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.

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10 best Machu Picchu tours from Lima

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Hiking & Trekking
Amazon to the Andes
4.9 (109 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, Piscacucho,Llactapata,Inca Trail,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Machu PicchuAmazonian Basin+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% off
From $2,629
US$1,840per person
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$9 Days Peru\'s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest Tour$
$9 Days Peru\'s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest - 12 destinations$
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Ancient Wonders
9 Days Peru's Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest
4.8 (4 reviews)
"Extraordinary tour! Great hospitality."
Naida, traveled in June
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
30% off
From
US$2,290per person
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Ancient Wonders
Peru Explorer 8 Days – Lima, Andes & Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu (with Local Flights Included)
5.0 (2 reviews)
"It surpassed my expectations! the accommodations were homey and authentic"
Naomi, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Cusco, Abra Malaga Mountain, Santa Teresa,Santa Maria,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
30% off
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US$1,988per person
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Ancient Wonders
6 Days Classical Peru
5.0 (1 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
30% off
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US$1,410per person
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Ancient Wonders
A 10-Day Adventure in Peru and Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Rio de Janeiro
5.0 (16 reviews)
"Every booking was managed perfectly and all tour confirmations, boarding passes, and transfers were sent ahead of time."
Denise, traveled in July
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
7% off
From $4,099
US$3,812per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Discovery
4.9 (65 reviews)
"The guides and chefs were excellent. They deserve all the credit for making the trip an enjoyable success."
Nicolaas, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Llactapata, Inca Trail,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
30% off
From $1,599
US$1,119per person
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G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $56
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru Panorama
4.9 (80 reviews)
"The itinerary was varied and allows us to see a wide range of what Peru has to offer. A particular highlight was the Inca trail and making it to Machu Picchu."
Jill, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail,Machu Picchu,Tambopata National Reserve+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% off
From $3,549
US$2,662per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Peru Jewels - 10 Days (Lima - Cusco & Puerto Maldonado)
4.8 (16 reviews)
"The Jewels of Peru Tour was a great selection of seeing the amazing diversity that Peru has to offer."
Debbra, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica,Huacachina,Cusco,Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Rainbow Mountain,Nevado Auzangate,Cusipata,Puerto Maldonado+13 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
30% off
From $2,343
US$1,640per person
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Ancient Wonders
7 Days Peruvian Treasures: Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu
3.2 (1 review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Cusco, Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo,Poroy,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Rainbow Mountain,Nevado Auzangate+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
3% off
From $1,650
US$1,600per person
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Ancient Wonders
Machu Picchu Adventure
4.5 (91 reviews) award winner
"I really enjoyed this tour, highly recommended."
Ali, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% off
From $1,679
US$1,343per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $67
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Ancient Wonders
Inca Adventures - 7 Days (Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain) - With Domestic Flights
4.8 (252 reviews)
"It's an excursion and very well worth it! For a girl from New England, this was the experience of a lifetime for me!"
Amy, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ica, Huacachina, Cusco, Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Cusipata,Rainbow Mountain+8 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
30% off
From $1,890
US$1,323per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Absolute Peru
4.9 (93 reviews)
"The experience was enhanced by our CEO Karina, she made the trip memorable and enjoyable."
Graeme, traveled in August
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Ica, Nazca,Chauchilla,Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Puno,Taquile Island,Uros Reed Islands,Cusco,Rainbow Mountain,Ollantaytambo,Inca Trail,Runkuraqay Mountain,Machu Picchu,Winay Wayna,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+17 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% off
From $5,049
US$3,787per person
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G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $189
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Hiking & Trekking
18 to 35s Real Peru to Bolivia (25 destinations)
4.6 (4 reviews)
"We were the only group on this route and it was truly serene and breathtaking."
Lydia, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Puerto Maldonado,Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve,Tambopata National Reserve,Cusco,Sacred Valley,Ollantaytambo,Pacaymayo Valley,Winay Wayna,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Llachon,La Paz+13 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Andes MountainsPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuBolivian AltiplanoAmazonian Basin+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% off
From
US$2,575per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Lares Trek Package 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Pisac, Calca, Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Chinchero,Lares,Patacancha,Huilloc,Pumamarca,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu+9 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuLares Trek+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CondeTravel
25% off
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US$1,790per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Hiking & Trekking
Peruvian trekking (Salkantay trek, short inca trail, rainbow mountain)10 days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Pisac,Mollepata,Salkantay Mountain,Chaullay,Aguas Calientes,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Checacupe,Pitumarca,Rainbow Mountain+11 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuRainbow MountainSalkantay Trek+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CondeTravel
25% off
From
US$1,650per person
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