If you’re dreaming about Peru, this is your sign to just book it. You will have the BEST time. This itinerary packs in a lot of information I learned from experience. There’s bucket list moments at Machu Picchu, hidden gems in the Sacred Valley, and still room for spontaneous experiences that you can make your own.
Before we start, I just wanted to quickly go over car rentals. We did not rent a car, and I’m really glad we didn’t. There is a massive difference between driving in Peru than there are many other parts of the world and it would just give me anxiety. Plus, they have a great bus system, taxis everywhere, Uber, and trains. Transportation was not an issue and is much cheaper there than where I am from (Ontario, Canada).
Here’s exactly how our trip went with tips along the way:
✈️ Day 1: Travel Day → Machu Picchu Town
We landed in Cusco at 11:20am. We jumped straight on a bus to Wanchaq Station to catch our train toward Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu town). We booked the PeruRail Vistadome 360° which is worth the money if you have daylight. The train ride is about 1.5hrs in length, and you will also get the chance to hear live music, have a snack, and take in the incredible views. A great warm welcome to Peru!
By 5:00pm, we arrived and checked into Rupa Rupa which was a cozy stay (that was up a lot of stairs-fair warning) with a solid included breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, coffee… the essentials after a long travel day.
Aguas Calientes has markets to check out, mountain views everywhere, great restaurants and lovely people. I wish we had more time here, as it is beautiful.
🏔 Day 2: Machu Picchu Day
This is the day I was most excited for! I mean, seeing a wonder of the world is always epic. This was the third world wonder I’ve seen.
We booked a guided tour through GetYourGuide for 12:00pm which worked perfectly. We had a slow morning, coffee in town, then straight to one of the most iconic places in the world: Machu Picchu.
Our GetYourGuide booking included a bus ride to Machu Picchu which was very scenic and had a lot of turns (noting this for anyone who gets car sick) on a switchback road.
We got to Machu Picchu, showed our passports (TIP: carry your passport with you everytime you have a tour/travel day, as almost all of them required it) and our tour guide took us to view the endless, incredible views that make up Machu Picchu. We learned about the flora and fauna, the historical significance, about the Inca Peoples and their incredible engineering, the culture and religion, and so much more. We also saw 2 chinchillas!
After soaking it all in (and taking about 800 photos), we made our way to Ollantaytambo via the train and stayed at Hostal Sauce which is located perfectly near the city centre, in walking distance from train and perfect spot for next day’s tour.
🌄 Day 3: Sacred Valley Tour
We had an 8:00am pickup for our Sacred Valley tour that we also booked on GetYourGuide. This tour was 10hrs long, so we packed some lunch, snacks, sun screen, hats, coat, camera and lots of water. They met us outside of our hotel Hostal Sauce and we walked over to the ruins to begin our tour. The tour also included Moray, Maras Salt Mine (a favourite of the whole trip for me), Chinchero District and we also had a stop where we got to try different salt and chocolate flavours. You can buy salt there, but we learned later on the trip that you can also buy salt at the San Pedro market for a fraction of the price.
The Sacred Valley is one of those places where every stop is just as remarkable as the last. The ruins, markets, mountain views, all layered with deep history of the Inca Empire.
We returned to Ollantaytambo and got dinner at a restaurant named Chuncho (which was amazing, I recommend their Alpaca and their Mint Lemonade) and then some gelato. Then we called it a night after a long day.
🧖♀️ Day 4: Slow Morning + Luxury Stay
This day had one purpose: Relaxation.
When I travel with this group of gals, I’m always reminded of the different travel styles and ways to enjoy a trip, and one of those ways is to just slow down and enjoy. It helps break up the trip, and lets you recover (especially at this elevation).
So to enjoy our day and take it slow, we explored town of Ollantaytambo in the morning, and then took an Uber to our next stay. We then checked into the dreamiest stay: Memorable Sacred Experience Hotel in Urubamba. Highly recommend this stay!!
Think:
- Glass domes
- Breakfast with their Alpaca’s and Llama’s
- Mountain views
- Private jacuzzi
- Fire pit under the stars (the skies were SO clear)
- On-site activities you can book (Ex. Painting, cocktail class, learn local cooking with their chef, horseback riding, and more)
We made sure to book jacuzzi time and ate at the hotel restaurant, which ended up being some of the best food of the entire trip!
🍹 Day 5: Choose Your Adventure
This day is wide open depending on your energy level:
Option 1 :
Stay at the hotel and do their experiences—we did a class making Pisco Sour and Ceviche, which was SUCH a fun cultural moment.
Option 2 (chaotic early adventure):
4:00am pickup for the Humantay Lake hike (12 hours total 😅). It’s stunning, but be prepared, it’s a grind.
Option 3:
Explore nearby gems like Arin Waterfall or revisit Ollantaytambo Ruins.
🍫 Day 6: Cusco
We got another Uber and made our way back to Cusco and stayed near the city centre at Hotel Sauce. This hotel was very cute and located in a great spot so you can walk everywhere, I recommend!
Options for this day:
- Chocolate-making experience at the local chocolate museum
- Open-top bus tour (we booked it for $16 on GetYourGuide and HIGHLY recommend)
- Rainbow Mountain (BUT it’s another 4am, 12-hour situation… so choose wisely)
🛍 Day 7: Cusco Exploration + Fly Home
We kept exploring Cusco before heading to the airport. The hotel also has a spa and we all got facials which was the best decision ever.
We checked out San Pedro Market which is about 15 steps away from the hotel entrance. The market is busy, colorful, and perfect for grabbing last-minute souvenirs or snacks. It’s a must experience, I think we went 4 separate times.
Then off to the airport (in an Uber) around 2pm ✈️.
✨ Final Thoughts
This itinerary is packed, but it hits the highlights:
- Machu Picchu ✔️
- Sacred Valley ✔️
- Unique stays ✔️
- Cultural experiences ✔️
If you’re someone who loves adventure but also wants a bit of comfort and aesthetic moments (hi, jacuzzi with mountain views), this balance is perfect and you are welcome to make it your own!
Packing List
- Charger converter (Peru outlets are 220v)
- Passport (obvious but you need it for so many things!)
- Anti-theft bag to carry your passport on you
- Cash (for so many food places, markets, Ubers/Taxis)
- Sunscreen and hat!!!
- Good walking shoes
- Camera (with lots of storage space)
- Rain jacket – weather changes fast
yourmatiekatie 