Start your adventure in the capital city of Lima, where ancient history meets modern culture. Begin with a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the historic center with its impressive Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Plaza Mayor, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco with its underground catacombs, and the Presidential Palace.
Next, fly to the Inca city of Cusco (11,200 ft above sea level) for a two-day adventure. On the first day, acclimatize to the altitude and take a city walking tour visiting the Qoricancha Temple, the San Pedro Market, and the Cusco Cathedral. End the day with a sunset view from the Plaza de Armas. On the second day, start your trek towards Machu Picchu and explore the Sacred Valley and the unique terraces of Moray & Salineras.
Embark on the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu–one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This 4-day guided hike will allow you to walk through the Andean Mountains, exploring ruins and native settlements along the way. On the fourth day, reach the Sun Gate before sunrise to catch your first glimpse of the stunning Machu Picchu ruins.
Take a guided day trip to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca. Soak in the stunning views of the summit surrounded by red, orange, and blue hues of colors. On the last day, spend the morning at leisure and fly back to Lima in the afternoon.
Transportation arrangements will vary on your itinerary. Domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, and any other destinations are usually reasonably scaled and fast, with commercials like LATAM, Avianca, Sky Airline, Star Peru, among the options. Taking taxis or buses can be convenient, yet arrange them in advance to prevent overcharging.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the archeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Pisac & Chinchero, or opt for other hikes like Choquequirao or Salkantay. If you have less time, focus on Cusco and Machu Picchu, except if you already did these before, then head to other less-known Peru destinations. Don't overpack, and consider spending a few days before your trip doing physical exercises.
The international airport in Lima is Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), and the closest domestic airport to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco (CUZ), about 47 km distance. Stick to the official airport taxis or shared vans available at both airports, and don't forget to check the latest information regarding travel requirements, as they might require updates with time.