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My husband and I wanted to visit the famous Machu Picchu, so we spent 5 days in Peru in May 2024. Machu Picchu was quite hard to reach (fly to Lima → fly to Cusco → drive to Ollantaytambo → train to Aguas Calientes), so we spent a lot of time just getting there and back. One of our flights was even delayed for hours! On top of that, David got altitude sickness in Cusco, so we weren’t able to do as much as we’d hoped. Despite the challenges, visiting Machu Picchu was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are some of our favorite things from the trip:
1. Machu Picchu
Why Visit:
Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of Peru. The Inca citadel’s incredible engineering, mystical history, and dramatic mountain scenery make it one of the world’s most unforgettable archaeological sites.
Highlights:
- Explore the ruins on one of the official circuits. We chose Circuit 2, which gave us access to the iconic postcard-perfect view along with the main plazas and temples.
- Wander Aguas Calientes (the base town) and browse its colorful local markets.
How to Go:
- We flew to Cusco and booked a two-day tour. While the included hotel was noisy (single-pane windows right by the river), the package was worth it since it handled train tickets, Machu Picchu admission, guides, and transportation between attractions — perfect for a short trip.
2. Sacred Valley
Why Visit:
Just outside Cusco, the Sacred Valley was once the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire. With its terraced hillsides, rushing rivers, and Andean villages, the region feels like stepping back in time.
Highlights:
- Ollantaytambo → a massive fortress with steep stone terraces climbing the hillside.
- Pisac → remarkable agricultural terraces sweeping across mountain slopes.
How to Go:
- We visited as part of the same two-day tour from Cusco. The valley is about an hour’s drive away and often paired with Machu Picchu in tour itineraries.
3. Centro Historico De Cusco
Why Visit:
Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and later an important Spanish colonial city. Today its Centro Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with history, culture, and charm.
Highlights:
- Plaza de Armas → the grand main square framed by cathedrals and colonial buildings.
- San Blas → a bohemian neighborhood full of artisan workshops and cobblestone streets.
- San Pedro Market → a bustling market where we sampled unique Peruvian fruits like pacae (a sweet pod fruit).
How to Go:
- We stayed in the historic center and explored on foot during a free walking tour. It’s a great way to see all the highlights with a knowledgable guide.
4. Miraflores
Why Visit:
If you’re spending time in Lima, Miraflores is the most popular place to stay. This cliff-top district offers ocean views, modern dining, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Malecón de Miraflores → a 10 km stretch of parks and walking paths along the Pacific, best enjoyed at sunset.
- Larcomar → an open-air shopping mall built into the cliffs, perfect for browsing or grabbing dinner with a view.
How to Go:
- We flew to Lima and stayed directly in Miraflores, making it easy to explore on foot.
5. Museo Larco
Why Visit:
Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, Museo Larco is Lima’s most famous museum. Its extensive collection of pre-Columbian art is both educational and fascinating.
Highlights:
- A unique gallery of ancient erotic pottery.
- Gorgeous gardens and a romantic café tucked inside the museum grounds.
How to Go:
- We took an Uber from Miraflores and bought tickets at the entrance.
Planning a trip to Peru? Check out my 5 essential tips to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.