Itinerary of the Inca Trail Express Tour 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, you will meet your tour guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel. You will have free time to take a short stroll and gently acclimatize to the altitude. Make sure you rest up tonight, because a full day of cultural discovery awaits you tomorrow.

• Transportation: Airport - Hotel transfer
• Meals: Not included
• Hotel in Cusco: Hilton Garden or similar

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Ollantaytambo

After breakfast in your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 7:00 am and take you on a full-day tour to explore the best of the Sacred Valley. We’ll visit an alpaca farm, Pisac market, Pisaq Inca site, Moray, Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo, then spend the night in a hotel near the town.

• Transportation: Included
• Meals: Hotel breakfast and buffet lunch included
• Entrance tickets: Included
• Hotel in the Sacred Valley: Casa Andina Valle or similar

Day 3: Short Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna - Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the train station in Ollantaytambo; here we’ll take the first train to Chachabamba (km 104), where the Inca Trail Express begins. 

After the checkpoint, we’ll hike for about 7 hours to Machu Picchu. We’ll pass several archaeological sites, such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate, each with its own unique features and historical meaning, all surrounded by the humid and lush cloud forest. You’ll then spend the night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

• Transportation: Included
• Meals: Hotel breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included
• Entrance tickets: Machu Picchu and Inca Trail
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes: El Mapi or similar

Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco

Wake up early and explore the crown jewel of Inca architecture, Machu Picchu with your tour guide. The guided tour takes around 2.5 hours by Circuit 3. Exploring Machu Picchu important places such as: temples, palaces, farming terraces and monumental structures, while learning about the city’s history. We’ll have the opportunity to take the best photos of the citadel or, if you prefer, hike on your own to either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).

After your Machu Picchu tour, we’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You’ll have free time to explore the town, choose a restaurant you like, and shop for souvenirs at the local market. In the afternoon, take the Vistadome Panoramic train back to Cusco. Arrive around 7:30 pm.

• Transportation: Included
• Meals: Hotel breakfast
• Entrance tickets: Included
• Hotel in Cusco: Hilton Garden or similar

Day 5: Cusco City Tour

Today we’ll start exploring the best of Cusco with your tour guide; we’ll visit the San Pedro Market, Cathedral, Coricancha, and important streets.Later in the afternoon, we’ll explore the stone monumental sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, which were dedicated to honoring different Andean deities.

• Transportation: Included
• Meals: Hotel breakfast
• Entrance tickets: Included
• Hotel in Cusco: Hilton Garden or similar

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Tour

Start at 4:30 a.m. in Cusco and drive for about 3 hours to the trailhead. After a delicious picnic breakfast with mountain views, begin a 2-hours hike to the top of the fantastic Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. After enjoying the scenery, we’ll hike back to the trailhead, have a picnic lunch, and then drive back to Cusco in the late afternoon.

• Transportation: Included
• Meals: Picnic breakfast and picnic lunch
• Entrance tickets: Included
• Hotel in Cusco: Hilton Garden or similar

Day 7: Transfer Out

After breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport or bus terminal, depending on your schedule.

Price for the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 Days

Price is based on the number of people in your group:

To book the Inca Trail Express, 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. 

Booking and payment:

• Deposit: US$ 400 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Student Discount:

• US$ 30 off per person

All travelers under 17 will have a $30 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

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate.

How to book: 

To book this tour:

• Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select how many people will be joining.
• Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
• Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
• Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.

Similar Tours to Machu Picchu: 

• Sacred Valley + Inca Trail 7 Days

Inca Trail Express 7 Days Packing List

During the two days on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, remember that porters will not carry your belongings, so you should pack as lightly as possible. We recommend you bring a good-quality, lightweight, and comfortable daypack.

If you require a personal porter, you can request one when booking for an extra charge. However, we do not recommend it, as we can send some of your belongings directly to the hotel by train at no cost (this must be requested in advance).

Below, you will find a comprehensive packing list for the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 Days:

Essentials

• Daypack: It must be lightweight and comfortable for the scheduled daily activities, with enough room to carry water, snacks, and extra clothes. Due to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations, it should not exceed 25 liters. It’s not just about capacity, on day 4 at Machu Picchu, your pack should look small. You can store some items at the hotel for the Machu Picchu tour.
• Original passport (a copy will not be accepted): Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the travel dates to Peru.
• Valid Student Card (if you booked as a student): The original student card must be issued by the university and is valid for students up to the age of 25. It must contain the following: university information, the student’s personal information, a photo of the student, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.

Clothing and gear

For the Short Inca Trail days, make sure you bring the following clothing and gear:

• Hiking boots: Hiking boots are highly recommended. Bring broken-in, comfortable shoes.
• Water storage: Ensure you have at least 2 liters of water, either in a camel bag or water bottle(s). A 1-liter water bottle works well, but you will need two of them to meet the 2-liter requirement. Plastic disposable bottles are prohibited in Machu Picchu, so make sure you have reusable containers.
• Trekking Poles are recommended only for day 1 of the Inca Trail portion. Due to local restrictions, they are not allowed at Machu Picchu.
• Rain gear: No matter what season you travel in, always have a rain jacket and poncho with you. Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest and has very unstable weather.
• Buff or bandana: We will be hiking in warm weather and intense sun.
• Hat or Cap: Choose a comfortable, lightweight hat or cap that’s easy to pack and store. Avoid bringing bulky items.
• Sunglasses: Bring comfortable sunglasses suitable for hiking with good UV protection.
• 2 t-shirts: Long-sleeved preferred.
• 2 hiking pants/trousers: One for the Inca Trail and one for Machu Picchu the next day.
• Underwear and socks: Best if they are moisture-wicking.
• Change of clothes: Enough for 2 days of the tour.
• Warm Layers: Early mornings are cold; you need layers you can remove quickly while hiking.
• Swimsuit (optional): For hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Accessories and extras

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet paper or wet wipes
• Camera, fully charged phones
• Extra batteries for Machu Picchu
• Snacks, power bars, and chocolates
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips during the trek

Packing tips:

• Pack Light: No porter assistance, so focus on essentials.
• Reusable Containers: Ensure all water storage is reusable.
• Health Essentials: Don't forget personal medication and first aid items.

Inca Trail Express Tour 7 Days Travel information

Location

The Inca Trail Express 7 Days takes you through very different corners of Cusco, from urban areas like the historic city of Cusco and its nearby attractions, to nature-focused spots in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and finally to wilder landscapes such as Rainbow Mountain and the Short Inca Trail.

Together, these places form a mosaic of Cusco’s landscapes: Andean valleys, windy plateaus, imposing glaciers, green mountains, and fast-flowing rivers. Each stop adds a new piece to the journey, showing just how diverse this region really is. 

History

The historical side of the Inca Trail Express 7 Days package is truly complete. Along the way, you’ll visit archaeological, architectural, and cultural sites that tell the story of Cusco from its geological origins and pre-Inca cultures to the Inca Empire, the Colonial period, and its encounter with the modern world and tourism.

These historic places blend perfectly with the adventure activities included in the itinerary, all framed by constant contact with nature in every destination you visit.

Altitude

The first days include light activities in Cusco (around 3,399 m / 11,152 ft) and the Sacred Valley (about 2,800 m / 9,186 ft). On Days 3 and 4, during the Short Inca Trail and tour of Machu Picchu, you’ll be around 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.

Later, you return to Cusco and, on Day 6, reach the highest point of the trip at Rainbow Mountain (around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft). This progression helps reduce altitude issues and keeps your energy balanced.

Weather

The Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 Days takes place in the Andean region, where there are two marked seasons: the dry season from May to September and the rainy season from October to April. As their names suggest, each season is defined by the presence or absence of rain and by clearer or cloudier skies.

However, weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. You may get occasional showers in the dry season and sunny days in the rainy season. For this reason, it’s important to plan your travel dates with these patterns in mind and always pack layers and a good rain jacket.

Difficulty

The difficulty level on the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 7 Days changes strategically from day to day, prioritizing your comfort and acclimatization.

The first two days are considered easy, with vehicle-based transport and short, gentle walks. Day 3, when you hike the Short Inca Trail, is rated moderate due to the continuous ascent on trails and stone steps to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu.

After returning to Cusco, activities are mostly easy again, with transport and short walks. Finally, Day 6 (Rainbow Mountain) is considered moderate mainly because of the altitude; but by then, you’ll already be well acclimatized.

Places to visit in Inca Trail Express 7 Days

Cusco City Tour

Cusco is the starting point for thousands of travelers. Its streets, plazas, and surroundings are filled with historic, religious, and archaeological monuments that still hold deep cultural meaning. During your time here, you will visit:

• San Pedro Market: The city’s traditional market, where locals buy everything from fresh produce to daily essentials. It’s a great spot for photography, tasting local flavors, and picking up authentic ingredients and souvenirs.
• Cusco Cathedral: This imposing cathedral guards an exceptional collection of paintings and sculptures from different periods. Its art stands out for the unique blend of Andean and European religious symbolism, making each piece culturally invaluable.
• Coricancha: Once the most important Inca religious temple in the Tawantinsuyu, today it shares its grounds with the Santo Domingo Convent. Inside, you can still see the remains of the original Inca temples dedicated to key deities.
• Sacsayhuaman: In Inca times, this vast complex included enclosures, pathways, and zigzagging terraces said to form the shape of a lightning bolt. Over the centuries, it also served other purposes, including as a battlefield during the Inca resistance.
• Qenqo: A sacred site, or huaca, with narrow passages and carefully carved figures directly into the bedrock, used for ritual purposes.
• Puca Pucara: A small fortress built in a strategic location that likely functioned as a checkpoint and resting place for travelers arriving in Cusco.
• Tambomachay: A ceremonial site dedicated to water, made up of finely built fountains where crystal-clear water still flows to this day.

Sacred Valley Tour

The full-day Sacred Valley Tour combines classic Andean scenery with living textile traditions and some of the most impressive Inca sites in the region.

• Alpaca Farm: Meet alpacas and llamas and learn how local weavers transform their fine fiber into traditional Andean textiles.
• Mirador Taray: Scenic viewpoint with wide, panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, ideal for photos.
• Pisac Ruins: Walk among agricultural terraces and ceremonial constructions that rise above the town of Pisac.
• Pisac Market: Explore a traditional market filled with handicrafts, textiles, and locally made souvenirs.
• Moray Terraces: Circular, sunken terraces thought to have served as an agricultural experimentation center.
• Maras Salt Mines: Thousands of salt ponds carved into the mountainside, still harvested with age-old techniques.
• Ollantaytambo Fortress: Monumental Inca complex that functioned as a strategic stronghold and gateway to the Inca Trail.

Short Inca Trail

The Short Inca Trail is the perfect adventure experience, giving you the chance to walk a section of the ancient road network that once connected different Inca territories across the Tawantinsuyu. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and impressive archaeological sites such as:

• Chachabamba: Located at a lower altitude in the valley, near the Urubamba River, this site is considered the starting point and preparation area before the ascent to Machu Picchu. It is made up of stone buildings and ceremonial water fountains.
• Wiñay Wayna: A spectacular complex of terraces and stone structures built dramatically into the mountainside. From here, you get incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the Urubamba River far below.
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate): The original entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu. This viewpoint is where hikers first see the city in the distance and capture their iconic arrival photos.

Machu Picchu

After finishing the Short Inca Trail, we’ll enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate for a panoramic first view of the citadel, then walk along Circuit 1 to capture sunset photos. The next day afterward, we’ll return for a 2.5-hour guided tour on Circuit 3, exploring its key historical and cultural areas, including ancient temples and agricultural terraces.

Rainbow Mountain Hike

The full-day Rainbow Mountain adventure starts in Cusco and takes you through high-Andean valleys toward Vinicunca (around 5,000 m / 16,400 ft), following a gradual trail with llamas, alpacas, and views of the Ausangate range along the way. After reaching the colorful summit, the day ends with a picnic lunch as you enjoy the scenery before the drive back to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Inca Trail Express Tour 7 Days Frequently Asked Questions