Seven Days Through the Andes: A Practical Love Letter to Peru’s Peaks and Cities
Seven days of high-altitude hikes, Inca history, and village life—practical advice for seeing the best of Peru’s Andes
The first light in the Sacred Valley feels deliberate, as if the high Andes have timed the sunrise to wake even the sleepiest traveler. A thin ribbon of mist hugs terraced fields while llamas graze under the watchful stone of Inca walls—walls that have held soil, water and history for half a millennium. You move slowly at first, not from fatigue but from altitude and the instinct to measure every step against this place: the air, the color of the sky, the crack of a distant dog barking through a village.
Trail Wisdom
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 48 hours in Cusco before ascending to Rainbow Mountain to reduce altitude sickness risk and adjust pace.
Hydration + Electrolytes
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water and electrolyte tablets for high-altitude days—water needs increase with elevation.
Timing for Machu Picchu
Book early morning entrance slots to avoid crowds and catch the best light; trains and entry pass must be reserved in advance.
Footwear and Traction
Use sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes with good tread—rain and melt can make trails slippery.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning San Pedro Market in Cusco for local produce and textiles
- •Small workshops in Ollantaytambo where artisans still weave using ancestral techniques
Wildlife
Andean condor, Vicuña
Conservation Note
Highland ecosystems are fragile; stick to marked trails, avoid single-use plastics, and support community-run lodgings and guides to ensure tourism revenue benefits locals.
Cusco was the administrative and ceremonial center of the Inca Empire; many colonial buildings were built on top of Inca foundations, creating a layered urban history.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Fewer crowds, Shoulder-season prices
Challenges: Unpredictable rain, Cool nights
(Sept–Nov) Spring brings warming weather after the dry season with fewer visitors but occasional showers; visibility is generally good.
summer
Best for: Dry trails, Clear mountain views
Challenges: Cold nights, Higher daytime UV
(May–Sept) The dry season is the clearest time for Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, but temperatures dip at night and sun exposure is strong.
fall
Best for: Lower crowds, Lush valleys
Challenges: Possible rain, Trail muddiness
(Mar–Apr) Transition season with greener landscapes; expect occasional rain that can make trails slick.
winter
Best for: Off-peak travel deals, Crisp air
Challenges: Cold evenings, Limited services in remote areas
(Dec–Feb) Wet season brings heavy rains higher in the Andes, which can disrupt trains and access to high passes.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Layered clothing systemEssential
Quick-dry base layers, fleece mid-layer and a waterproof shell handle wide temperature swings.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Supportive, broken-in shoes with good tread for wet stone and muddy trails.
Daypack with hydration bladderEssential
Carry 2–3 liters of water plus snacks and a rain shell for daily excursions.
Sun protection and sunglassesEssential
High-altitude UV is intense—use sunscreen, lip balm and UV-rated sunglasses.
Common Questions
Do I need to be acclimatized before the tour?
Yes. Spending two nights in Cusco before higher-altitude excursions significantly lowers your risk of altitude sickness.
Are Machu Picchu tickets included?
Check your booking details; the operator typically includes Magu Picchu entrance and train tickets but confirm which class and time slots are part of your package.
How strenuous is Rainbow Mountain?
The walk to Rainbow Mountain is steep and reaches about 5,200 m; allow 4–6 hours round-trip and prepare for cold, windy conditions.
What level of fitness do I need?
Moderate to good fitness for sustained walking at altitude. No technical climbing skills are required.
Is it safe to drink the tap water?
No—stick to bottled or filtered water and use water purification methods if refilling from local sources.
What happens if my train to Aguas Calientes is delayed?
Trains can be affected by weather; your operator has contingency plans but carry essential items in your daypack in case of delays.
What to Pack
Warm layers for evenings, Sturdy hiking shoes for traction, Hydration system or water bottles and electrolytes, Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) for high UV at altitude
Did You Know
Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century under the Inca emperor Pachacuti and was largely unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
Quick Travel Tips
Book Machu Picchu and train tickets well in advance; acclimatize in Cusco for 48 hours; carry cash for small village purchases; respect local customs and ask before photographing people.
Local Flavor
After a long day in the Sacred Valley, head to Cusco’s San Pedro Market for hearty soups and roasted corn, then try a local brew or chicha morada in a small plaza bar. In Aguas Calientes, sample trout and Andean potatoes at family-run restaurants—supporting local kitchens keeps tourism benefits close to communities.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco; Driving: Cusco to Rainbow Mountain ~3 hours, Cusco to Ollantaytambo ~1–1.5 hours; Cell service: patchy above 3,500 m and in remote valleys; Permits: Machu Picchu entry and train tickets required; Rainbow Mountain may require a day-entry ticket.
Sustainability Note
This itinerary crosses fragile high-altitude ecosystems and community lands—pack out all trash, stay on established paths, and choose guides who contribute to local stewardship programs.