Arequipa Cusco and Machu Picchu 7 day tour
Explore the best of southern Peru in 7 days with this package that includes the colonial beauty of Arequipa, the living history of Cusco and the wonder of Machu Picchu.
2,400 m / 12,467 ft
2 to 5 stars
Small group
Daily departures
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP
Explore southern Peru with Illa Kuntur Travel & Wellness on the Arequipa, Cusco and Machu Picchu 7-day Tour – it’s a unique experience! In one week, you’ll discover the most emblematic destinations: from the impressive natural beauty of the Colca Canyon and the majestic architecture of Arequipa, to the enigmatic vestiges of Inca civilization in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Traverse the imposing lithic monuments and finish your adventure at the world wonder Machu Picchu, the last great Inca legacy.
Experience unforgettable vacations in Peru and be amazed by its history and stunning landscapes!
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Lima / Arequipa / Hotel / Sillar Route / Arequipa
Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, Sillar Route tour: Añashuayco quarries, stone carvings, and Culebrillas ravine.
Colca: Hotel / Pampas Cañahuas / Chivay / La Calera Hot Springs
Departure to the Colca Valley, crossing the Pampas Cañahuas National Reserve, home to vicuñas. Arrival in Chivay, where you can enjoy the relaxing La Calera Hot Springs.
Cruz del Condor Viewpoint / Chivay / Cusco
Visit to the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor. Return to Chivay and then transfer to Cusco, crossing spectacular Andean landscapes.
Cusco: Hotel / Sacsayhuamán / Qenqo / Pukapukara / Tambomachay / Hotel
Exploration of Cusco’s most iconic archaeological sites: the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the ceremonial center of Qenqo, the military fortress of Puka Pukara, and the Inca baths of Tambomachay.
Hotel / Pisac / Urubamba / Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes
Tour through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the Pisac handicraft market, the landscapes of Urubamba, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
Ascent to the citadel of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world, to explore its temples, terraces, and sacred pathways. Return to Aguas Calientes, train ride to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco.
Hotel / Airport
Transfer to Cusco airport for the return flight. End of an unforgettable adventure through southern Peru.
Itinerary Cusco and Arequipa Package 7 days
DAY 1: AREQUIPA : AIRPORT / RUTA DEL SILLAR / AREQUIPA
- Upon arrival in the city of Arequipa, our Illa Kuntur Travel team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can settle in and rest for a while.
- In the afternoon, we will do the fascinating Sillar Route, a tour that takes us to the ancient quarries where the white volcanic stone that gave Arequipa the title of the White City is extracted. On this tour you will discover:
- Añashuayco Quarries, an impressive place where you can still see the work of the stonemasons who carve the sillar by hand, just as it has been done for centuries.
- Stone sculptures, crafted by master stonemasons, that showcase the artistic skill of the region.
- Culebrillas Ravine, a narrow volcanic canyon that offers a unique and mysterious natural landscape, ideal for walking and taking spectacular photographs.
- We will also take the opportunity to visit the Yanahuara Viewpoint, with impressive views of Misti Volcano.
- This tour combines history, culture and nature, allowing you to understand how Arequipa’s architecture has been shaped in harmony with its volcanic surroundings. At the end, we will return to the hotel to rest and get ready for the next day.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arequipa.
DAY 2: COLCA : HOTEL / PAMPAS CAÑAHUAS / CHIVAY / CALERA THERMAL BATHS
- After enjoying breakfast, we will begin our journey to the Colca Valley, one of Peru’s natural wonders.
- Along the way, we will cross Andean landscapes with stops at:
- Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, habitat of vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.
- Chucura Snow Peak, a natural viewpoint of the Andes.
- Toqra Lagoons, where you can observe migratory birds.
- Patapampa, the “Viewpoint of the Andes” at over 4,900 m.a.s.l., offering panoramic views of the Ampato, Hualca-Hualca, and Sabancaya volcanoes.
- At midday we will arrive in Chivay to check in and rest. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a light walk or relax in the La Calera hot springs.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Chivay.
DAY 3: CRUZ CONDOR VIEWPOINT / CHIVAY / CUSCO
- Early in the morning, we will depart for the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint, the most emblematic spot in the Colca Valley. From here, we will be able to observe the flight of the Andean condor over one of the deepest canyons in the world.
- On the way back, we will stop in the towns of Pinchollo, Yanque, and Maca, where we will visit their colonial churches, pre-Inca agricultural terraces, and learn about the lifestyle of the local communities.
- At midday, we will arrive in Chivay for lunch at a local restaurant featuring typical regional cuisine.
- Afterwards, we will begin our return to Arequipa, arriving in the afternoon.
- At night, we will take an overnight bus to Cusco (approximately 12 hours). Optionally, you may choose a flight from Arequipa to Cusco instead.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
- Accommodation: Overnight bus to Cusco.
DAY 4: CUSCO : HOTEL / SACSAYHUAMAN / QENQO / PUKAPUKARA / TAMBOMACHAY HOTEL
- To start the day, upon arrival in Cusco, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, we will begin a City Tour that combines colonial richness and Inca grandeur.
- We will start with Qoricancha or the Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred sites of the Incas.
- Afterwards, we will visit the main archaeological complexes:
- Sacsayhuamán, a fortress built with enormous stone blocks.
- Qenqo, a ceremonial center with passageways carved into the rock.
- Puka Pukara, a military construction that served as a control post.
- Tambomachay, a site associated with the worship of water.
- We will end the tour at Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
DAY 5: HOTEL / PISAC / URUBAMBA / OLLANTAYTAMBO / AGUAS CALIENTES
- After a good breakfast, we will begin our tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Pisac, famous for its agricultural terraces and Inca constructions. We will also visit the Pisac handicraft market, ideal for buying textiles, ceramics and souvenirs.
- We will continue to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch with typical regional dishes.
- In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo fortress, one of the most important archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire.
- At the end of the visit, we will head to the train station to board our train to Aguas Calientes, where we will check in at the hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 6: AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU / AGUAS CALIENTES / OLLANTAYTAMBO / CUSCO
- After an early and delicious breakfast, we will board the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu, the enigmatic Inca citadel considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Accompanied by our expert guide, we will visit the main sectors of the sanctuary:
- The sacred temples, such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows.
- As we explore, we will discover the deep spiritual and cultural importance this place held for the Inca civilization. After the guided tour, you will have free time to take unforgettable pictures, enjoy a brief moment of reflection, or simply let yourself be immersed in the mystical energy of the surroundings.
- At the end of this experience, we will go back down to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and stroll through the picturesque town. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and, from there, a private transfer will take us back to the city of Cusco, where this day full of history, spirituality, and wonder will come to an end.
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
DAY 7: HOTEL / AIRPORT
- After enjoying breakfast, our team will transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport to board your return flight.
- This concludes your experience with Illa Kuntur Travel & Wellness.
- Meals: Breakfast.
INCLUDES – NOT INCLUDED – DETAILS
Includes
Accommodation with breakfast included
- 2 nights in a hotel in Arequipa
- 3 nights in a hotel in Cusco
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
Guided bilingual excursions and activities
- Sillar Route in Arequipa
- 2-day excursion to the Colca Canyon
- City Tour in Cusco
- Excursion to the Sacred Valley with buffet lunch + Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu tour / Private Service
Transportation and entrances included
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
- Round-trip tourist train
- Eco bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to all included archaeological sites
- Sleeper bus from Arequipa to Cusco (9 hours of travel)
- Pick-up and transfer: Hotel – Airport – Hotel
- Pick-up and transfer: Bus terminal – Hotel – Bus terminal
Advantages of this experience with Illa Kuntur Travel & Wellness
- 24-hour continuous assistance in Spanish and English
- Professional guides in all activities
- Bilingual service upon prior request
- Personalized concierge service to accompany you at every step of the trip
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Flights from Lima to Arequipa.
- Flight from Arequipa to Cusco.
- Request a quote for domestic flights.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, and additional activities.
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional travel insurance that covers cancellations, lost luggage, etc.
- Personal equipment and any other item not specified.
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff.
- Travel insurance
What to bring?
- Original passport
- Drinking water (1.5 liters per day)
- Camera with memory card and charged battery
- Rain poncho (depending on the time of year)
- Warm clothing
- Basic personal hygiene items
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, hat, and UV-protection sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- ISIC student card if applicable
- Cash
About trains to Machu Picchu
PeruRail’s most economical tourist service. It offers comfortable seats, large windows, and an atmosphere inspired by Inca culture, ideal for travelers seeking a practical option.
Service with panoramic windows on walls and ceiling, allowing you to fully appreciate the landscape. Includes complimentary snacks and drinks, sometimes with dance shows and fashion parades.
An exclusive and sophisticated train that adds an **observatory car** with balcony and live show to the Vistadome panoramic experience. Offers unparalleled views.
Inca Rail’s most economical tourist service. Offers a simple and authentic journey with comfortable seats and attentive service, celebrating the pleasure of discovery.
Features taller and wider panoramic windows. Includes an open-air observatory car and onboard entertainment system, ideal for 360-degree views.
A luxury service offering maximum comfort and exclusivity. Enjoy spacious seating, live music, and a connection with authentic Peruvian cultural expressions.
Recommendations for your trip
Health and altitude recommendations
- Inform the agency and your doctor if you have heart or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, are pregnant, or suffer from any chronic condition.
- To prevent altitude sickness: stay well hydrated (2–3 liters per day), avoid alcohol and intense physical exertion during the first 48 hours, rest upon arrival, and drink coca tea. Consult your doctor about preventive medication.
- Bring enough personal medication for 13 days (regular treatments, painkillers, and altitude medicine).
- Pack layered clothing: temperatures can reach 20–25°C during the day and drop to 0–2°C at night at high altitude.
Travel rules and recommendations
- Always follow the guide’s instructions and respect the regulations at archaeological sites.
- Keep your belongings safe, especially in markets and bus terminals. Use a front-worn backpack or bag for valuables.
- In Machu Picchu, large backpacks (+40L), tripods, walking sticks without rubber tips, food, and drones are not allowed.
- Carry cash in soles for tips, purchases in markets, and public restrooms.
- In case of emergencies, contact our 24-hour assistance team or call: Tourist Police 105, Emergency 911.
Additional recommendations
- Bring a power adapter type A/B/C (Peru uses 220V).
- Keep digital copies of important documents stored in the cloud.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked 3–4 months in advance.
Arequipa Cusco and Machu Picchu 7 day tour
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