Llamas grazing above the ruins of Machu Picchu

10 days · The Coast · Cusco & the Sacred Valley

First Peru, Done Right

Lima's tables, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, in the order your lungs would choose.

From US$4,200 per person, excluding international flights

Length: 10 days
Regions: The Coast, Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Hiking: Easy walking
Highest night: ~3,400 m · High
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Overview

Why it works

Your first trip to Peru, paced properly. Two nights in Lima to eat well and get over the flight, then up to the Sacred Valley, lower than Cusco and kinder on your body. Machu Picchu comes next, by train, at a time slot we secure early. Cusco comes last, once you're ready for it.

Highlights

Lima food scene
Sleep lower first in the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu by train
Cusco's Inca stonework
San Pedro market

Altitude profile

How this journey climbs

Highest night about 3,400 m; highest point about 3,700 m (verify). Diamonds mark days with a pacing tip. Altitude, explained

10 days: First Peru, Done Right10 days. Highest night: Cusco, about 3,400 m (day 6). Highest point: about 3,700 m at Road via Chinchero (day 3). Nights above 3,500 m: 0. All altitudes approximate (verify).

Low 0–1,500 m
Moderate 1,500–2,500 m
High 2,500–3,500 m
Very high 3,500 m+
Day's high point

Hover, tap or use the arrow keys on the chart to see each night. Altitudes are approximate (verify). This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Show as a table

10 days: First Peru, Done Right: altitude by day
Day	Sleep	Sleep altitude	High point	Tip
Day 1	Lima	~150 m · Low	—	—
Day 2	Lima	~150 m · Low	—	—
Day 3	Sacred Valley	~2,870 m · High	~3,700 m (Road via Chinchero)	Sleep lower first
Day 4	Sacred Valley	~2,870 m · High	~3,500 m (Moray)	Take it easy today
Day 5	Aguas Calientes	~2,040 m · Moderate	—	Heading lower: easier breathing
Day 6	Cusco	~3,400 m · High	—	Take it easy today
Day 7	Cusco	~3,400 m · High	—	Drink plenty of water
Day 8	Cusco	~3,400 m · High	~3,600 m (Sacsayhuamán)	—
Day 9	Lima	~150 m · Low	—	Heading lower: easier breathing
Day 10	Departure	~150 m · Low	—	—

Day by day

Your itinerary

A private transfer to your hotel near the clifftops. Walk the Malecón at sunset and sleep off the flight.

Sleep: Lima, ~150 m (low)
Flight
Road

Stay: A garden house in Miraflores

Getting around

How you travel

Flights: Lima → Cusco, Cusco → Lima
Private road transfers throughout
Scenic train: Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Cusco (Poroy)

Machu Picchu details

By train

Morning entry on the classic circuit, secured when you book. Huayna Picchu can be added if tickets are available.

Permit: Entry ticket only. Typically booked 1–4 months ahead.

Rules change, we'll confirm the latest. Rules change often, sometimes at short notice. We'll confirm the latest rules, ticket types and circuits when you book.

Machu Picchu planner

Accommodation