Peru in 10 Days: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
The classic Peru circuit over 10 days — altitude sickness planning, Machu Picchu ticket strategy, and the Rainbow Mountain alternative most guides miss.
Peru's "classic" 10-day loop works. Here's how to do it without altitude sickness or skip-the-real-stuff fatigue.
Days 1-2: Lima
Most tourists rush through Lima. Don't — it's the best restaurant scene in South America.
Day 1: Miraflores area. Larcomar coast. Dinner at Maido or Central ($120-200/person, 2-week booking minimum). Cheaper options: Isolina, La Picantería.
Day 2: Historic center (Plaza Mayor, San Francisco monastery). Barranco neighborhood for bohemian vibes + Mario Testino museum.
Days 3-5: Cusco + acclimate
Fly Lima to Cusco (90 min, $80). Cusco is at 11,150 ft. You WILL feel altitude if coming from sea level.
Day 3: Rest. Seriously. Coca tea, slow walks only. Hydrate aggressively. Day 4: San Pedro Market, Qorikancha temple, Cathedral. Coffee at Museo del Café. Day 5: Sacsayhuaman fortress above the city. If you can't walk uphill here comfortably, you're not ready for more altitude.
Days 6-7: Sacred Valley
Drop 1,000 feet to Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo). This helps with acclimatization paradoxically.
Day 6: Pisac market (Sundays are best) + Pisac ruins. Afternoon: drive to Ollantaytambo. Overnight there. Day 7: Ollantaytambo ruins in the morning. Early train to Aguas Calientes (afternoon).
Day 8: Machu Picchu
Book train: Inca Rail or PeruRail, book 2 months ahead. Cost: $75-350 round trip depending on class. Book entry: BuyPeru.com, official site. 3 types of tickets, 3 circuits:
- Circuit 1 (mountain view route, includes classic photo view)
- Circuit 2 (lower citadel)
- Circuit 3 (newer, includes some restricted areas)
Get to Machu Picchu at first entry (6 AM). Hire a guide at entrance ($25-30/person for 2-hour tour) — you will learn far more than by wandering alone.
Optional: Huayna Picchu hike ($200 additional, book 3 months ahead, 400 permits/day, strenuous, 2-hour climb). Alternative: Machu Picchu Mountain — twice as long hike but more permits available.
Days 9-10: Return + Rainbow Mountain or Lima
Day 9: Back to Cusco. Rainbow Mountain day trip (3 AM pickup, 14,000 ft altitude, $30-60 tour) — gorgeous but brutal.
Alternative: Palccoyo ("mini Rainbow Mountain") — less iconic but way less tourist traffic and easier hike.
Day 10: Fly Cusco → Lima → home.
Altitude sickness prevention (critical)
- Fly INTO Cusco, not drive. Dramatic altitude gain is worse than gradual.
- First 24 hours: rest, hydrate, no alcohol, no heavy meals.
- Coca tea or Soroche pills (available everywhere).
- Acetazolamide prescription from home if you have history of altitude issues.
- If you feel persistent headache + nausea, DESCEND. Sacred Valley is lower.
Cost (2 people, 10 days)
- Flights US: $700-1,100
- Domestic flights: $320 for 2
- Accommodations (mid-range): $90/night × 9 = $810
- Machu Picchu (train + entry + guide): $550 for 2
- Food: $45/day × 10 = $450
- Tours + sights: $400 for 2
Total: $3,250-3,650 with international flights.
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