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

An adventure starting in Lima is a great way to see Machu Picchu. We have 140 tours that range from 4 days up to 35 days. The most popular time for tours from Lima is May, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Machu Picchu tours from Lima

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Explorer
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu – 6 Days
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"The beauty of sacred valley and Machu Picchu can't be described in words. One needs to visit to appreciate."
Devanand, traveled in April
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
15% Off
From $789
US$671per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Machu Picchu Adventure
4.5 (85 traveler reviews)
"The Guides, especially Rive in Cusco and Machu Picchu, were outstanding. Our group was awesome and we are even talking about a reunion tour!"
Paula, traveled in May
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
17% Off
From $1,649
US$1,369per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
5days - Lima – Cusco- Machu Picchu
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"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
17% Off
From
US$995per 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
17% Off
From
US$907per 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, Cusco, Rio de Janeiro
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Machu Picchu
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
21% Off
From $4,799
US$3,791per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amazon to the Andes
4.9 (271 traveler reviews)
"The Inca Trail hiking was amazing! The foods were restaurant qualify if not better."
Jin, traveled in October
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
25% Off
From $2,649
US$1,987per person
Price based on Shared 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 $1,399
US$1,189per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Peru Express 5 Days Tour
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu,Maras+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,750per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Inca Magic, Private Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itineraries were well thought out. Two of our four hotels were outstanding."
Moira, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Maras, Moray, Chinchero, Sacred Valley,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
LimaTours
15% Off
From $1,600
US$1,360per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Flash Peru
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"I had such a lovely time that i am booking with tour radar again."
Basanta, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo,Machu Picchu+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
15% Off
From $960
US$816per 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 (207 traveler reviews)
"Very good service, cost effective tours. Will take TourRadar again."
Aktar, traveled in August
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)
"Service providers and drivers were all on time and kind."
Amy, traveled in September
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$2,260per 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
25% Off
From
US$1,375per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Peru
4.7 (37 traveler reviews)
"From the airport to the hotels, pick up, drop off, tour guides and all the tours were all excellent."
Milagros, traveled in April
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
15% Off
From $1,235
US$1,050per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Inca Treasures
4.9 (22 traveler reviews)
"Everything was well organized, reception, transfer, tours, itinerary, and local guides. We had a beautiful vacation, highly recommend it!"
Olga, traveled in April
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, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
15% Off
From $1,225
US$1,041per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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