What key sites should I visit during my first days in Lima before heading to Machu Picchu?

Lima's must-see attractions span centuries of Peruvian history. Start in the UNESCO-recognized historic center where the Plaza Mayor houses both the Cathedral and Government Palace. The Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre offers an extensive pre-Columbian art collection while the Casa Aliaga stands as one of the oldest colonial mansions in South America. The pre-Inca temple Huaca Pucllana and Miraflores' clifftop parks round out the experience. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The guides were knowledgeable and passionate about the culture and history which made for great experiences."

What accommodation options are available in Lima at the start of the tour?

Lima's hotel options fit various budgets and preferences with most properties concentrated in the Miraflores neighborhood. Standard 3-star hotels like Tierra Viva Miraflores offer comfortable rooms and basic amenities. The Superior 4-star category includes properties like Jose Antonio Deluxe while luxury seekers can book the 5-star Pullman Lima Miraflores. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were well selected and the tour guides were knowledgeable and super friendly."

What's the typical duration of tours from Lima to Machu Picchu?

Most Lima to Machu Picchu excursions run between 5 and 11 days with week-long trips being the most common choice. The Total Peru Package spans 11 days beginning at Casa Andina Hotel in Miraflores while the Peru Family Journey condenses key highlights into 8 days. According to one TourRadar traveler: "We couldn't have possibly done more in 8 days. All the more reason to go back!"

How do tours handle the altitude adjustment when traveling from Lima to Cusco?

The 11152-foot elevation change between Lima and Cusco requires careful planning. Most tours start with a morning flight to Cusco followed by a rest period for acclimatization. Groups often descend to the Sacred Valley at 9514 feet before ascending to Machu Picchu. Hotels provide coca tea while guides maintain an appropriate pace. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The guide went above and beyond to ensure everything went smoothly with the altitude adjustment."

What additional costs should travelers budget for when starting in Lima?

Beyond tour costs expect to pay airport taxes around $30 independent meals ranging $15-30 and optional activities such as cooking classes for $40-80. Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco typically cost $200-300 round trip. Gratuities should also factor into the budget. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Budget extra for amazing restaurants in Lima and optional activities - it's worth it!"

What activities are included in Lima before heading to Machu Picchu?

Standard Lima itineraries feature tours of the colonial center including Plaza Mayor San Francisco Monastery and its underground catacombs. Visits to Miraflores and the Larco Museum provide context for Peru's history. Many operators offer cooking classes and evening visits to the Magic Water Circuit as optional add-ons. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The Lima portion gave us a perfect blend of historical sites and modern city experiences."

Machu Picchu Tours from Lima

Ready for a true bucket list experience? How about Lima to Machu Picchu? Experience stunning colonial buildings, explore markets in the Sacred Valley, and check out the stunning ruins of Ollantaytambo. Take it further with a train through the mountains, and, of course, hike to the old citadel of Machu Picchu. This is one you’ll never forget.

10 best Machu Picchu tours from Lima

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Hiking & Trekking
A South Peru Adventure
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"I feel like my Andean experience got richer because of the plan B. The best part about getting a 'complete package' with Unu Raymi, was that I never needed to pay the various taxes or fees."
Mikko, traveled in July
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, Cachora, Chiquisca,Machu Picchu,Yanama,Lucmabamba,Aguas Calientes,Puerto Maldonado+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian BasinChoquequirao+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Unu Raymi Expeditions
From
US$2,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
6 Days Classical Peru
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This tour is an excellent way for someone with limited time to get the best out of Peru."
Peter, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
From
US$1,350per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Inca Treasures, Private Tour
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour was fine, and the guide was informative."
lag, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
LimaTours
10% Off
From $1,608
US$1,448per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
5days - Lima – Cusco- Machu Picchu with local flight
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Well organised and quick responses."
Daniel, traveled in November
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
25% Off
From $1,365
US$1,024per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amazon to the Andes
4.9 (108 traveler reviews)
"We loved the hiking and camping when G Adventures - they are a great tour group. The itinerary was planned well."
Ryan, traveled in January
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $2,849
US$2,279per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
6 days - Lima – Cusco- Machu Picchu
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent 👍very good org ized."
John, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Machu Picchu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
20% Off
From
US$907per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu - 5 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"It was great adventure. I would gladly use the service this agency again."
Dariusz, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $3,299
US$2,804per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Cultural Perú: Lima, Cusco, Machu Pichu, Paracas, Chinchero, Moray, Sacsayhuaman - 9 day
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Perfect organization, friendly guides and a lot of great experiences in Lima, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco."
Julia, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu,Paracas+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $1,489
US$1,266per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Andean World
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"From the moment we landed in Lima right until our check in at Puno we were fully accommodated by Lima Tours' excellent organisation."
Kimberley, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo,Machu Picchu,Puno,Lake Titicaca+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
10% Off
From $1,312
US$1,181per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Extraordinary Peru
5.0 (24 traveler reviews)
"Elvira knew the history of our destinations. She shared about the Inka and Spanish culture, food and people."
ADKINS,FON, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
10% Off
From $1,057
US$951per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Inca Adventures – 7 Days (Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain) – With Domestic Flights
4.8 (218 traveler reviews)
"Everything went smoothly and we were able to just relax and enjoy the experience. We made beautiful memories and would definitely do it again."
Michael, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, Maras,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+4 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
25% Off
From $1,890
US$1,418per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
9 Days Peru’s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Extraordinary tour! Great hospitality."
Naida, traveled in June
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puerto Maldonado
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
25% Off
From
US$1,420per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 6 Days
4.6 (8 traveler reviews)
"Everything went smoothly, and I really enjoyed the trip. Highly recommend their services!"
Sami, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Ages 18+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Unu Raymi Expeditions
25% Off
From
US$789per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
Explore INCA Adventures - (Lima and Cusco) with Domestic Flights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Moray, Maras, Chinchero,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, German,French+1 more
Operator
Jill Travel
50% Off
From $3,580
US$1,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Machu Picchu Adventure
4.5 (87 traveler reviews) award winner
"We loved this trip. The itinerary was a good pace - busy, but included down time."
Mike, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $1,919
US$1,535per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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