8 Days • 7 Nights
Peru Highlights: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Lima, Peru's culinary capital
- The ancient Inca capital of Cusco
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Andean markets and Inca fortresses
- Machu Picchu, the breathtaking lost city
- World-class Peruvian cuisine
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to Peru. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lima, the coastal capital. The evening is free before a welcome dinner showcasing Peru's world-famous cuisine.
You fly to Cusco and transfer straight to the lower Sacred Valley to aid acclimatisation, exploring the market of Pisac and the Andean scenery, settling into a valley hotel.
A day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the impressive fortress-temple of Ollantaytambo, the salt pans of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray, amid stunning mountain scenery.
A scenic train ride through the Urubamba gorge and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking lost city of the Incas, perched high on its ridge amid cloud forest, one of the world's greatest wonders. Overnight in Cusco.
A guided tour of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital and a UNESCO city, the temple of Coricancha, the mighty fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the colonial cathedral and the atmospheric San Blas quarter.
A free day to enjoy Cusco, its markets, museums, cafes and cuisine, or an optional excursion such as the Rainbow Mountain or the South Valley ruins.
A final morning in Cusco before flying to Lima, with time to explore the historic centre or the coastal Miraflores district, and a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of the wonders of the Inca world.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Sacred Valley lunch
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights and the Machu Picchu train as specified
- National park, archaeological site and Machu Picchu entry fees as per itinerary
- a Lima and Cusco tour, a Sacred Valley excursion, a Machu Picchu train and guided visit and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol; cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas. US Dollars in good condition are also accepted in many tourist places
- Altitude: Cusco (around 3,400 metres), Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley; ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol at first
- Machu Picchu & permits: Entry to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is by timed ticket and, for the trail, a permit that sells out months ahead; we book these for you well in advance, so early booking is recommended
- Best time to visit: The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable, with sunny days and cold nights, ideal for Machu Picchu and trekking; the wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February
- Getting around: Peru is large and varied, so itineraries use domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, the Amazon and the south, plus the scenic train to Machu Picchu; these are arranged and included where specified
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold Andean nights, and drink bottled or purified water. We advise on current requirements
- Culture & power: Peru has a rich living Andean and Amazonian culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we handle the altitude at Cusco?
We fly to Cusco and transfer straight down to the lower Sacred Valley, which is gentler on the body, to help you acclimatise before returning to higher Cusco. You should rest, hydrate and take it easy; coca tea helps, and we advise fully.
Do we need to book Machu Picchu in advance?
Yes — entry to Machu Picchu is by timed ticket and can sell out, so we book it well in advance for you, along with the scenic train. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a Sacred Valley lunch or full board at the Amazon lodge. Peru is a world-class culinary destination, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are the flights and Machu Picchu train included?
Yes — the domestic flights and the scenic train to Machu Picchu specified in your itinerary are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers and Machu Picchu entry, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
How do I manage the altitude?
Cusco and the highlands are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley, and you should rest, hydrate, eat lightly and take it easy on arrival. Coca tea helps; we advise fully, and those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable for Machu Picchu and trekking, with sunny days and cold nights. The wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon and the south, add the Inca Trail or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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