Peru · Archaeology

7-Day Peru Highlights Tour with Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

7 Days Round trip from Lima Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Lima's iconic sites, including Love Park and the Catacombs of San Francisco
02 Discover Cusco's rich history with visits to Qoricancha and the Sacsayhuamán Fortress
03 Marvel at the Incan agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras
04 Visit the vibrant Pisac Market and the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress in the Sacred Valley
05 Experience the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World

Experience the wonders of Peru on this unforgettable 7-day journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu. Discover the vibrant culture and colonial architecture of Lima, explore ancient Inca temples and archaeological sites in Cusco, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Moray, Maras, and the Sacred Valley, and enjoy a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu citadel. With guided sightseeing, selected meals, hotel stays, airport transfers, and scenic train travel included, this itinerary offers a well-rounded introduction to Peru's most celebrated highlights.

Experience the wonders of Peru on this unforgettable 7-day journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cusco, Lima, Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Písac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Lima and Transfer to Your Hotel

Arrive in Lima and meet your private driver at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel in comfort and ease.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure to relax or explore the city.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima

Day 02

Lima City Highlights and San Francisco Catacombs

Begin the day with a guided tour of Lima's coastal and historic highlights.
Visit the Love Park in Miraflores and admire the Pacific Ocean views.
Explore the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site from the exterior.
Continue to the Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, and Archbishop's Palace.
Enter the San Francisco Convent and descend into the mysterious catacombs.
Return to your hotel to unwind.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima

Day 03

Fly to Cusco and Explore the Inca Capital

Transfer early to the airport for your flight to Cusco (flight not included).
Arrive in Cusco and check in at your hotel with a welcome coca tea.
Join an afternoon tour starting with the Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha.
Visit Sacsayhuamán Fortress and learn about Inca engineering.
Discover Qenqo's ceremonial passages, Puca Pucará's ancient function, and Tambomachay's water rituals.
Return to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 04

Moray Terraces and Maras Salt Mines

Depart for a scenic drive to Moray with views of the Andes and rural landscapes.
Explore the agricultural terraces of Moray, once used for crop experimentation.
Continue to the Maras salt mines and witness thousands of salt pools in action.
Return to Cusco and rest at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 05

Sacred Valley with Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Begin a full-day tour through the Sacred Valley.
Stroll through the colorful Pisac Market and observe traditional crafts.
Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba.
Visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress and learn its strategic and historical significance.
Spend the night in the Sacred Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in the Sacred Valley

Day 06

Guided Machu Picchu Tour and Return to Cusco

Take a morning train to Aguas Calientes.
Board the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Explore the ancient citadel during a guided two-hour tour.
Learn about its history, architecture, and purpose.
Return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco.
Arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 07

Departure Transfer to Cusco Airport

Pack your belongings and prepare for departure.
Meet your driver for the private transfer to Cusco Airport.
Board your flight and conclude your journey in Peru.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: None

Where this trip takes you

Machu Picchu citadel, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, Moray terraces, Maras salt mines

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lima 8 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Stay in Standard Category Hotels (2.5 to 3 stars)
Join all guided tours with an English-speaking guide
Receive meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Use private transportation for airport transfers (Airport - Hotel - Airport)
Ride Peru Rail in Expedition Class from Ollanta to Aguas Calientes and Poroy
Participate in group tour activities with shared transportation

What's Not Included

Book international flights to and from Peru
Book domestic flights (such as Lima to Cusco) separately
Purchase travel insurance independently
Plan and pay for optional excursions or activities not listed in the program
Cover meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Pay for personal expenses and tips during the trip
Buy alcoholic beverages if desired
Pay any international airport fees if applicable

What to bring

Light clothes for warm weather
Warm clothes for cold nights
Rain jacket or poncho
Comfortable shoes for walking
Sandals or flip-flops
Hat for the sun
Small backpack
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Phone and charger
Passport
Copy of passport
Travel tickets
Some cash and a card
Medicine you need
Pills for altitude
Hand sanitizer
Band-aids
Camera or phone for photos
Snacks for the day
Travel adapter

Know before you go

Prepare for altitude: expect high altitudes in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Drink plenty of water, get rest, and try coca tea to ease symptoms like fatigue or headache.
Pack for varied weather: bring light clothing for warm days and warm layers for chilly nights. Include a rain jacket, especially if traveling from November to March.
Bring local currency: use Peruvian soles (S/). Carry small bills, as many places accept cash only. ATMs are easy to find in major towns and cities.
Keep your belongings safe: stay alert in public areas. Avoid showing valuables, and store items in hotel safes when available.
Eat and drink wisely: enjoy delicious Peruvian food at clean, reputable restaurants. Always drink bottled or filtered water-avoid tap water.
Learn basic Spanish: use simple phrases like ¡Hola! (hello) and ¡Gracias! (thank you). Although English is common in tourist zones, a few Spanish words go a long way.
Note the time zone: Peru operates on GMT -5, which matches Eastern Standard Time (EST) without daylight saving time adjustments.
Check your electronics: use devices with 220V and plugs of types A, B, and C. Bring a universal adapter if needed.
Carry important documents: keep your Machu Picchu ticket, passport, and travel documents on hand. Some attractions require ID for entry.
Respect local culture: greet locals kindly and ask permission before photographing people. Show respect at sacred sites and cultural landmarks.

Logistics