Peru Trip Guide: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley & Lima
Updated: Oct 5
Machu Picchu is probably the reason Peru landed on your bucket list.
We get it.
But once you start looking at what else Peru has to offer, it becomes pretty clear that the trip should be about a lot more than one famous archaeological site. There's Lima's incredible food scene, the ancient streets of Ollantaytambo, llamas wandering through the Andes, centuries-old weaving traditions, meals cooked underground with heated stones, and Cusco's mix of Inca and colonial history.
That's exactly how we built our Peru trip.
Over 10 days, you'll travel from Lima into the Sacred Valley and on to Cusco, with Machu Picchu as the big bucket-list moment in the middle. Along the way, you'll eat really well, meet local communities, learn about Andean traditions, and experience Peru with a small group of solo travelers who are just as excited to be there as you are.
So, if Peru has been sitting on your travel list, here's everything you need to know before you go.
The FTLO Peru Trip at a GlanceQuick Facts:
Trip length: 10 days, 9 nights
Route: Lima → Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) → Cusco
Who it's for: Solo travelers, ages 25–39
Activity level: 6/10
Food: 8/10
Culture:9/10
Nightlife: 4/10
Best time to go: May–September (dry season)
Fly into / home from: Lima (LIM) / Cusco (CUZ)
Is FTLO's Peru Trip Right for You?
This trip is built for solo travelers in their 30s who want Machu Picchu but also want the food, culture, and communities around it — not for anyone chasing an intense trek or a nightlife-first vacation.
You'll love this trip if you:
Have always wanted to see Machu Picchu
Want to experience Peru beyond the major tourist attractions
Care as much about food as you do about sightseeing
Love history, culture, and learning how people live today
Want some active adventure without signing up for a hardcore hiking trip
Like having your itinerary handled but still want free time to explore
Are traveling solo and want a built-in group of like-minded people
Want to meet locals and experience traditions firsthand
Are comfortable walking a few miles at a moderate pace, including some uneven terrain and stone steps at altitude
You might want a different trip if you:
Want a primarily nightlife-focused trip
Are looking for an intense trekking or mountaineering experience
Prefer a completely unstructured vacation with lots of downtime
Aren't comfortable with higher-altitude destinations
The Peru trip is rated 6/10 for physical activity, 8/10 for food, 6/10 for adventure, 4/10 for nightlife, 9/10 for culture, and 8/10 for pace. In other words, there's plenty happening, but you don't need to be an experienced hiker or adrenaline junkie to enjoy it.
Why Go to Peru?
Peru packs Machu Picchu, a top-tier food city, and living Andean culture into one trip — which is rare for a single bucket-list destination.
You have Machu Picchu, obviously. But you also have Lima, one of the trip's biggest surprises for food lovers; the Sacred Valley, where ancient Inca history and living Andean traditions meet; and Cusco, where Inca and colonial history are woven into the same streets.
For us, the best part is how much of the trip happens outside the traditional sightseeing checklist.
You'll learn to make ceviche and pisco sours in Lima. You'll walk with llamas alongside local farmers. You'll meet an Andean weaving community and try your hand at a traditional backstrap loom. Then, while you're learning, your hosts will prepare a Pachamanca feast underground using heated stones and local ingredients.
And yes, you'll still get your Machu Picchu moment.
What Are the Highlights of FTLO's Peru Trip?
The headline moment is Machu Picchu, but the experiences built around it — Ollantaytambo, the llama trek, the Pachamanca feast, Lima's food scene — are what make the trip feel bigger than a single bucket-list stop.
See Machu Picchu in Person
Take the scenic train through the Andes toward Aguas Calientes, then continue up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit to the ancient Inca citadel.
With a guide alongside you, you'll explore the site and learn about its history and significance. And even after seeing approximately 7,000 photos of Machu Picchu online, standing there in person is a different thing entirely.
This is the moment you came to Peru for.
Walk With Llamas Through the Andes
Meet local llama farmers, help pack the llamas with light supplies and picnic food, and set off on a scenic walk through the Andean landscape. These llamas are native to the region and have been carrying packs through the Andes for thousands of years, so the trek moves at their pace, not ours.
The experience also directly supports the local herding families who own and care for the llamas. Through organized local farming guilds, the project helps communities build sustainable income while preserving traditional llama herding and protecting the mountain ecosystems they call home.
Share a Pachamanca Feast
Pachamanca is a traditional Andean feast cooked underground with heated stones.
While you learn traditional weaving from a local community, your hosts prepare the meal using local ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. Once the weaving lesson wraps, the Pachamanca is uncovered and shared together.
Basically, lunch becomes part of the cultural experience.
Stay in Ollantaytambo
You'll spend four nights in Ollantaytambo rather than treating the Sacred Valley as a quick stop between destinations.
The town is known for preserving its original 15th-century Inca urban design and is often called the "Last Living Inca Town." Your base puts you within easy reach of the archaeological site, mountain scenery, and free-time experiences most visitors only get to see on a day trip.
Experience Lima Like a Foodie
Lima kicks off the trip with a walking tour of the historic center, a pisco sour and ceviche class, and a food tour through Barranco.
The point isn't just to eat well, although you absolutely will. It's to get introduced to Peru through its food, neighborhoods, and people before heading into the Andes. The trip is rated 8/10 for food, and Lima is a big reason why.
What Makes This Different From a Typical Peru Trip?
Most Peru itineraries rush to Machu Picchu; FTLO's spends four nights in the Sacred Valley and builds in hands-on time with local communities before and after it.
That means spending multiple nights in the Sacred Valley instead of simply passing through. It means meeting an Andean weaving community rather than just buying a textile at a market. It means walking with local llama breeders, sharing a Pachamanca meal with your hosts, and having free time to explore Ollantaytambo on your own.
You'll have included experiences where everyone can connect, meals you'll share together, and free time where you can decide what sounds good. We handle the logistics so you can focus on being there. That balance is core to the FTLO experience: planned enough that you don't have to figure everything out yourself, but open enough that the trip still feels like yours.
Who Is This FTLO Peru Trip Best For?
The Foodie Who Also Wants the Bucket List
If you want to visit Machu Picchu and plan your trip around where you're going to eat, you're in the right place. You'll make ceviche and pisco sours, explore Barranco by foot and food, share an Andean Pachamanca feast, and taste locally made chocolate in Cusco. Food isn't filler between activities here. It's part of how you'll experience Peru.
The Culture Lover
This is one of the strongest FTLO trips for travelers who want to understand the destination rather than simply see it — hence the 9/10 cultural rating. You'll explore Inca archaeological sites, learn about Peru's colonial history, visit an Andean weaving community, meet llama breeders, and spend time in Ollantaytambo, where Inca history is still very much part of the town around you.
The Bucket-List Traveler Who Doesn't Want to Rough It
You want Machu Picchu. You also want a comfortable hotel, a proper meal, a hot shower, and someone else figuring out how you're getting from point A to point B. Fair. The trip combines active days and major experiences with comfortable, well-located accommodations, private ground transportation for activities, and a planned itinerary that handles the logistics for you.
The Solo Traveler Who Doesn't Want to Travel Alone
FTLO is designed for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s who want the freedom of traveling alone without spending the whole trip alone. The Peru itinerary gives you plenty of built-in group moments, from welcome drinks and shared meals to hands-on cultural experiences and the big Machu Picchu day. You arrive solo. You don't have to stay that way.
How Active Is the FTLO Peru Trip?
The trip is rated 6/10 for physical activity — active, but accessible, and altitude matters more than fitness level.
You'll walk through ancient ruins, explore cobblestone streets, and take part in a gentle llama trek. Some activities include uneven terrain and stone steps at altitude.
You don't need to be a serious hiker. If you're comfortable walking a few miles at a moderate pace, you should be right at home.
The bigger consideration is altitude, not athletic ability. Parts of the trip are at high elevation, so you'll want to take it slow, stay hydrated, and give your body time to adjust. We recommend you take it easy the first day or two.
What About the Altitude?
Cusco is the highest point of the trip, and altitude adjustment — not athletic ability — is the biggest thing to plan around before booking Peru.
The trip starts in Lima at a much lower elevation before moving into the Sacred Valley and eventually Cusco, the highest-altitude stop on the itinerary.
We build the trip with that transition in mind. Ollantaytambo gives you time to begin adjusting before Cusco, and Day 8 is intentionally a slower day because Cusco is the highest point of the trip.
The best approach is simple: take it slow, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
If you have heart conditions, blood pressure concerns, or respiratory issues, we recommend letting us know ahead of time.
What Should I Pack for Peru?
Pack for two climates: mild Lima (60–75°F) and a warm-day, cold-night Sacred Valley and Cusco (40–70°F) — layers are essential.
Your Peru Packing List
Definitely bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight layers
A warm layer for chilly evenings
Rain jacket
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Small day bag for activities
Your passport
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and passport information is required to book Machu Picchu permits.
One more thing: don't underestimate the sun at altitude. Even if the temperature feels comfortable, sunscreen and sunglasses are worth having every day.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Peru?
May through September (dry season) offers the clearest skies and is the safest bet if good weather is your top priority, though it's also the busiest.
May through September: Dry Season Peru's dry season, with the clearest skies. It's also peak season, so expect more travelers.
April and October: Shoulder Season A nice middle ground, with fewer crowds and generally good weather.
November through March: Wet Season Expect more afternoon rain, but fewer tourists.
The best time ultimately depends on what matters most to you, but if clear skies are a priority, the dry season is the strongest bet.
What Are the Accommodations Like?
The trip includes 9 nights in comfortable, centrally located hotels — 3 in Lima, 4 in Ollantaytambo, and 2 in Cusco — with shared rooms as the default.
Rooms are shared with one other traveler, with private room upgrades available for an additional cost and subject to availability.
The goal isn't five-star resort living. It's having a comfortable place to come back to after a day of exploring, in locations that make it easy to experience the destinations around you.
What's Included in the FTLO Peru Trip?
Your trip includes:
Accommodations: 9 nights of centrally located accommodations in Lima (3), Ollantaytambo/Sacred Valley (4), Cusco (2)
Included travel: Private ground transportation for activities, domestic flight from Lima to Cusco (including one checked bag), Train Vistadome to and from Machu Picchu
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
Walking Tour of Lima's Historical Center – Explore colonial architecture, plazas, and landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide.
Pisco Sour & Ceviche Class – Learn to make Peru's national cocktail in the city where it originated, paired with a fresh ceviche meal.
Walking Food Tour – Sample the best bites of bohemian Barranco, from street food favorites to local specialties.
Hacienda Tour and Lunch – Tour a family-owned hacienda's gardens and art collection, then sit down to a homemade lunch.
Guided Ollantaytambo Archeological Site Tour – Explore this well-preserved Inca fortress and town with an expert local guide.
Guided Llama Trek – Meet local llama farmers and trek alongside their herd through the Andean landscape.
Weaving Community Visit & Lesson – Meet a local weaving community and get hands-on instruction from a master weaver.
Guided Machu Picchu Tour – Discover the history and significance of this iconic Inca citadel with an expert local guide.
Guided Walking Tour of Cusco – Explore the city's Inca and colonial history through its streets, plazas, and landmarks.
Chocolate Tasting – Sample locally made chocolate and learn about Peru's cacao-growing traditions.
Boleto Turístico – Access to 16 sites across the Cusco region, from Inca ruins to museums and colonial churches, valid for 10 days — perfect for extending your trip.
Not included: flights to and from Peru, airport transfers, tips for guides/drivers/activity providers/housekeeping, mandatory travel insurance, meals not listed, and incidental expenses. We recommend budgeting around $200 for meals not included, depending on your spending habits.
How Much Does the FTLO Peru Trip Cost?
The Peru trip starts at $5,899 per person.
The standard payment plan includes a $975 deposit plus three installments, with extended payment plans available upon request. A private room upgrade is available for an additional $799, subject to availability.
Keep in mind that international flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, some meals, tips, and incidental expenses are not included.
What Are the Biggest Reasons to Book Peru With FTLO?
If we had to narrow it down:
You get Machu Picchu without making it the whole trip. The bucket-list moment is there, but it's surrounded by experiences that make the destination feel much bigger.
You actually spend time in the Sacred Valley. Four nights in Ollantaytambo means you're not just passing through — you have time to explore, acclimate, and go beyond a quick sightseeing stop.
Food is part of the story. From ceviche and pisco sours to Pachamanca and local chocolate, food is woven throughout the itinerary.
The cultural experiences are hands-on. You're learning to weave, walking with llamas, meeting local communities, and sharing meals with your hosts — not just watching.
You get a built-in crew. Show up solo, meet your group, and let FTLO handle the logistics.
Peru Trip FAQs
Is Peru a good destination for solo travelers? Yes. FTLO's Peru trip is designed for solo travelers who want a built-in group, curated experiences, and the chance to meet like-minded people along the way — without having to handle every logistical detail themselves.
Is the Peru trip good for travelers in their 30s? Yes. FTLO's primary audience is travelers ages 25–39, particularly young professionals who value comfort, community, experiences, food, and curiosity. The Peru itinerary suits travelers who want a mix of culture, food, adventure, and meaningful local experiences.
How long is the FTLO Peru trip? 10 days and 9 nights: 3 nights in Lima, 4 nights in Ollantaytambo/Sacred Valley, and 2 nights in Cusco.
Do I need to be fit to go to Peru with FTLO? No — you don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking a few miles at a moderate pace. Expect ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, stone steps, and a gentle llama trek. The trip is rated 6/10 for physical activity.
Is Machu Picchu included? Yes. A guided visit to Machu Picchu is included, along with train transportation to and from the site. Because Machu Picchu tickets can sell out months in advance and require passport information, securing your spot early is important.
What should I budget for food in Peru? Around $200 for meals not included, depending on your spending habits. Nine breakfasts, six lunches, and three dinners are already included in the trip.
Can I travel to Peru if I have dietary restrictions? Yes. Peruvian cuisine includes plenty of potatoes, rice, corn, and quinoa, and many dishes are naturally gluten-friendly. Vegetarian options are widely available, while vegan options are more limited outside Lima. Flag allergies or dietary restrictions when booking so they can be planned for.
What is the weather like in Peru? Lima is mild year-round, while the Sacred Valley and Cusco have warmer days and colder nights. The dry season runs May through September, April and October are shoulder months, and November through March generally brings more afternoon rain.
What airport do I fly into for the Peru trip? Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima (LIM) for the start of the trip. You'll fly home from Cusco Airport (CUZ) on the final day.
Can I extend my Peru trip? Yes. The trip ends in Cusco, making it easy to keep exploring afterward. Your included Boleto Turístico provides access to 16 sites across the Cusco region and is valid for 10 days.
Do I need a visa to visit Peru? No, not for U.S. citizens visiting for tourism stays under 90 days. You will need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity beyond your arrival date.
What makes FTLO's Peru trip different? Machu Picchu is part of the story, not the whole story. You'll experience Peru through food, local communities, Andean traditions, Inca history, and time in the Sacred Valley, all while traveling with a small group of solo travelers and having FTLO handle the logistics.
So, Should FTLO Peru Be Your Next Trip?
If you've had Machu Picchu saved in your camera roll for years, this might be the nudge.
But don't come just for the famous ruins.
Come for the ceviche in Lima. The streets of Ollantaytambo. The llamas walking beside you through the Andes. The moment a local artisan hands you a loom and says, essentially, your turn. The Pachamanca feast coming out of the earth. The chocolate in Cusco. The train ride through the mountains.
And, yes, Machu Picchu.
Then add nine days of doing all of it with people who started as strangers and became your travel crew.
That's Peru with FTLO.
Ready for the next step towards your Peru adventure?
To read more about our group Patagonia trip, head over to the trip page where you can find more details, itinerary overviews, and fun travel inspo!
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