Adventure · 10 days
Peru — Machu Picchu Discovery
Nine nights of Lima ceviche, Sacred Valley walks, and a slow, considered approach to Machu Picchu.
Most Peru trips rush you to altitude on day two and you spend Cusco with a headache. We open with two nights in Lima at sea level, then go to the Sacred Valley (lower than Cusco) for three nights of gentle acclimatization before Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Trip highlights
Lima dining at Central
If you can get a table — and we usually can — Virgilio Martínez's tasting menu is a cultural event.
Private Machu Picchu morning
First-bus entry with an archaeologist guide before the day-trippers.
Sacred Valley acclimatization
Three nights at 2,800 m before going to 3,400 m — saves you the headache.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Arrive Lima
Pickup at LIM, transfer to Miraflores. Sunset walk on the malecón.
Stay: Hotel B · Lima
- 2
Lima food day
Half-day food tour: ceviche at La Mar, picarones in Barranco. Dinner at Central or Maido.
Stay: Hotel B · Lima
- 3
Fly to Cusco → drive to Valley
1.5-hour flight; we drive you straight down to the Sacred Valley to ease altitude.
Stay: Sol y Luna · Urubamba
- 4
Pisac + Maras salt pans
Pisac ruins in the morning, salt pans at Maras and Moray's circular terraces in the afternoon.
Stay: Sol y Luna · Urubamba
- 5
Free Sacred Valley day
Easy walk to Yucay, horseback ride, or pisco-sour class — your call.
Stay: Sol y Luna · Urubamba
- 6
Train to Aguas Calientes
Vistadome panoramic train, settle into a hotel at the base of the mountain.
Stay: Sumaq · Aguas Calientes
- 7
Machu Picchu morning + afternoon
First-bus entry with archaeologist guide. Free afternoon to revisit if you want.
Stay: Sumaq · Aguas Calientes
- 8
Train to Cusco
Settle into your Cusco hotel, slow afternoon (you'll feel the altitude).
Stay: Belmond Monasterio · Cusco
- 9
Cusco walking day
Plaza de Armas, San Pedro market, Sacsayhuamán above the city.
Stay: Belmond Monasterio · Cusco
- 10
Departure
Flight to Lima for international connection.
What's included
Included
- ✓9 nights at 4★/5★ properties
- ✓Internal flights (Lima–Cusco–Lima)
- ✓Vistadome train both ways to Machu Picchu
- ✓Private guides at all archaeological sites
- ✓Lima food tour and Sacred Valley driver
- ✓Daily breakfast plus listed meals
Not included
- ✗International flights
- ✗Most dinners (we pre-book Central if you want it)
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Tipping (~$10/day per traveler)
Pricing
Per person, twin-share, mid-season (May–Sep) | From $2,980 |
Per person, shoulder (Apr / Oct) | From $2,780 |
Inca Trail upgrade (4-day trek) Permits limited — book 6 months ahead | From $880 |
Frequently asked
Will I get altitude sick?
If you go straight to Cusco, often. Our route minimizes risk by sleeping low (Lima → Sacred Valley) before sleeping high (Cusco).
Do we need to do the Inca Trail?
It's beautiful but logistically heavy — permits 6 months out, four days of camping, and you arrive at Machu Picchu tired. We can add it for fit travelers.
Plan your Peru trip
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