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Peru · 7–10 days

Peru: Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, at the right altitude

A short, honest guide to the classic Peru loop — the old Inca capital, the green valley below it, and the journey up to Machu Picchu — paced so the altitude works for you, not against you.

Peru's headline trip is one of the great ones: acclimatise in the cobbled streets of Cusco, wander the terraced ruins and markets of the Sacred Valley, then make the journey — on foot via the Inca Trail, or by the beautiful train — to Machu Picchu. The mistake most people make is rushing straight up to altitude and trying to see the citadel jet-lagged on day two. Give it room, build in the valley, and the whole thing flows.

When to go

The dry season, May to September, is the sweet spot — sunny days, clear views of the peaks and the prime window for the Inca Trail. June to August is the busiest (and the trail permits go first). April and October are quieter shoulder months with greener hills. The wet season runs November to March; it still works for the train route, but trails get muddy and the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu itself is open year-round.

How long, and where to base yourself

Give it seven to ten nights, built around the altitude:

• Cusco (2 nights) — land here and take it easy. The old Inca capital is gorgeous, but at 3,400m the first job is simply to acclimatise.
• The Sacred Valley (1–2 nights) — lower, warmer and greener, so you sleep better. Base near Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for Pisac, the terraces of Moray and the salt pans of Maras.
• Machu Picchu — either the four-day Inca Trail (camping, ending at the Sun Gate at dawn) or the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with a night below the citadel. Go up early, and twice if you can.
• Round it off with a last night back in Cusco, and consider adding Lake Titicaca or the Amazon at Puerto Maldonado if you have longer.

What's genuinely worth your time

• Machu Picchu at first light — through the Sun Gate if you've walked, or on the first bus up if you've taken the train. Quieter, cooler, magical.
• The Inca Trail if you're fit and organised — Dead Woman's Pass and the cloud-forest ruins are unforgettable; book the permit months ahead.
• The Sacred Valley — Pisac's hillside ruins and market, the living town of Ollantaytambo, and the surreal terraces of Moray.
• Cusco itself — the Qorikancha, the San Pedro market, and dinner in San Blas.
• The food — Peru is one of the world's great food countries; don't miss a proper novo-andino tasting menu.

Good to know

• Altitude is the thing to respect. Go slow on arrival, drink water and coca tea, and sleep low in the valley before any trek.
• Inca Trail permits are capped and sell out months ahead — book through a licensed operator early, and remember it's closed every February.
• Reserve Machu Picchu timed-entry tickets and the Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train in advance, especially in dry season.
• Carry cash (soles) in small notes for markets and tips, and your passport for the trail and citadel stamps.

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Peru and hike to Machu Picchu?

The dry season, May to September, is the best time — sunny days, clear mountain views and the prime window for the Inca Trail. June to August is busiest; April and October are quieter shoulder months. The wet season runs November to March, and the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance (Machu Picchu itself stays open, reached by train).

How many days do you need for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley?

Plan seven to ten days. Allow two days in Cusco to acclimatise to the 3,400m altitude, a day or two in the lower Sacred Valley, the journey to Machu Picchu (the classic Inca Trail takes four days; the train is a single day), and a buffer day before flying home.

Do you have to hike the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu?

No. The four-day Inca Trail is the famous way and ends at the Sun Gate at dawn, but you can also reach Machu Picchu comfortably by scenic train to Aguas Calientes and a short bus up to the citadel. Inca Trail permits are capped daily and sell out months ahead.

How do you cope with the altitude in Cusco?

Cusco sits at about 3,400m, so take the first day slowly, drink plenty of water and coca tea, go easy on alcohol at first, and sleep a night or two in the lower Sacred Valley before any trek. Many travellers also ask their doctor about altitude medication.

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