Lost city of the Incas
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you explore Peru's most thrilling landscapes. This package is designed for those who believe holidays should be filled with excitement, new challenges, and the kind of experiences that make your heart race. Come home with incredible stories and unforgettable memories.
Machu Picchu emerging from the morning mist is just the beginning — below it lies a country of rainbow mountains, sacred valleys, and a cuisine that's conquered the culinary world. You'll ride trains through Andean gorges, float on the world's highest navigable lake, and taste ceviche in a capital that rivals any food city on earth.
8 nights in Peru — day by day, fact-checked
Land at Jorge Chávez, transfer to a Miraflores or Barranco hotel, and rest to protect the next day. No exertion, no late night.
Land at Jorge Chávez (LIM) in Callao and meet your pre-arranged transfer. Most travellers overnight in Miraflores or Barranco, both recommended tourist districts. If you must move independently, use the official taxi desks directly outside the baggage hall — never a street tout. Check your arrival time and plan the rest of the day around it.
Land at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), Callao, now operating from its new terminal. Your package transfer meets you; if moving independently, use the official taxi company desks in the arrivals hall past customs at the terminal exits, and ignore drivers touting inside.
Most travellers overnight in Miraflores or Barranco, Lima's recommended tourist districts. Both are hotel-based bases for this package.
Fake drivers target arriving passengers. The FCDO says at the airport use one of the official taxi companies at desks directly outside the baggage hall, and elsewhere do not hail taxis on the street.
There have been armed robberies of British tourists in Miraflores and Barranco. Use licensed telephone or app-based taxi services after dark, not a street cab.
Do not plan a big first night out or any exertion — you fly to high-altitude Cusco next. Keep this day easy at Lima's near-sea-level.
On 27 July, Lima's sunset is 18:01 (local). Daylight fades early year-round this close to the equator.
Traditional criolla taberna in Barranco with hearty, honest Lima home-cooking — a solid first-night dinner in a walkable tourist district.
A slow Lima day before altitude: the Larco collection, a Miraflores or Barranco walk, and a lunch of Peruvian seafood. Nothing strenuous.
Museo Larco holds a pre-Columbian gold and ceramics collection and opens daily 9am to 7pm. Buy online in advance for a discount and preferential access. It is one of Lima's sights that genuinely earns the visit, and a calm, low-effort morning while you are still near sea level.
Museo Larco opens Monday to Sunday, 9:00am to 7:00pm (reduced 9am–6pm on 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan).
Admission: General S/50; Seniors 60+ S/35; Students and minors 9–17 S/25; Children 3–8 S/1; under 3 free.
Buy online in advance for a discount and preferential access.
Carry some Sol cash for taxis, tips and small cafes; cards work in tourist restaurants but not every small venue.
Don't tire yourself out today. You transfer to Cusco at 3,399m next, where altitude sickness is a serious risk and gradual acclimatisation matters.
Pre-Columbian gold and ceramics collection, open daily, one of Lima's best-worth-it sights for a hotel-based traveller.
La Mar, Gastón Acurio's cebichería on Av. La Mar in Miraflores, serves ceviche and seafood at lunch only — it does not open for dinner, to keep the catch fresh. It suits this base: a Miraflores lunch stop, not a late meal. A guided Lima food tour is an alternative if you want tastings across districts.
La Mar Cebichería is lunch-only: Mon–Thu 12:00–17:00, Fri 12:00–19:00, Sat/Sun/holidays 11:30–17:30. It does not open for dinner.
Go for lunch, not dinner — La Mar closes each afternoon by design to serve the day's catch.
Barranco and Miraflores are walkable, but after dark use an app-based or hotel-arranged taxi rather than hailing one on the street.
Don't turn up at La Mar for dinner — it is shut. Plan it as a midday meal.
International restaurant apps are largely irrelevant here — dining is arranged locally or through your guide, and breakfast is already included.
Gastón Acurio's Miraflores ceviche house, lunch-only to keep the catch fresh — a fitting midday stop from a Miraflores base.
A low-commitment 2.5-hour Miraflores market-and-ceviche class with a Pisco Sour — good for a free evening from a hotel-based stay.
Flagship contemporary-Peruvian fine dining for a special-occasion Lima dinner.
Domestic flight Lima to Cusco (3,399m), then take it very slowly. A gentle half-day city tour at most; the goal is acclimatising, not sightseeing hard.
A domestic flight (roughly 1h20, a standard package inclusion) takes you to Cusco at 3,399m, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu hub. Altitude sickness is a serious risk here, so on landing move slowly, hydrate and skip exertion. Let your body adjust before anything demanding.
The Lima–Cusco domestic flight is a standard package inclusion, roughly 1h20 (approximate).
Altitude governs pacing: arrive Cusco at 3,399m and acclimatise before exertion. Machu Picchu itself is lower at 2,430m.
Withdraw enough Sol cash in Cusco now — ATMs are common in cities but scarce heading into the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes.
Don't power through a full day on arrival. FCDO flags altitude sickness as a serious risk in Cusco; rushing exertion on day one is how travellers get ill.
If you feel well, a half-day city tour is the gentlest way to see central Cusco — the Plaza de Armas, Coricancha and nearby ruins on Circuit I. TreXperience bundles the Partial Tourist Ticket and Coricancha entry, so there are no surprise on-site fees. Otherwise, rest. Daylight ends early; be back before dusk.
TreXperience runs a half-day (4–5h) Cusco city tour departing 13:00 daily, door-to-door pickup, covering Plaza de Armas, Coricancha, the 12-Angled Stone, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and Cristo Blanco.
From US$70 per person (group); crucially the price includes the Coricancha entrance and the Partial Tourist Ticket (Circuit I), so no surprise on-site fees. Fully refundable up to 72h before.
On 27 July, Cusco's sunset is 17:39 (sunrise 06:10); on 15 August, sunset 17:42. Daylight ends around 5:40pm year-round — plan to be back before dark.
Cusco's Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay are entered on the Boleto Turístico (Circuit I), not a separate gate ticket.
Don't book the taxing Rainbow Mountain trip now or early in the trip — its viewpoint reaches 5,020m, far above Cusco, and needs full prior acclimatisation.
Half-day tour that bundles the Partial Tourist Ticket and Coricancha entry — a gentle first Cusco activity with no surprise on-site fees.
Author-driven Peruvian and Mediterranean-Andean fine dining a short walk from the Plaza de Armas — reliable central Cusco dinner for a non-driver.
A full day in the Sacred Valley, which sits lower than Cusco and helps acclimatisation. Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins, textiles and a valley lunch, all guide-driven.
The guided Sacred Valley circuit takes in Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, entered on the Boleto Turístico (Sacred Valley Circuit III). The valley sits lower than Cusco, so this day doubles as acclimatisation. Your guide drives; you do not — the FCDO warns Peru's driving standards are poor and crashes frequent.
Salkantay Trekking's full-day Sacred Valley tour visits Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and an Andean textile centre with a buffet lunch in Urubamba; pickup 07:20–07:50, returns early evening, min 2 guests. Runs year-round except all of February.
US$100 per person (group). The Boleto Turístico is NOT included and costs PEN 70–150 (about US$20–45) extra, paid separately — budget for it.
Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Chinchero are entered via the Sacred Valley Circuit III of the Boleto Turístico. The full Integral ticket is S/130 (valid 10 days); a partial ticket is S/70.
The Sacred Valley sits lower than Cusco, so many itineraries base here to acclimatise more gently before Machu Picchu.
Don't assume the tour price covers site entry — the Boleto Turístico add-on is separate. Carry Sol cash for it and for market stalls.
A legitimate full-day Pisac–Ollantaytambo–Chinchero circuit with buffet lunch, well-suited as a lower-altitude acclimatisation day.
If your circuit allows, the Maras salt pans and the Moray terraces sit on the Sacred Valley Circuit III of the Boleto Turístico. The salt pans themselves are a separate cash-only gate, not on the Boleto — bring small Sol notes. Be back before dark; daylight fades fast at altitude.
Moray sits on the Sacred Valley Circuit III of the Boleto Turístico; the Maras salt pans are a separate ticket, not on the Boleto.
Bring small-denomination Sol cash for market stalls, the salt-pan gate and tips — ATMs thin out beyond Cusco.
El Albergue at Ollantaytambo station serves Peruvian and European dishes from its own organic farm — a convenient valley stop.
Don't leave the salt-pan visit to the last light — Cusco-region sunset is around 17:40 and the site closes with daylight.
Terraced salt pans on the Sacred Valley circuit, clearly trading and locatable near Maras.
Family-run hotel-restaurant right at Ollantaytambo train station using its own farm produce — the most convenient sit-down before the rail leg.
The train to Aguas Calientes, the Consettur shuttle up, and your timed circuit at Machu Picchu with the guide. The day is ruled by the slot and the timetable.
PeruRail or Inca Rail — the only two authorised operators — run the train to Aguas Calientes. From Ollantaytambo the journey is about 1h45; from Poroy or Cusco around 3h30. No road reaches the citadel. Confirm your operator has the train class, circuit and timed slot locked before you travel.
Only PeruRail and Inca Rail are authorised on this route. PeruRail Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu takes about 1h45; from Poroy/Cusco around 3h30. Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo is around 1.5–2 hours.
Machu Picchu tickets are sold only via the Ministry of Culture platform (tuboleto.cultura.pe), ideally at least one month ahead. As a Train + Guide package, your operator normally secures the entrance ticket, timed slot and train seat — confirm circuit, time window and train class are locked before departure.
Entry is by fixed circuit and timed window: Morning 06:00–12:00, Afternoon 12:00–18:00, or Both. Tolerance is 45 minutes in high season, 30 in low season. Miss the window and the day is lost.
Only basic medical services exist at Machu Picchu, so come prepared; an early time slot also tends to be quieter than the midday coach peak.
Don't schedule the Machu Picchu train for your international-departure day. The FCDO warns southern trains are occasionally suspended by protests announced at short notice — always keep a buffer.
On the Ollantaytambo station platform, open early til late — the single most convenient coffee-and-food stop before boarding the Machu Picchu train.
From Aguas Calientes the Consettur shuttle is the only way up the zig-zag road — no private cars reach the citadel. At the top you follow your assigned one-directional circuit with the guide. Register on entry, keep to the marked path, and take care on steep, unfenced ground.
The Aguas Calientes–citadel shuttle is run exclusively by Consettur, uphill about 25 minutes, departing every 10 minutes 05:30–16:00 (return every 10 minutes from 07:30). Round-trip adult US$35; one-way US$23. This mandatory leg is usually included in a package — confirm it is covered.
Book the Consettur bus online or at the Calle Mayta Capac office in Aguas Calientes (open 05:30–22:00) to avoid long morning queues.
Wear proper walking shoes for uneven stone terrain and layers; be particularly careful in steep, slippery, unfenced or unmarked areas — several climbers have died falling on Huayna Picchu.
Entry follows a fixed one-directional circuit — Circuit 2 (Inka Citadel/Classic) route 2A is described as the most complete and recommended. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain need separate specific tickets.
Don't count on a walk-up ticket in high season — daily capacity is capped (5,600 high season) and circuits are one-directional; wandering off the marked route can get you removed.
The only authorised way up to the citadel — a mandatory leg usually bundled in packaged products.
Long-established Franco-Peruvian bistro in Aguas Calientes — a genuinely useful meal where options are limited.
Train back from Aguas Calientes to the Sacred Valley or Cusco, then an easy afternoon in the historic centre. A recovery day after Machu Picchu.
Take the Consettur shuttle down and the train back toward Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco. If you have a morning citadel slot before departing, keep it well clear of the last train. Build the buffer the FCDO advises — southern services can be disrupted by protests at short notice.
Return by Consettur shuttle down to Aguas Calientes, then PeruRail or Inca Rail back to Ollantaytambo (about 1h45), with a road transfer on to Cusco.
Consettur return buses run every 10 minutes from 07:30. Leave a comfortable gap before your train — do not cut the connection fine.
PeruRail's live status confirms trains and buses operating normally, but the FCDO notes protests can suspend southern services with little notice — check status close to travel.
Don't book anything strenuous today. Treat it as recovery; save exertion for a fully acclimatised body.
Back in Cusco, the historic centre around the Plaza de Armas is walkable and central for a non-driver. Chicha by Gastón Acurio, a few blocks from the plaza, serves regional Cusco cuisine. Keep the pace easy and be back before the early dusk.
Chicha por Gastón Acurio (Cusco) opens Monday to Sunday and public holidays 12:00–22:30, on Calle Plaza Regocijo a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
Cusco's sunset is around 17:40 (17:39 on 27 July, 17:42 on 15 August). Plan the afternoon to finish before dark.
The San Pedro market food hall is where Cusquenos eat; bring small-denomination Sol as many vendors do not take cards, and visit early morning or the afternoon to avoid the peak-hour crowds.
Don't hail a street taxi across Cusco after dark — use a licensed telephone or app-based service, or have your hotel arrange one.
Regional Cusco and Andean cuisine from the Acurio group, in the historic centre a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas — walkable and central.
A market food-hall category where locals eat quinoa soups, caldo and juices — a budget, daytime bite while acclimatising.
A deliberate buffer day in Cusco, the insurance against train or protest disruption. Gentle sightseeing on the Boleto Turístico, or rest if you need it.
This buffer day protects against the FCDO's warning that southern trains can be suspended by protests without notice. Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay sit above Cusco on Boleto Turístico Circuit I — a gentle, guide-led morning if you are up to it, or a rest day if you are not.
Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay are entered on Circuit I of the Boleto Turístico. The full Integral ticket is S/130 (valid 10 days, all three circuits); a partial ticket is S/70.
The Boleto Turístico is sold in person — there is no official online sale.
This day exists as a buffer. The FCDO warns southern train services to and from Machu Picchu are occasionally suspended by protests, sometimes announced with little or no notice.
Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas is a separate ticket, not on the Boleto Turístico.
Don't treat the buffer as spare time to add the 5,020m Rainbow Mountain trek — that summit is far above Cusco and demands full acclimatisation, and the horse option's welfare is unverified.
Major Inca stonework above Cusco, entered on Boleto Turístico Circuit I — a gentle guided half-day close to town.
The cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, central and walkable for a non-driver.
For a last Cusco evening, Cicciolina near the Plaza de Armas is a reliable, central dinner for a guided traveller who is not self-driving. Keep it walkable and close to your hotel, and take a licensed or app-based taxi if you go further.
Cicciolina (Calle Palacio 110, second floor, Cusco) opens Mon–Sun 12:30–21:30, a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Tipping is customary for guides, drivers and restaurant staff — keep some Sol cash aside for it.
Don't wander far from the centre on foot after dark; use a licensed telephone or app-based taxi or have the restaurant or hotel arrange one.
Central, reliable author-driven Peruvian and Mediterranean-Andean dining a short walk from the Plaza de Armas — right for a non-driver's last Cusco night.
Domestic flight back to Lima to position for the international departure. A relaxed final evening in Miraflores or Barranco, near sea level.
Fly back to Lima to be in position for the international departure. Overnighting in Lima rather than connecting straight through gives a buffer against any Cusco flight delay. Base again in Miraflores or Barranco, and use pre-arranged or app-based transfers, not street taxis.
A domestic Cusco–Lima flight repositions you for the international leg; overnighting in Lima gives a buffer against a Cusco flight delay.
Base again in Miraflores or Barranco, Lima's recommended tourist districts and hotel bases for this package.
Lima is near sea level, so the altitude constraints of Cusco lift — but the taxi rules do not. Do not hail on the street; use licensed telephone or app-based services.
Don't leave Cusco to Lima to the same day as your international flight if avoidable — a domestic delay could cost you the connection. Overnight in Lima.
A final Lima evening at lower altitude. Maido, the Nikkei restaurant in Miraflores, is a name-and-locate pick — reservations are essential and book out far ahead. Otherwise Barranco's walkable restaurants suit an easy last night before flying home.
Maido (Miraflores) takes reservations via maido.mesa247.pe; reservations are essential and typically book out far ahead.
Carry a little Sol cash for tips and taxis even on the last night; cards work in tourist restaurants but not every small venue.
Don't rely on international restaurant-booking apps for Lima's top tables — Maido books through its own reservation link, not an OpenTable-style platform.
Acclaimed Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) restaurant in Miraflores — a standout last-night option for a hotel-based traveller.
If you want a relaxed, hearty final meal rather than a tasting menu, Barranco's criolla taberna is walkable and honest.
Transfer to Jorge Chávez for the flight home. Count back from your departure time and use the official airport transfer, not a street taxi.
Count back from your departure time and allow for Lima traffic. Use your pre-arranged transfer, or the official taxi companies at desks directly outside the baggage hall on the way in — never a street tout. Have Sol cash ready for any final tips.
Depart from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), Callao. Use your package transfer or an official taxi company; the FCDO says do not hail taxis on the street.
Count back from your departure time and add a margin for Lima traffic; the LIM–Miraflores transfer is roughly 30–60 minutes but varies with traffic (approximate).
Keep a little Sol cash for final tips and any airport spend, and confirm your transfer pickup with the hotel the night before.
Don't accept an unofficial 'taxi' tout at the airport — the FCDO warns fake drivers target passengers. Use only the official taxi desks or your booked transfer.
Practical details verified 23 July 2026. Prices and opening hours change — we re-check them monthly, but confirm anything critical before you travel.
Real-time hotel prices for Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Upgrades are shown over each location's included hotel.
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