9 days
Peru Essentials in Style
Lima, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu at an unhurried pace
Lima · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu · Cusco
- Duration
- 9 days
- Physical level
- Easy
- Max. altitude
- 3,500 m
- Group size
- Private
- Accommodation
- Boutique & luxury hotels
- From
- US$3,900
The perfect first journey to Peru: Lima’s food scene, boutique stays in the Sacred Valley, the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and Cusco’s colonial charm — fully private.
Lima · Pisac · Sacred Valley · Maras & Moray · Ollantaytambo · Machu Picchu · Cusco
Designed for travelers who want to see Peru’s icons without rushing, this journey acclimatizes gradually in the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu and ending in Cusco.
Highlights
- 01A market visit and private cooking class in Lima
- 02Two days in a riverside hacienda in the Sacred Valley
- 03The Vistadome train along the Urubamba river
- 04Two visits to Machu Picchu, including sunrise
- 05A private walking tour of colonial Cusco
Altitude profile of the journey, stop by stop.
The route
Max. altitude: 3,500 m · Maras & Moray
Day by day
- 1
Day 1Arrival in Lima
Private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Lima
- 2
Day 2Lima food & culture
Market visit and cooking class, then explore Barranco. Dinner at one of Lima’s celebrated restaurants.
Overnight: LimaMeals: Breakfast, lunch
- 3
Day 3Fly to Cusco, Sacred Valley
Morning flight to Cusco and scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac on the way.
Overnight: Sacred ValleyMeals: Breakfast
- 4
Day 4Maras, Moray & a local community
Visit the salt pans and Moray terraces, then lunch with a weaving community.
Overnight: Sacred ValleyMeals: Breakfast, lunch
- 5
Day 5Train to Machu Picchu
Explore Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Afternoon first visit to the citadel.
Overnight: Aguas CalientesMeals: Breakfast
- 6
Day 6Machu Picchu at sunrise
Second, early-morning visit with your guide. Afternoon train and transfer to Cusco.
Overnight: CuscoMeals: Breakfast
- 7
Day 7Cusco city & Sacsayhuamán
Private walking tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, San Blas and Sacsayhuamán.
Overnight: CuscoMeals: Breakfast
- 8
Day 8Free day in Cusco
Optional Rainbow Mountain, cooking class or simply enjoy the city.
Overnight: CuscoMeals: Breakfast
- 9
Day 9Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Suggested hotels
- Hotel B or similarLima · Boutique
- Sol y Luna or similarSacred Valley · Luxury
- Sumaq or similarMachu Picchu · Premium
- Palacio Nazarenas or similarCusco · Luxury
Included
- ✓All accommodation with breakfast
- ✓Private transfers and guided tours
- ✓Vistadome train tickets
- ✓Machu Picchu entrance tickets (2 visits)
- ✓Domestic flight Lima – Cusco
- ✓24/7 local assistance
Not included
- –International flights
- –Travel insurance
- –Meals not specified
- –Tips
Before you go
- Altitude
- Cusco sits at 3,400 m. We plan gentle first days in the lower Sacred Valley so your body can adapt comfortably.
- Best season
- April to October brings clear skies and dry trails. November to March is greener, quieter and has afternoon showers.
- Documents
- Your passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and to board trains. Bring the same passport used in your booking.
- Health & insurance
- Travel insurance covering high altitude and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
What to pack
Clothing
- ·Layers for cool mornings
- ·Light waterproof jacket
- ·Comfortable walking shoes
- ·Sun hat and sunglasses
Essentials
- ·Passport
- ·Sunscreen and lip balm
- ·Insect repellent
- ·Reusable water bottle
Extras
- ·Small daypack
- ·Camera and spare batteries
- ·Cash in soles for tips and markets
Traveler stories
What our travelers say
“Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
“Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
“Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train?+
Yes — we can upgrade any train segment, subject to availability.
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Your Peru specialist
Speak to someone who has been there
Our Cusco-based specialists have explored every corner of Peru. Tell us what you have in mind and we will shape it into a private journey.
Giovanni · Founder & Travel Advisor · Speaks English, Español