Day 1: Lima old and new
Pair Lima’s main square with Huaca Pucllana to see two very different layers of the city.
Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley with altitude built into the plan. The schedule groups nearby stops and leaves realistic room for meals, transit and the unexpected.
Day 2: Fly to Cusco
Fly to Cusco and keep the rest of the day quiet. Hydrate and avoid a packed first evening.
Day 3: Acclimatize in Cusco
Walk gently around Plaza de Armas; altitude is the itinerary today.
Day 4: Cusco ruins
Visit Saqsaywaman once you know how your body is handling the elevation.
Day 5: Pisac
Move into the Sacred Valley via Pisac’s archaeological park.
Day 6: Ollantaytambo
Explore Ollantaytambo and sleep there, putting you close to the train.
Day 7: Machu Picchu
Use a reserved circuit and timed entry for Machu Picchu. Tickets and train seats should be secured well ahead.
Day 8: Moray
Visit Moray on the return toward Cusco.
Day 9: Departure buffer
Keep a buffer before any separate international ticket; weather and rail disruption happen.
When to go
The dry season, roughly May to September, is the most reliable window for Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, with clear days and cold nights. It is also the busiest. The wet season brings rain, cloud and landslide risk on some routes, and the Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February. Shoulder months can be a good balance.
Getting around
Lima has a good ride-app and taxi network. The flight to Cusco is short and takes you up to roughly 3,400 meters. From Cusco to the Sacred Valley, use a private driver or colectivo. The trains to Machu Picchu start from Ollantaytambo, and the final leg to the site is by bus from Aguas Calientes.
What to book ahead
Machu Picchu has timed entry tickets with limited numbers, and the train tickets also sell out. Book both months ahead for peak season, and check the current rules on circuits and entry times. Moray and Pisac are easier to arrange locally. The Inca Trail needs a licensed operator, and permits sell out far ahead.
What to pack
Pack layers: mornings are cold and the midday sun is strong at altitude. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. A day bag with water and snacks for the ruins is useful, as the sites have few services. Bring a copy of your passport and the original for entry tickets.
Food worth planning around
Try ceviche in Lima, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, quinoa soup and the local corn varieties in the Sacred Valley. Cusco has good restaurants for a slow lunch. Coca tea is widely offered and many people drink it at altitude. Choose busy places and be careful with raw salads and tap water.
Before you go
Altitude is the main risk: spend the first days in Cusco or lower in the valley, drink water, and go slowly. Talk to a doctor about altitude medication before you travel. Check entry rules for your passport, and confirm that your travel insurance covers high altitude and trekking.
Notes from Lima to Machu Picchu
On Day 1, spend the afternoon in Lima, and have an early night before your flight. On Day 2, arrive in Cusco and take it easy. On Day 4, do Saqsaywaman in the morning, and keep the afternoon free. On Day 5, start Pisac early, when it is quieter, and visit the market later. On Day 6, climb the Ollantaytambo ruins in the morning, and go to bed early. On Day 7, take an early train and give Machu Picchu at least a few unhurried hours.
Wet season and road delays
In the wet season, cloud and rain can cover the views at Machu Picchu. Aim for early entry, and bring a poncho rather than an umbrella. Rail and road delays can happen, so keep Day 9 free. In any season, check the weather before long drives, as landslides sometimes close roads.
Altitude and pace
Cusco is at roughly 3,400 meters, while Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo are lower. Many people sleep lower in the Sacred Valley first, which is why some itineraries reverse the order. Whichever you choose, drink water, eat lightly, and take it slowly. If you get a bad headache, nausea or breathlessness that does not ease, rest and seek medical advice.
Seven days, or more than nine
With seven days, cut Moray and the buffer day, or skip the Lima day if you can reach Cusco on your arrival day. With more time, add Lake Titicaca, or an extra night at Aguas Calientes. Extra days at altitude also make the whole trip more comfortable.
Make it your trip
Add the full plan, choose your dates, then reorder or remove any stop.
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