How do I get to Machu Picchu?

From Ollantaytambo, take the PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes (2 hours). Then bus or walk 1.5 hours to the citadel. The train is mandatory; there are no roads.

Do I need to acclimatize to altitude?

Yes. Cusco is at 3,400m. Spend your first day resting, hydrating and avoiding alcohol. Many take coca leaf tea (100 percent legal in Peru). Altitude sickness affects some visitors.

Is it safe to travel alone in Peru?

Generally yes, especially on tourist routes. Avoid flashing money, travel during daytime, and use hotel taxis or Uber. Lima and Cusco are safe for tourists with common sense.

What are the best foods in Peru?

Ceviche (Lima), lomo saltado, causa limeña, anticuchos, and tamales. Try street markets. Peruvian cuisine is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?

Highly recommended, especially in high season. Book 1-2 months ahead. 2,500 visitors per day allowed. Entry: approx. 80 USD.

Peru in 7 Days: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Discover the treasures of the Inca Empire and vibrant Peruvian culture

Explore coastal Lima, fly to Cusco, discover the Sacred Valley and reach Machu Picchu. One week of cultural and natural adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Day 1: Lima: Miraflores and Barranco

09:00 - Arrival in Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport. Take taxi or Uber to hotel in Miraflores (30-45 minutes). Check in and rest.
13:00 - Lunch: Cevicheria La Ventana
Enjoy the best ceviche in Lima. Located in Barranco, facing the sea. Book ahead or arrive early.
15:00 - Barranco Stroll
Explore the bohemian streets of Barranco. Visit Barranco Church, Bridge of Sighs and Avenida Grau with art galleries.
18:00 - Sunset in Miraflores
Return to Miraflores for sunset from the Malacon. Cliffs offer spectacular Pacific Ocean views.
19:30 - Dinner: Fusion Restaurant in Miraflores
Dine at a Peruvian-international restaurant. Miraflores has excellent options for all budgets.

Day 2: Lima: Huaca Pucllana and Inca Culture

08:00 - Peruvian Cafe Breakfast
Peruvian breakfast with bread, ham, fresh cheese and fruit juices. Get energized for the day.
09:30 - Huaca Pucllana
Visit this 5th-century ceremonial pyramid located in Miraflores. Entry: approx. 15 USD. Guided tours available in Spanish and English.
12:00 - Larco Museum
One of Peru's best museums with pre-Columbian art. Collection of ceramics, textiles and artifacts. Entry: approx. 17 USD.
15:00 - San Pedro Market
Colorful market in Barranco. Try exotic fruits, fresh juices and street food. It's chaotic but authentic.
17:00 - Rest and Preparation
Return to hotel. Rest, pack and prepare for the flight to Cusco tomorrow. Check your documentation.

Day 3: Cusco: Arrival and Acclimatization

07:00 - Flight Lima to Cusco
LATAM or Avianca flight (1 hour). Cost approx. 80-120 USD. Arrive at 8:30am. Cusco is at 3,400m, so take it easy.
09:30 - Hotel Check-in in Cusco
Arrive at your hotel in Cusco historic center (Plaza de Armas or nearby). Rest, hydrate and drink coca tea for altitude.
12:00 - Light Lunch
Eat something light: quinoa, potato puree or soup. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol on the first day.
14:00 - Plaza de Armas de Cusco
Gentle stroll around the main plaza. Admire the Cathedral, colonial churches and Inca architecture below. Buy a tourist ticket if you want to enter (130 soles, approx. 35 USD).
16:00 - Hotel Rest
Return to hotel. Take a siesta. It's crucial to rest today for altitude acclimatization.

Day 4: Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Moray

07:30 - Hotel Pickup and Depart for Sacred Valley
Tour operator picks you up. Travel 1 hour northwest to Pisac. Breakfast en route or in town.
09:15 - Pisac Ruins
Spectacular Inca terraces and temple. Views of the Urubamba River. Entry included in tourist ticket (130 soles). Guided tours available. Walk 1-2 hours.
12:00 - Pisac Artisan Market
Colorful market with textiles, ceramics, alpaca and souvenirs. Good prices. Negotiate kindly.
13:30 - Lunch in Pisac
Eat at a local restaurant. Try trout from Urubamba River or lomo saltado. Cost: 20-30 soles (5-8 USD).
15:00 - Ollantaytambo
Travel 45 minutes to Ollantaytambo. Visit the archaeological site: temples and Inca fortress. Entry included in ticket. Walk 1.5 hours.
17:15 - Moray Terraces
Stop at this lesser-visited site. Circular terrace of Inca agricultural laboratory. Entry: approx. 25 soles (7 USD). Spectacular mountain views.
19:00 - Dinner and Rest in Ollantaytambo
Sleep in Ollantaytambo tonight or return to Cusco (1 hour). Staying here lets you start early to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Day 5: Machu Picchu: The Inca Citadel

05:30 - Early Breakfast and Train Station
Eat early. Arrive at PeruRail station in Ollantaytambo by 6am. Train departs at 7:50am.
07:50 - Train to Aguas Calientes
Scenic 2-hour train ride on PeruRail. Cost: approx. 100 USD (one way). Watch the Urubamba River and mountains. Beverages included.
10:00 - Aguas Calientes and Bus to Machu Picchu
Arrive in Aguas Calientes (town at 2,040m). Take bus up 2km in 20 minutes (12 USD). Or hike alternative Inca Trail (1.5 hours).
10:45 - Machu Picchu
Wonder of the World. Entry: approx. 80 USD. Guided tour recommended (2-3 hours). Explore the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and dwellings.
15:00 - Free Time at Machu Picchu
Explore at your own pace. Take photos, meditate, picnic or simply absorb the energy of the place.
17:15 - Bus and Train Return
Bus to Aguas Calientes. Evening or morning train to Ollantaytambo depending on ticket. Sleep in Aguas Calientes if late.

Day 6: Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha and San Blas

08:00 - Breakfast in Cusco
Return to Cusco if you took night train. Breakfast at local cafe with sweet bread, cheese and hot chocolate.
09:30 - Sacsayhuaman
Ceremonial fortress above Cusco (3,700m). Massive stones 200+ tons. Entry: tourist ticket (130 soles). Views of Cusco from above are incredible.
12:00 - Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Inca temple dedicated to Inti (Sun God). Gold-roofed. Entry: tourist ticket. One of the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire.
13:15 - Lunch in Cusco Center
Eat at a Plaza de Armas restaurant. Trout, ceviche or quinoa. Cost: 30-50 soles (8-15 USD).
15:00 - San Blas: Artisan Quarter
Bohemian neighborhood with cobblestone streets, galleries and shops. Many local artists live here. Alpaca, jewelry and art stores.
17:30 - Traditional Cafe in San Blas
Stop at a cafe with views of Cusco. Enjoy coca tea or Peruvian coffee.

Day 7: Rainbow Mountain or Alternative: Humantay Lake

04:00 - Early Departure to Rainbow Mountain
Tour operator picks up at 4am. Travel to Cusipata (2 hours). Start trek at 7am toward Vinicunca (5,100m). Severe altitude. But views: legendary multicolored mountain.
05:00 - Alternative: Humantay Lake Trek (Easier Option)
If Rainbow Mountain is too hard, trek to Humantay Lake (4,200m). Turquoise glacial lake. 6-hour tour. Beautiful and less exhausting.
13:30 - Lunch
Picnic during trek or meal in Cusipata. Hot soup and energy.
15:00 - Return to Cusco
2-hour drive back. Arrive in Cusco by 5pm.
17:00 - Cusco Chocolate Museum
Small museum dedicated to cacao and Peruvian chocolate. Chocolate tasting. Entry: approx. 25 soles (7 USD). Gift shop.
18:45 - Final Shopping in Cusco
Souvenir shopping at Plaza de Armas. Textiles, ceramics, crafts. Prices 20-30 percent higher here than Sacred Valley. Negotiate.
20:30 - Farewell Dinner
Special dinner at restaurant with Cusco views or historic center. Peruvian wine, pisco sour and regional dishes. Reflect on your journey.

FAQ

How do I get to Machu Picchu?: From Ollantaytambo, take the PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes (2 hours). Then bus or walk 1.5 hours to the citadel. The train is mandatory; there are no roads.
Do I need to acclimatize to altitude?: Yes. Cusco is at 3,400m. Spend your first day resting, hydrating and avoiding alcohol. Many take coca leaf tea (100 percent legal in Peru). Altitude sickness affects some visitors.
Is it safe to travel alone in Peru?: Generally yes, especially on tourist routes. Avoid flashing money, travel during daytime, and use hotel taxis or Uber. Lima and Cusco are safe for tourists with common sense.
What are the best foods in Peru?: Ceviche (Lima), lomo saltado, causa limeña, anticuchos, and tamales. Try street markets. Peruvian cuisine is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu in advance?: Highly recommended, especially in high season. Book 1-2 months ahead. 2,500 visitors per day allowed. Entry: approx. 80 USD.