10-Day Machu Picchu Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Machu Picchu tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Peru & Brazil, incl. Lima and Rio de Janeiro

  A full day at Machu Picchu features a 2-hour guided archaeological tour. Vistadome train glides through Sacred Valley to Rainbow Mountain. Package includes 4 nights in Cusco with daily breakfast.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima

    Begin your journey in Peru's capital. The city stays misty until about 10 AM, so plan accordingly. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco for convenient access to attractions. Visit Huaca Pucllana pyramid in the early morning before the tour buses arrive at 11 AM. Plan your Plaza Mayor visit for late afternoon when temperatures cool down.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Cusco & Sacred Valley

    Your body will need time to adjust to Cusco's high elevation of 11,152 feet. Schedule your Lima-Cusco flight after 10 AM to avoid morning fog delays. Most visitors experience mild altitude effects. Stick to coca tea and skip alcohol on your first day. A recent visitor shared: "The San Pedro Market was fantastic for trying local foods, but go with small bills - vendors rarely have change for large notes." The Machu Picchu trip starts early at 4:30 AM. Take the Vistadome train from Poroy station, located 40 minutes from Cusco. Book right-side seats on the outbound journey and left-side for the return to get the best views. The Rainbow Mountain hike is challenging at over 16,000 feet. Consider using a horse service if you're still getting used to the altitude.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Rio de Janeiro

    Plan for a full travel day from Cusco to Rio, with a connection in Lima. Choose accommodations in Copacabana or Ipanema for convenient beach access and better security. Start your Christ the Redeemer visit early. The first Corcovado Mountain tram leaves at 8 AM when lines are shorter. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain later in the day to catch the sunset over the bay. A visitor advises: "Take the official yellow taxis or Uber rather than unmarked cabs, and keep valuables at your hotel when heading to the beach." Your city tour includes lunch at a traditional churrascaria. Start slow with the meat servings since servers continuously bring new options to try.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    The trip from Rio's beach areas to the international airport takes 45-60 minutes. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic delays.

    

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• 10 Day Peru Itinerary, incl. Lima and Machu Picchu

  A comprehensive two-hour guided tour reveals Machu Picchu's secrets. The itinerary includes Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and Temple of Three Windows, with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Guests stay at Golden Sunrise Hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Lima City Discovery

    Begin your Peru journey in Lima's Miraflores district. The Parque del Amor is less crowded in the afternoon. Make sure to visit the pre-Inca Huaca Pucllana pyramid before 5pm closing time. One traveler shared: "The afternoon city tour was perfect - you avoid the morning traffic and catch beautiful sunset views over the Pacific from Miraflores." Round off your day with Pisco Sour tasting at sunset.

    
  • Day 2

    Paracas and Huacachina Desert Adventure

    Leave at 4am for Paracas (3.5 hours by car). Take the boat tour to Ballestas Islands in the morning when the sea is calmest. Head to Huacachina oasis for afternoon sandboarding. Pack sunscreen and a bandana to protect from sand. A recent visitor suggests: "Do the dune buggy ride before sunset around 4pm when temperatures cool down and the photo opportunities are incredible."

    
  • Day 3

    Lima to Cusco Transition

    Take a morning flight to Cusco (1 hour 20 mins). The altitude here is 11,152 ft, so take it slow today. Drink coca tea and plenty of water. Your hotel can provide oxygen if needed. Once you feel steady, take a gentle walk around Plaza de Armas in the afternoon.

    
  • Day 4

    Sacred Valley Exploration

    Start at Chinchero textile center early to avoid crowds during demonstrations. Next up are Moray's agricultural terraces and Maras salt ponds. Bring small bills to buy salt from local families. Take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. One traveler advises: "Stay hydrated and take motion sickness pills if needed - the train ride has lots of turns."

    
  • Day 5

    Machu Picchu Discovery

    Catch the first 5:30am bus up and enter Machu Picchu at 6am opening. A recent visitor notes: "Morning fog usually clears by 9am - be patient and you'll get those postcard views." Spend 2-3 hours exploring with your guide before peak crowds arrive. Want an extra adventure? Hike Huayna Picchu in the afternoon (book months ahead).

    
  • Days 6-7

    Rainbow Mountain and Cusco

    Head out at 4am for Rainbow Mountain. Start your hike by 6:30am to avoid afternoon storms. Pack layers for temperatures from freezing to hot. Take your time at 16,466 ft elevation. Next day, visit San Pedro Market in the morning for the freshest produce. Explore the Cathedral and Qorikancha temple.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Amazon Rainforest Adventure

    Fly to Puerto Maldonado (50 mins) and take a river boat to your jungle lodge (45 mins). You'll see most wildlife early morning and at dusk. Pack light with quick-dry clothes and sturdy hiking boots. A visitor shares: "The night walks are incredible but challenging - bring a headlamp and watch your step on muddy trails." Plan your departure flight after 11am on the final day.

    

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• Peruvian trekking (Salkantay trek, short inca trail, rainbow mountain)10 days

  A three-day immersion in the Machu Picchu area includes an approach trek, evening in Aguas Calientes, and full morning at the citadel.

  

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  • Lima Peru

    357 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    14 mi

  • Sacred Valley Peru

    14 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    40 mi

  • Salkantay Mountain Peru

    12 mi

  • Aguas Calientes Peru

    5 mi

  • Machu Picchu Peru

    5 mi

  • Aguas Calientes Peru

    18 mi

  • Ollantaytambo Peru

    26 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    51 mi

  • Rainbow Mountain Peru

    51 mi

  • Cusco Peru

    357 mi

  • Lima Peru

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