Cliff-top paragliding over the Pacific, world-class ceviche at La Mar or Central, and the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian gold. Lima is the food capital of South America. Fly to Cusco (acclimatise — it's at 3,399m).
📅 Cusco & Sacred Valley
Two days acclimatising in Cusco — Sacsayhuamán fortress, San Pedro market, San Blas artisan quarter. Sacred Valley — Pisac market (Sunday is best), Ollantaytambo fortress. Take the train to Aguas Calientes.
📅 Machu Picchu
Bus up before the 6am opening. Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Explore the citadel with a licensed guide. Optional: Huayna Picchu mountain for vertiginous views straight down to the ruins.
📅 Lake Titicaca & Amazon
Train to Puno on Lake Titicaca. Boat to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. Fly to Puerto Maldonado for 3 nights in the Amazon — jungle lodge, caiman spotting, macaw clay lick at dawn, piranha fishing.
💡 Key tips: Book Machu Picchu tickets online 3–6 months in advance — daily visitor numbers are strictly capped. Take altitude seriously — acclimatise 2 days in Cusco before hiking. Inca Trail permits sell out in January for the whole year.
