7 days is the minimum for basic Peru. Less means rushing and altitude sickness. This route is tested on dozens of groups: acclimatization works, you fit the main sights, 1 day stays for alternatives.
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Arrival in Lima (sea level — comfortable after long flight). Stay in Miraflores or Barranco. Light dinner (ceviche mandatory), rest.
To see: Malecon (boardwalk), Plaza de Armas. If energy — Museo Larco.
Day 2: Lima → Cusco
Morning flight to Cusco (1 hour). Full rest day! No acclimatization hikes. Coca tea, 3-4 L water, light food.
Late evening — short walk on Cusco's Plaza de Armas.
More: altitude acclimatization in Peru/Bolivia.
Day 3: Cusco — tour
Cusco at 3,400 m. After the rest day — light programme:
- Plaza de Armas, Cathedral
- Inca Museum
- Sacsayhuamán (ruins above the city)
- Mercado San Pedro (market — coca tea, fruit)
- San Blas — artist district
Evening dinner at local restaurant. No alcohol for 1-2 more days.
Day 4: Sacred Valley
Descend from 3,400 m to the valley at 2,800 m — better for acclimatization. Route:
- Pisac (ruins + market)
- Moray (terraces)
- Maras (salt mines)
- Ollantaytambo (ancient town, overnight)
Overnight in Ollantaytambo — lower than Cusco, body rests.
Day 5: Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu
Morning train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~1.5 hours). Bus up to Machu Picchu. Book tickets 2-3 months ahead! Without booking — might not be available on the day.
Machu Picchu takes 4-6 hours with a tour. Back in Aguas Calientes — rest, dinner, overnight.
Day 6: Aguas Calientes → Cusco
Morning train back. Free day in Cusco or alternative:
- Humantay Lake — day tour, turquoise lake at 4,200 m. 1.5 hour hike. Beautiful, altitude no longer a problem after Cusco.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) — 5,000 m! Only if well-acclimatized. Alternative — less touristy Pallay Punchu.
- Maras + Moray redo if you didn't fit on day 4
- Just rest in Cusco — cafés, bars, San Blas
Day 7: Cusco → Lima → home
Morning flight Cusco → Lima. Time before international flight — ceviche at Mercado de Surquillo. Otherwise — straight to airport.
Budget (for two)
- International flights: €700-1,200 (depends on departure)
- Domestic flights (Lima-Cusco round trip): €200
- Machu Picchu train: €130 per person round trip
- Machu Picchu ticket + bus: €80 per person
- Accommodation 6 nights: €500-1,000
- Food: €300-500
- Transport + taxis + guides: €300
- Activities (Humantay tour, museums): €150
Total: ~€3,000-4,500 for two.
What NOT to try fitting in 7 days
- Inca Trail — 4-day trek, requires permits 6+ months ahead. Won't fit.
- Lake Titicaca — far, +2 days minimum.
- Amazon (Iquitos/Puerto Maldonado) — separate programme, +3-4 days.
- Bolivia + Uyuni — +3 days (see our 12-day tour).
Tips
- Machu Picchu ticket — book 2-3 months ahead, especially Huayna Picchu add-on
- Vistadome train pricier than PeruRail Expedition by €30, but ceiling windows worth it
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes is essential — otherwise you'll be chasing schedule
- Coca mate in cafés — really helps with altitude
- No alcohol first 3-4 days in Cusco
Related: acclimatization, Peru-Bolivia budget.