Peru's Ancient Wonders: Machu Picchu
7 days in Peru. Journey to Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Pricing starting at $3,800/person
Peru is a destination that dazzles at every turn. From the cobblestone streets of Cusco to the mist-covered peaks of the Andes, every day offers a mix of culture, history, and natural wonder. Travelers will discover ancient Inca fortresses and colorful markets, explore the Sacred Valley’s timeless villages, and marvel at the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. Along the way, the country’s culinary traditions come alive through farm-to-table meals and fresh Andean ingredients, revealing why Peru is considered the gastronomic capital of South America. This journey balances iconic highlights with private, curated experiences, offering an unforgettable way to see one of the world’s most extraordinary countries.
Top 6 Highlights of the Peru adventure
Cusco’s Historic Treasures – Explore San Blas, San Pedro Market, and the Plaza de Armas before ascending to Sacsayhuamán Fortress. This mountaintop site showcases massive stone walls and sweeping views, and remains central to Cusco’s most important cultural celebrations.
Andean Textiles at Casa Museo Sulca – Witness the artistry of ancient weaving and dyeing techniques preserved for generations. A private viewing of handcrafted pieces reveals the stories and traditions carried through every thread of Andean textiles.
Pisac Market & Ruins – Shop one of Peru’s most famous markets, filled with alpaca garments, jewelry, and traditional crafts. Then journey high into the hills to the Pisac ruins, where terraced mountainsides and ceremonial sites connect modern-day travelers to Incan astronomy and agriculture.
Maras & Moray – Walk among thousands of terraced salt pans in Maras, a centuries-old network still harvested by local families. Then continue to Moray, an agricultural wonder of concentric circular terraces believed to have been used as a laboratory for Inca farming innovations.
Machu Picchu at Sunset and Sunrise – Experience the lost citadel twice: once in the golden glow of sunset when the crowds have thinned, and again at sunrise when the first light illuminates its terraces and temples. These moments offer rare tranquility in one of the world’s most iconic wonders.
Luxury Accommodations in the Andes – Stay in handpicked hotels such as Palacio del Inka in Cusco, Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Each property offers a sense of place, combining comfort, culture, and stunning views of Peru’s landscapes.
7-Day Peru Itinerary
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Arrive in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. After settling into Palacio del Inka, discover the vibrant San Blas neighborhood, San Pedro Market, and the Plaza de Armas. End the day at Sacsayhuamán Fortress, where massive stone walls tell stories of Incan ingenuity and cultural power.
Day Highlights:
Walking tour of Cusco’s San Blas and San Pedro Market
Visit the Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent
Explore the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, with sweeping views over Cusco
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Journey into the heart of the Sacred Valley, beginning at Casa Museo Sulca for a private textile demonstration. Continue to Pisac Market, where alpaca garments and silver jewelry fill colorful stalls, before exploring the hillside Pisac ruins, a masterpiece of terracing and irrigation.
Day Highlights:
Private textile demonstration at Casa Museo Sulca
Guided visit to Pisac Market and Pisac ruins
Learn about Inca agricultural and astronomical practices
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Explore Chinchero, with its 17th-century church built atop an Inca palace. After lunch, continue to the salt pans of Maras, where thousands of terraced pools shimmer in the sun. End at the concentric terraces of Moray, an engineering marvel that may have served as an agricultural laboratory for the Inca.
Day Highlights:
Guided visit of Chinchero archaeological site and church
Three-course lunch at UNU Tiobamba
Tour Maras salt pans, still used by local families today
Visit the circular terraces of Moray
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Step inside the Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo, with its soaring agricultural terraces and sweeping views. Board the Vistadome Observatory train, where panoramic windows showcase the beauty of the Sacred Valley. Arrive at Machu Picchu for a rare sunset visit, when golden light and quiet pathways reveal the citadel’s magic.
Day Highlights:
Guided visit of Ollantaytambo Fortress
Scenic Vistadome Observatory train ride
Guided sunset visit of Machu Picchu citadel
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Return at sunrise to Machu Picchu, when the first light illuminates the terraces and temples. After exploring the citadel, spend the afternoon at leisure in Aguas Calientes, with options to enjoy the spa or craft markets.
Day Highlights:
Sunrise guided visit of Machu Picchu citadel
Afternoon at leisure in Aguas Calientes
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Travel back to Cusco by train and private transfer. The afternoon is free to enjoy Cusco’s plazas, museums, or cafes.
Day Highlights:
Train journey from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Afternoon at leisure to explore Cusco at your own pace
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After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport for your international departure.
Day Highlights:
Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer to the airport
