Explore the best of Cusco city, the Sacred Valley, and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on a 7-day tour. It’s the perfect option to discover Cusco and Machu Picchu with peace of mind.
Inca Trail 7 Days – Itinerary
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1: Cusco City Tour
Pick-up from the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel in Cusco. In the afternoon at 1:00 pm, start the Cusco city tour visiting Plaza de Armas, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. Drop-off at the hotel (Casa Andina or similar).
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
After breakfast, explore the Sacred Valley: Alpaca Center, Pisaq, Moray, Salineras, and Ollantaytambo. Spend the night in a hotel near the Inca Trail starting point (Del Pilar or similar).
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Ayapata (Inca Trail)
After breakfast, go by van to Km 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. Hike along local villages and beautiful archaeological sites for about 6 hours until the first campsite at Ayapata.
Day 4: Ayapata – Chaquicocha (Inca Trail)
Start early at the campsite with a cup of coffee in your tent and prepare for one of the most challenging days of the Inca Trail. Today’s hike is about 10 hours, crossing two mountain passes.
Day 5: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna (Inca Trail)
The most beautiful day, as the hardest part is over. After breakfast, hike for about 5 hours, visiting sites such as Phuyupatamarca, Intipata, and Wiñaywayna.
Day 6: Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Wake up early and hike the last part of the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate to admire Machu Picchu for the first time. Spend the day exploring Machu Picchu with your tour guide, and in the afternoon take the panoramic train back to Cusco. Drop-off around 7:30 pm at your hotel.
Day 7: Depart Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight. You can also stay longer and visit
Humantay Lake or
Rainbow Mountain; request a quote for extra nights and additional day tours.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco City Tour
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, your tour guide will meet you and drive you to your centrally located hotel. Later in the afternoon, at 1:00 pm, you will start a walking tour in the center of Cusco, visiting the most remarkable places like Plaza de Armas, Koricancha, and important streets. Then you’ll drive to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. The tour finishes back at your hotel.
- Duration: Half day
- Meals: None included
- Tickets included
- Hotel: Casa Andina or similar
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour
After breakfast in your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 7:30 am to drive to Awanacancha Alpaca Center, where you will see different species of South American camelids. Next, you will go to the Taray viewpoint, Pisaq Inca site, Pisaq Market, and have lunch in a local restaurant in Urubamba prepared with fresh products.
After lunch, you will drive to the circular terraces of Moray, visit the Salineras of Maras, and finally see the fortress of Ollantaytambo. You will spend the night in a hotel near Km 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail.
- Duration: Full day
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel, buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Tickets included
- Hotel: Del Pilar or similar
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 82 – Llactapata – Ayapata
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel around 8:00 am. You will meet the Inca Trail group and drive by van to Km 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. Hike along meandering streams, visit local villages, and see beautiful archaeological sites. The first campsite is Ayapata, located at 3,300 m / 10,826 ft.
- Distance: 13.5 km / 8 miles
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, tea time, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Runcuraccay – Chaquicocha
After a good night’s sleep, start early at the campsite with a cup of coffee in your tent and prepare for one of the most challenging days of the Inca Trail. Today’s hike is about 10 hours, crossing two mountain passes. The first climb takes about 4 hours to Dead Woman’s Pass (4,217 m / 13,835 ft), the highest point of the Inca Trail, then 2 hours downhill to Pacaymayu for a well-earned lunch. After lunch, climb for 2 hours to the second pass, Runcuraccay (4,000 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: 4,217 m / 13,835 ft
- Distance: 16 km / 9 miles
- 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 part is over, you can relax with a relatively easy 5-hour hike to the last campsite on the Inca Trail. The route is varied, with different ecosystems and magnificent panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range, plus beautiful Inca sites such as Phuyupatamarca (“City in the Clouds”), Intipata (“Terraces of the Sun”), and Wiñaywayna (“Forever Young”). Wiñaywayna is both our lunch place and final campsite. After lunch, visit this amazing Inca site and enjoy a special farewell dinner.
- Campsite altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- 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 Lost Inca Citadel. After about 1 hour of hiking, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will have your first incredible view of Machu Picchu. If the weather allows, you will experience a fantastic sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas.
Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons in the 16th century, along with its primary access route, the Classic Inca Trail. Your expert mountain guide will lead you through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, explaining the mysteries of the citadel and the history of the last days of the Inca civilization. Later in the afternoon, board the panoramic 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 miles
- Duration: ~2 hours of hiking to the Sun Gate (plus Machu Picchu tour)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: Casa Andina or similar
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 7: Depart Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport according to your departure flight.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport
Inca Trail 7 Days – FAQs
What is the difference between the Classic Inca Trail (4 days) and the Inca Trail 7 days?
Where does the 7-day Inca Trail tour start?
To participate in this package, you need to book a domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will pick you up and drive you to your centrally located hotel.
When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?
Weather on the Inca Trail is unpredictable; you may experience sun, rain, wind, or cold on the same trip. You need proper equipment and to be prepared for all kinds of weather.
- The best months to hike the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu are April to October.
- The driest months are May, June, July, and August – also the busiest months in Machu Picchu.
- The rainy season runs from November until March; however, you can still have full weeks without rain.
- The Inca Trail is closed every February due to heavy rains and maintenance.
How many days in advance do I have to arrive in Cusco?
We recommend arriving at least 2 days before the tour departure. This 7-day package already includes those acclimatization days with tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, which helps you prepare for the Inca Trail.
What type of accommodation is included?
We include 3-star hotels during the days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Hotel rooms are based on double occupancy. We do not charge a single supplement for solo travelers; you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.
During the Inca Trail, you will camp in comfortable 4-person tents for every 2 travelers. Single tents can be requested at no extra charge.
How do I book the Inca Trail?
Booking is easy: click any “Book Now” button, select your departure date, fill in the form with the requested details (including passport information), and submit the first payment. Due to strict government permit policies, all Inca Trail reservations must be manually confirmed.
Is the Inca Trail hike dangerous?
As with any adventure trip, there are always risks involved. Most dangerous situations can be avoided by following your guide’s instructions, walking carefully, and being properly equipped.
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
No. You cannot enter the Inca Trail without hiring a registered travel company. You must hike with a licensed guide, chef, and porters.
