Itinerary Overview

Days 1–2: Lima → Days 3–4: Cusco → Day 5: Sacred Valley → Day 6: Machu Picchu → Day 7: Cusco → Day 8: Return. The flight between Lima and Cusco takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, while the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes are connected by scenic trains and buses. This route combines coastal, highland, and Inca sites, making it the most reliable choice for first-time visitors to Peru.

Days 1–2: Lima – Food and Coast

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima → Walk along the Miraflores seaside promenade → Watch the Pacific sunset → Visit the Larco Museum or the Historic Centre, then enjoy an authentic seafood dinner.
• Day 2: Explore the Lima Historic Centre (Plaza Mayor, catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery) → Lunch featuring ceviche and seafood → Stroll through the Barranco arts district and have dinner.

Days 3–4: Cusco – Inca Capital

• Day 3: Fly to Cusco, spend the day acclimatising to the altitude → Visit Plaza de Armas and the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) → Evening stroll in the San Blas neighbourhood.
• Day 4: Explore the Sacsayhuamán Fortress and nearby ruins → Visit the Cusco Cathedral → Browse the San Pedro Market to experience the contrast between ancient heritage and daily life.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Take a private car or join a day tour through the Sacred Valley: visit the Pisac ruins and market → lunch in the Urubamba Valley → explore the Ollantaytambo Fortress. Take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes in the evening for a more relaxed overnight stay than an early departure from Cusco, allowing you to enter the ruins first thing in the morning.

Day 6: Machu Picchu – The Mountain Citadel

Take an early bus up to the site, entering Machu Picchu within your ticketed time slot. You can also purchase additional tickets for hikes to Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views of the ruins and the Urubamba Valley. Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon—opt for a soak in the hot springs or a riverside walk—then take the train back to Cusco in the evening.

Days 7–8: Return and Farewell

On Day 7, return to Cusco from Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes, and spend the afternoon exploring Cusco’s craft markets. On Day 8, fly from Cusco back to Lima for your connecting flight home. If you have extra time, consider extending your trip to Lake Titicaca in Puno or the Amazon Rainforest to include highland lakes and rainforest experiences.

Tips

• Both Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail have visitor limits—book your official tickets and confirm your entry times in advance.
• Scenic trains have luggage size restrictions, so pack light for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
• The highlands have strong sunlight and significant temperature differences between day and night—bring sun protection and warm clothing.