Cusco | Wonderful 7 Days Tour to Machu Picchu + 2 Star Hotel

A Complete 7-Day Journey through Cusco’s Sacred Beauty and Incan Heritage

If you’re dreaming of walking through ancient ruins, gazing at vibrant mountain vistas, and savoring Peruvian flavors, this 7-day tour offers a well-rounded adventure from Cusco. For $858 per person, you get a mix of culture, natural wonders, and comfortable accommodations—plus the chance to explore iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Sacred Valley.

What we find especially appealing are the guided visits that reveal the stories behind each archaeological site, and the chance to taste authentic local cuisine at every turn. The itinerary balances outdoor activities—like hiking to Humantay Lagoon—with relaxed cultural stops, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

A possible consideration is the early mornings and significant walking, which might not suit everyone, particularly those with mobility issues or low fitness levels. However, for active travelers or those eager to see as much as possible in a week, this tour hits many highlights efficiently. Overall, it’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to enjoy Peru’s natural beauty and Inca treasures with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: From historic Cusco to breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, the tour covers a wide range of sights.
• Authentic experiences: Enjoy local foods and learn about Incan culture from professional guides.
• Natural wonders: Hike to Humantay Lagoon, explore salt mines, and marvel at vibrant mountain landscapes.
• Comfortable accommodations: Stay at a simple 2-star hotel, balancing affordability with convenience.
• All-inclusive: Entrance fees, transportation, guides, and most meals are covered, minimizing hidden costs.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 18) ensure a more personal and flexible experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights: What You Can Expect on This Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco and City Tour

When we arrive in Cusco, a friendly representative greets us at the airport and takes us to our 2-star hotel—a modest but convenient base. The first day is perfect for acclimatizing to the altitude and settling in. In the afternoon, a guide introduces us to Qoricancha (the Sun Temple) and Sacsayhuaman, where massive, precisely cut stones remind us of Inca engineering prowess.

We love the way the guide, perhaps named Juan or Maria, explains the significance behind the ruins, making history feel personal. The tour ends comfortably around 6:30 pm, leaving us time to rest or explore Cusco’s lively streets.

Day 2: Sacred Valley and Local Flavors

This day is a highlight for anyone interested in Peruvian culture and landscapes. After an early start, we head to Pisac, with its artisan market and terraced hillside. We enjoy wandering among stalls selling woven textiles, feeling immersed in local life. The buffet lunch in Urubamba is a treat, offering traditional dishes—an authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine.

In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town with impressive terraces and a commanding fortress. Later, a scenic train ride whisks us to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night. The train journey itself offers stunning views of the valleys and river below, a beautiful prelude to Machu Picchu.

Day 3: Visiting Machu Picchu

Rising early, we take a bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. The guided tour is around two hours, during which our guide reveals the stories behind the stones—how the Incas built this mysterious city and what the structures might have been used for. Afterward, there’s free time to explore, take photos, or simply soak in the awe-inspiring vista.

We appreciate the included lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco by train and bus. This day offers a satisfying mix of guided insight and personal exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Humantay Lagoon Hike

Bright and early again, we head to Mollepata for breakfast, then hike for about two hours to the Humantay Lagoon—a stunning emerald-blue body of water set against towering peaks. We loved the views of the surrounding mountains and the crisp mountain air.

The tour provides buffet lunch afterward, giving us energy for the return journey. The early start and active day make this one of the more physically engaging parts of the trip, but the scenery rewards every step.

Day 5: Maras and Moray

This day offers a slower pace, focused on Inca agricultural ingenuity. Visiting Moray, with its terraced circular depressions, we learn how this served as a natural laboratory for the Incas to experiment with crop cultivation. Just nearby, the salt mines of Maras produce salt from mineral-rich springs—an eye-opening sight and a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs.

The guided tour with a local expert helps us understand the significance of these sites. We return to Cusco by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to relax or explore on our own.

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain

One of the most talked-about highlights, Rainbow Mountain is a must-see for its vividly colored slopes. The trip begins super early, with a 2.5-hour drive to Tintinco. After breakfast, we embark on a 2-hour hike, guided by a local expert, who points out the mineral compositions that give the mountain its rainbow hues.

The views are jaw-dropping—each turn reveals another vibrant band of color, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Afterwards, we enjoy buffet lunch and head back to Cusco, tired but exhilarated.

Day 7: Farewell and Reflection

On our final day, a shuttle whisks us to the airport or bus station. We leave with a treasure trove of memories—images of ancient stonework, mountain panoramas, and friendly local faces. The tour’s comprehensive coverage allows us to feel like we’ve truly experienced the essence of Peru in just a week.

Value and Practical Insights

This tour’s price of $858 covers nearly everything—entrance fees, transportation, guides, meals, and even walking sticks and oxygen support. That level of all-inclusive planning means fewer surprises and more time enjoying the sights. The small group size, limited to 18, ensures a more personal, less rushed experience, which enhances the quality of guides’ storytelling.

While the accommodations are simple (a 2-star hotel), they provide enough comfort after long days of sightseeing. The included transport—trains, buses, and private vans—are reliable, making logistics smooth and allowing us to focus on the scenery and stories.

The early mornings are a common theme, especially for Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lagoon. If you’re not an early riser or have mobility concerns, you might find this demanding. Also, the walking involved—sometimes on uneven terrain—requires a fair amount of stamina, though the tour does include walking sticks and oxygen support.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need to book at least 2 months in advance to secure your spots and entrance tickets for Machu Picchu, a popular site that sells out quickly. This advance planning helps ensure your place on this popular tour.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who are eager to see some of Peru’s most iconic sights in a structured, guided format. If you’re interested in Inca archaeology, scenic hikes, and vibrant landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly well-suited for active travelers comfortable with early mornings and moderate walking.

First-timers to Peru will appreciate the thorough introduction to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, while seasoned travelers looking for a well-organized, value-packed adventure will also find this appealing.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Cusco tour packs in the major highlights—Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Sacred Valley—while providing insights from knowledgeable guides and authentic local experiences. Its value lies in its inclusive approach, covering transportation, entrance fees, meals, and guides in one affordable package.

The itinerary’s balance of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure ensures you’ll return home with a well-rounded impression of Peru’s rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.

While the early mornings and active days might not be for everyone, those who enjoy a bit of physical activity paired with cultural discovery will find this trip rewarding. For anyone looking to maximize their time in Peru without the stress of planning every detail, this tour offers a carefully curated experience with enough flexibility to make your memories truly special.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour involves a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain and early starts, so it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility impairments or those who find walking or hiking challenging.

What is included in the price?
The $858 covers hotel accommodations (2-star), airport pickup, all transportation (including trains, buses, and transfers), guided tours, entrance fees to sites, meals in specified locations, walking sticks, and oxygen support.

Can I join the tour without booking 2 months in advance?
Booking at least 2 months ahead is recommended to secure your spot and ensure access to Machu Picchu entrance tickets, which are limited and sell out quickly.

Are meals included during the trip?
Most meals are included, specifically buffet lunches in Urubamba, Mollepata, and Rainbow Mountain, along with breakfast on several days. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, like dinners or special snacks, are not covered.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes (hiking shoes recommended), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), camera, and clothing suitable for variable weather. Don’t forget your passport or ID card.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or very young children due to the early mornings, physical activity, and altitude.

What if I want to add extra days or activities?
This package is a set 7-day experience; for additional activities or days, you might want to customize with a local operator or plan extra days separately.

This tour offers a well-balanced look at Peru’s most famous sights, with a good mix of guided insight and free time. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an organized, affordable, and memorable adventure through the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby