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Peru is South America’s most important travel destination, stretching from the Lost City of the Inca Empire at Machu Picchu to the edge of the Amazon rainforest. This 7-day guide is designed for travellers who love trekking and cultural exploration.
7-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Lima Peru’s capital, named World’s Culinary Capital in 2018. Visit the Plaza de Armas, tour the catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery. In the evening, head to the Larcomar cliff-side shopping centre in Miraflores — try ceviche (Peru’s national dish: citrus-cured raw fish).
Days 3–4: Cusco Fly to Cusco (3,400 m above sea level) — rest first to acclimatise. Visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Plaza de Armas, and Convento de Santo Domingo. Afternoon bus to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,200 m) — 4-hour round-trip hike through high alpine meadows and llama herds: extremely photogenic.
Days 5–7: Inca Trail Trek + Machu Picchu The 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail is one of the world’s most iconic trekking routes. Along the way: Aguas Calientes, the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), arriving finally at Machu Picchu. Pre-book permits on the official site 3–6 months ahead (500 daily spots).
If you’d rather not trek: Take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours) and visit Machu Picchu as a day trip — tickets approximately US$40.
Machu Picchu Visit Guide
- Best season: April–October (dry season)
- Tickets: Pre-book on the official website; choose Machu Picchu + Mountain (can climb Huayna Picchu) or Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (steeper)
- Recommendation: Enter with the first group at 6 am — best light, fewest crowds
- Essentials: Raincoat (weather changes quickly), hiking boots, passport (required for entry)
Managing Altitude Sickness
Cusco is at 3,400 m; Machu Picchu at 2,400 m. Recommendations:
- Arrive in Lima (sea level) 2 days ahead to acclimatise
- Don’t shower on arrival day
- Drink plenty of coca tea
- Take Diamox (Acetazolamide) preventatively
Connectivity in Peru
Airalo’s Peru eSIM — 3 GB for US$10; 4G network is stable in the Cusco and Machu Picchu area.
Budget Reference
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (China–Lima) | ¥10,000–18,000 |
| Inca Trail group tour | US$500–800 |
| Machu Picchu tickets | US$60–80 |
| Hotels (6 nights) | ¥3,000–8,000 |
| Domestic flights (Lima–Cusco) | US$150–250 |
| Food and drink | ¥1,500–3,000 |
| Total | ¥20,000–40,000 per person |
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