Peru folds a Pacific capital, a high Andean former Inca capital, and the terraced Sacred Valley into a single week. This route eases you up in altitude on purpose: two days in coastal Lima, two acclimatising in Cusco, then three working down the valley to Machu Picchu, so the biggest climb comes after your body has adjusted. See the full itinerary.
From the same hand-researched library as our Peru itinerary. Last reviewed 2026-08-21.
Peru’s capital sits on desert cliffs above the Pacific and is the country’s culinary heart, where pre-Inca adobe pyramids, Spanish colonial cloisters, and cliff-top Miraflores promenades all share one skyline. It is the natural soft landing before the Andes.
The Inca capital, later overbuilt by the Spanish, layers colonial churches directly onto Inca stonework you can still run a hand along. At 3,400 metres it is also your acclimatisation base, so this stop leans into the artisan San Blas hills, the temple foundations, and the ruins ringing town rather than a rushed dash for the valley.
The Urubamba valley steps down from Cusco through Inca market towns, salt terraces, and circular agricultural laboratories before the rail line delivers you to the cloud-forest citadel itself. Basing in the valley lowers the altitude, spreads the ruins across relaxed days, and puts you close to the first Machu Picchu train.
Museums, parks, and neighborhoods are on the full Peru itinerary, sequenced into a realistic day-by-day plan with transport between cities.
Forward your booking confirmations and Petrel builds the whole day-by-day itinerary for you, travel times between stops included.
Start your free tripFirst trip free. No account, no credit card.