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The Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley
Adventure sports

Cusco adventure itinerary: 5 to 7 days of rafting, biking, ziplining and trekking

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Cusco is one of South America's best adventure destinations, but trying to do it all in a few days is the perfect recipe for ending up exhausted or with altitude sickness. This plan lays out 5 to 7 days in a logical progression: start gently and lower down, build intensity bit by bit and finish with Machu Picchu. Adjust the activities to your level and the season.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Itinerary principles

  • Start in the Sacred Valley, lower than Cusco, to acclimatise better.
  • Alternate intense days with calmer ones.
  • Leave the highest-altitude activities for the end.
  • Keep a spare day in case the weather forces a change of plan.

Popular activities on GetYourGuide

Day 1: arrival and the valley

When you land in Cusco, head straight down to the Sacred Valley. Spend the afternoon walking gently around Pisac, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, drink water and have a light dinner. No intense activity today.

Day 2: bike or ATV around Maras and Moray

A mountain-bike or ATV route across the Maras and Moray plateau is an active way to see the salt pans and circular terraces. The effort is moderate and helps you acclimatise.

Day 3: rafting on the Urubamba

A rafting section on the Urubamba river, in the valley, combines adrenaline and scenery. Choose the section according to the season and your experience. Rest in the afternoon.

Day 4: zipline or via ferrata

The Sacred Valley has a via ferrata and ziplines with spectacular views. It's intense but short, leaving time to visit the Ollantaytambo ruins in the afternoon.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. If you want more action, choose a route with a mountain, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Great Cavern in high season.

Day 6: back to Cusco and the city

Return to Cusco. Now acclimatised, explore the city on foot, climb to the viewpoints or hike to Sacsayhuamán. If you still have energy, try rock climbing or paragliding near the city.

Day 7: high altitude

With a week of acclimatisation, you can now attempt Rainbow Mountain or Humantay lake, two hikes above 4,000 m. They mean early starts and hard effort; head back early to rest.

Alternative: a multi-day trek

If you'd rather do a big trek, replace days 5 to 7 with the Inca Jungle, which combines biking, rafting, ziplining and hiking to Machu Picchu, or with the Salkantay. Both are best after your first days in the valley.

Budget and bookings

Adventure activities add up fast. To keep costs under control, decide which are essential for you and which are optional. Compare what each operator includes (transport, food, photos) and book the most in-demand ones, such as the train and Machu Picchu, in advance. Valley activities can often be booked a day or two ahead, depending on the season.

A gentler version

If you're travelling with children or prefer less intensity, swap rafting for an easy section or a horse ride, the via ferrata for a short zipline and Rainbow Mountain for a lower hike, such as Huchuy Qosqo, or kayaking on the Chinchero lakes.

Depending on the season

In the dry season, May to September, everything is easier: less rain and trails in better shape. In the rainy season rafting can be more intense or cancelled and high-altitude hikes get harder. Have a plan B for each day.

Logistics

  • Book the train and Machu Picchu entry in advance, especially in high season.
  • Group valley activities with one operator to simplify transfers.
  • Leave large luggage in Cusco if you're moving around a lot.

If you have more days

With more time, add canyoning at Limatambo or Santa Teresa, climbing at Ch'acco Huayllascca, a birdwatching outing at Huacarpay or, for the most experienced, an Apurímac rafting expedition in the dry season.

Don't forget to rest

A week of adventure at high altitude is tiring. Sleep well, eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. If you feel unwell, swap an intense day for a rest day: your trip will thank you.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for an adventure trip in Cusco?
Five to seven days let you combine several activities with reasonable acclimatisation.
Why start in the Sacred Valley?
It's lower than Cusco, which makes acclimatisation easier.
When should I do Rainbow Mountain?
At the end of the trip, once you're acclimatised.
Is there a trek that combines several adventures?
Yes, the Inca Jungle combines biking, rafting, ziplining and hiking.

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Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).

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