Sample Itinerary
This is a real example of what your custom itinerary looks like. Every guide we create includes hotels, restaurants, activities, transport options with prices, insider tips, and a full contacts & resources page.
7 Days · 2 Travellers · Budget · Adventure & Outdoors · August 2026
Order Your Own Itinerary →A complete overview of your 7-day journey before diving into the details.
| Day | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fri Aug 14 | Arrive Cusco | Acclimatise, Plaza de Armas, easy evening walk |
| 2 | Sat Aug 15 | Cusco | Qorikancha, San Blas neighbourhood, Sacsayhuamán at sunset |
| 3 | Sun Aug 16 | Sacred Valley | Pisac Sunday market, Pisac ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress |
| 4 | Mon Aug 17 | Aguas Calientes | Morning in Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes, hot springs |
| 5 | Tue Aug 18 | Machu Picchu | First bus at 5:30am, full citadel day, Sun Gate hike |
| 6 | Wed Aug 19 | Machu Picchu + Return | Machu Picchu Mountain hike, final walk, evening train to Cusco |
| 7 | Thu Aug 20 | Cusco + Depart | San Pedro market breakfast, San Blas shopping, airport |
You will connect through Lima. Here are your options for the onward leg to Cusco.
| Option | Details | Price / Person | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flight Recommended | LATAM, Sky Airline, or JetSMART. Multiple daily departures. Book 4–6 weeks ahead. | $60–$120 return | 1 hour |
| Tourist sleeper bus | Cruz del Sur luxury class. Comfortable reclining seats, meals included. Overnight option. | $40–$80 one way | 20–22 hours |
Insider tip: The flight is the only realistic choice for a 7-day trip. August is peak dry season and domestic fares sell quickly. Book as soon as your international tickets are confirmed.
You have five options, from a 1.5-hour scenic train ride to a 4-day Andean trek. Choose based on your budget, fitness, and available days.
| Option | Route | Price / Person | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peru Rail – Expedition | Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes | $30–$45 each way | 1.5 hrs | Budget comfort |
| Peru Rail – Vistadome | Same route, panoramic roof windows | $55–$80 each way | 1.5 hrs | Scenic experience |
| Inca Rail – Tourist | Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes | $35–$50 each way | 1.5 hrs | Budget alternative |
| Budget combo: colectivo + walk | Cusco → Hydroelectric Station, then 3-hr walk to Aguas Calientes | ~$10 each way | 5–6 hrs total | Adventurous budget travellers |
| Inca Trail (4-day trek) | KM 82 → 3 nights camping → Sun Gate sunrise | $900–$1,200 all-inclusive | 4 days | Serious hikers (book 6+ months ahead) |
| Salkantay Trek (5-day trek) | Cross 4,600m Salkantay Pass → Aguas Calientes | $350–$600 guided | 5 days | Hikers without Inca Trail permit wait |
Budget tip: The colectivo to Hydroelectric Station + 3-hour walk is a genuine adventure through cloud forest. You arrive in Aguas Calientes the same way as everyone else at a fraction of the price. Save $25–$35 per person versus the train.
Days 1–2
Your base for the first two nights. Stay in San Blas or Centro Histórico.
Altitude warning: Cusco sits at 3,400 metres. Spend Day 1 moving slowly. Drink coca tea (free at most hotels), stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and do not push yourself on arrival.
| Hotel | Address | Phone | Website | Price / Night (2 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pariwana Hostel Cusco | Mesón de la Estrella 136, San Blas | +51 84 233751 | pariwana-hostel.com | $25–$35 |
| El Albergue de Backpackers | Saphy 616, Centro Histórico | +51 84 228354 | hostelworld.com | $20–$30 |
| Niños Hotel | Meloc 442, Centro Histórico | +51 84 231424 | ninoshotel.com | $60–$90 |
| Inkaterra La Casona | Plaza Nazarenas 113 | +51 84 234010 | inkaterra.com | $180–$280 |
| Restaurant | Address | Phone | Specialty & Notes | Price for Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercado San Pedro | Calle Santa Clara s/n | — | Covered market. Full lunch plate $3–5 at upstairs food stalls. Closes ~4pm. | $6–$10 |
| Quinoa Restaurant | Choquechaca 384, San Blas | +51 84 222900 | Andean cuisine, excellent quinoa soup, daily set menus. Backpacker favourite. | $10–$18 |
| Greens Organic | Santa Catalina Angosta 135 | +51 84 243379 | Vegetarian café, fresh juices. Ideal for light eating while acclimatising. | $12–$20 |
| Pachapapa | Plazoleta San Blas 120 | +51 84 241318 | San Blas courtyard. Try the cuy (roast guinea pig), a Cusco staple. | $20–$35 |
| Cicciolina Upstairs | Triunfo 393, 2nd floor | +51 84 239510 | Italian-Peruvian fusion. Excellent pasta and ceviche. Great set lunch. | $30–$50 |
| Chicha por Gastón Acurio | Plazoleta Espinar 142 | +51 84 240520 | Celebrity chef Gastón Acurio's Cusco restaurant. Traditional Andean elevated. Book ahead. | $50–$80 |
Insider tip: Look for menú del día signs on any street away from the Plaza de Armas. A set lunch (soup, main, drink) costs $4–7 and is how locals eat every day. Some of the best food you'll have in Peru.
| Activity | Where / How to Book | Phone / Website | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boleto Turístico del Cusco | Buy in person at Av. El Sol 103 on Day 1. Covers 14 sites including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. | +51 84 227037 | $40 |
| Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) | Corner of Av. El Sol and Santo Domingo, Centro Histórico | +51 84 249013 | $15 |
| Sacsayhuamán Fortress | 20-min uphill walk from Plaza de Armas. Best at sunset. | Covered by Boleto | Boleto |
| San Blas neighbourhood walk | Start at the church of San Blas, Plazoleta San Blas | Free | Free |
| Pisac Sunday market + ruins | Colectivo from Av. Tullumayo ($1.50 each way). Combine market and ruins for a great half-day. | Ruins: Boleto | Boleto + $3 transport |
| Cooking class: ceviche + pisco sour | Cusco Culinary Institute, Av. Tullumayo 468 | +51 84 261828 · cuscoculinary.com | $40–$65 |
Day 3
Overnight in Ollantaytambo, right at the train station for Day 4.
| Hotel | Address | Phone | Website | Price / Night (2 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostal Chaskawasi | Calle Principal s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 204045 | booking.com | $25–$40 |
| Hostal Iskay | Calle Ventiderio s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 204002 | iskayhotel.com | $30–$45 |
| El Albergue Ollantaytambo | Inside Ollantaytambo train station | +51 84 204014 | elalbergue.com | $80–$130 |
| Pakaritampu Hotel | Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 204020 | pakaritampu.com | $90–$140 |
| Restaurant | Address | Phone | Specialty & Notes | Price for Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hearts Café, Ollantaytambo | Principal s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 436074 | Social enterprise café. Breakfast, coffee, sandwiches. Opens 6:30am. | $10–$18 |
| Chuncho Restaurant | Calle del Medio s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 204114 | Traditional Andean ingredients. Good for a proper dinner. | $20–$35 |
| Pisac market food stalls | Upper market near the church, Pisac | — | Roasted corn, empanadas, fresh juices. Eat where locals eat. | $3–$8 |
| Activity | Where / How to Book | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Pisac Sunday market | Town centre, Pisac. Colectivo from Cusco ($1.50). Sundays are biggest. | Free to browse |
| Pisac archaeological site | Above the town. Hike up (1 hr, steep) or taxi to top ($4). Boleto required. | Boleto |
| Ollantaytambo Fortress | Above the main square. Walk from town. Boleto required. | Boleto |
| Moray + Maras salt mines (optional detour) | Hire taxi from Urubamba (~$20 for the car, shared). Add on Day 3 if leaving Cusco early. | $5–$10 entry |
Insider tip: The Ollantaytambo fortress is best in the late afternoon after day-trippers have left and the light turns gold on the terraces. You're staying the night — use that advantage. Go up around 4pm.
Days 4–5
The gateway town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Everything within 10 minutes' walk.
| Hotel | Address | Phone | Website | Price / Night (2 people) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supertramp Hostel | Av. Hermanos Ayar 109 | +51 84 211046 | supertramp-hostel.com | $20–$30 |
| Hostal Presidente | Av. Imperio de los Incas s/n | +51 84 211212 | booking.com | $25–$40 |
| Tierra Viva Machu Picchu | Av. Imperio de los Incas 605 | +51 84 211201 | tierravivaperu.com | $70–$110 |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo | Km 110, Vía Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211122 | inkaterra.com | $250–$400 |
| Restaurant | Address | Phone | Specialty & Notes | Price for Two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercado Artesanal food stalls | Upstairs, craft market building, town centre | — | Cheapest food in town. Local set menus $3–5 per plate. Eat here for lunch. | $6–$12 |
| Indio Feliz | Lloque Yupanqui 4 | +51 84 211090 | French-Peruvian menu. Aguas Calientes institution. Book ahead for dinner. | $30–$50 |
| Toto's House | Av. Imperio de los Incas s/n | +51 84 211020 | Reliable and central. Good trout, grilled meats, pizza. | $25–$40 |
| Tree House Restaurant | Av. Hermanos Ayar s/n (above the river) | +51 84 211101 | Atmospheric setting over the river. Good for an evening drink. | $20–$35 |
Insider tip: Stock up on snacks the night before your Machu Picchu days. No food is allowed inside the citadel, and the café at the entrance is expensive. A good breakfast in Aguas Calientes before the bus sets you up for the whole morning.
Days 5–6
Book your entry tickets before you leave home. August sells out weeks ahead.
| Option | Details | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Consettur bus | Departs from Av. Hermanos Ayar from 5:30am. Buy tickets in Aguas Calientes the evening before. | $12 each way | 20 min |
| Hike the stone footpath | Steep stone steps through cloud forest. Start by 4:30am to reach the gate at 6am opening. Entry ticket still required. | Free | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Activity | How to Book | Website | Price / Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Machu Picchu entry | Book online only, in advance. Choose 8am entry slot. | ticketmachupicchu.com | $80 |
| Machu Picchu Mountain | Add to main ticket at time of booking. 1.5–2 hr hike above the citadel to 3,082m. Less crowded than Huayna Picchu. | ticketmachupicchu.com | $8 |
| Huayna Picchu | Only 400 permits per day across two slots (7am and 10am). Add at time of ticket booking. Sells out months ahead. | ticketmachupicchu.com | $12 |
| Sun Gate (Inti Punku) | No separate permit. 2-hr round trip from the citadel entrance along the original Inca Trail path. | Included with entry | Included |
| Inca Bridge | No separate permit. 45-min round trip along a narrow cliff-face path. Extraordinary. | Included with entry | Included |
| Licensed guide inside the citadel | Hire at the gate on arrival. 2 hrs. Worth it on Day 5 for context. | Available at entrance | $15–$25 |
Insider tip: The citadel is most atmospheric 6–7am (first hour, soft light, few crowds) and after 3pm when group tours thin out. The 10am–2pm window is the busiest and hottest. Plan your rest break accordingly.
| Expense | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Lima–Cusco return flights (x2) | $120–$180 | $180–$240 |
| Machu Picchu general entry (x2) | $160 | $160 |
| Machu Picchu Mountain permit (x2) | $16 | $16 |
| Train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes return (x2) | $100–$130 (Expedition) | $160–$200 (Vistadome) |
| Machu Picchu buses (x2 people, x2 days) | $96 | $96 |
| Cusco Tourist Ticket (x2) | $80 | $80 |
| Qorikancha entry (x2) | $30 | $30 |
| Accommodation — 6 nights | $145–$180 | $250–$400 |
| Food — 7 days | $150–$190 | $250–$350 |
| Local transport (colectivos, taxis) | $40–$50 | $60–$80 |
| Activities and extras | $30–$50 | $60–$90 |
| TOTAL (excluding int'l flights) | $967–$1,156 | $1,336–$1,742 |
Altitude
Take Days 1–2 seriously. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol the first night. Coca tea is free at every hostel and genuinely helps.
Cash
Withdraw Peruvian soles in Cusco before leaving. ATMs in Aguas Calientes charge $5–8 per withdrawal and sometimes run empty. Bring enough cash for your full stay there.
What to pack
Lightweight rain jacket, SPF 50 sunscreen, refillable water bottle, snacks for before you enter, layered clothing, walking shoes with grip.
No food inside the citadel
Eat a proper breakfast before the bus. Bring a snack bar or two for long hikes like Machu Picchu Mountain or the Sun Gate.
August weather
Dry season. Clear blue skies most days. Mornings: 10–15°C. Afternoons at Machu Picchu: 18–22°C. Light mist sometimes lingers until 8–9am.
Photography
Best light is 6–8am (golden and misty) and 4–5pm. Harsh midday shadows flatten the stonework.
Every itinerary includes this
Every company, hotel, restaurant, and booking site mentioned in this itinerary, in one place so you never have to search for a number.
| Resource | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official Machu Picchu tickets | ticketmachupicchu.com | Entry + mountain permits. Book here first. |
| Peru Ministry of Culture | cultura.gob.pe | Alternative official ticket portal |
| Company | Website | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peru Rail | perurail.com | +51 84 581414 | Expedition (budget) and Vistadome (scenic). Book early. |
| Inca Rail | incarail.com | +51 84 581860 | Good alternative if Peru Rail is sold out. |
| Company | Address, Cusco | Phone | Website | Trek |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpaca Expeditions | Garcilaso 210 | +51 84 254278 | alpacaexpeditions.com | Inca Trail (top-rated) |
| SAS Travel | Portal de Panes 167, Plaza de Armas | +51 84 255205 | sastravel.com | Inca Trail, Salkantay, day treks |
| Llama Path | San Juan de Dios 250 | +51 84 240822 | llamapath.com | Inca Trail, Salkantay |
| Peru Treks | Av. Pardo 540 | +51 84 222722 | perutreks.com | Inca Trail, Salkantay |
| Hotel | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pariwana Hostel Cusco | Cusco, San Blas | +51 84 233751 | pariwana-hostel.com |
| Niños Hotel | Cusco, Centro Histórico | +51 84 231424 | ninoshotel.com |
| Inkaterra La Casona | Cusco, Plaza Nazarenas | +51 84 234010 | inkaterra.com |
| El Albergue Ollantaytambo | Ollantaytambo (train station) | +51 84 204014 | elalbergue.com |
| Pakaritampu Hotel | Ollantaytambo | +51 84 204020 | pakaritampu.com |
| Supertramp Hostel | Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211046 | supertramp-hostel.com |
| Tierra Viva Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211201 | tierravivaperu.com |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo | Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211122 | inkaterra.com |
| Restaurant | Location | Phone | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pachapapa | San Blas, Cusco | +51 84 241318 | Traditional Andean, roast cuy |
| Cicciolina Upstairs | Triunfo 393, Cusco | +51 84 239510 | Italian-Peruvian fusion |
| Chicha por Gastón Acurio | Plazoleta Espinar 142, Cusco | +51 84 240520 | Elevated Andean cuisine |
| MAP Café | Plazoleta Nazarenas 231, Cusco | +51 84 242476 | Fine dining in Pre-Columbian Museum |
| Greens Organic | Santa Catalina Angosta 135, Cusco | +51 84 243379 | Vegetarian, fresh juices |
| Hearts Café | Principal s/n, Ollantaytambo | +51 84 436074 | Breakfast, coffee, early opening 6:30am |
| Indio Feliz | Lloque Yupanqui 4, Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211090 | French-Peruvian, book ahead |
| Toto's House | Av. Imperio de los Incas, Aguas Calientes | +51 84 211020 | Trout, grilled meats, pizza |
| Service | Where to Find / Book | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colectivos Cusco → Sacred Valley | Av. Tullumayo, Cusco | $1.50–3 per person. Depart when full. |
| Colectivos Cusco → Hydroelectric Station | Terminal Santiago, Cusco | ~$10 per person. Budget route to Aguas Calientes. |
| Consettur buses (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu) | Av. Hermanos Ayar, Aguas Calientes (in-person) | $12 each way. Buy evening before. |
| LATAM Airlines (Lima → Cusco) | latam.com | Book 4–6 weeks ahead |
| Sky Airline (Lima → Cusco) | skyairline.com | Budget carrier, reliable |
Ready for yours?
Any destination. Any travel style. Delivered within 48–72 hours. From $49.
Order My Itinerary →