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
Inca Discovery Plus
4.9 (90 traveler reviews)
"G Adventures does a truly amazing job of making us all feel comfortable, supported, connected and enthralled by a unique experience in a phenomenal part of nature."
Robert, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail,Llaqtapata,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
From
US$1,749per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
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$1,380per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Real Peru
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Had a great time. Highly recommended."
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve,Cusco,Sacred Valley,Ollantaytambo,Inca Trail,Pachar,Huarocondo,Pacaymayo Valley,Aguas Calientes,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Llachon+14 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$2,585per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Real Peru to Bolivia
4.6 (4 traveler reviews)
"We were looked after from start to finish. Guide was brilliant!"
Paula, traveled in September
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 MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$2,600per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
From
US$1,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Peru Jewels - 10 Days (Lima - Cusco & Puerto Maldonado)
4.8 (16 traveler reviews)
"Great travel and meeting new friends. Everything went as planned"
Preetham, traveled in May
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
From
US$2,343per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Journeys: Iconic Peru National Geographic
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The transportation was on time, the activities were great, guides were well prepared."
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve, Cusco,Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Pisac,Patallacta,Inca Trail,Sacred Valley,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Saqsaywaman,Rainbow Mountain,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island+14 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsPeruvian AltiplanoMachu PicchuRainbow MountainAmazonian Basin+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
10% Off
From $3,999
US$3,599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon National Geographic
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"G adventures did an excellent job. Every detail was planned for and the tour ran smoothly from start to finish."
Andrea, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata National Reserve, Cusco,Sacred Valley,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Urubamba,Inca Trail,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
20% Off
From $3,419
US$2,735per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Crossing the Andes and the Amazon
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"This is a very complete tour with incredible landscapes."
Laurence, traveled in April
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Lima, Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Chivay,Canon del Colca,Cruz del Cóndor,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island,Pucara,Ruinas Rajchi,Andahuaylillas,Cusco,Saqsaywaman,Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Urubamba,Ollantaytambo,Piscacucho,Llaqtapata,Wayllabamba,Pacaymayo Valley,Sayacmarca,Cerro Chaquicocha,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Aguas Calientes,Rainbow Mountain,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+30 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuRainbow MountainAmazonian Basin+4 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Terres des Incas
20% Off
From
US$5,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Inca Discovery
4.9 (65 traveler reviews)
"The whole experience was far more than I expected. Everything single aspect of the journey was very special and memorable."
Coleen, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail,Patallacta,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$1,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru Express - 10 Days (Lima - Cusco - Machu Picchu & Puno) With Domestic Flights
4.8 (188 traveler reviews)
"Our trip was amazing and TourRadar was very accommodating!!"
Sandra, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica,Huacachina,Cusco,Chinchero,Moray,Maras,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Cusipata,Mollepata,Puno,Uros Reed Islands,Taquile Island+12 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuRainbow Mountain+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
21% Off
From $2,324
US$1,836per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Amazon to the Andes
4.9 (108 traveler reviews)
"Great trip! Amazing guide who went above and beyond!"
Bethanie, traveled in September
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail,Urubamba,Winay Wayna,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain,Puerto Maldonado,Tambopata National Reserve+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuRainbow MountainAmazonian Basin+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
21% Off
From
US$2,579per person
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Hiking & Trekking
Peru Panorama (With Train To Machu Picchu)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great itinerary."
Shannon, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lima, Arequipa,Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve,Puno,Chivay,Taquile Island,Llachon,Cusco,Sicuani,Sacred Valley,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Urubamba,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Huayna Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+15 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Mountain
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu Picchu+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $2,050
US$1,845per person
+$237 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
9 Days Peru’s Treasures: Machu Picchu & Rainforest
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"The team put good effort in making this trip a success."
Akshar, 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
10% Off
From
US$2,310per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
Best of Peru
4.7 (38 traveler reviews)
"Excellent service by Lima Tours. The guides were excellent."
Prince, traveled in September
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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