One Week in Peru: A Real Itinerary for Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

The mountains stood tall, proud, grounded in history as llamas grazed amongst the ruins. It was clear when we arrived, but the fog rolled in and enveloped us as we stared in awe at the wonder we were surrounded by. I’d been waiting for this moment throughout my entire one week in Peru. Yet nothing had prepared me for what Machu Picchu actually looks, and feels like, in person. This is my 1-week Peru itinerary, and everything I wish I’d known before I went.

If altitude and ancient sites call to you, start with my guide to adventure travel for women.

Is This Trip For Me?

When I talk about traveling to Peru, I typically get asked three questions – Is one week enough? How can I handle the altitude? And do I need to be a hardcore hiker? The good news is a week can be enough if you plan it right, especially if you allow 7 full days on the ground. As for altitude, you definitely feel it as soon as you arrive in Cusco at 11,150 feet, but there are many ways to manage its effects. And lastly, going to Peru doesn’t mean hiking the Inca Trail, so no, you do not have to be a hardcore hiker, though I do recommend decent fitness shape as there is a lot of walking on uneven ground, stairs, and hills.

I visited Peru and Machu Picchu back in 2014 on an REI Adventures multisport trip. It was my first group trip (would I like it?), my first multi-day hiking/adventure trip (could I do this?), and I wondered if I was ready for the climbs and the rides, if I could really hang. There were a lot of nerves leading into this trip, along with the flutters of excitement. Once I arrived, my nerves started to subside as we set out for our one-week adventure through Peru. As we rambled through Cusco, rafted in the Sacred Valley, and hiked around Machu Picchu, I realized group trips created lifelong friendships, the multi-day trek was scarier than I thought, and yes, I could in fact, hang. 

Here’s exactly what a 1-week Peru itinerary looks like, from the moment you land in Cusco to the morning you finally stand inside the Inca citadel. And yes, it’s absolutely doable for women our age. If you’re going it alone, this route is well-traveled and easy to navigate solo.

Is One Week in Peru Enough?

Yes, one week is genuinely enough time to experience what Peru is all about, as long as you plan the first 1-2 days with acclimatization in mind and don’t try to do everything. My ideal 1-week Peru itinerary, and the one I took in 2014, includes 7 full days on the ground, with two travel days, that give you ample time to acclimatize without sacrificing things you want to do.

• What’s Included: One week gives you time to explore Cusco, visit the Sacred Valley, and end with the pinnacle Machu Picchu visit. 
• What’s Not: It’s not enough time to add the multi-day Inca Trail trek, visit Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, or the Amazon. Save those for another trip or add another week to this one.
• My Recommendation: I prefer to see more if I’m traveling that far anyway but know that’s not realistic for everyone. Work this around how much time you can take off.

When I went in 2014, I arrived early to get my bearings, as I like to do, then joined the group of ten, one of whom I knew from work, and we set out for a one week adventure through Peru, hiking, rafting, and bonding before continuing on to the Galapagos Islands. While we didn’t see everything, it was a good sampling of key sights in the country without feeling rushed.

Whatever itinerary you choose, be sure to build in rest on Days 1 and 2, or risk spending the middle of your trip in bed with a headache. Altitude can hit in weird ways, so you’ll want to prepare for that. Luckily, my itinerary does just that.

Your 1 Week Peru Itinerary (Day by Day)

Here’s how I’d structure the week, and how our group actually spent it on the group trip.

Arrival Day – Fly Into Lima, Rest

Depending on where you fly from, doing a quick stopover in Lima may make sense. For me, traveling from Seattle at the time, it served two purposes. It helped me start to adjust to the time difference and ensured I had time to catch my flight to Cusco the next day.

I arrived in Lima, dropped my things at the hotel, and wandered the city, smiling at the fact that I was actually here and about to head off on this grand adventure. It also gave me the chance to start my altitude sickness meds, as I chose that as one of my precautions against altitude side effects.

After walking along the shore and watching Lima go golden at sunset, I had an early night. The nerves and butterflies were there, but so was the excitement. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Cusco, Rest

Flying from Lima to Cusco, it was a smaller plane but not puddle-jumper size. We arrived in the morning, which gave me plenty of time to get to my hotel, drop my bags and breathe. And breathing is different at 11,150 feet! The altitude is real. 

I was taking Diamox (the altitude medication) but that doesn’t mean you’re immune. You can tell it takes more effort to exert energy at that height. I felt the heavier breathing, and had a headache at one point, but luckily nothing extreme. That’s the hard part with altitude, there’s no telling what you’ll get. One person can feel like they ran a marathon, while other people feel nothing. The people I met from Breckenridge were in the latter camp, as they live at altitude and therefore were in great shape!

That’s why the first 24-48 hours are non-negotiable rest time. Enjoy local coca tea, drink lots of water (I brought hydration packets and added them constantly to double up on hydration), enjoy a light lunch, then take a slow afternoon walk round the Plaza de Armas. That’s it. And that’s exactly what I did. I can still picture myself journaling on a bench in the middle of the Plaza, amazed that I was actually there.

Day 2 – Join the Group in Cusco

This was the next big day of the adventure – the day I’d meet the group. Would I like them? Will a group be too restrictive? Would I be able to keep up? All of these things and more added to the anticipation. 

I had plenty of time before that, so I went out to explore. Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage city built on Inca stone foundations, so there’s history in every block. I strolled through San Pedro Market, and it’s not just for tourists. It’s where locals shop, eat breakfast, and buy fresh flowers. Go for the juice and the people-watching.

I visited Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most sacred site in the Inca empire, now half-buried under a Spanish cathedral. That tension tells you everything about Peru. Add to that me accidentally running into a parade of locals protesting the treatment of workers, and it’s a good reminder of the strife this land and these people have seen not only in the past, but still today. 

Later in the day, I met up with the group in the hotel lobby, and we officially started our group trip. There were three couples, a mother-daughter pair, myself and my friend I had recently met at work, ages 20s to 60s. Some were experienced adventure travelers, others were doing it for the first time, but it was clear from the jump that we’d all be in it together.

After our first meal together, we had another early evening, making sure we rested to keep the altitude ailments at bay.

Day 3 – Explore Cusco

My solo exploration time before the group gave me a good lay of the land and a mental map of Cusco before diving in. Especially on Day 1, I recommend doing that, just walking, observing, and soaking it all in without running from sight to sight.

In addition to revisiting some of the places I’d seen the day before, which were enhanced with the guide’s knowledge, we also went to Sacsayhuaman (pronounced sexy-human) ruins above the city. It was rainy, and luckily, we were prepared with rain gear. It’s a short uphill walk but has jaw-dropping views. Go slow.

We continued through Cusco, walking through the San Blas neighborhood, with its art galleries, tilted cobblestone alleys, and artisan workshops; visiting churches, and hearing so much more about the history than I did visiting on my own.

Logistics:

• In Cusco, I’d head to the restaurants on and around the Plaza de Armas for a first night. You’ll find solid versions of both for about $12–$15 USD
• Peruvian food is delish, with lots of local dishes to sample. Try lomo saltado (Peruvian stir-fry), aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew), and of course, anything with quinoa. Top it off with a local pisco sour. 

Day 4 – Sacred Valley: Pisac & Ollantaytambo

We headed down to the Sacred Valley (and lower elevation, giving our bodies a little break). We broke up the trip by stopping at Pisac in the morning. It’s quite impressive, with terraced ruins above the town, where we climbed and roamed through, then visited the afternoon market. Apparently, this has the best textiles and ceramics in the region, so bring cash (soles).

From there we continued on to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town still lived in by the same families’ descendants. The fortress is steep and impressive and far less crowded than Machu Picchu. We had a wonderful lunch at a ranch with Peruvian Paso horses and Peru’s gauchos. It was a nice way to see different sides of the culture.

You can stay overnight in Yucay or Ollantaytambo. We stayed at a lovely place in Yucay, with relaxing hammocks on the grounds. Being in the Valley overnight slows the pace in the best way.

Logistics:

About 1.5-2 hours from Cusco to Pisac. Private van or shared tourist transport. Some guided trips include this as a fully planned day.

Day 5 – Train to Aguas Calientes

The main event was almost here – Machu Picchu, I’m looking at you! But first, we had to get there.  We boarded the PeruRail train at Ollantaytambo for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The Vistadome has panoramic windows. The scenery from the train is quite beautiful – we even saw a bear on the banks of the river!

For the trip, we had to leave our main luggage at the hotel and pack a small daypack for the train. That 11-lb train limit is why you’ll want to think through your bag situation before you leave home.

Aguas Calientes is a small, touristy mountain town, but it has a fun energy. Everyone here is on the same adventure, anticipating their time at Machu Picchu. If you get there early, take the afternoon to explore the hot springs or the markets, then get dinner early, set two alarms and go to bed!

Logistics:

CRITICAL: Machu Picchu timed entry tickets must be booked in advance (sometimes 2-3 months ahead in dry season). You also need to book the bus up the mountain separately. If you’re with a group, they will likely book these for you.

Day 6 – Machu Picchu

We got up early. Very early. The bus queue in Aguas Calientes forms before 5:30 a.m. Get in it. Everyone wants that stellar sunrise shot, us included. Just make sure your timed entry aligns to that.

Unfortunately for us, it was less of a stellar sunrise moment and more of a gloomy overcast day. Even so, the lush green grass and those majestic mountains popped against the white sky. The energy felt different, and you could sense the things this land has seen, the people who have crossed its paths, the city that used to exist. 

Getting there early meant fewer people, and for a moment it was as if we had the place to ourselves. We walked the main circuit, from the classic viewpoint, over the agricultural terraces, through the residential zone, and up to the Sun Gate, where a few of us took some time for quiet meditation and reflection. On our way down it became ethereal as we were slowly engulfed by fog. Everyone went their own way for a bit, taking it all in in their own way. I sat on the terraces and tried to imagine what life would have been like here, and what it was like leaving here.

The rain and fog meant Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain behind the ruins, was closed, so we couldn’t hike her that day. Some of us (myself included) were a little nervous about the exposed part of the hike, especially with it being wet. So alas, it just wasn’t meant to be. As my grandmother said, leave something you haven’t done to give you a reason to return.

Logistics:

• Arrive at sunrise if you can. Experience the magic at first light.
• Plan for 2-3 miles of hiking on stone paths with significant stairs.
• Huayna Picchu requires a separate timed ticket, roughly 400 people per day allowed. It’s genuinely steep and exposed. Worth it if you’re comfortable with heights. Not required.
• Spend at least 3-4 hours there. Bring snacks. The one cafe inside charges a lot.
• Return to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco area if that’s your plan, or overnight again.

Day 7 – Adventure Day (or Rest Day)

After the serenity and awe we felt at Machu Picchu, we were ready for some levity! We headed to the Urubamba River for some whitewater rafting on Class I-III rapids. Spoiler alert – Class I-III is not scary. The river scenery is gorgeous and it’s a fun contrast to the history-heavy pace of the rest of the week.

Did someone fall out of our boat? Perhaps. But they had the best time, and it made for the funniest video (once we knew he was ok, of course). This is really for anyone who wants some adrenaline without hardcore gear or fear. The lower sections are fun and very manageable for non-rafters, and the guides were fantastic.

Rafting not your thing? There are plenty of other options. Consider a second Machu Picchu day (Huayna Picchu here you come), another Cusco day, San Pedro Market for gifts, a massage, or the Chocolate Museum (seriously worth it).

After rafting we made our way back to Cusco for our final night in Peru.

Logistics:

• Whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River: typically, a half-day excursion bookable from Cusco or Sacred Valley. A multi-day trip may have this included.

Departure Day – Final Morning in Cusco + Depart

The end of our Peru time was here. We spent the morning doing some last-minute shopping for final gifts at San Pedro Market. Had one more coffee with a view of the Plaza de Armas. Then headed to the airport.

We may have been saying goodbye to beautiful Peru and our wonderful guides, but luckily for us, we were not saying goodbye to each other just yet. We were off to a second week together in the Galapagos Islands, and this week really strengthened our connections as a group. Together, we were ready for more laughs, more adventures, and more memories.

Logistics:

• Fly out from Cusco (CUZ) through Lima. Build in extra connection time in Lima.
• Optional: extending the trip? Consider the Galapagos like we did, or more of Peru – Lake Titicaca and the Amazon.

How Do You Deal with Altitude Sickness in Peru?

Altitude sickness is real at Cusco’s 11,150 feet, and it’s the thing that catches the most travelers off guard. I had a bit of a headache and tingly hands from my Diamox (a common side effect), but other than that was ok. Meanwhile, we had people in our group get extreme headaches and more fatigue than they expected. You can be in the best shape, and it just does not matter, so don’t mess around with altitude.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can manage it without losing days of your trip. Here are some things to keep in mind.

All About The Altitude:

• Symptoms: headache, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, shortness of breath, difficulty coordinating. Most people experience at least one.
• Prevention: arrive with rest built into Day 1, hydrate aggressively, avoid alcohol for 48 hours, eat light, sleep as much as possible.
• Coca tea: genuinely helps. The locals have relied on it forever. Have some before bed.
• Diamox (acetazolamide): a prescription medication some travelers use. Talk to your doctor before the trip. Works for some, causes side effects in others. I had tingly hands but other than that was good.
• When to worry: symptoms that worsen after 48 hours or become severe warrant medical attention or descent. Serious altitude illness is rare but not zero.
• Helpful note: the Sacred Valley is lower (around 9,000 ft) and Machu Picchu itself is at 7,874 ft. Many people find the middle of the trip easier than the first days in Cusco.

What to Pack for 1 Week in Peru

Packing for Peru means dressing for wild temperature swings. Mornings in Cusco can be in the mid-40s, afternoons warm up to the upper 60s, and if you’re adding a rafting day, you’re going to get soaked.

This is where my 4-3-1 packing system started. I knew I had to pack light, with parts of the trip requiring a smaller bag. I also knew I’d need clothes that could take sweat, mud, and whatever else came their way on hiking trails, travel trains and river rapids. For me, that tended to be a few hiking pants and shirts I could rotate between, a couple of sundresses I could put on at night once I rinsed off, a pair of sweats and leggings that could go under said dress or work with my long-sleeve layered tops, hoodie, and rain jacket. Bathing suits, socks, and delicates wrap up the clothing portion. Water shoes, hiking shoes, flip flops and casual sneakers covered my footwear.

Key packing categories for your 1-week Peru itinerary:

• Layering essentials: Layers are key. Think midweight fleece jacket, lightweight waterproof rain/wind jacket (not optional, Andean weather changes fast), zip-off hiking pants for flexibility between cold mornings and warm afternoons.
• Clothing: Since you’ll be rotating these, breathable fabrics are key. Synthetic or merino wool T-shirts (at least two, they dry fast and don’t hold odors), long-sleeve layer for cool evenings, shorts, and a swimsuit for hot springs or rafting.
• Footwear: Pack only what you need, and I wore every one. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good tread and ankle support. Break them in before you go. Machu Picchu is all stone stairs. Separate comfortable shoes for city days, water shoes for rafting and flip flops for around the hotel in the evenings.
• Sun protection: equatorial sun at altitude is brutal. Protect your skin with a wide-brim sun hat or baseball cap, high-SPF sunscreen, UV lip balm, sunglasses with a retainer strap (you don’t want them going overboard on the raft).
• Extras: Small but mighty musts. A small daypack for Machu Picchu, insect repellent, personal first aid kit with blister treatment, headlamp with extra batteries, and a money belt or neck pouch for markets.
• Luggage reality check: the PeruRail train enforces an 11 lb / 62 linear inch carry-on limit. A medium duffle bag plus a daypack is the standard formula.

Where to Stay for 1 Week in Peru

For a 1-week Peru itinerary, plan on 2-3 nights in Cusco, 1-2 nights in the Sacred Valley, 2 nights in Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu, and a final night back in Cusco. That pacing gives you time to acclimatize, explore, and not feel rushed.

Cusco (2-3 nights)

Stay in the historic centro. It’s walkable to everything and puts you in the heart of the city. Look for a hotel with coca tea on arrival. There are solid midrange options throughout.

Sacred Valley / Yucay (1-2 nights)

Yucay and Urubamba are quiet, lower-elevation villages that give you easy access to Ollantaytambo for the morning train. Sleeping here overnight means real rest after a full Pisac day. 

Aguas Calientes (1-2 nights)

You have to overnight here to be first up the mountain. The town is small and touristy in an energetic, fun way. Everyone is there for the same reason. Book well ahead in dry season.

My trip was through an organized group, so hotel choices were handled. That said, they were excellent picks in each location. We were right in the center of Cusco, in a peaceful enclave in the Sacred Valley, and even in Aguas Calientes we had cute little individual rooms scattered amongst the woods. 

Getting to Peru and Around the Country

Most international flights land in Lima (LIM), and from there you’ll connect to Cusco (CUZ). The Lima-Cusco flight is about 1.5 hours.

Should You Add a Second Week? (Yes)

If a 1-week Peru itinerary leaves you wanting more and you can swing two weeks, Peru pairs beautifully with the Galapagos Islands. That’s exactly what I did, and it’s one of the best combinations in South America. Even 10 days over 7 adds meaningful room, whether that’s a Lake Titicaca day trip, a slower Sacred Valley, or one more Cusco morning.

Options for a Second Week in Peru

• Peru + Galapagos: fly from Cusco to Lima to Guayaquil (GYE), then on to the islands. It’s a natural extension. Different scenery, same sense of wonder.
• Peru Plus: Lake Titicaca on the Peru-Bolivia border, the Manu Amazon region, or Colca Canyon for condor sightings

Conclusion

A 1-week Peru itinerary is genuinely enough to experience the beauty of Peru. Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu form one of the world’s great travel circuits, and with honest altitude prep and a realistic pace, women our age can absolutely do this.

Peru was amazing, and I’ll never forget that trip for so many reasons. Not only were the culture rich, the scenery stunning, and Machu Picchu electric. It was all of those things. More than that, Peru taught me the joy of a group trip, how much richer they can make your holiday.

This trip taught me I’m stronger than I think, as I was able to keep up through every hike, every early morning, every altitude-tested moment we had. Through it all, I realized I could indeed hang, I was up for the adventure, and it started a new passion of mine for multi-day hiking trips with people I love – many of whom I met on this trip. We’ve continued traveling together through the years, even to this day. Go with a curious mind, an open heart, and see what the world has in store. Odds are, you’ll be wowed.

Does this inspire you to take your trip to Peru? Have you been and have another stop you’d recommend? Share below in the comments. If you’re interested in taking the trip but are overwhelmed by the details, reach out. I’m happy to help bring your travel dreams to life.

Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember. 

Happy travels, kindreds!

RELATED POSTS

Ready to travel to Peru? 

• If altitude and ancient sites call to you, start with my guide to adventure travel for women.
• My 4-3-1 packing system works for Peru, Japan, and anywhere in between – get your free guide here
• Peru is popular with solo women travelers. If you’re nervous about going it alone, take a look at How to Start Traveling Solo
• Learn the joys of a group trip with 10 things you didn’t know about group travel
• How to plan a week-long and multi-week international trip both give you all the steps to complete to do this on your own
• One Week in the Galapagos Islands gives you a close-up look at what you can experience there

HELPFUL LINKS

Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing, planning, and staying connected:

• Work With Me
  • Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
  • Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
• Planning Resources
  • Peru Tourism Board: current entry requirements, regional guides
  • Machu Picchu official ticket booking: learn about the timed entry circuit system (required reading before booking)
  • PeruRail: Vistadome and Expedition train bookings
  • CDC Traveler Health: vaccination recommendations and altitude illness guidance
• On-the-Ground Tools:
  • Airalo: eSIM for international data – a godsend! Use ANDREA68732 for $3 off
  • TripIt: Forward all of your confirmations and have your entire trip at a glance
  • Google Maps: download city maps, save your hotel, restaurants and key sights for easy navigation
• Small Group Travel
  • Intrepid Travel Peru Itineraries – If you want a guided trip like I did, try Intrepid Travel. I’ve traveled with them multiple times, and they now host trips for REI.
  • Luxury groups:  Contact me for recommendations
• Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest for destination boards and planning guides.