Best of Peru in 7 Days – Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima & Ica

The Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu excursion is a spectacular journey that takes you to the magical heart of the Inca Empire. You will explore remarkable attractions such as Cusco’s Main Square, its charming colonial streets, and the colorful San Pedro Market. On the second day, you will visit the breathtaking Sacred Valley, including the archaeological sites of Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo.

You will also discover the mysterious Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This Wonder of the World is the highlight of Peru’s impressive Inca civilization. While exploring the Sacred Valley, travelers can uncover fascinating archaeological sites and learn about the rich history of the Incas in a short period of time.

This tour is highly recommended for all types of travelers who wish to experience the best of Peru. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in the beautiful Sacred Valley and another in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, creating unforgettable memories. Your return journey aboard the Vistadome train, featuring live cultural performances, will further enhance your experience. You will also have the opportunity to attend a live folklore show at the Qosqo Native Art Center.

The adventure continues with a flight to Lima, where you will enjoy an afternoon city tour through the Historic Center, visiting the most important landmarks of Peru’s capital. You will also embark on an exciting full-day excursion to Paracas and Huacachina, exploring highlights such as the Ballestas Islands, the stunning Huacachina Oasis, sandboarding, and thrilling dune buggy rides across the desert.

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima & Ica (7 Days)

  • Acclimatization and relaxation in Cusco
  • Spectacular landscapes in the Sacred Valley
  • Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
  • Beautiful agricultural fields and Andean scenery
  • Fascinating Inca sites in the Urubamba Valley
  • Cloud forest and high jungle landscapes
  • The legendary Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu
  • Live traditional dance performance at the Qosqo Native Art Center
  • Fascinating visit to Lima’s Historic Center
  • Unique Paracas and Huacachina experience
  • Exciting dune buggy adventure and sandboarding in the desert

Tour Overview

Cusco – Machu Picchu – Lima – Ica (7 Days)

Day 01: Arrival in Cusco, hotel transfer, and acclimatization

Day 02: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour and overnight stay in the Sacred Valley

Day 03: Visit to Machu Picchu and overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

Day 04: Return journey aboard the Vistadome train with live onboard entertainment from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

Day 05: Flight to Lima and afternoon Lima City Tour

Day 06: Full-day tour to Paracas and Huacachina

Day 07: Transfer to Lima Airport and farewell

Language English, Spanish
Altitude 3,399 m / 11,152 ft (Cusco average)
Transportation Tourist transportation by bus and train (combined).
Difficulty Moderate

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be free for you to rest and acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the city on your own. Cusco is a fascinating destination where Inca heritage and colonial history blend seamlessly, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains. Its cobblestone streets, ancient temples, and vibrant atmosphere invite you to discover the rich cultural legacy of Peru.

During your free time, you may visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), the Sapantiana Aqueduct, and the colorful San Pedro Market. This remarkable city offers an unforgettable introduction to your Peruvian adventure.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Meals Included: None

Hotel: Cusco

After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the early morning, you will begin your journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the village of Chinchero, where you will visit its impressive archaeological site and experience the region’s rich textile traditions. Chinchero is renowned for its high-quality handmade textiles and is an excellent place to purchase authentic Andean crafts.

Continuing our tour, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray Agricultural Terraces, two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic attractions. The Maras Salt Mines consist of more than 3,000 salt pools that have been used since Inca times and continue to be harvested today. Moray, on the other hand, is a fascinating agricultural laboratory featuring concentric circular terraces that demonstrate the Incas’ advanced knowledge of microclimates and crop cultivation. This remarkable site represents the diverse ecological regions of Peru: the Coast, Highlands, and Jungle.

Next, we will descend into the beautiful Urubamba Valley, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch surrounded by spectacular Andean scenery.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. This impressive archaeological site features massive stone terraces, ceremonial structures, and breathtaking views, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the engineering and strategic brilliance of the Inca civilization.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you will spend the night surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the Andes.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Hotel: Sacred Valley

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. The scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes offers an unforgettable experience, featuring panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley as you travel toward the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our representative will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel.

Aguas Calientes is a charming mountain town surrounded by lush landscapes and renowned for its natural hot springs and welcoming atmosphere. At the scheduled time, you will board the shuttle bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

During the guided tour, our expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights about this iconic Inca citadel. Nestled among dramatic mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological treasures. You will visit some of its most important and sacred sites, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Sundial (Intihuatana), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacred Rock.

This immersive experience offers a deeper understanding of Inca history, culture, and engineering achievements. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel at your own pace and capture unforgettable photographs of this magnificent Wonder of the World.

Later, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the town, browse local shops, enjoy the surrounding scenery, or relax in the famous hot springs.

Enjoy a memorable overnight stay in the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, you will have free time to further explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes. You may choose to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, relax in the famous hot springs, stroll through the local markets, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque mountain town. You may also take this opportunity to have lunch on your own before your departure.

At the scheduled time, please make your way to the train station and board the Vistadome train for your journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The trip takes approximately one hour and forty minutes and offers a truly memorable travel experience. During the journey, you will enjoy live performances of traditional Andean dances featuring colorful costumes, onboard service with complimentary snacks and beverages, and attentive hospitality that highlights the rich culture of the Andes. The panoramic windows provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, making the return trip just as spectacular as the visit itself.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, we will transfer you back to the city of Cusco.

Once in Cusco, you may take advantage of your Tourist Ticket (BTG) to visit some of the museums included in the pass. At 6:30 p.m., you will have the opportunity to attend a live folkloric performance at the Qosqo Native Art Center, where traditional dances from different regions of Peru are presented in a vibrant cultural show. Admission is included with your Tourist Ticket.

After the performance, return to your hotel in Cusco and enjoy a restful evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Cusco

Early in the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At the scheduled time, according to your flight itinerary, we will transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima, the City of Kings.

Upon arrival in Lima, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will then have time to enjoy lunch on your own before the afternoon excursion.

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the Lima City Tour. Our first destination will be Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkably preserved colonial architecture. Highlights include the impressive Main Square (Plaza Mayor), the magnificent Lima Cathedral, and the historic San Francisco Monastery, offering visitors a fascinating journey through Peru’s colonial past.

Next, we will visit the famous Catacombs of San Francisco, an intriguing underground labyrinth of crypts and burial chambers containing thousands of human remains. This historic site provides a unique insight into colonial burial customs and the religious heritage of Lima.

We will then continue to the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, an impressive pre-Inca ceremonial and administrative center constructed from adobe bricks. This archaeological site stands as a remarkable testament to the ancient civilizations that flourished on Peru’s central coast long before the rise of the Inca Empire.

Finally, we will conclude our tour in the modern district of Miraflores, where you will visit the beautiful Love Park (Parque del Amor). Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this iconic park offers breathtaking coastal views and is one of Lima’s most picturesque locations.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Lima

At 4:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel. At 4:30 a.m., we will depart by bus towards Paracas. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning the excursion to the Ballestas Islands.

This fascinating boat tour offers an exciting encounter with Peru’s rich marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of exotic seabirds. As you cruise along the coast, you will witness the remarkable biodiversity and stunning natural scenery that make the Ballestas Islands one of Peru’s most important wildlife sanctuaries.

Afterward, we will continue to the Huacachina Oasis. Surrounded by towering golden sand dunes, this spectacular desert oasis is a true natural wonder. Its palm-lined lagoon creates a striking contrast against the vast desert landscape and offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

You will also enjoy an exciting dune buggy adventure across the desert. These powerful vehicles provide an adrenaline-filled ride through the dunes, featuring thrilling climbs, sharp turns, and breathtaking views of the oasis and the surrounding desert. You will also have the opportunity to practice sandboarding, one of the most popular activities in Huacachina.

At the end of the tour, we will return to Lima, arriving at approximately 10:00 p.m. After this memorable full-day adventure, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals Included: None

Hotel: Lima

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Lima International Airport for your departing flight.

Saying goodbye to Peru means bidding farewell to a country filled with extraordinary natural and cultural wonders. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the vibrant coastal cities, Peru leaves an unforgettable impression on every traveler. The warmth of its people, together with its rich history, fascinating traditions, and world-renowned cuisine, make every farewell feel more like a heartfelt “see you again” filled with gratitude and cherished memories.

We hope that your journey through Peru has been an unforgettable experience and that the memories created along the way will inspire you to return and continue exploring this remarkable country.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Included in the Cusco – Machu Picchu – Lima – Ica 7-Day Tour

  • Airport, hotel, and train station transfers
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Cusco
  • 1 night of accommodation in the Sacred Valley
  • 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Lima
  • Entrance tickets to the archaeological sites included in the Tourist Ticket (BTG) for the Sacred Valley Tour
  • Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
  • Daily breakfast starting from Day 2
  • Train tickets: Expedition Class (outbound) and Vistadome Class (return) on the route Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Admission to the Qosqo Native Art Center, including a live traditional dance performance
  • Entrance tickets to the Historic Center of Lima
  • Ballestas Islands Tour
  • Dune buggy adventure in the Huacachina Desert
  • Sandboarding experience on the Huacachina dunes

Not Included in the Cusco – Machu Picchu – Lima – Ica 7-Day Tour

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Huayna Picchu entrance fee
  • Train upgrade to the Vistadome service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
  • Dinners
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any type of beverages
  • Trekking poles for the Rainbow Mountain hike
  • Personal expenses and additional costs
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Paracas & Huacachina Full-Day Tour
  • Original passport
  • Warm clothes (for Cusco)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses & hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain poncho
  • Cash for local purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) only allow one carry-on bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Larger luggage can be stored for free at your hotel in Cusco.

Yes, all of our standard shared guided tours are conducted with a maximum of 8 to 10 people per guide in Machu Picchu to ensure a close, personalized experience and optimal resolution of your questions.

Government entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets are personal and non-transferable, and their dates are rigid according to official policies. Therefore, rescheduling is subject to penalties and the availability of new tickets at the time of requesting the change.