About this trip
Seven days in Peru built around one destination: Machu Picchu. You start in Cusco, move through the Sacred Valley and the ruins at Ollantaytambo, then choose how you want to reach the citadel itself.
That choice is the heart of the trip. Hike the Inca Trail, take the quieter Quarry Trail, or skip the trekking altogether and go by train from Cusco. All three get you to the same place, though not necessarily by the same path as the rest of your group.
With only a week to play with, this is a compact way to see Peru's best-known sites without needing to commit to a longer expedition.
What you'll do
- Explore the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Ollantaytambo
- Visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo
- Choose your route to Machu Picchu — Inca Trail, Quarry Trail, or train
- Reach Machu Picchu and take a guided circuit through the site
- Camp along the trail if you choose to hike
- Spends time at altitude, so it's worth reading up on the health risks beforehand
- If you trek, expect strenuous hiking and basic camping facilities — a good level of fitness is recommended
- Machu Picchu entry follows a fixed circuit per group, so if you and travel companions choose different routes to get there (trail vs train), you may end up on separate circuits and not see the site together
Worth it if you're reasonably fit and can handle high altitude fast-paced hiking. Think twice if you need a slower pace or struggle with altitude.
- Oxygen saturation drops to 80s for most hikers; fast pace at altitude leaves little room for acclimatisation.
- Porters, cooks, and standout guides like Fabricio go genuinely above and beyond—one stayed involved post-tour.
- Cusco guide communication poor; information not written down, leaving confusion about daily logistics.
- Solo travellers report feeling safe and supported throughout; knowledgeable guides engage well with questions.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Sep is cheapest — from £846, about 21% below the priciest month (Oct).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Cusco · 3 Sept – 4 Sept
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