Peru Adventure: Your 7-Day Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Itinerary

Touch down in Cusco and welcome to the Andes! Here’s the thing about Cusco: it sits way up high at about 11,000 feet above sea level. If you’re coming straight from sea level, your body might feel that altitude pretty quickly (think lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or just general sluggishness).

The Sacred Valley

That’s why I always recommend heading straight to the Sacred Valley for your first few nights. It’s a bit lower in elevation, around 9,000 feet, so it gives your body a gentler adjustment period before tackling Cusco itself. The bonus? The Sacred Valley is stunning. Picture dramatic mountain peaks, fields of quinoa and corn, and charming villages that feel like time has slowed down.

For a place to stay, I absolutely loved Tambo del Inka. It’s not just a hotel—it’s an experience. Think spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the valley, a spa with traditional Andean treatments, and even its own private train station that can take you directly to Machu Picchu (talk about convenience!). It’s the perfect place to rest up, acclimate, and ease into your Peruvian adventure.

Today is all about… doing nothing. Well, kind of. If you’ve just come from sea level, your body needs time to adjust to the altitude, and trust me, this is not the day to push yourself with big hikes or packed sightseeing. Even if you normally feel fine at higher elevations, it can surprise you.

For example, I usually breeze through with maybe a tiny headache, but on this trip? I was wiped out. I felt like I had zero energy and could barely keep my eyes open. Thankfully, we had planned a built-in “rest day,” which meant I could nap, sip coca tea (a local favorite for easing altitude symptoms), and just let my body catch up.

Altitude tips

Some quick tips for surviving those first high-altitude days: stay well-hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, move slowly, and give yourself plenty of rest. Breathing deeply and taking it easy makes a huge difference.

The best part? By the next morning, I felt totally recharged and ready for adventure. So wander around your hotel grounds, enjoy the views, read a book, or just soak in the Sacred Valley sunshine. It’s the perfect slow start to make sure you’re in top form for everything ahead.

Today is when the adventure really begins! I highly recommend a private tour of the Sacred Valley so you can explore at your own pace and soak in all the incredible sights without feeling rushed. The Sacred Valley is a breathtaking stretch of lush farmland, winding rivers, and dramatic mountains that were once the heart of the Inca Empire.

Morning in the Sacred Valley

First stop: Ollantaytambo, a charming village with cobblestone streets and impressive Inca terraces that climb the mountainside. Walking through the town feels like stepping back in time, and the fortress ruins at the top offer some of the most epic views in the valley.

Next, visit Moray, an archaeological site that looks like a series of giant circular amphitheaters. These unusual terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with crops, taking advantage of the microclimates at different levels, a testament to their genius farming techniques.

Then head to Salineras de Maras, a mesmerizing collection of salt ponds that have been harvested for centuries. The geometric pools glisten in the sun, and it’s such a unique, otherworldly sight, you’ll want your camera ready!

Afternoon

Time for a well-deserved lunch at Mountain View Experience, a restaurant unlike any other. Here you can relax, enjoy delicious local food, and even interact with llamas and alpacas. Feeding them is just as much fun as it sounds!

After lunch, visit Pisac, a vibrant market town famous for its artisan crafts and colorful textiles. The ruins above the town are also spectacular, with Inca terraces and stunning valley views that make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.

Today it’s time to say goodbye to the Sacred Valley (for now) and make your way back to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Once you check into your hotel, spend the rest of the day wandering the streets and soaking up the city’s incredible energy.

Cusco is a small city, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character. Cobbled streets, colonial architecture built on ancient Inca foundations, colorful plazas, and cozy cafes create a vibe that’s impossible not to fall in love with. And the food scene? Absolutely amazing. From traditional Peruvian dishes to creative modern cuisine, there’s something for every palate.

Tip: One of the best ways to get to know the city is with a walking tour, which lets you uncover hidden gems while learning about Cusco’s fascinating history.

Cusco accommodation

For accommodations, I highly recommend Palacio del Inka, a luxury hotel set in a beautifully restored colonial building. Think elegant rooms with original Inca stonework, a serene courtyard to relax in, and a location right in the heart of town, perfect for stepping out and exploring whenever the mood strikes.

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for: Machu Picchu! One of the wonders of the world is finally within reach, and the journey there is half the fun.

The journey

Board your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to the citadel. We took the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, and honestly, it might have been one of the most luxurious journeys I’ve ever experienced. Imagine Belmond hospitality on wheels: flowing Moët, delicious snacks, and views of the Andes rolling by. It’s basically a party in the most scenic setting possible.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll hop on a bus that winds up to Machu Picchu itself. Here’s a crucial tip: buy your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance. They sell out fast, and there are several circuits to choose from, each offering a different experience. Make sure to get them from the official site to avoid any headaches.

Because this was a true bucket list trip for us, we actually decided to visit Machu Picchu twice! On the first day, we did Circuit 2, which is conveniently included if you book the Belmond train. This route gives you those iconic aerial views of the citadel while also letting you wander through its historic terraces and temples.

• Pro tip: If you book the Hiram Bingham train through me, you’ll get amazing perks like a private guide for your group, which makes the whole experience extra special.

Unwind in Aguas Calientes

After exploring, we headed back down to Aguas Calientes, a charming town full of restaurants and quirky streets. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite, wander around, and soak in the vibe.

You might even get a little lost, and that’s part of the fun.

Our second day at Machu Picchu was all about taking in the full panoramic magic. We decided to do Circuit 1, which is considered the panoramic route. This circuit keeps you mostly above the citadel, giving you those jaw-dropping views that make you truly appreciate the scale and genius of this place. It’s also the perfect spot for those iconic photos you’ve seen all over Instagram.

We started early in the morning, and let me tell you, the vibe was incredible. The morning light hitting the terraces, the mist slowly lifting off the mountains, and the quiet before the crowds arrive… it’s hard to describe just how magical it feels to be standing there. Take your time, breathe it all in, and snap as many photos as your heart desires.

Return to Cusco

In the early afternoon, it’s time to catch the train back to Cusco. You’ll have plenty of time to relax on the journey and reflect on one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it—this day was tough. Visiting Rainbow Mountain is absolutely worth it, but it makes for a very long day. We were picked up from our hotel at 3:30 am—yep, that early! We decided to do an ATV tour to the top instead of hiking because Rainbow Mountain sits at nearly the same altitude as Mount Everest Base Camp, and honestly, I wasn’t about to hike at that altitude.

The early start had its perks, though, the mountain was pretty much empty when we arrived. It felt like we had this surreal, rainbow-striped wonderland all to ourselves. By the time we were heading back down, crowds were starting to arrive, so getting there early was definitely the way to go.

We made it back to Cusco around 4 pm, grabbed a quick nap, and then hit the town for our last night in the city. It was the perfect way to end an incredible Peruvian adventure, exhausted but exhilarated!