Cusco & Machu Picchu 7-Day Tour Review: Sacred Valley & Waterfalls

Alright, so you’re thinking about trekking through Cusco, seeing Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and chasing some waterfalls at Pocpoc? This breakdown looks at what to keep in mind before spending that vacation money.

Day 1 & 2: Settling into Cusco – More than Just Altitude Adjustment

Day one, it’s typically about landing in Cusco, and wow, you really do feel that altitude. Consider it hits you right away, okay? Most trips use this first chunk of time to just get comfortable. This gives you time to get settled in and hopefully avoid turning green. Usually, the hotels they book for you in Cusco are somewhere central, that way you can wander around, and grab some coca tea. As I was saying, Coca tea helps, definitely try it, it’s that local remedy for altitude sickness, in fact.

By day two, after getting some sleep, you’ll begin easing into sightseeing, basically. The tour often kicks off with places right in Cusco like the Plaza de Armas – that main square is something to see, right? We spent some time walking around, taking shots of the buildings and people, I mean you have to, really. After that, they often will guide you to Qorikancha, like the Temple of the Sun. It is such a mixture of Incan stonework and Spanish colonial architecture – extremely interesting, and I would suggest seeing it.

Sacred Valley Wonders: Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Leaving Cusco for the Sacred Valley takes about a day, so that is good to consider, alright? Pisac Market tends to be a popular stop. It is almost overwhelming because of all the textiles and crafts. Yet, it can be great if you would like to take home something as a souvenir, as a matter of fact. Maybe, learn to bargain a bit; prices tend to go down, sometimes dramatically.

Later, you will hit Ollantaytambo, so you could spend hours getting lost in the massive Incan ruins and the views from up high, is that right? A lot of tours put you up in accommodations in the Valley instead of going back to Cusco, and in short, this cuts down on travel time the next day, actually. One word of caution though: It could be cold in the evenings so, I mean, bring some warm layers.

The Highlight: Machu Picchu

Day three or four of these seven day tours, it’s about getting to Machu Picchu, naturally. It is often an early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the little town at the base of Machu Picchu). If you tend to get motion sickness, that is, keep that in mind; that train can be pretty winding, as a matter of fact.

Once you make it to Aguas Calientes, there will be a bus ride up to Machu Picchu. I was saying the early bus is something to get on. The sunrise over the mountains is pretty special, actually, that you do not get anywhere else. Make time to just pause and admire it. You know, tour guides will get you all the stories about the place, its purpose and past, the things you need to know.

You might hike Huayna Picchu or Montana Machu Picchu, yet that requires booking way in advance and extra permits. Those views from the top are great, anyway, you should book this when booking the tour to prevent unavailability later.

Pocpoc Waterfalls: Worth the Trek?

So some tours of this length will squeeze in the Pocpoc Waterfalls, too, okay? They are off the tourist path, and offer an outdoorsy experience that can differ from the more known spots. Basically, the hike is a bit tough. I mean, that being said, those cascades? I cannot describe it any other way, they make it seem well worthwhile, by the way.

Also, verify what the trail conditions tend to be with your guide beforehand, too. When it rains, parts might be muddy or slippery so you should know. Also, wear some good footwear you are cool with getting dirty, anyway.

Homeward Bound and Lasting Impressions

The last couple days, usually you go back to Cusco for more looking around. Depending on your travel dates, and in fact some operators pack in some final visits to destinations, too, for instance. Many folks will have time set aside to stroll at their speed to purchase last souvenirs to send to family. In essence, just breathe that Peruvian air.

That trip to Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and hopefully those Pocpoc Waterfalls might make one remarkable week if you plan properly. It is not only about striking things off of a travel list. It’s just about the accounts that will remain later. That’s all.

#Cusco #MachuPicchu #SacredValley #Peru #TravelReview