Machu Picchu, Cusco, & Lima
5 Days Travel Itinerary & Guide
5 Days in Cusco & Lima, Peru
5 Days is not enough time for Peru, but it certainly gave us a taste of this magnificent country.
Day 1:
Most flights into Lima from the United States arrive at night time, so be sure not to sleep on the flight, so you can catch some sleep to start your trip off right.
Arrive in Lima and Check into Hotel (NM Lima Hotel)
Most of the flights from the US arrive in the evening. Make sure your hotel arranges a pickup service for you. We stayed in San Isidro at NM Lima Hotel, which is a great safe location, incredible staff, good rooms, and a really good breakfast and bar. I would highly recommend this hotel as it’s incredibly affordable.
Day 2:
Huaca Pucllana
If you’re in the San Isidro area, take a stroll from your hotel to Huaca Pucllana. This is the remains of a magnificent adobe and clay pyramid; it also features a mini animal farm.
City Bus Tour
Book through your hotel, the city tour that will take you by bus to the major sites:
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor), and Centro Historico de Lima. You’ll have time to walk around these locations and the tour bus will drive you by other exciting locations.
La Locanda - Swissotel Lima
If I could eat here again…this restaurant is absolutely incredible. Probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The staff is extremely attentive, kind and welcoming. This is a must in Lima. We went a little earlier, so we were one of the only people in the restaurant, which was perfect to enjoy the intimate setting without a wait.
Day 3:
Mercado Indio's
Take some time to do souvenir shopping in this unique market.
Explore Miraflores
Stroll around one of Lima’s nicest neighborhoods along the coast.
Evening Flight on LAN to Cusco
When you arrive in Cusco, be careful not to push your body too hard as you will be acclimating to the elevation.
Check into Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi
Many of the hotels will give you a cup of nice warm coca tea to help acclimate. (Note that if you do arrive in the evening, the tea might keep you up at night if you’re planning on going straight to bed.)
We stayed at Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi.We absolutely loved this hotel! The staff, location, and the environment were incredible. We really booked a winner here! (Our only issue was that the ride service at the airport was a little confusing, but the staff was very kind and helpful.) I would strongly recommend booking here!
Day 4:
The big day: Machu Picchu! Be sure to bring a poncho or rain jacket as it can be really wet.
Machu Picchu
Wake up early and get ready to see one of the most breathtaking sites in the world. We booked the perfect tour through Viator.
Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse
One of the best meals that I’ve ever had! (We actually ate here two days in a row because it was that extraordinary!) I wish I could go back right now!
Day 5:
Spend the day exploring Cusco then travel back to Lima.
Explore Cusco
Check out Cusco’s main square with Plaza de Armas, Centro Historico De Cusco, the Company of Jesus Church (La Compania de Jesus), and all the beautiful shops around the area.
Chicha
Have an early dinner at Chicha which beautifully blends together local ingredients with a mix of foreign and traditional dishes.
Fly back to Lima
Evening flight back to Lima then catch a red-eye back home.
Tips and Tricks:
We felt really safe most of the time in Peru, be sure to arrange pick up and drop off with your hotel from the airport.