Best Peru and Machu Picchu Itinerary
The Traveling Professor has been running small group tours to Peru and Machu Picchu for almost 15 years.
Peru and Machu Picchu are among the most fascinating destinations in the world—mysterious, beautiful, and brimming with adventure. The Traveling Professor’s small group tour brings you the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonder. Here’s our best Peru and Machu Picchu itinerary that balances comfort, luxury, and unforgettable experiences.
Days 1–3: Discover Lima’s Colonial Charm
Start your journey with three nights in Lima. Often more European than Europe itself, Lima’s historic district is perfect for walking. Visit the Cathedral of Lima, the final resting place of Pizarro, and explore the Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo where St. Rose of Lima once walked. Don’t miss the Larco Museum, filled with Incan artifacts, and enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.
Stay near Kennedy Park at Jose Antonio Deluxe for its prime location. Dine at Restaurante Huaca Pucllana, set among ancient ruins, or splurge at Astrid & Gaston, one of the world’s top-rated restaurants.
Days 4–5: High-Altitude History in Cusco
Fly from Lima to Cusco and take it easy at 11,000+ feet. Explore the San Pedro Market and enjoy coca tea before visiting Sacsayhuaman, the Statue of Christ, and Tambomachay. In the city, see the Qorikancha—a Spanish church built on an Incan temple—and the Cusco Cathedral, famous for its Last Supper painting featuring guinea pig.
Stay at Hotel Aranwa, a luxury boutique hotel with an “intelligent oxygen system” to ease altitude adjustment.
Days 6–7: The Magic of Machu Picchu
Take the scenic train from Cusco’s Poroy station to Aguas Calientes and settle in at El Mapi Hotel or Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Spend your first afternoon with a guided tour of the Citadel.
On day two, wake early to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu and hike to the Sun Gate for breathtaking sunrise views. Few moments in travel compare to watching the clouds rise over this ancient Incan masterpiece.
Day 8: Sacred Valley Wonders
Return from Aguas Calientes and stop in Ollantaytambo to explore its ruins. Enjoy a Peruvian lunch at Tunupa in the Sacred Valley, and visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary to see rescued Andean wildlife before heading back to Cusco.
Days 9–11: The Amazon Jungle Experience
The Traveling Professor's small group tours features top quality lodging. Peru is no exception. Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer by boat to the Inkaterra Amazonica Lodge, a luxury eco-resort in the heart of the Amazon. Stay in private cabanas and enjoy all-inclusive gourmet meals. Guided excursions include twilight river cruises, canopy walks, bird watching, and medicinal plant tours—an unforgettable conclusion to your Peru adventure.
Final Thoughts:
This Peru and Machu Picchu itinerary offers the perfect mix of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation. Whether it’s the vibrant streets of Lima, the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, or the untamed beauty of the Amazon, every moment is designed for travelers who want comfort without compromise.