Peru · Cusco · Machu Picchu
Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Inca terraces at dawn, Andean village markets, and a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu — a slow-paced highland journey with private guides.
Begin in the high city of Cusco, where colonial cathedrals sit on Inca foundations and the air at 3,400 metres asks you to slow down. From there, descend gradually into the Sacred Valley — a green river corridor lined with terraced hillsides, Quechua market towns, and adobe lodges where evening fires take the chill off mountain nights.
This eight-night itinerary is built around acclimatisation and depth, not check-the-box sightseeing. You spend three full nights in the Sacred Valley before the train to Aguas Calientes, giving your body time to settle and your senses time to tune into the rhythm of Andean life: weavers in Chinchero, salt harvesters in Maras, and the circular agricultural terraces of Moray.
The reveal is a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu with a private guide, well before the day-trippers. You then return to Cusco for two unhurried final days — a chance to revisit a favourite plaza, browse the San Pedro market, and settle into the city after the highlands.
Every transfer is private, every guide is licensed and locally born, and the pace assumes you came to feel a place, not just photograph it.
Your itinerary
9 days
- 01
Arrival in Cusco — settle into the altitude
Land in Cusco mid-morning, transfer to a quiet courtyard hotel in the San Blas quarter, and take the afternoon slowly: coca tea, a short walk to the Plaza de Armas, and an early dinner.
TransportPrivate airport transfer
Met on arrival with a sign in your name and driven 15 minutes uphill to your hotel.
AccommodationCasa Cartagena Boutique Hotel — Premium Suite
A restored 16th-century mansion with five courtyards, oxygen-enriched rooms, and a quiet wellness floor.
ActivityGentle orientation walk
A 90-minute stroll with your guide through San Blas — Inca stonework, artisan studios, and the city's best chocolate shop.
- 02
Cusco — Sacsayhuamán and the city above the city
A full day exploring Cusco's Inca and colonial layers, with a long lunch break to keep the altitude manageable.
ActivitySacsayhuamán fortress
Walk the zig-zag walls of the great ceremonial site overlooking Cusco — stones the size of small cars, fitted without mortar.
ActivityQorikancha — the Temple of the Sun
The Inca empire's most sacred site, later overlaid with the Santo Domingo convent. Your guide unpacks the two histories in parallel.
AccommodationCasa Cartagena Boutique Hotel
- 03
Sacred Valley — Pisac market and Awana Kancha
Descend ~600 m into the Sacred Valley. The lower altitude makes a noticeable difference.
TransportPrivate transfer Cusco → Sacred Valley (1h 30)
ActivityAwana Kancha living museum
Meet the four South American camelids and the weaving families who work with their fibre — natural dye demonstrations included.
ActivityPisac market and ruins
Wander the Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday market, then climb to the Pisac archaeological site above town for golden-hour light.
AccommodationSol y Luna Relais & Châteaux — Casita garden suite
Free-standing adobe casitas in lush gardens at the foot of the mountains. Dinner here tonight.
- 04
Maras, Moray, and Chinchero
A 'three-in-one' day across the high western valley — geometric terraces, ancient salt pans, and a weaving cooperative.
ActivityMoray concentric terraces
Inca agricultural laboratory: micro-climates engineered across 30 metres of depth.
ActivityMaras salt pans
Over 5,000 family-owned terraced pools fed by a single salty spring — a 600-year-old livelihood.
ActivityChinchero weaving cooperative
Spend an hour with the women of the Away Kancha cooperative — natural dyes, backstrap loom demo, optional purchases support the artisans directly.
AccommodationSol y Luna Relais & Châteaux
- 05
Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes
Morning at one of the last living Inca towns, then the legendary Vistadome train descent into the cloud forest.
ActivityOllantaytambo fortress and old town
Climb the temple terraces, then explore the cobbled grid below — the only town in Peru where families still live in original Inca dwellings.
TransportVistadome train (Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes, 1h 45)
Panoramic windows follow the Urubamba river through dropping altitude bands and changing flora.
AccommodationSumaq Machu Picchu Hotel — Deluxe River-view room
On the banks of the Vilcanota with a quiet spa — the closest comfortable base to the citadel.
- 06
Machu Picchu at sunrise
An early start to enter the citadel on the first bus, before the crowds. Two-hour guided circuit, then time to wander on your own.
TransportFirst bus up the switchbacks (05:30)
ActivityGuided circuit 2 of Machu Picchu
The classic route — Sun Gate views, the Royal Tomb, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the agricultural sector at first light.
ActivityOptional: Huayna Picchu climb
If pre-booked: 90-minute steep ascent for the iconic over-the-shoulder view of the citadel.
TransportVistadome train return to Ollantaytambo, transfer to Cusco
AccommodationPalacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel — Heritage room
- 07
Cusco at your own pace
A day with no obligations. Your guide remains on call if you want company; otherwise the suggestions below are well-tested.
ActivitySan Pedro Market deep dive
Optional 2-hour guided market walk with tastings — fruits, breads, soups, and the chocolate hall.
ActivityMuseo Larco off-shoot or San Blas studios
Choose between pre-Columbian ceramics or an afternoon of artisan workshop visits.
AccommodationPalacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- 08
Farewell dinner in Cusco
A final relaxed day with a closing dinner at one of the city's most loved Andean restaurants.
ActivityOptional morning massage or sound-bath
ActivityFarewell tasting menu at MAP Café
Seven-course tasting inside the courtyard of the pre-Columbian art museum — included.
AccommodationPalacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- 09
Departure
Private transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight. Departure time set by your schedule.
TransportPrivate airport transfer
What's included
- All accommodation (3* boutique to 4* heritage hotels, hand-picked)
- Daily breakfast plus 4 dinners at family-run restaurants
- Private bilingual guide throughout
- Private vehicle for all overland transfers
- Vistadome train Ollantaytambo ↔ Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu entry, circuit 2, with sunrise access
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 in-country emergency line
Not included
- International flights to/from Cusco
- Travel insurance (mandatory, we can recommend a partner)
- Lunches and dinners not listed above
- Drinks at meals
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional Huayna Picchu add-on (€95)
Best time to visit
Plan this trip
Tell us a few details and the agency behind Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu will reach out within 48 hours with a tailored proposal. No commitment.