5‑day adventure for a couple focusing on Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and boutique stays with hiking and unique experiences.
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Duration5 days
Travellers2
Best time to visitLate April to early November (dry season) offers clear skies and optimal trekking conditions.
Estimated cost$3,500 - $5,500
Main airportLIM
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lima,_Peru
Location: Lima, Peru
Guided walking tour of Lima's historic centre (Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery)
Cost: $30-45 · Travel time: 30 min walk · Near Plaza Mayor
Options: Walking
Evening stroll along the Miraflores Boardwalk with sunset views over the Pacific
Cost: Free · Travel time: 10 min taxi · Near Malecón de Miraflores
Options: Taxi or rideshare
Where to eat
La Mar Cebichería — Coastal Peruvian seafood, ceviche specialty
Central — Renowned fine‑dining with contemporary Peruvian cuisine
Where to stay
Casa Suyay Boutique Hotel — Chic colonial‑style boutique hotel in Barranco, $150‑180 per night, rooftop terrace
Day 2 - Cusco,_Peru
Location: Cusco, Peru
Domestic flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
Cost: $120-180 · Travel time: 1h 30m · By flight · Near Jorge Chávez International Airport
Options: LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline
Acclimatization walking tour of Cusco's main plaza, Cathedral and Qorikancha
Cost: $25-40 · Travel time: 15 min walk · Near Plaza de Armas
Options: Walking
Visit Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex
Cost: $15-25 (entry) · Travel time: 30 min taxi · Near Sacsayhuamán
Options: Taxi
Where to eat
Cafe Ayllu — Andean breakfast with fresh fruit, quinoa porridge and coffee
Cicciolina — Fusion tapas and Peruvian‑Italian dishes
Uchu — Modern Peruvian tasting menu with local ingredients
Where to stay
Belmond Hotel Monasterio — Luxury boutique hotel in a restored monastery, $250‑300 per night, spa and garden
Day 3 - Sacred Valley,_Peru
Location: Sacred Valley, Peru
Private car transfer from Cusco to Sacred Valley
Cost: $80-120 · Travel time: 1h 30m · By car · Near Cusco to Sacred Valley
Options: 4‑seat SUV
Morning market visit and lunch at Pisac ruins
Cost: $20-30 (entry + market purchases) · Travel time: 15 min walk · Near Pisac Archaeological Site
Options: Walking
Afternoon exploration of Ollantaytambo fortress
Cost: $15-20 (entry) · Travel time: 30 min drive · Near Ollantaytambo
Options: Car
Return to Cusco in the evening
Cost: Included in car fee · Travel time: 1h 30m · Near Cusco
Options: Car
Where to eat
The Meeting Point Café — Casual spot with pastries, smoothies and coffee
El Albergue Restaurant (Pisac) — Local dishes with views over the valley
Limo — Upscale Peruvian cuisine near the hotel
Where to stay
Belmond Hotel Monasterio — Same boutique accommodation, $250‑300 per night
Day 4 - Machu Picchu,_Peru
Location: Machu Picchu, Peru
Scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Cost: $120-180 · Travel time: 1h 45m · By train · Near Ollantaytambo Railway Station
Options: Viva Train or PeruRail Expedition
Guided hike to Machu Picchu citadel (full site tour)
Cost: $70-90 (entry + guide) · Travel time: 2h walk from Aguas Calientes · Near Machu Picchu
Options: Shuttle + walking
Evening soak in Aguas Calientes hot springs
Cost: $10-15 · Travel time: 5 min walk · Near Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Options: Walking
Where to eat
Hotel Inkaterra Breakfast — Buffet with fresh fruit, pastries, and Peruvian specialties
Tinkuy Restaurant — Andean cuisine with river views
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Restaurant — Gourmet dinner featuring local ingredients
Where to stay
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel — Eco‑luxury boutique lodge nestled in the cloud forest, $260‑320 per night
Day 5 - Machu Picchu Sunrise & Return to Lima
Location: Cusco, Peru
Sunrise guided tour of Machu Picchu (early entry)
Cost: $70-90 (early entry + guide) · Travel time: 30 min shuttle · Near Machu Picchu
Options: Shuttle
Optional Huayna Picchu hike (requires separate permit)
Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco (via Ollantaytambo)
Cost: $120-180 · Travel time: 4h total (train + transfer) · By train · Near Aguas Calientes Railway Station
Options: Viva Train or PeruRail Expedition
Domestic flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Lima (LIM)
Cost: $120-180 · Travel time: 1h 25m · By flight · Near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Options: LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline
Evening walk along Lima's Parque del Amor and farewell dinner
Cost: $25-40 · Travel time: 15 min taxi · Near Parque del Amor, Miraflores
Options: Taxi
Where to eat
Inkaterra Breakfast — Continental and Peruvian options
Tinkuy Lunch (on train) — Included in train service
Central (Lima) — Celebratory fine‑dining farewell dinner
Where to stay
Casa Suyay Boutique Hotel — Return stay for final night in Lima, $150‑180 per night
Estimated Cost
$3,500 - $5,500
Air transportation
$800 - $1,200
Ground transportation
$300 - $500
Lodging
$1,200 - $1,700
Meals
$500 - $800
Activities
$400 - $600
Incidentals
$200 - $300
Trip Highlights
Machu Picchu
Cusco
Sacred Valley
Pisac Market
Ollantaytambo
Sacsayhuamán
Aguas Calientes
Visa Requirements
Peru
Citizenship: General
Visa required: No for tourism up to 183 days
Stay allowed: Up to 183 days per year
Application process: No visa needed for most passports. Arrive with a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months, return ticket, sufficient funds.
Multiple entry: Allowed
Good to Know
Altitude: Cusco sits at 3,400 m; hydrate and consider medication. Weather in May is dry and mild (15‑22 °C). Book Machu Picchu sunrise tickets and Huayna Picchu permit well in advance. Carry cash in soles for small purchases.
Local Customs
Greeting with a handshake; tipping 10 % in restaurants is customary. Remove shoes when entering churches. Respect local Quechua traditions and ask permission before photographing locals.
Background
Peru was the heart of the Inca Empire; Machu Picchu is a 15th‑century citadel rediscovered in 1911. Cusco was the imperial capital, blending Inca stonework with colonial architecture.
Useful Phrases
Buenos días — Good morning
¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
Gracias — Thank you
Budget Tips
Travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lower domestic flight fares.
Book train tickets early; PeruRail's early‑bird discounts apply up to 30 % off.
Choose boutique hotels with breakfast included to reduce meal costs.
Time-Saving Tips
Reserve Machu Picchu sunrise tickets and Huayna Picchu permits months ahead; use pre‑booked private transfers to avoid wait times.
Getting Around
Fly into Lima and take a short domestic flight to Cusco; use private car for Sacred Valley day trips and train for Machu Picchu access.
Beating the Crowds
Visit early May before the high‑summer rush; popular sites are less crowded.
Local Deals
Cusco Tourist Pass offers discounts on multiple archaeological sites.
Combo Deals
Book a combined train + Machu Picchu entry ticket for a bundled discount.
If the Weather Turns
In case of rain, visit indoor museums in Cusco (Museo de Arte Precolombino) or enjoy a cooking class.
Alternative Activities
If weather restricts Machu Picchu, explore the Maras salt mines and Moray terraces in the Sacred Valley.
Side Trips
Day trip to Lake Titicaca from Cusco (requires extra travel days).
Events While You're There
May hosts the Fiesta del Inti Raymi in Cusco (June 24, but preparations start early May).
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