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Inca Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Best Views Ever - 7 Days

From £504£72 per daySave 16%

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female60%
  • Male40%

Average age

27
18 Min35 Max

Start / End

  • Cusco
  • Cusco

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 24

Meals included

8

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Cusco's vibrant heart, exploring bustling local markets, wandering through charming cobblestone streets, and soaking in killer views from San Blas before savoring a delicious local lunch.
  • Journey off the beaten path into the Sacred Valley to discover lesser-visited yet awe-inspiring Inca ruins like Killarumiyoq and Iglesia Ñaupa, followed by a picturesque hike to the stunning Perolniyoc Waterfall.
  • Embark on a breathtaking train ride along the Urubamba River, offering spectacular valley views as you make your way to Aguas Calientes, the lively town nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • Experience the unparalleled magic of Machu Picchu with an early morning guided tour, witnessing the legendary Incan citadel come alive against a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks.
  • For the adventurous, choose an exhilarating 1-day Inca Trail hike, culminating in a triumphant arrival at the iconic Sun Gate for your first, unforgettable glimpse of Machu Picchu.
  • Enjoy a flexible day back in Cusco, where you can delve deeper into its rich history and vibrant culture, or seize the opportunity for an optional, epic trek to the famously colorful Rainbow Mountain.
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Get immersed head to toe in the land of the Incas on this seven-day, hostel-based adventure high up in the Andes. Explore deep into Cusco on an insider's tour of the city's markets, cobblestone streets, and eye-popping plazas before heading into the Sacred Valley. Make some stops at lesser-visited (but equally awesome) Inca ruins, then hike up to a spectacular waterfall. Next, hop on the train to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of these legendary mountaintop ruins. After your life has been changed forever, head back to Cusco for more bucket-list optional activities like trekking to Rainbow Mountain.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Cusco

    Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. After the welcome meeting you've got plenty of amazing food and drink options nearby the hostel and around the main plaza - who's in?

  • Day 2

    Cusco

    Bust out the walking shoes as today we’re going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.

  • Day 3

    Cusco/Ollantaytambo

    You may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.

  • Day 4

    Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes

    All aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!

  • Day 5

    Aguas Calientes/Cusco

    Rise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.

  • Day 6

    Cusco

    Free day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.

  • Day 7

    Cusco

    Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hostels (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 0

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 2026

    from £593
  • Oct 2026

    from £593
  • Nov 2026

    from £504
  • Save 16%
    Sunday 1 Nov 2026to Saturday 7 Nov 2026
    6+ spaces of 24 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £599£504
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
  • Save 16%
    Sunday 22 Nov 2026to Saturday 28 Nov 2026
    6+ spaces of 24 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £599£504
    Pay MonthlyBest offer
    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£638

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.69 out of 5)
Based on 36 reviews
  • Excellent guide, good accommodations, and got to see a lot of unique places in the area we were touring in! Definitely recommend this itinerary! Just wish that the group size was smaller, 24 people felt really big and often times we were running behind schedule because a few people would not show up on time. Also wish the group doing the Cusco/Machu Picchu trip was a separate tour group/didn't merge with the tour group that did Lima and Cusco because that group had already become pretty cliquey by the time the Cusco tour group arrived. Edwin our tour guide was excellent and I think the tour was good value and we got to see a lot of the Cusco area of Peru in the span of a week. I do think our group size (24) was too big and I signed up for a tour that joined up with a tour that started a week before so it felt hard to connect with those people because they had already formed friendships and mostly chose to stick with those people. I wish there had been two separate groups - the 2 week tour group of Lima and Peru and a separate tour group for the people just doing the Cusco/Machu Picchu tour.

    Nora Oct, 2024 Verified
  • Super nice experience! Met lovely people and had a great time! The itinerary was perfect and allowed us to see everything! Accommodations were very nice, comfortable, and safe! The CEO, Alina, was great, she gave us a lot of recommendations in what to do in our free time, where to eat (amazing places and also affordable), and where to shop (including how to recognize real silver and gold, as well as alpaca and baby alpaca fabrics). The local guides were also super knowledgeable and really helpful! The accommodation we stayed in were super nice, especially the hostel in Cusco. The CEO, Alina, was great, she gave us a lot of recommendations in what to do in our free time, where to eat (amazing places and also affordable), and where to shop (including how to recognize real silver and gold, as well as alpaca and baby alpaca fabrics). The local guides were also super knowledgeable and really helpful!

    Sara Sep, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

    The minimum age for this trip is 18 years, and the maximum age is 35 years.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation will primarily be in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with options for mixed-gender and female-only dorms, and available upgrades to twin-share rooms. You will also stay in a hotel for 2 nights. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be common in Peru.
  • What is the typical group size for this tour?

    The maximum group size is 24 travelers, with an average of 16.
  • What meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches.
  • Are international flights included in the tour price?

    No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for baggage allowances and check-in information.
  • Is travel insurance required for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. It is also strongly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.
  • What are the health considerations for this trip, especially regarding altitude?

    This adventure travels to high altitude (medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet or 2,440 meters). Everyone reacts to altitude differently, and altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness or age. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and advice on preparing for high altitude.
  • Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

    No, the group trips are designed for shared accommodation. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement for this type of trip.
  • What is the local currency, and what should I know about money exchange?

    A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Debit and credit cards are useful for cash advances, but not all ATMs in Latin America may accept them, and many only accept 4-digit PINs. Credit cards are generally not widely accepted for payment in major cities and towns, and a 5%-10% fee usually applies. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD for exchange.
  • How much emergency money should I have access to?

    It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, in case circumstances outside of the tour operator's control require a change to the planned route.
  • Who will lead the tour, and will there be local guides?

    All group trips are accompanied by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer), and local guides are also used for specific sites to provide more in-depth knowledge.
  • What are some of the main optional activities available?

    Optional activities include a Hot Springs visit and Mandor Waterfall hike in Aguas Calientes, a 1-day Inca Trail Hike, and in Cusco: a City Tour, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Inka Museum visit, and a full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain.
  • Are there specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?

    Yes, Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site to prevent overcrowding. Circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Travelers completing the Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate.
  • What is the tour operator's policy regarding safety and security?

    The tour operator prioritizes traveler safety. They recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. CEOs can amend itineraries if necessary due to safety concerns. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and consider traveling in small groups or taking taxis during night-time excursions in cities.
  • What rules should I be aware of regarding behavior on the trip?

    Illegal drugs are not tolerated, and possessing or using them contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also completely contrary to the tour operator's philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or using prostitutes.
  • Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

    Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hostels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.
  • What do LGBTQ+ travelers need to know about safety on this trip?

    The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. The tour operator encourages visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure a safe and comfortable trip, including tools like Equaldex for destination-specific information.
  • What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip?

    All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality and destination.
  • What are the main highlights of this trip?

    The main highlights include exploring the backstreets of Cusco on an insider's tour, visiting lesser-known archaeological sites and hiking to a stunning waterfall in the Sacred Valley, and taking a guided tour of the temples and terraces of Machu Picchu with an expert local guide.
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