Ever wondered about the mysterious history behind the Lost City of the Incas? Do you have the fascination to go on a spellbound journey & discover the ancient ruins of Inca Citadel? Then, this guide will take you on an amazing Machu Picchu tour covering top places like Lima, Urubamba, Sacred Valley, and Cusco.
The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu sprawl high across a 7,000-ft hilltop, showcasing commanding views of the valley and also the snowy peaks of Salcantay. Hundreds of steep stone steps connect interesting palaces, temples, storehouses, and terraces spread across the ruins. It’s absolutely a gorgeous sight when you explore this region, understanding & learning the story behind the ancient past.
Machu Picchu is not only a dream destination for travelers but also for many architects and historians. All are fascinated to delve into its sacred geography and folklores that’s been passed across the generations.Â
The itinerary designed focuses on discovering Machu Picchu in the best possible way. Right from the bustling cities of Lima and Cusco to the scenic towns of Urubamba and Aguas Calientes – everything you do, every experience or activity you undertake will have a sense of joy & adrenaline pump.
While it’s entirely possible to take an independent tour to Machu Picchu in Peru, my advice will be to take a guided tour of the Inca ruins to maximize your travel. This way you will have a much grander experience of the region, giving you the time & flexibility.
OVERVIEW OF 8 DAYS MACHU PICCHU TOUR
This 8-day tour to Machu Picchu in Peru is a compact adventure trip, filled with niche experiences & unique activities. You’ll start your journey from Lima, and then travel to the inner regions of Peru via Urubamba, Aguas Calientes, and Cusco.
As you explore places, you’ll come across UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and the ancient culture & traditions of Peru. You’ll meet and interact with locals, volunteer with them on regional activities & learn inspiring stories from their generations.
This itinerary is curated with the help of the G Adventures partnership program. This means if you wish to travel exactly as per the below itinerary – you can book the same through G Adventures from their official website.
Highlights of Machu Picchu Tour–
1. Off-beaten path of the Machu Picchu region.
2. Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
3. Planned + Optional activities
4. Discover niche experiences & inspiring stories from locals
5. Flexibility to try traditional treats and foods.
Recommended: Peru Itinerary 10 Days: Journey to Lima, Machu Picchu, & the Amazon Jungle.
ESSENTIAL PLANNINGS TIPS & INFO
Before I get to the itinerary part, it’s important to list down a few essential planning tips. This is just a high overview of what you can expect before you travel to Machu Picchu in Peru. I’ll also ensure to link you through important resources & helpful guides for planning a perfect South American trip.
Best time to visit Machu Picchu – April and May mark the best months to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. This is a nice period to consider, especially if you’re here only to hike the Inca Trail. The rainy season may have just passed, and the mountains turn lush green showcasing striking views. However, the ruins of Machu Picchu can be unpleasantly crowded during the peak season. It’s better to stay at Aguas Calientes, to avoid the influx of travelers flocking the site early in the day.
Weather for Machu Picchu – It often rains in Machu Picchu, and is usually a damp & foggy region to travel. July and August are the driest months, but you can still expect a few showers. January and February mark the rainiest months in this subtropical region. Try to avoid traveling during these wettest periods.
Health & Safety – For important COVID-19 guidelines & protocols, read the documentation here. Ensure that you’re fully vaccinated before your travel to Peru, and also that you consult your doctor for any medical check-ups required.
Visa & Documentation – Visa requirements will differ for each country. I’d advise you to check for documents required from your country’s embassy. You can also speak to your travel agent to understand the visa checklist.
How much does it cost – An average price for a couple to travel to Machu Picchu in Peru is around $1500-$1700. This is just an indication based on previous traveler’s data and also considering basic tour activities, travel expenses, and meals. However, if you book an organized tour from tour operators – then a 7-8 day trip can cost you $2000-$2400. All your tour expenses will depend heavily on the choices you make. Choosing the right hotel stays can also make a huge impact on the price range. Also, there are tours for Machu Picchu which is often for only a day or two – which can significantly cut down tour price.
DETAILED ITINERARY FOR MACHU PICCHU TOUR
DAY 1: LIMA
Your adventurous, fun-filled week starts from Lima – a beautiful, animated city perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lima is so much more than just being a layover stop to Machu Picchu. Travelers often don’t spend much time here, considering the itinerary they plan. But you can see some of South America’s best sights in this tiny colorful city.
Lima has evolved over the ages, and you can see pulsing restaurants and bar scenes spread across neighborhoods. You can book a half-day city tour or experience full-day Lima in the best possible way and discover amazing activities.
Here are a few of my recommendations to explore Lima –
Book a Lima City tour – Possibly, the best way to explore the surroundings of Lima is to take a city tour. Discover some of the city’s best attractions and important highlights either on a half-day or full-day tour. Make sure you venture into the important squares of Peru, and the significant avenue of Jiron de La Union. Moreover, visit the San Francisco Church, Larco Museum, and Cathedral of Lima.
Full-day excursion to Paracas and Huacachina – If you want to kick off your South American experience right away, then I recommend visiting the beach town of Paracas and the desert oasis of Huacachina. Both these amazing locations boast distinct features and are worth a full-day trip. You can do a plethora of activities such as – speed boating to the Ballestas Islands, sand-boarding the desert, and witnessing colonies of sea lions, birds, and species off the Peruvian coast. You can browse a catalog of full-day excursions to Paracas and Haucachina here.
Take a cooking class – I’d recommend experiencing a guided cooking class in Lima because that’s how close you’ll get to understanding true Peruvian cuisine. If you’re a foodie, or maybe venturing into something gastronomical – then try your hands at prepping some classic Peruvian dishes with the help of your guide. Usually, these classes last three to four hours and it’s worth experiencing them. There are plenty of options to book this particular activity, however, I recommend SkyKitchen Peruvian Cooking Class.
Note: I advise booking a pre-night arrival at Lima, just so you can recover from jetlag. Often, the flight travel from various countries is hectic and can cause health problems further down the trip. It’s best to book your stay at Lima, one day before your actual itinerary.
DAY 2: LIMA – URUBAMBA
Today, you’ll visit the Sacred Valley and discover fascinating places as you discover Inca sites. The highlight of this Sacred Valley is its spectacular landscapes and panoramic viewpoints.
You will need to start early, to board your flight to Cusco. It approx. takes 1hr 30mins, after which you need to hire a private vehicle to drive down to Urubamba. You can also reach via bus, taxi or shuttle.
Here’s your schedule for day two –
Maras Salt Ponds. The striking whites of these salt ponds in contrast to the deep blue sky are something you don’t want to miss. These terraced salt pans of Maras, have been in use since the pre-Inca times.
Moray Ruins. Post your exploration of the ponds, head to Moray Ruins to visit the ancient site. You’ll surely be in awe of these great spiral terraces, descending to a central point. In the pre-Inca era, this was a place of research to conduct agricultural experiments for day-to-day survival. As you descend the terrace, you’ll also notice a shift in temperatures.
Inkariy Museum. It’s time to delve deeper into gaining some beautiful insights into the cultures that existed in Peru. The museum is vast and is divided into separate sections, each representing different eras and their importance. You can learn about Paracas, Moche, Nasca, and Inca traditions here.
Relish traditional dinner. End your day with a Peruvian traditional dish known as ‘pachamanca’. The meal involves meat and assorted vegetables cooked inside an oven dug into the earth. Other meals can also include lamb, pork, and chicken. This is truly a rustic way to experience the classic cuisine of Peru.
The schedule for your day two ends here. Furthermore, if you get some free time in the evening, you can opt to explore the Urubamba market. It’s a trendy location for tourists flocking to Machu Picchu, stopping by to buy items & souvenirs.
DAY 3: URUBAMBA
The entire day is dedicated to visiting Urubamba and the Sacred Valley region. Other than the schedule mentioned below, you can also do ample things – experiencing off-beaten guided tours & activities.
Here’s your schedule for day three –
Visit the Tata Ceramics – If the artwork inspires you, then Tata Ceramics in Urubamba will surely fascinate you with its high-end glazed ceramics. Originally created by internationally acclaimed Cusco artist, the collections stored in the shop is made with intricate design and ancient technique. All the items created here, ranging from bowls, decorative plates, and cups, to smaller & larger figurines can be found. They recently have opened up a new store, from where you can buy unique, hand-crafted souvenirs to take home.
Pisac Ruins – The town of Pisac is an hour’s drive from Urubamba. This serene village is famous for travelers seeking traditional rural life experiences of Peru. Amongst all the other things in the village, Pisac ruins are a must-visit. The ruins of Pisac serve as a perfect example of ingenious Inca architecture and local traditions. It’s also one of Peru’s most extensive archaeological sites, that makes you venture into its deep Peruvian roots. Pisac ruins not only proudly boast its tradition but also its gorgeous setting, charming scenery, and plunging gorges – that it’s worth admiring every second you spend.
You can take a guided tour to these ruins, exploring Pisac’s sweeping green valleys and mountain peaks. There’s also the National Archaeological Park of Pisac, which includes several aqueducts, water channels, small bridges, and cemeteries. The site is also well-known for its vast terraces and polished stone structures, surrounded by amazing viewpoints.
Ollantaytambo Ruins – Take a guided tour of Ollantaytambo ruins and discover fascinating history to know more about this Inca archaeological site. If you’re wondering, the site is the same as the Pisac ruins – then it’s not. Ollantaytambo still boasts agricultural terraces, fountains, irrigation canals, and a Temple Hill. Along with your exploration, get inspired by how Ollantaytambo served as a stronghold during warfare.
DAY 4: URUBAMBA – AGUAS CALIENTES
Today, checkout from your hotel and depart for Aguas Calientes. You’ll need to board a train from Ollantaytambo station. It will approx. take you 1hr 30mins to reach your destination.
Once you settle down in your hotel at Aguas Calientes, the rest of the day is free for leisure activities. You can also take optional guided tours to Butterfly House and Mandor Gardens in the afternoon.
In the evening, I highly recommend relaxing at local hot water springs. It’s absolutely the best way to recoup your energy for the following day, and also to rejuvenate and nourish your senses.
Aguas Calientes is a very small town, and you’ll only find buses taking daily trips to Machu Picchu. So you’ll have to go walking to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo Hot Springs. It’s a 15-minute walk from the main town square, and you’ll get your directions quite easily. Alternatively, you can also soak yourselves at Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Honestly, the latter one is more scenic – because you can enjoy some great mountain views whilst you take a hot bath.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
Today, you’ll be finally taking a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Machu Picchu in Peru. The best way to maximize your time is to leave early from your hotel.
Here’s how you can spend your day at Machu Picchu –
Catch early sunrise – One of the reasons why you need to leave early in the morning, is to catch scenic views of the mountain during sunrise. Often, you’ll find tourists jammed up at certain viewpoints to take snaps of the views, but if you’re reaching early – you might be lucky enough to find isolated spots.
Temple of the Sun – One of the landmarks that represent Inca history is by visiting the Temple of the Sun. In the early days of the pre-Inca period, the site was used for astronomical observations.
Spot the Intihuatana – As you explore the Inca site, you’ll also be interested in spotting Intihuatana. These are carved stones holding religious importance by the Inca.
The Temple of the Condor & Prison Group – These are some interesting locations on the east side of Machu Picchu that are worth your visit. You’ll find blocks of the cell above and below the ground, often referred to as the ‘Prison Group’. Also, here you can visit the Temple of the Condor which is known to resemble the head of a giant bird.
Explore the Agricultural Terraces – Machu Picchu’s true essence comes from its agricultural terraces that descend the slope. It’s hard to imagine how the Incas managed to cultivate crops based on the mountainous terrain of the Andes. Explore the site, as much as you can, and learn more about its history and development from the locals.
These are generally the most important landmarks of Machu Picchu in Peru. However, if you don’t prefer to travel by yourself – there are guided tours for Machu Picchu that will help you throughout your excursion to manage your schedule. Moreover, this is not the only way to discover the best of Machu Picchu. You can even take the famous Inca Trails, which range from four to eight days of pure bliss. These trails often take you up to the top of the mountain, which gives commanding views of Huayna Picchu.
DAY 6: CUSCO
Cusco is a charming city, buzzing with tourist activity year-round. The city is loaded with attractions & activities to explore, thus you’ll have an entire day to enjoy Cusco.
Here’s how I recommend spending a day at Cusco –
City Tour – Quickest way to discover the best sights of Cusco, is to hop on a tour bus and traverse across different neighborhoods. Visit the famous Plaza De Armas, Qorikancha, Quenqo, and the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. You can also hang out by taking a walking tour of the town and venturing into some bars and shop en route.
Horseback Riding – If you have never tried horseback riding, then this is your chance to soak in some adventure. Exploring the cultural sites of Cusco by horseback is an interesting way to discover important landmarks. Usually, these horseback tours last 3 hours, but there are other packages as well. Check this tour operator to find classic horseback trails and niche experiences.
Visit the Cusco Planetarium – One of the different ways to explore Cusco is to visit the planetarium for a family fun-filled hour. The Cusco Planetarium is surrounded by the lush green forests of Llaullipata Ecological Reserve. Explore a detailed presentation of the planets & galaxies, learn & get inspired through various astronomical studies, and use the telescope to witness the dancing cosmos of the sky.
Read: Planning a family trip to Peru? Check our ‘Peru Itinerary 10 Days‘
DAY 7: CUSCO – LIMA
Today, you’ll fly back to Lima. The entire day is at your leisure. You can either relax or do some optional activities.
You can choose any one of these suggested activities for day seven –
Biking tour of Barranco and Miraflores – Certainly, if you have the energy to discover more of Peru’s hidden treasures – then take a biking tour of Barranco and Miraflores. Soak in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and discover a bohemian neighborhood as you journey through the Peruvian coast. The tour will usually last for 3 hours, and an approx. cost you $30.
Downtown and Catacombs Night Tour – Hop on a private tour to explore the illuminated Cathedral of Lima. Further, stroll across the main square and visit the San Francisco Convent and its famous catacombs. The tour will approx. cost you $60.
DAY 8: LIMA
Your adventurous tour of Machu Picchu ends here. You can depart anytime or opt to extend your stay to discover other South American attractions.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR PERU TRIP
Often, tourists are misguided with wrong information about the warm weather in South America. It’s usually not the case, and definitely not when you’re visiting Peru. Because of the higher altitude in the Andes, expect cold temperatures around. Carry items that are essential for your day-to-day use, and also to protect you from varying temperatures in Peru.
Essential Items –
T-shirts/ Shirts (Preferably long-sleeves)
Casual Shirts
Long pants/ Jeans
Sleepwear/ Innerwear (as per your need)
Footwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Reusable water bottle
Few energy bars/drinks
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Hiking boots/shoes
Essential Items (warm weather) –
Cotton T-shirts/ Shirts
Shorts/ skirts
Sunscreen/ Lotion
Swimwear/ Sunglasses
IMPORTANT TRAVEL FAQS
Is Peru a safe country to travel to?
Yes. Peru is one of the safest countries on the South American continent. Even if you’re an independent traveler, looking for a solo venture – there’s nothing to worry about your trip. Still, it’s important to consider all travel guidelines, tour advisory protocols, and rules.
Is Peru expensive to travel to?
For backpackers, Peru is a cheap country to travel to. However, some of the tours especially Inca Trails cost you your budget and can tend to go on a higher side. It also depends on your travel preferences, accommodation, meals, and daily expenses. Not to forget, all suggested activities and optional tours will cost you entry & exploration fees.
Is Machu Picchu open for tourists?
In the light of COVID-19, certain restrictions are imposed on traveling to Peru. Machu Picchu is still open for tourists, but with appropriate guidelines and protocols. You can find more information about traveling to Peru here.
How much does Machu Picchu cost?
There are different packages for the Machu Picchu excursion. Prices are seasonal and can vary accordingly. If you only want to visit Machu Picchu, it will cost approx. $45 for adults and $19 for children. You can get detailed pricing here.
EXPLORE CLASSIC GUIDES & ITINERARIES
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