Cusco 7-Day Tour: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & Inti Raymi

We depart between 06:30 a.m. and 07:00 a.m. with hotel pickup to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its fertile landscapes and authentic Andean towns. At 08:00 a.m. we visit Chinchero, where you’ll see agricultural terraces, the remains of Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s royal estate, a colonial church built atop Inca foundations, and a live demonstration of traditional Andean textile weaving. At 09:30 a.m. we continue to Moray, famous for its circular terraces and its role as an Inca agricultural testing center. At 10:45 a.m. we explore the iconic Maras Salt Mines, with more than 3,000 salt ponds still harvested by local families. Around 12:30 p.m., you’ll have time for an Andean buffet lunch (at the passenger’s expense). In the afternoon at 02:00 p.m., we visit the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress—an important military, agricultural and religious center and one of the few living Inca towns; after the guided visit, enjoy free time to wander the original streets, visit artisan markets or relax. Overnight at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, right in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

We begin the day with tropical birdwatching in a humid forest environment, followed by free time for photos and videos surrounded by lush greenery. Then you’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast with valley fruits and local products. Next, we visit coffee plots to learn the full process of high-altitude coffee: harvesting, pulping, drying and traditional roasting—ending with the chance to prepare and taste your own freshly ground coffee. Later, you’ll enjoy a second traditional lunch prepared by local valley families, offering an authentic cultural connection. After lunch, we travel about 1.5 hours to Hydroelectric, where we start a 2-hour walk to Aguas Calientes along a natural trail rich in flora and fauna. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel to rest and get ready for the next day.

The experience begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 06:00 a.m., where you’ll meet your guide and start the adventure toward Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll board a train of approximately 1.5 hours to Chachabamba (Km 104), enjoying spectacular views of the Urubamba River and Sacred Valley scenery. Once there, you begin the hike on the Short Inca Trail, visiting key archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, surrounded by lush vegetation, orchids, birds, and diverse Andean flora and fauna. This route blends history and nature on ancient Inca pathways, leading you to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you’ll enjoy one of the most impressive views of Machu Picchu—often with fewer visitors and, weather permitting, an unforgettable sunset. Finally, you descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay overnight in a 3-star hotel, enjoy an included dinner, and rest comfortably.

We pick you up between 07:30 a.m. and 08:00 a.m. to attend one of the most important cultural celebrations in the Andes: Inti Raymi, the ancient Festival of the Sun. The experience starts at Qoricancha, the former Temple of the Sun, where the first ceremony recreates Inca rituals honoring Inti and officially opens the festival. Then we follow the procession to Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas) for the symbolic handover of the khipu, representing knowledge, order and authority. Next, we head to the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress for the main ceremony with offerings to the Sun and Pachamama, enjoyed from the Orange VIP Section for excellent visibility and enhanced comfort. After the show, we transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, closing a powerful day of living tradition.

We depart at 04:30 a.m. toward the southern valley, passing scenic Andean villages until reaching Cusipata, where we enjoy a comforting breakfast. We then continue to Ichupata, where our ATV base is located. After a brief safety briefing and about 10 minutes of practice, we start an exciting 1 hour 30 minute quad bike route through the stunning Red Valley, known for its striking red tones. After the ride, we take an approximately 40-minute hike via the Red Valley viewpoint to reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy free time at the top for panoramic views and unforgettable photos; then we descend, hop back on the ATVs and return to Cusipata for a local lunch. Finally, we return to Cusco with an estimated arrival around 5:00 p.m..

At the scheduled time, our team escorts you to the airport for your return flight. You end the trip having experienced Peru’s Andes with a memorable mix of culture, adventure and unique landscapes.