5 Days in Peru: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Jorge Chávez International Airport

Placeholder arrival activity. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco for easy dining, ocean views, and safer evening walks.

Miraflores

Try ceviche or causa at a well-reviewed spot. Miraflores is a practical base for first-time visitors.

Miraflores Boardwalk

Great ocean views and an easy first-day activity after your flight; best in the late afternoon.

Larcomar

Clifftop shopping/dining area with Pacific views. Good for a relaxed sunset stop.

Barranco

Barranco is Lima’s artsy neighborhood; consider booking popular restaurants ahead, especially weekends.

Lima to Cusco

Book an early flight so you have time to acclimatize. Cusco is at high altitude, so keep the day light.

Cusco Historic Center

Drink water, avoid heavy alcohol, and take it slow. Ask your hotel about coca tea if you’re comfortable with it.

Plaza de Armas

Choose a simple meal while adjusting to altitude; soups and quinoa dishes are common and comforting.

Plaza de Armas

A gentle intro to Cusco’s colonial and Inca history. Check current visiting info via [Cusco tourism](https://www.peru.travel/en/masperu/cusco).

Qorikancha

Important Inca temple later incorporated into a colonial church; easy to pair with central Cusco sightseeing.

San Blas

San Blas has cozy restaurants and artisan shops. Keep the evening relaxed due to altitude.

Cusco to Pisac

Hire a private driver or join a Sacred Valley day tour for the easiest logistics.

Pisac

Impressive terraces and valley views. Bring sun protection and water; walking is moderate at altitude.

Urubamba

Urubamba is a convenient midpoint with many restaurants and lower altitude than Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

One of the Sacred Valley’s highlights; climb slowly and enjoy the views over the town.

Ollantaytambo Station

Book train tickets ahead with [PeruRail](https://www.perurail.com/) or [Inca Rail](https://incarail.com/). Overnight in Aguas Calientes for an early Machu Picchu visit.

Aguas Calientes

Have an early dinner and pack a small day bag for Machu Picchu. Buy bus tickets if not included in your tour.

Aguas Calientes

Go early for cooler temperatures and better light. Bring your passport; it may be checked with your ticket.

Machu Picchu

Reserve tickets well in advance via the [official ticket platform](https://tuboleto.cultura.pe/). A guide is strongly recommended to understand the site and routes.

Machu Picchu

Food options inside are limited; bring water and snacks according to site rules. Re-entry is generally restricted, so plan carefully.

Aguas Calientes

Lines can form after peak visiting hours, so allow buffer time before your train.

Aguas Calientes

Pick a restaurant near the train station so you can relax without rushing.

Aguas Calientes to Cusco

Book a combo of train plus private/shared transfer. Expect a long but rewarding travel afternoon.

Mercado Central de San Pedro

Great for local fruit juices, souvenirs, and casual breakfast. Keep small bills handy.

Sacsayhuamán

Massive Inca stonework just above Cusco. Take a taxi up and walk down if you want to save energy.

Cusco Historic Center

Try alpaca, trout, or a vegetarian Andean tasting menu depending on your preference.

San Blas

Good area for textiles, ceramics, and a relaxed final stroll before departure.

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

Placeholder departure activity. For international flights, you may need to connect through Lima; allow a generous buffer.