenging part of the Inca Trail. You will hike for about 10 hours and cross the two highest mountains: Dead Woman’s Pass and Runkurakay Pass.
Day 5: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna:
This is the most beautiful day, with the most challenging part being over. After breakfast, start the 5-hour hike exploring stunning archeological sites along the way, such as Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna.
Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco:
Wake up early for the last part of the Inca Trail. Reach the Sun Gate to admire the beauty of Machu Picchu and spend the day exploring the best of the Inca Citadel with your tour guide. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo and the bus back to Cusco. Drop off around 7:30 p.m. at your hotel.
Day 7: Depart Cusco
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight.
Included:
- Airport pick up and drop off in Cusco City
- 2 nights hotel in Cusco (San Agustin or similar)
- 1-night hotel in Ollantaytambo (Tunupa Lodge or similar)
- 3 nights camping in comfortable tents
- All transportation from the beginning to the end
- All entrance tickets to the places we visit
- Personal porter for up to 7 kg
- Porters to carry food and equipment
- Local expert chefs prepare all meals during the trek
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- 4-person tents for every 2 people
- Sleeping pad, personal tents, dining tent
- Tables, chairs, and portable toilets when camping
- First aid kit (Pulse Oximeter, Oxygen tank, Satellite phones)
- Hand towels, sheets, and Pillows
- Rain Ponchos and duffle bags
- Vistadome panoramic train to return
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag, Inflatable mattresses, Trekking poles
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned
- International or domestic flights
Why book with TreXperience?
- Locally Owned Company: TreXperience was started by Juan and Priscila Coronel from Ollantaytambo and is 100% owned by locals in Cusco, Peru.
- Food on the Inca Trail: The food we provide during our Inca Trail treks is always of high quality and great variety. It is made by our professional cooks, who prepare fresh and tasty food that represents the region's most popular dishes.
- High-Quality Equipment: To make the trekkers comfortable during the journey, they are also given high-quality camping gear such as kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and Eureka tents.
- Transportation: We manage all aspects of the journey to offer trekkers a stress-free experience. Our door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience from hotel to hotel.
- Trains from Machu Picchu: The journey back from Machu Picchu has fantastic views of the Urubamba River, the Andes Mountains, and a scenic train ride. We are the only company that provides panoramic Vistadome trains to return.
- Spiritual and Cultural Immersion: The journey with TreXperience is not just a trek but a deep exploration of the rich history, culture, and spirituality of the Incan civilization, including visits to significant archaeological sites and expert native tour guides.
- Sustainable Practices: We are distinguished by our sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to local communities.
- Safety and Security: All our staff are trained in First Aid and Mountain Rescue. We provide an oxygen tank, a first aid kit, and satellite phones.
- Commitment to Excellence: Our reputation for excellence is reflected in our numerous awards and recognitions, underscoring our commitment to providing an unparalleled trekking experience. We have more than 7000 positive reviews.
- Our Porters: At TreXperience, we set the highest standard for porter welfare on the Inca Trail, ensuring fair wages, health insurance, and quality gear for all porters.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility: Under certain conditions, we allow travelers to change their tours without penalty, offering peace of mind in uncertain times.
Full Itinerary of the Inca Trail 7 days to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco City Tour
Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, we will pick you up and drive you to your centrally located hotel, where you can rest and enjoy the city at leisure. In the afternoon, at 1.00 pm, you will start a walking tour in the center of Cusco, visiting the city's most important landmarks and streets, such as Plaza de Armas, 12-angled Stone Street, and the beautiful Qoricancha. We'll then head to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, and the statue of the white Christ. The tour will finish back at your hotel.
- Duration: Half-day
- Meals: None Included
- Entry tickets included
- Hotel: San Agustin or Similar
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, get ready to start your day at 7:00 am. You'll meet your guide and set off for the Alpaca farm and Mirador Taray, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Next, we'll head to Pisac to explore its iconic ruins, browse the Pisac Market, and savor a lunch made with local ingredients in Urubamba.
After lunch, we'll drive to the fascinating circular terraces of Moray, visit the unique Salineras of Maras, and wrap up the day with a tour of the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress. You'll spend the night in a cozy hotel near Ollantaytambo town.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Entry tickets included
- Hotel: Tunupa Lodge or Similar
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata - Ayapata
Today's adventure will start with a 7:00 am pickup. You will meet the rest of the Inca Trail group and drive in a van to KM 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. On the first day of the Inca Trail, you will hike for 6 hours along meandering streams and visit local villages and beautiful archeological sites. The first campsite is Ayapata, located at 3300m (10,826ft).
- Distance: 14 km / 8 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runkuraqay – Chaquicocha
After a long night’s sleep, start at the campsite with a cup of coffee in your tent and prepare for the most challenging day of the trail (The Inca Trail 7 days to Machu Picchu). Today’s hike is about 10 hours, crossing two mountain passes. The first mountain takes 4 hours up to the Inca Trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215m - 13,829 ft), then 2 more hours downhill to Pacaymayu for a well-earned lunch.
After lunch, you'll climb for two hours to the second mountain, Runkuraqay Pass (4000 m - 13,123 ft), then another 2 hours down to the second campsite at Chaquicocha.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest altitude: 4,215 m / 13,829 ft
- Distance: 16 km / 9 mi
- Duration: 10 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Day 5: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñaywayna
After the most demanding and challenging part, you can relax with a relatively easy 5-hour hike to the Inca Trail’s last campsite. The route is highly varied with different ecosystems, magnificent panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range, and beautiful Inca sites such as Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds), Intipata (Terraces of the Sun), and Wiñay Wayna (Forever young).
This last one is our lunch place and also the final campsite. After lunch, visit the fantastic Wiñaywayna Incas site and enjoy the last dinner with a special farewell surprise!
- Campsite Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
On the final and most important day, wake up early and prepare to discover the 15th-century Lost Inca Citadel. After a 1 hour hike, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will have an incredible Machu Picchu view. If the weather allows, you will experience the most fantastic sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons in the 16th century, and with this, the primary and most crucial access was the Classic Inca Trail. Your expert mountain guide will take you to explore the best of Machu Picchu, learn the citadel’s mysteries, and learn the history of the last days of the great Inca Civilization.
Later in the afternoon, board the Panoramic Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and a private van to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- Distance: 6 km / 3 mi
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: San Agustin or Similar
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 7: Depart Cusco
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Inca Trail 7 days 6 nights tour packing list
The Inca Trail Tour 7 days is a complete package that includes city tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and the Inca Trail hike. During the 7 days of the tour, you will stay in hotels in Cusco, The Sacred Valley, and Camping on the Inca Trail.
When you stay in a hotel, you will have all your luggage; TreXperience will transfer your bags when we change the hotel. During the Inca Trail trek, you will only travel with duffle bags provided by TreXperience; the rest of your luggage must stay in your hotel.
We will provide duffel bags for the 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, in which you can put 7 kg; this must include your sleeping bag and air mattress. You will also have a backpack. You must carry your bag during the day when hiking the Inca Trail. We recommend a maximum of about 5 to 8 kg.
Essentials
- Comfortable, high-top hiking shoes.
- Hiking pants.
- Sweatshirts.
- Polo shirts.
- Sun hat.
- Raincoat.
- Shorts.
- Warm jacket.
What to Pack for the city tour in Cusco?
The city tour in Cusco takes around 4 hours; you will only take a small backpack with essentials for the afternoon tour. Your luggage will be at the hotel in Cusco:
- A small backpack for the tour; note that you will be hiking when visiting the different sites.
- A comfortable pair of walking shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking on your tour
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun can be pretty strong in Cusco.
- Sunscreen: Important to put on sunscreen if you don't want sunburning.
- Rain gear, have a rain poncho or jacket with you always
- Warm clothes; the weather can be chilly in the afternoons.
- A bottle of water: Staying hydrated is always good and helps with the altitude.
- Snacks: If you get hungry during the tour.
- A camera: Of course, you'll want to take pictures.
What to pack for the Sacred Valley tour?
During the Sacred Valley when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, you must travel with all your luggage to the Sacred Valley. The Hotel is in Ollantaytambo, near the Inca Trail.
Your big luggage will stay in the car, and during the Sacred Valley tour, you will explore with a small backpack. In the bag, you must take the following:
- Warm clothes
- Rain gear
- Passport and important documents
- Sunscreen and hat
- Hiking shoes
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Extra money
What to pack for the Inca Trail Hike?
During the Inca Trail, you will be camping out in the mountains. You will only travel with essential equipment for the 4-day trek; your luggage must return to Cusco. We will transfer your luggage from the Sacred Valley and keep it in our office in Cusco; on the last day, we will deliver it to your hotel.
What will you have on the daypack during the Inca Trail hike?
- Original passport: You will need it to enter Machu Picchu.
- Plastic Ponchos: TreXperience will provide you with a reusable plastic poncho.
- Sunscreen: You will hike in open spaces exposed to direct sunlight; bring the correct sunscreen or buy it in Cusco before heading for the trek. Also, get some lip protectors.
- Toilet paper: You will find the toilet from the locals; you must always carry toilet paper in your backpack.
- Insect repellent: Apply insect repellent every day and wear long sleeves.
- 1 rain jacket, 1 warm/winter jacket: The temperature will be icy in the first two nights; keep a jacket while hiking.
- Snacks: We recommend bringing energy bars, granolas, chocolate, and candies.
- Water Container: You need a container of at least 2 liters of water: camel bag, reusable bottle.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: You must walk around the camp and use the restroom.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Bring a sun hat with a neck cover, gloves, and a bennie for nighttime and early mornings.
- Extra Money in Cash: Around 600 soles (200. USD) for the Inca Trail; make sure to have some small coins, this is emergency money, and you will not spend all of it.
- Personal medication: Bring band-aids, Diamox, Pepto, Ibuprofen, Imodium, motion sickness pills, and feminine products.
- Devices: Cameras, cellphones for photos.
What you will have on the duffle bag:
- The sleeping bag: The first 2 nights during the Inca Trail can be below 0 degrees Celsius; you will need a suitable sleeping bag that can withstand -10 degrees Celsius. You can bring your own or rent it from us.
- Hiking Boots: Lightweight and waterproof, we strongly recommend using hiking boots instead of sports shoes; in addition, please ensure you have used them before to avoid blisters.
- Sandals: After a long day hike, you must wear light clothes and shoes at the campsite. For this reason, we recommend that you wear sneakers or sandals.
- 6 pairs of wool hiking socks: To use them with trekking boots.
- 3 pairs of light socks: You will wear them at night or walk around in sandals at the campsite.
- 5+ pairs of underwear: Just in case, please bring more things in case they get wet
- 2 or 3 hiking pants: Breathable. Ladies' leggings are also perfect.
- 1 Sweatpant: For the evenings and early morning
- 5 sets of t-shirts: Long-sleeved shirts are better
- Trekking poles: We strongly recommend bringing your own or renting them from us.
- Inflatable mattresses: We provide foam mattresses; however, you can bring or rent air mattresses for more comfort.
Price for the Inca Trail 7 days to Machu Picchu
Price per person:
Price is based on room occupancy
- From US$ 998 - Adults
- From US$ 958 - Children and students
To book the Inca Trail 7-day tour, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 400 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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Inca Trail 7 Days FAQs
The Inca Trail is an iconic journey; understanding everything from how long it takes to what you need to bring can be daunting. To help shed some light on this incredible experience, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the 7-day trek to Machu Picchu.
What is the difference between the Classic Inca Trail 4 days and the Inca Trail 7 days?
- The Classic Inca Trail, 4 days to Machu Picchu, starts at Km 82 (Piscacucho village) and takes you hiking and camping through the mountains until Machu Picchu.
- The Inca Trail 7 days tour starts with a city tour in Cusco, a Sacred Valley tour. This is 7-day tour full of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Where does the 7-day Inca Trail start?
To participate in this package, you must book a domestic flight to Cusco. The Inca Trail 7 Days starts in Cusco City and takes you exploring the Sacred Valley, the Classic Inca Trail, and finally, Machu Picchu.
Which places do I visit during the Cusco city tour?
On the first day, you will have an afternoon City tour of the Cusco, and you will be visiting:
- The Plaza de Armas of Cusco
- The twelve-angled stone street
- Loreto street
- Coricancha
- Sacsayhuaman
- Qenqo
- Puka Pukara
- Tambomachay
- Statue of white christ
Which places do I visit during the Sacred Valley Tour?
On the second day, you will have a full-day Sacred Valley tour. You will visit the following places.
- Mirador Taray
- Pisac Ruins
- Pisac Market
- Lunch in Urubamba
- Terraces of Moray
- Salineras of Maras
- Ollantaytambo
What type of accommodation is included?
We include 3-star hotels during our stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The hotel’s rooms are based on double occupancy. We don’t charge any single supplement for solo travelers (This policy only applies to direct bookings).
During the Inca Trail, you will be provided with comfortable 4-people tents for every 2 travelers. You can also request a single tent at no extra charge.
Is this package a private tour?
No, you will join a small group during the tours around the city and the Classic Inca Trail.
Do I need to arrive 2 days before the tour date?
No, the Inca Trail 7-day package already includes the 2 days to acclimatize that we will spend exploring the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.