Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Peru, designed with built-in altitude acclimation and seamless travel flow. Begin along the Pacific coast in Lima, taking in the dramatic dunes of the Huacachina Oasis and the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. Ascend into the Andes, descending directly into the lush, lower elevations of the Sacred Valley to visit Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Journey by scenic train to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu before exploring the imperial streetscapes of Cusco and optional high-altitude peaks like Rainbow Mountain.
After your long international flight from India, take it easy. Arrive in Lima, complete airport formalities, and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. Spend the entire day resting, unwinding, and adjusting to the time difference. If you feel up to it in the evening, enjoy a quiet meal nearby or simply get a full night's sleep. Overnight in Lima.
Start early with a scenic drive south along the Pacific coast toward Paracas for a morning boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Afterward, head inland to the Huacachina desert oasis to experience thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding as the sun sets over the dunes, returning to Lima in the evening. The full round-trip drive covers approximately 380 miles (610 kilometers / 4.5 hours each way). Overnight in Lima.
Catch a morning flight from Lima up to Cusco. To prevent altitude sickness, head directly down into the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley (around 9,000 feet / 2,800 meters) via taxi or private vehicle rather than staying in Cusco city. The scenic drive covers 35 miles (55 kilometers / 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo and spend a relaxed afternoon adjusting to the altitude. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Explore two of the Sacred Valley’s most famous Incan engineering achievements. Visit the brilliant white Maras Salt Mines, thousands of terraced pools harvested by local families for centuries. Then head to nearby Moray to see its deep, concentric circular terraces, which served as an ancient agricultural experiment station. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Spend your morning exploring the vibrant indigenous market in Pisac, famous for its handmade textiles, crafts, and jewelry. In the afternoon, explore the massive stone fortress and ruins of Ollantaytambo, which guard the entrance to the Valley and set the stage for your trip to Machu Picchu. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Board the scenic Vistadome or Expedition train from Ollantaytambo, following the Urubamba River as the landscape shifts into lush cloud forest. The train ride covers 27 miles (43 kilometers / 1.5 hours). Arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), check into your hotel, explore the mountain town, and rest up early for the citadel visit tomorrow. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Take an early morning shuttle bus up to the Machu Picchu citadel. Tour the iconic Incan ruins alongside grazing alpacas and, if booked in advance, hike up Huayna Picchu for expansive aerial views. In the late afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer by road to Cusco (elevation 11,150 feet / 3,400 meters). Overnight in Cusco.
Spend the day walking through Cusco's historic streets and plazas. Visit the central Plaza de Armas, taste exotic fruits at the San Pedro Market, and head up to the massive stone complex of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city. Enjoy local coca tea throughout the day to stay hydrated at elevation. Overnight in Cusco.
If fully acclimatized, head out early for an excursion to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) to witness its vibrant, mineral-striped slopes at over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters). The drive covers 85 miles (140 kilometers / 3 hours each way). Alternatively, enjoy a low-key day in Cusco with a Peruvian cooking class or a chocolate-making workshop. Overnight in Cusco.
Fly from Cusco back to Lima in the morning (1 hour 20 minutes flight). Use your remaining hours for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final coastal meal in Miraflores before heading to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your international departure flight back home to India.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit the Peruvian Andes and Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May to October, which offers sunny days, blue skies, and clear views ideal for sightseeing and photography. The shoulder months of April and November also provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds. The rainy season runs from December to March, bringing wetter trails in the mountains and lush green landscapes.
Instead of staying in high-altitude Cusco (11,150 feet / 3,400 meters) immediately after flying in, this routing transfers you directly down into the Sacred Valley (around 9,000 feet / 2,800 meters). Spending your first three nights at a lower elevation allows your body to acclimatize gradually before returning to Cusco on Day 7, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness (soroche).
Indian passport holders holding a valid visa or permanent residence permit with at least six months' validity for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or any Schengen state do not require a visa to enter Peru for tourism (up to 180 days). If you do not hold one of these visas, you must apply for a Peruvian tourist visa through the Embassy or Consulate of Peru prior to departure.
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN), though US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for major purchases, tourist hotels, and upscale restaurants. It is best to carry small denominations of Peruvian Soles in cash for local craft markets, taxi fares, street food, and tipping in smaller towns across the Sacred Valley. Credit cards are accepted in major cities like Lima and Cusco.
entryMachu Picchu entry permits and train tickets (Vistadome or Expedition) are strictly regulated and capped daily by the Peruvian government. It is strongly recommended to pre-book your entry tickets, train seats, and Huayna Picchu mountain permits at least 3 to 4 months in advance, especially if traveling during the peak season from May to September.
