Peru in a Week: Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco

Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco in a Week

Lima • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cusco
Duration: 7 Days

Overview

A shorter trip to Peru that still climbs slowly, at very good hotels that cost much less than the Belmond properties. One night in Lima breaks the journey, then you spend two nights in the Sacred Valley at around 2,900 meters at a hotel with its own train station. You take the train straight from the hotel to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu that afternoon and again early the next morning, and finish with two nights in Cusco in a hotel with oxygen-enriched rooms.

You fly Lima to Cusco, about 90 minutes, and drive about 90 minutes down to the valley. The train from the hotel's station to Aguas Calientes follows the Urubamba River, and the shuttle bus from town climbs to the site in about 25 minutes. On the way back, the Vistadome runs to Poroy station near Cusco from about May to December, about three and a half hours, with a short drive into town. From January to April it ends in the valley and you drive up to Cusco. Timed Machu Picchu tickets sell out early in the dry season, April to October, so I book them as soon as your dates are set.

Trip Highlights

A night in Miraflores on the clifftop above the Pacific, with dinner in one of Lima's good restaurants

Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt pans and the Ollantaytambo fortress in the Sacred Valley

The train to Machu Picchu from your hotel's own station

Two visits to Machu Picchu, in the afternoon and early the next morning

Cusco on foot: the cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán and the San Blas lanes

Ideal For

First-time visitors to Peru on a shorter schedule • Couples • Families • Travelers who want Machu Picchu without long transfers

Preferred Properties

Lima: JW Marriott Hotel Lima

Sacred Valley: Tambo del Inka

Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes): Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, or Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Cusco: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Arrive in Lima and transfer to Miraflores, across from the Larcomar center on the clifftop. If you land early enough, walk the Malecón and go out for dinner. If you land late, this is a night to sleep.
Overnights: JW Marriott Hotel Lima

Days 2–3: Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco and drive straight down to the Sacred Valley, stopping at the Pisac terraces and market on the way. Keep the afternoon easy at the hotel's spa while you adjust to the altitude. On Day 3, with a private guide, see the circular terraces at Moray, the Maras salt pans and the Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Overnights: Tambo del Inka

Day 4: Train to Machu Picchu

Board the train at the hotel's own station and ride along the Urubamba to Aguas Calientes. Drop your bags at the hotel, then take the shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu for an afternoon timed entry with your guide, when the day-trippers start to head down. Have dinner by the river.
Overnights: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, or Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Days 5–6: Machu Picchu & Cusco

Take an early bus up for a second visit on a different circuit, then ride the Vistadome back toward Cusco in the afternoon. Day 6 is a full day in the city with a guide: the cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán above town and the San Blas neighborhood, with time for the hotel's pool and spa at the end of the day.
Overnights: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

Day 7: Depart

Transfer to Cusco airport, about 20 minutes, and fly to Lima to connect to your international flight home.