Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

The trip

Machu Picchu deserves its reputation, but it is only part of the story. The Sacred Valley's villages and Inca terraces, Cusco's cathedral and cobbled streets, and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca make this one of the richest cultural journeys anywhere. Lima, meanwhile, is one of the world's great food cities.

The route

After two nights in Lima, fly to Cusco and go straight down to the Sacred Valley, which is lower and gentler for acclimatising. Take the train to Machu Picchu, staying overnight to visit twice, then spend three nights in Cusco. Finish at Lake Titicaca and fly home via Lima.

Day by day

Altitude shapes the route: the Sacred Valley is at about 2,800m, Cusco 3,400m and Titicaca 3,800m. Going low first lets your body adjust.

1. Days 1-2

   Lima

   Arrive and recover. Miraflores clifftops, the historic centre and a tasting menu at one of the city's acclaimed restaurants.

   Stay Hotel in Lima

   Travel Airport transfer, 30 to 60 minutes

2. Days 3-5

   Sacred Valley

   Pisac market and ruins, the salt pans of Maras, the circular terraces of Moray and the fortress at Ollantaytambo.

   Stay Hotel in the Sacred Valley

   Travel Flight to Cusco, then drive about 1 hour 30 minutes

3. Day 6

   Machu Picchu

   Scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, an afternoon visit with a guide, then a second visit at dawn the next day.

   Stay Hotel at Machu Picchu

   Travel Vistadome or Hiram Bingham train, about 1 hour 45 minutes

4. Days 7-9

   Cusco

   Return by train. The cathedral, Qorikancha temple, San Blas, Sacsayhuamán and an evening of Andean cooking.

   Stay Hotel in Cusco

   Travel Train and car, about 3 hours 30 minutes

5. Days 10-11

   Lake Titicaca

   The Uros floating islands and Taquile by private boat, and sunset over the highest navigable lake in the world.

   Stay Hotel on Lake Titicaca

   Travel Flight to Juliaca, or the Andean Explorer train

6. Day 12

   Lima and home

   Fly to Lima and connect to the flight home.

   Stay Overnight flight

   Travel Flight, about 1 hour 40 minutes

When to go

The dry season, May to September, has clear skies and cold nights; it is also busiest. April, October and early November are good compromises. The Inca Trail closes in February, and January to March brings heavy rain. Machu Picchu tickets have timed entry and daily limits, so book as early as you can.

Where to stay

The best hotels in the Andes come with oxygen-enriched rooms in Cusco and gardens in the valley. Spend at least one night at Machu Picchu itself. Price bands are a typical night for two sharing; expect more at peak dates.

Featured stay

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), Peru

£££

Travellers who want to stay beside Machu Picchu in a peaceful, nature-rich setting.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is a small Andean village of whitewashed adobe casitas in 12 acres of cloud forest, with waterfalls, stone paths and the world's largest collection of native orchids. Just across from the train station, it lets you visit Machu Picchu twice, at dusk and at dawn, and return each time to peace and birdsong.

Rooms

80 adobe casitas, some with plunge pools

Food

Riverside restaurant; complimentary afternoon tea

Best time to go

April to October

Read our full review →

What it costs

Allow from about £6,500 per person for 12 days with good hotels, internal flights, trains, guides and Machu Picchu entry, excluding international flights. With the Hiram Bingham train and luxury hotels, expect £12,000 or more.

Pace and fitness

Walking at Machu Picchu involves stone steps and uneven paths for two to three hours, and Machu Picchu's circuits are one-way. Altitude makes any exertion harder, so rest on arrival, drink water and ask a travel clinic about altitude medication.

How to book

Our advisors plan this trip end to end: flights, hotels, guides and the small details that make the days easy. Tell us your dates and the style of stay you like, and we will build it around you. Speak to an advisor.