Peru Icons: Lima, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu is a customizable South America itinerary for travelers who want to experience Peru’s food, culture, mountain scenery, ancient history, and one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. This trip combines Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco in a well-paced journey that can be customized for couples, families, and first-time South America travelers.
Trip overview
- Suggested length: 8 to 10 days
- Route: Lima → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Cusco
- Best for: first-time South America travelers, couples, families with older children, culture travelers, and bucket-list trips
- Trip style: customizable Peru itinerary with flights, hotels, transfers, rail, guided tours, and altitude-aware pacing
Trip highlights
- Begin in Lima with Peru’s food scene, oceanfront neighborhoods, and cultural introduction.
- Continue to the Sacred Valley for mountain scenery, markets, villages, and Inca history.
- Visit Machu Picchu with guided arrangements and careful timing.
- End in Cusco, one of South America’s most atmospheric historic cities.
- Customize the itinerary with private guides, rail timing, hotel style, family pacing, and optional extensions.
Suggested day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Lima
Arrive in Peru and transfer to your hotel in Lima. Depending on your arrival time, keep the first evening relaxed with dinner, rest, or a short walk in your hotel neighborhood.
Day 2 — Lima culture and food
Spend the day exploring Lima’s neighborhoods, coastal views, historic areas, museums, and food scene. This day can be arranged around culture, dining, family-friendly sightseeing, or a slower introduction to Peru.
Day 3 — Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley
Fly from Lima to Cusco and continue to the Sacred Valley. Many travelers prefer to stay in the Sacred Valley before Cusco because it can feel more comfortable for altitude adjustment. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Day 4 — Sacred Valley markets, villages, and Inca sites
Explore the Sacred Valley with a guide or private driver. Possible stops include markets, villages, scenic viewpoints, and important Inca sites. The day can be paced gently for families or more actively for travelers who want a fuller schedule.
Day 5 — Sacred Valley at leisure or additional touring
Use this day for more time in the valley, a lighter activity day, local crafts, food experiences, or additional sightseeing. This extra day helps the itinerary feel less rushed before visiting Machu Picchu.
Day 6 — Travel to Machu Picchu
Travel by rail and transfer toward Machu Picchu Pueblo. Depending on timing and ticket arrangements, visit Machu Picchu this day or prepare for an early visit the next morning. The schedule should be planned carefully around train times, entry tickets, and guide availability.
Day 7 — Machu Picchu and continue to Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu with a guide and enjoy time to understand the site, views, and history. After the visit, continue by rail and transfer to Cusco for the next part of the journey.
Day 8 — Cusco historic city
Explore Cusco’s historic center, plazas, churches, markets, and surrounding Inca sites. This day can be guided or self-paced depending on your interest level and energy after Machu Picchu.
Day 9 — Cusco at leisure or optional excursion
Use this day for more time in Cusco, shopping, food experiences, nearby ruins, or an optional excursion. Travelers who prefer a shorter itinerary can depart after Day 8, while others may appreciate the extra time.
Day 10 — Depart or extend your trip
Depart Peru or extend your trip with Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, the Colca Canyon, Arequipa, or another South America destination.
What can be customized
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel category and location
- Private transfers and guides
- Rail timing to and from Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu ticket timing and route planning
- Altitude-aware pacing and rest days
- Food, culture, history, family, or active travel focus
- Extensions to the Peru Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or other South America destinations
- Travel insurance and baggage guidance