9-Day Peru Itinerary: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley

This 9‑day Peru itinerary is packed with dramatic mountains, ancient Inca history, vibrant culture, and world‑class food. This journey takes you from the high‑altitude charm of Cusco to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, through the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake, and finally to the laid‑back coastal vibes of Lima. Along the way, I’ve shared personal experiences, local food spots, altitude tips, and small moments that made this trip truly unforgettable.

Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco, San Pedro Market & A Magical Night in the Andes

We started our Peru journey by arriving in Cusco around 8 AM. Cusco sits at a high altitude, so we took things slow on our first day. After landing, we checked into our Airbnb, which had a beautiful view overlooking the city of Cusco. Our host was incredibly warm and welcoming and prepared fresh coca leaves tea for us, which is commonly used to help with altitude sickness. It felt like the perfect introduction to Peru.

Cusco has a high altitude around 3,400 meters. Cusco’s altitude is no joke, so Day 1 was all about slowing down, listening to our bodies and easing into the city. Many travelers feel mild symptoms on their first day. Drink plenty of water, rest, and enjoy light meals to help your body adjust.

After freshening up, we headed out to Mercado San Pedro, one of the oldest and most authentic markets in Cusco. This market is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Colorful stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, spices, flowers, and local snacks line the narrow aisles. One of the most fascinating things was seeing dozens of different varieties of potatoes, each with unique shapes, sizes and colors. Peru is the birthplace of potatoes, and you really feel that pride here.

For lunch, we stopped at Vegan Point inside the market, and hands down, it was one of the best meals we had in Peru. We ordered veggie noodles, and they were absolutely amazing, fresh, flavorful and so comforting after a long travel day. A must-try Cusco street food experience

Just outside the market, we noticed a traditional sugarcane juice cart, where fresh sugarcane was crushed right in front of us. The juice was cold, sweet, and unbelievably refreshing. It was honestly the best sugarcane juice we’ve ever had and a must-try when visiting Cusco.

After spending time wandering around the market and soaking in local life, we made our way to Mountain View Experience Maras, where we would be staying for the night. The drive itself was scenic, but nothing prepared us for what awaited us.

Our cabin was surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, with open views in every direction. Llamas were freely grazing around the property, and the entire place felt peaceful, remote, and magical. We spent the afternoon simply walking around, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and soaking in the views.

Dinner was served directly in our cabin, which made the experience even more special. As night fell, the sky was filled with stars. Sitting quietly, wrapped in blankets, watching the stars over the Andes was one of those moments that felt unreal. It was the perfect, calm end to our first day in Peru.

💡 Travel Tip: On your first day in Cusco, take it slow. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Day 2 – Llamas, Hot Tubs & Exploring Cusco by Night

We woke up to crisp mountain air and breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains stretching endlessly around us. Breakfast at Mountain View Experience Maras was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. As we sat down to eat, a few curious llamas casually walked over and joined us, happily munching on our fruit plate. It was funny, unexpected, and incredibly wholesome. One of those moments that makes travel unforgettable.

Mountain View Experience Maras is not just a stay; it’s a full Andean experience designed to help you slow down and connect with nature. Beyond the stunning cabins, the property offers several unique activities:

• Hot tub experience with mountain views, where you can soak while overlooking the Andes and watching llamas roam freely around you.
• Llama picnic experience, where you enjoy snacks outdoors surrounded by llamas and panoramic scenery
• Horse riding through the Sacred Valley, guided rides that take you through peaceful trails with dramatic mountain backdrops
• Scenic walks and nature trails, perfect for exploring the land at your own pace
• Stargazing at night, thanks to minimal light pollution, making the night sky incredibly clear
• Quiet spaces to relax, read, meditate, or simply sit and enjoy the silence

We chose to enjoy the hot tub experience, which was pure magic. Each cabin has its own private hot tub. Sitting in warm water, surrounded by towering mountains and calm nature, felt deeply relaxing. The entire atmosphere here is peaceful, untouched and grounding.

After checking out, we headed back to Cusco city and spent the rest of the day exploring. Cusco is full of charm, history, and energy. In the afternoon, we explored Cusco’s most iconic neighborhoods:

• Plaza de Armas – the heart of the city, surrounded by colonial architecture
• Cusco Cathedral – filled with art and history
• Centro Histórico – where Inca stonework meets Spanish colonial buildings
• San Blas neighborhood – narrow streets, artisan shops, and scenic viewpoints
• Local markets and streets filled with handicrafts, alpaca wool items and souvenirs

At Plaza de Armas, we snapped a photo with a baby llama and tried the famous fluffy crema de leche dessert sold nearby.

As night fell, the city came alive. Around the main square, vendors sold hot cocoa, perfect for the chilly Cusco evenings. We grabbed a cup and simply stood there, watching the city glow and feeling the vibrant energy around us.

For dinner, we went to La Bodega 138, and the food was absolutely extraordinary. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor, and it quickly became one of our favorite meals in Cusco.

Even late at night, Cusco felt lively and safe. We walked around local markets, picked up souvenirs and soaked in the atmosphere. To end the night on a sweet note, we stopped at Qucharitas for dessert. With full hearts and tired legs, we finally headed back, ending another unforgettable day.

💡 Travel Tip: Cusco stays active late into the night. Bring a warm jacket for evenings and don’t miss trying hot cocoa from street vendors around Plaza de Armas

Day 3 – Machu Picchu: A Dream Come True

This was the day we had been waiting for –  Machu Picchu day.

Machu Picchu has strict rules and a code of conduct, so planning ahead is essential. Tickets must be booked in advance and entry is based on specific circuits and time slots. We booked our tickets two months in advance, which we highly recommend, especially during peak season.

When planning a visit to Machu Picchu, it’s important to choose your circuit wisely, as each offers a slightly different experience. Tickets must be booked in advance, and each circuit has its own route, viewpoints, and focus areas.

Circuit 1 – The shortest and simplest route, ideal if you’re short on time or prefer a less crowded, easier walk. It covers the main entrance and some central areas but skips a lot of viewpoints. It’s great for a quick visit, but you’ll miss some of the full panoramic views of the ruins and terraces.

Circuit 2 (2A & 2B) – The classic, full experience, covering almost all the main ruins and viewpoints. Circuit 2A and 2B are nearly identical; the only difference is the direction you walk through the site. This circuit allows you to explore temples, plazas, terraces, and all iconic spots, giving you a complete sense of the scale and history of Machu Picchu. We chose Circuit 2A because it includes all the highlights and gives plenty of time for photos and wandering without feeling rushed.

Circuit 3 – A more alternative route, focusing on the terraces and agricultural areas. It’s slightly off the main path, offering a quieter experience and unique angles for photography. Perfect for those interested in the Inca farming techniques and panoramic mountain views.

Circuit 4 – This path is designed for adventurous visitors, incorporating some sideline areas and optional hikes, such as the approach to Huayna Picchu or other secondary viewpoints. It’s more physically demanding but rewards visitors with fewer crowds and incredible, elevated perspectives of the site.

We started very early in the morning and took a direct train from Poroy (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to Machu Picchu. The train ride itself was scenic, passing through mountains, rivers, and lush landscapes. We arrived around 11 AM and had about two hours to explore the town, grab lunch, and relax a bit.

We met our guide from GuruExplorers in Aguas Calientes and then took the bus up to Machu Picchu. Our entry time was 1 PM, and we were lucky to have clear skies. The moment we entered, the views were breathtaking!! Green mountains, ancient stone structures and clear sky.

We spent 3 – 4 hours exploring Machu Picchu, learning about Inca history, architecture and daily life. One of the best parts of our timing was that after 3 PM, most tour groups had already left, making the site feel much less crowded and more peaceful.

Seeing Machu Picchu in person was emotional. The scale, the precision of the stonework and the location itself make it hard to believe it was built so long ago. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.In the evening, we took the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continued by bus back to Cusco. It was a very long day, starting early in the morning and ending very late at night, but every single moment was worth it.

💡 Travel Tip:
– Book Machu Picchu tickets at least 1-2 months in advance
– Circuit 2 is ideal for first-time visitors
– Afternoon entry can be less crowded
– Wear comfortable shoes and carry water
– Follow all rules – staying on designated paths is strictly enforced

Day 4 – Sacred Valley: Ruins, Culture & Timeless Traditions

Day 4 was our Sacred Valley day and it turned out to be one of the most balanced and enriching days of the trip. We started early, around 6 AM, with our private driver and guide, ready to explore one of the most important regions of the Inca Empire. The Sacred Valley sits at a lower altitude than Cusco, which makes it a great place to explore while still giving your body a little break.

Our first stop on the way to Pisac was Bon Appétit Café Paris, and it was such a pleasant surprise. The café served some of the freshest croissants we’ve ever had – flaky, buttery and absolutely delicious. It was the perfect start to a long day of sightseeing.

Pisac Ruins & Market

We then continued to Pisac, home to one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. The Pisac ruins are dramatically set on a mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. The site is known for its agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, stone structures, and advanced Inca engineering. Walking through the ruins, you can see how strategically the Incas designed their cities to work in harmony with the landscape.

After exploring the ruins, we visited the Pisac local market, which is one of the best places in the valley to shop for traditional handicrafts. The market is filled with colorful textiles, handmade jewelry, alpaca wool items, and souvenirs. It’s lively, vibrant and a great place to interact with local vendors.

Ollantaytambo Fortress

Our next stop was Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. The massive stone terraces and fortress were once used for military, religious and administrative purposes. Walking through Ollantaytambo, you can still see original Inca streets, water channels and stonework that are still in use today. The views from the top are stunning and the history here feels very alive.

Lunch at Embrujo

For lunch, we stopped at Embrujo, a lovely spot known for its good food and relaxed atmosphere. The meal gave us a nice break before continuing our journey through the Sacred Valley.

Maras Salt Mines

Next, we visited Maras, famous for its incredible salt mines. Thousands of salt pools cascade down the hillside, creating a stunning visual. These salt pans have been used since pre-Inca times and are still harvested by local families today. The contrast of white salt against the brown mountains is striking and the views are truly unique.

Moray – The Inca Laboratory

From Maras, we headed to Moray, one of the most fascinating Inca sites. Moray consists of large circular terraces that look like an amphitheater carved into the earth. Historians believe this was an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas experimented with crops by creating different microclimates at each level. It’s an incredible example of how advanced Inca knowledge of farming and climate was.

Chinchero – Culture & Wool Traditions

We ended our Sacred Valley tour in Chinchero, a small Andean village known for preserving traditional weaving techniques. Here, local women explained how alpaca and sheep wool is transformed into beautiful textiles using methods passed down through generations.

They showed us the entire process from cleaning the wool, spinning it by hand, to dyeing it using natural ingredients like plants, flowers, and insects. Watching them work was fascinating and deeply meaningful, as it highlighted how traditions are still very much alive in everyday life. The textiles here are handmade, vibrant, and full of cultural significance.

After a long but rewarding day, we headed back feeling grateful for everything we had experienced. The Sacred Valley gave us history, culture, food, and breathtaking landscapes all in one day – a truly unforgettable part of our Peru journey.

💡 Travel Tip: The Sacred Valley is best explored with a guide, as each site has deep history and cultural significance. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep small cash for local markets.

Day 5 – Rainbow Mountain & A Cozy Night in Cusco

This was another early start to the day. We woke up at 3 AM and our private driver and tour guide arrived at our Airbnb right on time. Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is located about 4 hours from Cusco, and starting early is essential to avoid crowds and unpredictable weather.

We drove through quiet mountain roads as the sky slowly changed colors. Along the way, we stopped for breakfast, which was included in our tour package. The meal was simple but comforting and exactly what we needed before heading to high altitude.

We reached Rainbow Mountain around 8 AM. The moment we stepped out of the car, we felt the cold mountain air. It was freezing, even in the morning. This area sits at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,400+ feet), so the air is thin and walking can feel challenging. Because Rainbow Mountain exceeds 5,000 meters, altitude is the real challenge. Even fit travelers often take it slow, stay hydrated and wear layers to handle cold winds and thin air.

We had booked an ATV ride to go up Rainbow Mountain, which made a huge difference. While many visitors hike the steep trail, the ATV allowed us to reach the top much earlier than most tour groups. Almost all tours start arriving around 8 AM, so reaching early meant fewer crowds and clearer views.

At the top, the sight was absolutely breathtaking. The natural layers of red, yellow, green, and blue stretching across the mountain felt unreal. We spent over an hour at the viewpoint, taking photos, walking around, and simply soaking in the beauty of the Andes. The weather was cloudy but the view was clear and pretty.

After spending plenty of time at the top, we made our way back down, returned the ATVs, and began our journey back to Cusco.

On the way back, we stopped for lunch, which was also included in our tour package. It was warm, filling, and much needed after the cold mountain experience.

Midway through our return, our guide surprised us with a stop at Checacupe Village, a quiet and charming Andean village that felt completely untouched by mass tourism. Checacupe is known for its three historic bridges –  an Inca bridge, a colonial bridge, and a modern bridge. All standing side by side over a river. Walking through the village, we saw traditional stone houses, locals in colorful clothing and peaceful countryside views. It was a beautiful glimpse into everyday rural life in Peru and a lovely break from the long drive.

By the time we reached Cusco, we were tired but happy. Instead of going out, we kept the evening cozy. We made soupy noodles at our Airbnb, sat in our loft  and enjoyed the warm comfort indoors while looking out over the city lights of Cusco. After such a long and cold day, it was the perfect way to end it.

💡 Travel Tips for Rainbow Mountain:
– Start early (3-4 AM departures are normal)
– Dress in layers: thermal wear, fleece, windproof jacket, gloves, beanie
– Wear good walking shoes
– Stay hydrated and walk slowly due to the altitude
– Coca tea or altitude pills can help
– ATV rides are a great option if you want to avoid a steep hike

Day 6 – Humantay Lake: A Reward Worth Every Step

Day 7 – A Slow Morning in Cusco & Flight to Lima

Day 8 – A Day in Lima by the Coast

After days in the mountains, Lima felt like a complete change of scenery. The air was warmer, the altitude was gone and the sound of the ocean instantly set a slower, coastal mood. We spent the day exploring Lima at an easy pace, soaking in its culture, food and beautiful Pacific views.

We started our morning in Miraflores, one of Lima’s most pleasant neighborhoods to walk around. The highlight here is the Malecón, a long cliffside walkway overlooking the ocean. Walking along the Malecón with the cool sea breeze and endless Pacific views was the perfect way to begin the day. We stopped by Parque del Amor, known for its colorful mosaic walls and ocean-facing views and spent some time just watching the paragliders float above the cliffs.

From Miraflores, we headed to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian and artistic district. The streets here are full of character, with murals, colonial-style houses, and small cafés tucked into every corner. We walked across the Puente de los Suspiros, explored the surrounding streets, and enjoyed the laid-back vibe that makes Barranco feel so different from the rest of the city.

Then, we made our way to Lima’s Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around Plaza Mayor, surrounded by grand colonial buildings and historic landmarks, gave us a glimpse into Peru’s past. The contrast between modern Lima and its historic center was fascinating, and it added another layer to our understanding of the city.

By lunchtime, we were ready to experience what Lima is most famous for – its food. Lima is considered the culinary capital of South America and this was the perfect chance to try classic coastal dishes. Fresh ceviche, flavorful seafood, and refreshing local drinks made for a memorable meal and a great way to slow down in the middle of the day.

As evening approached, we returned to Miraflores to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The sky slowly changed colors, and the ocean stretched endlessly in front of us – a peaceful and beautiful way to end our last full day in Peru.

Lima turned out to be the perfect closing chapter to our trip – relaxed, flavorful and full of gentle moments by the sea before heading home.

Lima in 24 Hours – Quick Summary

If you only have one day in Lima, this is how to make the most of it without rushing:

• Start your morning in Miraflores, walking along the Malecón with ocean views
• Visit Parque del Amor and watch paragliders over the Pacific
• Explore Barranco, Lima’s artsy neighborhood filled with murals and charm
• Enjoy a leisurely Peruvian lunch, especially seafood or ceviche
• Walk through Centro Histórico, including Plaza Mayor and colonial landmarks
• End the day watching the sunset over the ocean back in Miraflores

Lima is best experienced at a relaxed pace with good food, coastal views and a mix of history and modern city life.

Day 9 – Departure from Lima

Day 9 marked the end of our unforgettable Peru journey. After breakfast, we packed our bags and took one last look at the city before heading to the airport. Lima felt calm and familiar by this point and it was the perfect place to gently wind down after days of adventure in the Andes.

As we drove through the city, we reflected on everything Peru had given us. Ancient history, dramatic landscapes, warm people, incredible food, and experiences we’ll never forget. From the streets of Cusco to Machu Picchu, rainbow-colored mountains, turquoise lakes and finally the Pacific coast, every part of the journey felt unique.

With hearts full of memories and cameras full of photos, we boarded our flight home, already knowing that Peru is a place we would love to return to someday.