Peru: Lima to Machu Picchu in 8 Days
Peru
Overview
This route builds in proper altitude acclimatisation before heading into the Sacred Valley's Inca ruins and the train to Machu Picchu — the single most rushed mistake travellers make here is skipping the adjustment time. Lima bookends the trip for its acclaimed food scene.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €720–€900
Route
1. Lima2. Cusco3. Ollantaytambo4. Aguas Calientes5. Cusco6. Lima
Highlights
- Machu Picchu at sunrise
- Ollantaytambo's living Inca town
- Pisac's Sunday market and ruins
- Lima's ceviche and Miraflores clifftop walk
Worth knowing
- Altitude sickness is a real risk in Cusco (3,400m) without acclimatisation time
- Machu Picchu train and entry tickets sell out — book weeks ahead in high season
- Rainy season (Dec–Mar) can disrupt Sacred Valley plans
Day by day
Day 1
LimaMain activities
- Arrive
- Miraflores clifftop walk
- Ceviche dinner
Overnight: Lima
Day 2
Lima → CuscoMain activities
- Flight to Cusco (~1.5h)
- Easy afternoon to acclimatise
Optional additions
- Coca tea for altitude
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Cusco
Day 3
CuscoMain activities
- Sacsayhuamán ruins
- San Pedro Market and old town
Optional additions
- Qorikancha Sun Temple
Overnight: Cusco
Day 4
Cusco → Sacred ValleyMain activities
- Pisac ruins and market
- Ollantaytambo's fortress and old town
~2 hours totalOvernight: Ollantaytambo
Day 5
Ollantaytambo → Machu PicchuMain activities
- Train to Aguas Calientes (~1.5h)
- Machu Picchu ruins in the afternoon
~1.5 hours trainOvernight: Aguas Calientes
Day 6
Machu Picchu → CuscoMain activities
- Sunrise return to Machu Picchu (optional second entry)
- Train and bus back to Cusco
~4 hours totalOvernight: Cusco
Day 7
Cusco → LimaMain activities
- Free morning in Cusco
- Flight back to Lima
Optional additions
- Rainbow Mountain day trip (very early start, alternative to free morning)
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Lima
Day 8
LimaMain activities
- Final sightseeing
- Departure
Overnight: Lima
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop the second Lima night and fly out directly from Cusco.
Longer extension · 11 days
Add Lake Titicaca and Puno as a 3-day extension from Cusco.