Rwanda: gorillas and the lake
Two treks, one lake, six nights.
Peru
Peru: the Sacred Valley
Acclimatise low, climb slowly, and see Machu Picchu before the crowds.
A nine-night private Peru journey: Lima with a guide, the Sacred Valley to acclimatise, Machu Picchu timed for the quiet entry, and Cusco last.
The order matters. Two nights in Lima for the food, then straight to the Sacred Valley, which is lower than Cusco. Machu Picchu is a morning, timed for the quieter entry. Cusco comes last, when the altitude is no longer a problem.
Private guides throughout. The archaeology makes sense with the right person.
Highlights
- Private guides in Lima, the valley, and Cusco
- Sacred Valley lodges for acclimatisation
- Machu Picchu at the quieter entry time
- Cusco last, once acclimatised
Guide price
From £6,800 per person, based on the itinerary as described. A planning figure, not a quote.
- Nights
- 9
- Best time
- May to October.
- Stays
- Chosen with you
A specialist replies personally; no obligation.
Day by day
How the journey unfolds
- Days 1–2
Lima
A guide for the old city and the food.
- Days 3–5
Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and drive straight down to the valley. Markets, ruins, and walking at a gentle pace.
- Day 6
Machu Picchu
Train to Aguas Calientes and the site with a guide. Overnight below.
- Days 7–9
Cusco
Return to Cusco for the last nights. A guide for a day; the rest open.
- Day 10
Depart
Fly to Lima for the connection.
Good to know
Questions about this journey
Can we walk the Inca Trail?
Yes, with a private guide and permit. The short trail is one day; the classic is four.
How do you handle the altitude?
The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco, so we start there for two nights, keep the first days gentle and leave Cusco until the party has acclimatised.
How many nights for Machu Picchu?
One night at the foot of the site, so you can be at the gates early and again in the quieter afternoon, before the train back.
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Make this journey yours
Keep the shape, change the details: dates, party, pace, stays. A specialist will redraw it and send a private proposal.