Lima to Machu Picchu, a Complete Guide

Where to go on your next vacation, is a great question. The South American country of Peru should be high on your travel bucket list. So, what do we think of when thinking of Peru, well Machu Picchu of course? The ancient Inca site is famous all over the world for its mystery and beauty. To get to Machu Picchu you should see all of the following recommendations to get the most out of your time in Peru.

Lima

On arrival into Peru, all travelers arrive at Lima airport, located in the industrial seaside suburb of Callao. You will enter Lima with either sunny blue skies or grey overcast skies depending on the season. Most use Lima as a stop at the airport on the way to Cusco or other cities. But in recent years there has been a resurgence and Lima is one of the most happening places in Peru.

Most stay out at the beachside suburbs of Miraflores or Barranco, both great places to spend some time, see the modern-day Lima and the life of the rich Limeños, the trendy people hanging out in the ocean front restaurants of Larco Mar.

Visit central Lima and see the history of old Lima. The San Francisco cathedral is a worth an hour of your time to see the old Lima catacombs. The patio has a wonderful mix of Spanish colonial tiles that were bought over from Spain.

A great start to any tour is a visit to a museum, it is a great way to learn all the ancient cultures. Visit the Larco Museum and if you have time have lunch in the wonderful café.

Nowhere will you get better food than in Lima. The variety of world-famous restaurants in Lima will both delight and astound you.

Ica

The town of Ica is known as the wine growing region of Peru. Here the famous Pisco grapes are grown. Take a tour of the wineries and sample the products of the Ica region.

Huacachina.

Not far down the road you will arrive at the desert oasis of Huacachina. A true oasis with a small lake and really huge sand dunes. Sandboarding or Dune bugging is the order of the day for the adventurous or not so. A great day out and fun for all the family.

Nazca.

Continue on our journey south travel inland to the desert town of Nazca. This pleasant little town is small, warm and sunny and has almost zero rainfall all year. There are splattering of nice hotels to choose from all with pools to relax and soak up some rays.

Around 100 years ago when air travel was becoming a reality, the famous Nazca lines were discovered. If you don’t know what the lines are, well hundreds if not thousands of figures, shapes and lines are etched into the desert floor. They remain preserved due to the low rain fall. The reason for the lines and who made the lines remains a mystery but they are absolutely worth the plane ride to see.

Paracas.

Travel south down the Panamericana highway to the fishing village of Paracas. The fishing town is famous for its beach resorts, if you can handle the fishy smell from the fish factory nearby, it a great quiet break for a day or 2. Take a boat out to the famous Ballestas Islands and see the abundance of marine and bird life.

Journey to the Paracas National Park and see some of the driest country that you will ever encounter. A feature of the park is a figure of a candelabra etched into the floor of the desert.

Arequipa

Considered the most beautiful city in Peru, Arequipa has the name the White City because of the local white stone that most of the buildings in the center are constructed. The main plaza is well designed and filled with garden beds.

The Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most interesting buildings in Arequipa with parts still occupied by catholic nuns. The wonderful combination of colors make for some wonderful photos.

From Arequipa travel through the high Andes to the Colca Valley. A tour to the Colca Canyon and see the majestic Condor floating on the rising thermals. Photo opportunities abound around the canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

Puno

The high Andean town of Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, with part of the lake in Peru and part in Bolivia. Most do a tour on the lake and visit the fascinating Uros Islands, something that you will not see anywhere else in the world. The Uros people live in the in the middle of the lake just off the coast of Puno. What makes them so fascinating is that their islands are made completely out of the reeds that grow in the lake. The houses and the boats are also made from the same material. Don’t miss this when visiting Peru.

Further out on the lake are the stone islands of Taquille and Amatarni. Both islands have wonderful views of the lake and interesting histories. Would you believe that on Taquille Island the men knit and the women tend the fields?

Cusco

A highlight for many the Imperial Inca city of Cusco, a must see. The city itself is a wonderful mix of ancient Inca and Spanish Colonial architecture. Every street tells a story, with Spanish buildings built on top of Inca foundations. Cobblestones and terracotta tiles feature, with lovely old buildings with central patios reminiscent of old European cites.

Modern day Cusco is alive and kicking with one of the best night life scenes in South America. The city is a mecca for tourists from all over the world. The variety of hostels, hotels and luxury properties is just astonishing. Some of the best restaurants in Peru are in Cusco so you are spoilt for choice. There is traditional Peruvian food and all the International food that you could imagine.

The city has many ancient ruins to discover and the best way is on a half day city tour. See the temple of Qorichanca and Santa Domingo Church. Travel just outside of Cusco to the 4 spectacular ruins that sit guard over Cusco. Learn their history from your informed guide.

Day Tours from Cusco.

Around the Cusco area there is much to do. There are many trips to consider, take a trip into the Peruvian Andes to Rainbow Mountain, this freak of nature is the second most visited site in Peru. Discover the colorful stripes that formed from the minerals run offs from the glaciers above.

Another amazing day tour is to the Humantay Lake around 3 hours drive from Cusco. This turquoise-colored lake is set in the back drop of the Andes, see high snow-covered peaks and hear how the lakes gets it color.

Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Travel an hour outside of Cusco and discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, undoubtably one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. Steer cliff faces, snowcapped mountain peaks and raging rivers are some of the highlights. Many ancient Inca ruins are waiting to be explored. The Inca used this area for crops and you will see why when you pass the green fields.

Explore the Inca towns of Pisa and Ollantaytambo, both equally interesting as they are spectacular. The valley is full of wonderful hotels to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice.

Machu Picchu.

Travel from the Sacred Valley by train the town below Machu Picchu called Aguas Calientes. Sometimes missed the quaint little town is worth a day of your travel time. Set among the mountains the views are spectacular. Travel by bus up a zig zag track to the gate of Machu Picchu.

A visit to Machu Picchu will live with you for a lifetime. Words cannot do it justice. It is something that you need to experience for yourself. The location, the breathtaking views, the presence of the Inca and the just brilliance of these ancient peoples will leave an impression that is impossible to describe, so you will have to visit for yourself.

The Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu

No travel guide to Machu Picchu would be complete with mentioning the Inca Trail. The popularity of the trail grows every year. The 4-day trek is without a doubt a challenge both mentally and physically. The rewards are great and for most worth the pain you will go through. Not for the faint of heart, the trek traverses high Andean Passes and has thousands of stone Inca steps, that many find the most challenging. If you feel you are able, take the Inca Trail you will not regret the decision.

For those who are short on time consider the alternative Inca Trails. On the 2-day Inca Trail see the most exciting parts of the trek, like Winay Wayna at a wonderful leisurely pace. For those who want the experience do the 1-day trail, cover the same distances as the 2 day but in 1 day, this is for the fit as this trek is done at a fast pace to arrive at Machu Picchu in time to do the tour.

Alternative hikes to Machu Picchu choose according to your physical condition

There are many alternatives to the Inca Trail around the Cusco area. The Unique Salkantay Trek for 4 days, The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Day trek or the magnificent Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek for 7 days. All featuring breathtaking views, nature, rainforests and ancient Inca ruins.

We hope you are excited to travel to Peru, so much to see and do and experience. Make memories that will last forever. Travel to Peru, contact one of our experienced Sales Consultants today.