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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Explorer
The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
5.0 (41 traveler reviews)
"Everything was taking care of, and everyone was able to have the best experience possible."
Dennis, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lima, Huacachina, Paracas, Cusco, Ollantaytambo,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Rainbow Mountain+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $1,479
US$1,183per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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In-depth Cultural
5days - Lima – Cusco- Machu Picchu with local flight
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"I like the punctuality of the drivers and tourist guides. More information creates less anxiety when you are in a new country."
Janet, traveled in December
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
20% Off
From
US$998per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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 $3,577
US$1,788per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
A 10-Day Adventure in Peru and Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Rio de Janeiro
5.0 (15 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain,Rio de Janeiro+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
From $3,999
US$3,599per 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
Aborigen Tours
15% Off
From $1,489
US$1,266per 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
15% Off
From
US$954per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Trail Express from Lima
4.6 (68 traveler reviews)
"Maritza and the Inca trail guides were very good - would recommend."
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo,Llaqtapata,Inca Trail,Pisac,Saqsaywaman,Pacaymayo Valley,Winay Wayna,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+8 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca TrailQuarry Trail+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $1,495
US$1,271per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amazon to the Andes
4.9 (108 traveler reviews)
"The group seemed to each develop a long lasting relationship with him. He made the trip amazing!"
Ralph, traveled in October
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail,Llaqtapata,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $2,849
US$2,422per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Extraordinary Peru
5.0 (24 traveler reviews)
"This tour by Lima Tours was amazing! The tour guides were amazing, kind, and very helpful!"
Afrin, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Chinchero, Yucay, Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+2 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
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
10% Off
From
US$1,380per 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)
"Service providers and drivers were all on time and kind."
Amy, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo,Sacred Valley,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado+4 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$2,310per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Machu Picchu Adventure
4.5 (89 traveler reviews) award winner
"Fantastic tour with a great guide."
Amanda, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+1 more
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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Explorer
Best of Peru
4.7 (38 traveler reviews)
"I travelled seamlessly from place to place thanks to the guides and drivers from Lima Tours."
Jennifer, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Moray, Maras, Sacred Valley, 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 $1,235
US$1,112per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
9 Days From Inca Ruins to the Rainforest
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Poroy, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu,Paucartambo,Manu National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
From
US$2,005per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Inca Treasures, Private Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The tour was fine, and the guide was informative."
lag, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Yucay, Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Cusco,Saqsaywaman+4 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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