Peru 9-Day Itinerary: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

This is my tested route through Peru’s highlights. The key challenge? Altitude. Cusco sits at 3,400m (11,150 ft), so I’ve built in acclimatization time that most rushed itineraries skip.

Why This Route Works

• Day 1-2 in Cusco: Gentle acclimatization before strenuous activities
• Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu: Lower altitude (2,800m) helps you adjust
• PeruRail timing: Optimized train schedules to maximize your Machu Picchu time
• Lima at the end: Sea level recovery before your flight home

Day 1: Arrive Lima → Fly to Cusco

Flight: LA2609 11:30 AM Lima (allow buffer for South American delays)

Critical altitude tips:

• Buy altitude sickness pills (Soroche Pills) at the pharmacy immediately
• NO alcohol on day 1 - seriously, don’t risk it
• Walk slowly, drink coca tea, rest

Accommodation: El Virrey Boutique Hotel, Portal Comercio N°165, Plaza De Armas

The hotel is right on the main square - perfect for gentle evening exploration when you feel ready.

Day 2: Cusco City Exploration

Take it easy today - your body is still adjusting.

Morning:

• Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) - the most important Inca temple
• Cusco Cathedral on Plaza de Armas

Afternoon (join a half-day tour):

• Sacsayhuamán fortress - massive Inca stonework
• Best booked through local agencies (I can share contacts)

Evening:

• San Pedro Market for local food
• Gentle walk around Plaza de Armas

Day 3: Sacred Valley Day Trip

Full-day tour covering:

• Moray terraces (agricultural Inca site) - $20 entry
• Ollantaytambo ruins
• Maras salt mines - stunning pink terraces

This day at lower altitude helps acclimatization while seeing incredible sites.

Day 4: Cusco → Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

Train: PeruRail Expedition class

• 10:30 AM depart Wanchaq station
• Combined bus+train ticket
• 2:25 PM arrive Machu Picchu station

Why Expedition class: Good value, panoramic windows, snacks included. Vistadome is nicer but double the price.

Book early: Trains sell out weeks in advance, especially for morning departures.

Evening: Relax in Aguas Calientes, early dinner, early bed. Tomorrow is the big day.

Day 5: Machu Picchu → Return to Cusco

Morning:

• Queue for bus by 5:30 AM (buy ticket day before or queue when buying)
• 9:00 AM entry ticket (booked in advance - REQUIRED)
• 3-4 hours exploring the citadel

Insider tips:

• Hire a guide at the entrance (~$30-40 for 2 hours)
• The classic photo spot gets crowded by 10 AM
• Bring snacks - no food allowed but you’ll be hungry

Return: 2:55 PM train back to Cusco

Accommodation: Residencial Belle Maison, near Wanchaq station

Day 6: Fly to Lima

Flight: LA2121 5:40 PM → 7:10 PM Lima

Use the morning for last Cusco shopping or revisiting favorites.

Lima accommodation: Hotel Vila Santa, Miraflores district

• Miraflores is the safest, most walkable area for tourists

Day 7: Lima City Exploration

Morning: Miraflores coastal walk

• Larcomar shopping center (clifftop views)
• Parque del Amor

Afternoon: Lima Historic Center

• Plaza Mayor
• San Francisco Monastery (famous catacombs)
• Barranco bohemian neighborhood

Evening: Lima’s food scene is world-class

• Ceviche is a must
• Book ahead for top restaurants

Day 8: Desert Oasis Day Trip

Full-day tour to Paracas + Huacachina (~$99/person, lunch included)

What you’ll do:

• Ballestas Islands (Peru’s “mini Galapagos”)
• Huacachina oasis
• Sandboarding and dune buggy rides

Bring: Face mask for sand, hat, sunscreen

Day 9: Lima → Home

Flight: Depart Lima

Morning free for last-minute shopping or breakfast at a cafe.

Practical Tips

Altitude Sickness Prevention

• Start taking altitude pills 24 hours before arriving in Cusco
• Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
• Coca tea and coca candy help (legal and effective)
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol for first 2 days

Booking Timeline

• 2+ months ahead: Machu Picchu entry tickets, PeruRail trains
• 1 month ahead: Alhambra-style booking required for Machu Picchu
• 1 week ahead: Day tours in Cusco

Budget Breakdown (per person)

• Flights (internal): ~$200-300
• Hotels (8 nights): ~$400-600
• Machu Picchu ticket + train: ~$200-250
• Tours and activities: ~$200
• Food and misc: ~$200

Total: ~$1,200-1,500 for a comfortable mid-range trip

What I’d Skip

• Rainbow Mountain if you have limited time (brutal altitude, crowded)
• Nazca Lines flight (motion sickness risk, long day)
• Lake Titicaca unless you have 2+ extra days

Questions about Peru? I’ve done this trip and can help with specific recommendations.