Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE:  Lima, Peru - Pullman Lima Flores 
ARRIVAL TIME: Any point on day one of your trip itinerary. 
RETURN TIME: Aternoon on the last day of the itinerary
TRIP LENGTH: 5-10 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 8 years
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Lima, peru (LIM)

Note: The following is a sample itinerary for a popular extension to explore the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Many guests traveling to the Galápagos or Patagonia choose to add this experience or customize their own. Contact us with any questions—our Peru specialists are happy to assist.

Day 1

Arrive in Lima

Upon arrival in Peru, you will be greeted by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Lima for the night. After checking in, you will receive a briefing on your upcoming adventure and a personalized travel kit containing your documents, tickets, hotel details, and itinerary.

Day 2

Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Lima Airport for your 90-minute flight over the Andes to Cusco. Upon arrival, travel to the vibrant town of Pisac, where you can explore the local market and shop for traditional Peruvian handicrafts. The main square comes alive on Sundays when traders from across the region gather to sell their goods.

Continue to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch accompanied by a lively Paso horse show. Then, travel to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable Inca city with well-preserved urban planning and impressive stone architecture. Stroll through its temples, storehouses, and agricultural terraces, which showcase the ingenuity of Incan craftsmanship.

In the evening, check in to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 3

Hike Option: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Machu Picchu

Board the train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104, where your four-hour trek begins. Hike to the archaeological sites of Chachabamba (2,150m/7,052ft) and Wiñaywayna (2,650m/8,692ft), where impressive Inca terraces cascade down the hillside. Continue to Inti Punku, the "Gateway of the Sun," where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. From here, take a shuttle to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

Train Option: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu

Board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, take a short bus ride up to the site.

Machu Picchu, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, is a masterpiece of Incan engineering, situated between the towering peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Explore the ruins on a guided tour and admire the intricate stonework and sacred temples. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Day 4

Machu Picchu – Cusco

For those who trekked the previous day, today is your opportunity to visit Machu Picchu. A 20-minute shuttle ride from Aguas Calientes will bring you to the citadel, where you will enjoy a guided tour of its ancient structures. Your entrance ticket includes the option to hike Huayna Picchu, offering a panoramic view of the ruins.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge before boarding a first-class train to Poroy. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 5

Cusco – Lima

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Cusco’s historic streets, where colonial monuments rise atop ancient Inca foundations. Stroll through the Main Square, once known as Huacaypata or "Warrior’s Square," and visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, famous for its intricate pulpit, choir cloisters, and ornate altar.

Continue to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the Incan Koricancha temple, once plated in sheets of gold and dedicated to sun worship.

Head to the outskirts of Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, a monumental site first built by the Killke culture around 1,100 AD and later expanded by the Inca. Its immense stone walls, fitted together without mortar, remain a testament to ancient Andean engineering.

Enjoy lunch at one of Cusco’s top restaurants before transferring to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima.

Day 6

Lima – Home

Spend the day at your leisure in Lima. Optional guided tours can be arranged upon request. At the appropriate time, transfer to Lima Airport for your international departure or onward travels in South America.

Peru Travel Arrangements
 

Getting to Lima, Peru: Book your international flight to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru. This is the main entry point for travelers arriving from abroad.

Recommended Arrival Timing: We suggest arriving at least one day before the official start of your tour to allow time for any unexpected delays and to rest before your adventure begins.

Flights & Connections: Lima is well-connected to major international hubs. If you have a layover, be sure to check visa or transit requirements for any stopover countries.

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival: Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), you will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name or our company logo. They will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel.

Meeting Location: After clearing customs and collecting your baggage, proceed to the arrivals area, where your driver will be waiting.

Emergency Contact: If you have trouble locating your transfer, please call the emergency contact number provided in your travel documents.

Transfer Time: The drive from the airport to your hotel in Lima typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Peru Weather 

Lima has a mild desert climate with little rainfall year-round. The city experiences two main seasons:

• Summer (December to April): Warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Days are typically sunny, making this the best time for beach visits and outdoor activities.
• Winter (May to November): Cooler and overcast with temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C). Mornings and evenings can feel damp due to the coastal fog known as "La Garúa." Rain is rare, but drizzle is common.

Because of Lima’s coastal location, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year. However, humidity levels can be high, especially in the winter months. Layered clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in changing conditions.

Physical Requirements

This trip involves a variety of physical activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring high-altitude regions. It is important that participants are prepared for moderate to strenuous activity on certain days.

Participants should be able to:

• Walk unassisted on uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, dirt paths, and archaeological sites.

• Climb stairs, particularly at sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and Taquile Island.

• Ride a bicycle on maintained dirt roads and rolling terrain in the Sacred Valley (if choosing the biking activity).

• Hike for extended periods, including an 8-hour trek with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet on the Inca Trail (for those selecting this option).

• Paddle a kayak for a moderate distance on Lake Titicaca (alternatives are available for those who prefer not to kayak).

• Handle changing altitudes, with elevations ranging from sea level in Lima to over 12,500 feet at Lake Titicaca.

• Adapt to varying temperatures, from warm and humid conditions in Lima to cooler temperatures in Cusco and Puno.

This trip is suitable for active travelers. If you have any concerns about altitude, endurance, or mobility, we recommend consulting your doctor before travel.
 

Physical Preparedness

Training in advance will enhance your comfort and enjoyment. We recommend:

• Walking or hiking regularly on uneven surfaces before your trip.

• Engaging in cardiovascular activities such as cycling, swimming, or jogging to build endurance.

• Practicing light strength exercises for added stability on hikes and bike rides.

• Staying hydrated and gradually increasing activity at altitude upon arrival in Cusco and Puno.

If you have any medical conditions, physical limitations, or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can assist with accommodations where possible.

Peru Packing List

Packing appropriately will ensure you stay comfortable and prepared for the variety of climates and activities you will encounter on your trip. Layers are essential, as temperatures can vary greatly between Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca.

Clothing

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts (short and long-sleeved)
• Comfortable hiking pants or leggings
• Warm fleece or down jacket for cooler evenings and higher elevations
• Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
• Casual clothes for evenings and city exploration
• Swimsuit for hotel pools or optional activities
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
• Sandals or casual shoes for relaxing at the hotel
• Gloves, scarf, and warm hat for colder locations like Lake Titicaca (especially from May to September)

Gear & Essentials

• Small daypack for daily excursions
• Reusable water bottle (filtered or purification options recommended)
• Lightweight travel towel
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Travel umbrella (optional for rainy season)
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing (optional)

Toiletries & Personal Items

• Personal hygiene products and travel-size toiletries
• Lip balm and lotion (the high altitude can be drying)
• Insect repellent (especially for Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca)
• Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
• Prescription medications and a small personal first-aid kit

Documents & Money

• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates)
• Printed copies of flight details, hotel reservations, and emergency contacts
• Small amount of Peruvian soles for incidentals (ATMs are available in major cities)
• Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of international travel)

Electronics

• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Charging cables and portable power bank
• Universal travel adapter (Peru uses 220V outlets with Type A and C plugs)

Adventure Unbound - Recommended Peru Reading List

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
A travelogue about the author's journey retracing Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition to Machu Picchu, blending history with modern exploration.

The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie
A history of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, focusing on Francisco Pizarro’s invasion and the resistance led by Manco Inca.

1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann
An overview of pre-Columbian civilizations, including Andean societies, challenging common assumptions about the Americas before European contact.

Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa
A novel set in a remote Andean village, combining political unrest, indigenous culture, and mystery.

Eight Feet in the Andes by Dervla Murphy
A memoir of a mother and her daughter traveling 1,300 miles through the Peruvian Andes with a mule.

The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming
A historical account of the fall of the Inca Empire, using primary sources and firsthand accounts.

Peru: The Cookbook by Gastón Acurio
A collection of traditional and modern Peruvian recipes from one of the country’s well-known chefs.

Additional Peru Information

Machu Picchu Weather - Real-Time Forecast
Check live weather updates and forecasts for Machu Picchu to help plan for conditions during your visit.

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) - Flight Information and Services
Details on arrivals, departures, and airport services for travelers flying into Lima.

Weather Forecast for Peru (Lima, Cusco, and Puno)
Check the latest weather conditions for key locations on your itinerary.

Currency Exchange Rates - Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Monitor current exchange rates to help plan for expenses in Peru.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Peru Travel Health
Information on vaccinations, health precautions, and altitude sickness prevention.

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.