Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu: 7-Day Sunrise Tour with Early Entry

Summary

Peru’s layers unfold from Lima’s flavors to Machu Picchu dawn

You’ll step into Lima’s lively markets, trace ancient stones through Cusco and the Sacred Valley, then stand at Machu Picchu as dawn breaks—a moment that feels both private and shared. Local guides handle every detail so you can focus on tasting new foods, listening to stories, and letting Peru sink in under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

We landed in Lima late, a little dazed from the flight, but our transfer was waiting—no hunting for taxis or fumbling with Spanish right off the bat. I remember the first real breath outside: humid air tinged with salt and car exhaust, then suddenly Miraflores—palms, old couples walking by the cliffs, that statue of “El Beso” everyone takes photos with. Our guide, Lucía, grinned when I tried my rusty Spanish at the market (“más maracuyá?”), and honestly, I think she appreciated the effort more than the pronunciation. We wandered through Plaza Mayor and inside the Cathedral where it’s cool and echoey; you can almost hear centuries under your feet. The city felt layered—colonial facades hiding ceviche bars and murals.

The flight to Cusco is short but you feel it in your lungs—thin air, everything sharper. Afternoon light made San Blas’ blue doors glow. Our local guide Mario led us down Hatun Rumiyoc Street pointing out that famous 12-angled stone (I touched it for luck; he said everyone does). Stopped at San Pedro Market where the smell of fresh bread mixed with fruit stalls—somehow both familiar and not. In Sacsayhuaman, those giant stones fit so tightly you can’t even slip a postcard between them. Mario joked about aliens but then got serious about Inca engineering; I could’ve listened for hours if my head wasn’t spinning a bit from altitude.

The Sacred Valley day was a blur of colors—Chinchero’s weavers showing us how alpaca wool turns bright red from cochineal beetles (I still have a scrap of yarn in my bag). Moray’s terraces looked like something out of science fiction. Lunch was simple but perfect: quinoa soup and roasted corn that popped between your teeth. Ollantaytambo felt alive—kids playing soccer near ruins older than most countries.

I barely slept before Machu Picchu day—nerves or excitement or both? The bus zigzagged up in darkness while our group whispered so as not to wake the mountain gods (Mario’s words). At sunrise, clouds peeled back just enough for gold light to spill over those terraces—I swear it didn’t feel real for a minute or two. Mario let us sit quietly before starting his stories about Pachacuti and lost cities; he seemed proud to share it all. By lunch in Aguas Calientes I was sunburned, tired, happy—and not quite ready to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer in Lima

• Arrive in Lima
• Transfer to hotel
• Rest and free time

Day 2 — Lima city tour and heritage sites

• Visit Main Square and surroundings
• Tour inside Lima Cathedral
• Visit St. Dominic convent
• Panoramic view of Miraflores district
• See Parque del Amor and The Kiss sculpture
• Observe Huaca Pucllana site
• Walk Plaza de Armas and Government Palace
• Visit Cathedral and Convent of Santo Domingo

Day 3 — Flight to Cusco and city tour

• Transfer to airport
• Fly to Cusco (not included)
• Transfer to hotel
• Panoramic view from St. Christopher's Square
• Explore St. Peter's Market
• Visit Qorikancha Temple
• See St. Dominique Church
• Visit San Blas district and Hatun Rumiyoc Street
• Admire 12-angled stone
• Visit Plaza de Armas
• Tour Cusco Cathedral

Day 4 — Cusco archaeological sites tour

• Explore Sacsayhuaman site
• Visit Qenqo altar
• View Puca Pucara fortress
• Walk to Tambomachay site
• Return to Cusco

Day 5 — Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu town

• Visit Chinchero town and archaeological complex
• See colonial church and weavers
• Visit Moray agricultural terraces
• Lunch in Sacred Valley
• Tour Ollantaytambo ruins
• Train to Machu Picchu town

Day 6 — Machu Picchu sunrise and return

• Bus to Machu Picchu mountain
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins
• Bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo
• Lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo
• Train back to Cusco
• Transfer to hotel

Day 7 — Departure from Cusco to Lima

• Transfer to Cusco airport
• Fly to Lima (not included)
• End of tour

Top questions

Is pickup included for this 7-day Lima & Cusco tour?

Yes, airport transfers and hotel pickups are included throughout the tour.

Does this tour include early entry tickets to Machu Picchu?

Yes, early admission tickets to Machu Picchu are included with a private guide.

Are flights between Lima and Cusco included?

No, airfare between Lima and Cusco is not included; you’ll need to book those separately.

What kind of accommodations are provided?

Hotel accommodations are provided each night according to your selected category.

Will there be guided tours at each site?

Yes, professional bilingual guides lead tours at all major sites including Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.

Is lunch included during the Sacred Valley day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during the Sacred Valley excursion before heading to Aguas Calientes.

How early do we enter Machu Picchu?

The entrance time is scheduled for 6:00 am for sunrise access; alternative times may be offered if unavailable.

Is this tour suitable for people sensitive to altitude?

The itinerary includes time to acclimatize in Cusco; consult your doctor if you’re concerned about altitude sickness.

What’s included

Your week includes all airport transfers in Lima and Cusco plus pickups for every excursion; guided visits with local experts at each site; entry fees for attractions like Sacsayhuaman, Moray terraces, Ollantaytambo ruins; early morning admission to Machu Picchu with a private guide; hotel stays each night based on your selection; plus lunch during the Sacred Valley day before catching the train toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.