The Ultimate Inca Journey: Complete 7-Day Private Cusco, Machu Picchu & Andean Trek
Private 7-Day Cusco & Machu Picchu Expedition: Culture, Luxury Picnic & High-Altitude Trek
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights.
- Start Time: Flexible (Day 1 Airport Pickup).
- Strategic Focus: Progressive Acclimatization, History, Gastronomy & Trekking.
- Key Note: The ultimate itinerary for active travelers—acclimatize with culture for 5 days, then conquer a mountain on Day 6.
- Difficulty Level: Variable (Days 1-5: Easy/Moderate | Day 6: Moderate/Challenging).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Train Service: Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory (Panoramic).
- Dining: Exclusive Outdoor Picnic & Sacred Valley Buffet.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Perfect Andean Arc
This isn't just a vacation; it’s a perfectly calibrated expedition. The 7-Day Private Cusco & Machu Picchu Experience solves the biggest challenge of visiting Peru: altitude. We have engineered this itinerary to gradually acclimate your body through five days of cultural exploration and soft adventure before culminating in a high-altitude trek of your choice.
Your journey begins with the imperial history of Cusco and the living traditions of the Sacred Valley. You’ll explore the Lost City of Machu Picchu with a private guide and enjoy exclusive moments like a gourmet picnic overlooking the Maras Salt Mines—far away from the crowded tourist buffets.
By Day 6, when other travelers are struggling for breath, you will be ready to tackle the Andes. Whether you choose the viral Rainbow Mountain, the serene Palccoyo, or the mystical Humantay Lake, you do it with the safety and comfort of private transport, oxygen support, and expert guides. This is the definitive way to see Peru: deep, diverse, and exclusively yours.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival & Acclimatization
Welcome to the Andes: Your private driver meets you at Cusco Airport. We transfer you directly to your hotel.
Rest & Adapt: Today is about active rest. Drink coca tea, eat light, and let your body adjust to the 11,000 ft elevation.
The Imperial City – Cusco Private Tour
Morning/Afternoon: Explore the layers of history in the capital of the Incas.
- The Cathedral: Discover the unique Cusco School of art.
- The Four Ruins: Visit Sacsayhuamán (massive megalithic walls), the ritual tunnels of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and the water temple of Tambomachay.
- Note: We keep the walking easy today to continue your acclimatization.
Sacred Valley Clásico – Pisac & Ollantaytambo
Morning: Travel to the lower, lush Sacred Valley.
- Pisac: Marvel at the vast agricultural terraces and visit the optional artisan market.
- Lunch: Enjoy a premium Buffet Lunch in Urubamba with fresh local ingredients.
- Ollantaytambo: Explore the Living Inca City and its massive fortress.
- Evening: Board the Panoramic Train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in the town below Machu Picchu.
The Sanctuary – Machu Picchu Full Day
The Ascent: Early bus ride up to the citadel.
Private Guided Tour: Your expert guide leads you on a 2.5-hour exploration of Machu Picchu. Learn about the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the mysteries of its abandonment without being rushed.
The Return: Afternoon train (Vistadome/Observatory) back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel.
Maras, Moray & The Luxury Picnic
Morning: A day of visual spectacles.
- Moray: Visit the circular agricultural laboratories of the Incas.
- Maras Salt Mines: See the thousands of salt pools cascading down the canyon.
- The Highlight: Instead of a restaurant, we set up a Private Picnic in a scenic spot. Enjoy wine, local cheeses, and Andean flavors with a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Choose Your Adventure (Trekking Day)
Your body is now ready. Select ONE of the following private treks:
- Option A: Palccoyo (The Smart Choice)
- Best for: Families, seniors, or those wanting beauty without exhaustion. 3 Rainbow Mountains, flat hike.
- Option B: Vinicunca (Classic Rainbow Mountain)
- Best for: The iconic photo and a physical challenge. Steep hike at 16,000 ft.
- Option C: Humantay Lake
- Best for: Turquoise waters and glaciers. Steeper, shorter hike.
- Option D: 7 Lakes of Ausangate
- Best for: True hikers. A longer circuit of glacial lakes and hot springs.
Farewell to Cusco
Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or a final coffee in San Blas.
Transfer: Private drive to the airport for your departure.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for all 7 days (Airport/Hotel/Tours).
- Expert Private Guides: Dedicated specialists for Culture (Days 2-5) and Trekking (Day 6).
- Premium Dining: Buffet Lunch (Day 3) and Private Picnic (Day 5).
- Train Experience: Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory round-trip tickets.
- All Entrance Fees: Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), Cathedral, Maras, and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Day 6 Adventure: Oxygen, first aid, and trekking poles included.
- Bus Tickets: Round trip Consettur bus.
Not Included
- Accommodation: Hotels are not included (we can book them as an add-on based on your preferred category: 3, 4, or 5-star).
- Meals: Breakfasts (usually provided by hotel), dinners, and lunch on Days 1, 2, 4, 7.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers.
- Extra Hikes: Wayna Picchu tickets (require booking 3-4 months in advance).
What to bring
Recommendations
- The Picnic Factor: Day 5 is often the favorite day for our clients. It’s a moment of pure relaxation after the intensity of Machu Picchu and before the exertion of the trek.
- Luggage Logistics: For Day 3/4, you will travel with a small overnight bag (train regulation). We will safely store your large luggage in the private vehicle or at your Cusco hotel.
- Choosing Day 6: If you are worried about your knees, choose Palccoyo. If you want the most famous photo, choose Vinicunca. If you love water, Humantay.
- Acclimatization: By Day 6, you will be well-acclimatized. However, we still carry oxygen on the trek as a safety standard.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Can I customize the hotel locations?
A: Yes. You might prefer to stay in the Sacred Valley (lower altitude) for the first few nights to help with acclimatization. We can adjust the pickups accordingly.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: The first 5 days are excellent for children. For Day 6, Palccoyo is the best option for kids (8+ years). Vinicunca and Humantay are tough for children under 12.
Q: What happens if I get sick and can't hike on Day 6?
A: Since it is a private tour, we can easily swap the hike for a lighter cultural activity (like a visit to the South Valley or a textile workshop) or simply give you a free day to rest.
Q: Do I need to book my own hotels?
A: You have total freedom. You can book your own Airbnbs/Hotels, or we can provide a package with our trusted partner hotels (San Agustin, Casa Andina, Aranwa, etc.) for a seamless experience.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
The Ultimate Inca Journey: Complete 7-Day Private Cusco, Machu Picchu & Andean Trek
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
