5-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu from Miami

Peru has an ancient history, a rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-day itinerary is designed to give you an immersive experience of Peru’s most iconic site, Machu Picchu, while allowing you to enjoy some of the country’s other highlights. Departing from Miami, you’ll journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and finally, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Miami to Lima

Morning:

Departure from Miami: Take an early morning flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Lima, Peru’s capital. The flight is approximately 5.5 hours, so you’ll arrive in Lima around midday.

Afternoon:

Arrival in Lima: Check into your hotel in Miraflores, a vibrant district known for its coastal views, parks, and restaurants.

Explore Miraflores: Stroll along the Malecón, visit the Larcomar shopping center, or enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Lunch: Try a traditional Peruvian dish like ceviche at a seaside restaurant. We recommend Restaurant La Mar Cevicheria Peruana. Yes, it is the same as the one in Brickell Key, but this one is much better!

Evening:

Dinner: Savor Peruvian cuisine at a renowned restaurant like Central or Maido.

Rest: Return to your hotel and prepare for the next day’s journey to Cusco.

Day 2: Lima to Cusco

Morning:

Flight to Cusco: Take an early morning flight from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Arrival in Cusco: Check into your hotel and relax as you acclimate to the high altitude (3,400 meters/11,150 feet). Don’t forget to have your camera ready for the next day.

Afternoon:

City Tour: Explore Cusco’s historical sites, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).

Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery with stunning city views, such as Limbus Resto Bar.

Evening:

Dinner: Indulge in Andean cuisine at MAP Café in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Rest: Get an early night to prepare for your journey through the Sacred Valley.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Exploration

Morning:

Depart for the Sacred Valley: After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac, known for its vibrant market and impressive Incan ruins.

Ollantaytambo: Continue to Ollantaytambo, a charming town with well-preserved Incan architecture. Explore the ruins and enjoy the picturesque views.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, where you can try traditional Peruvian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Train to Aguas Calientes: In the late afternoon, take the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The journey is about 1.5 hours long.

Evening:

Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Check into your hotel and have a relaxed evening. Wander through the small town or visit the hot springs.

Dinner: Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant like Indio Feliz.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Early Morning:

Machu Picchu Visit: Wake up early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving early will allow you to experience the site with fewer crowds and in the soft morning light.

Guided Tour: Spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu with a guide, learning about its history and significance. You’ll have time to explore iconic spots like the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and the Inca Bridge.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local café or restaurant.

Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can visit the Machu Picchu Museum or relax before your return journey.

Evening:

Train to Cusco: Return to Cusco in the late afternoon or evening. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest after an unforgettable day.

Dinner: Enjoy a late dinner at a Cusco restaurant, perhaps sampling alpaca or other Andean delicacies.

Day 5: Cusco to Miami

Morning:

Free Time in Cusco: Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or visit additional sites, such as San Pedro Market.

Afternoon:

Flight to Lima: Fly from Cusco to Lima, where you’ll catch your connecting flight back to Miami.

Departure for Miami: Board your flight back to Miami, bringing home memories of Peru’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Evening:

Arrival in Miami: Return to Miami in the evening, completing your 5-day Peruvian adventure.

5-Day Itinerary to Peru: Exploring Machu Picchu from Miami

Day 1: Miami to Lima

Morning:

Departure from Miami: Take an early morning flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Lima, Peru’s capital. The flight is approximately 5.5 hours, so you’ll arrive in Lima around midday.

Afternoon:

Arrival in Lima: Check into your hotel in Miraflores, a vibrant district known for its coastal views, parks, and restaurants.

Explore Miraflores: Stroll along the Malecón, visit the Larcomar shopping center, or enjoy a coffee at a local café.

Lunch: Try a traditional Peruvian dish like ceviche at a seaside restaurant. We recommend Restaurant La Mar Cevicheria Peruana. Yes, it is the same as the one in Brickell Key, but this one is much better!

Evening:

Dinner: Savor Peruvian cuisine at a renowned restaurant like Central or Maido.

Rest: Return to your hotel and prepare for the next day’s journey to Cusco.

Day 2: Lima to Cusco

Morning:

Flight to Cusco: Take an early morning flight from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Arrival in Cusco: Check into your hotel and relax as you acclimate to the high altitude (3,400 meters/11,150 feet). Don’t forget to have your camera ready for the next day.

Afternoon:

City Tour: Explore Cusco’s historical sites, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).

Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery with stunning city views, such as Limbus Resto Bar.

Evening:

Dinner: Indulge in Andean cuisine at MAP Café in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Rest: Get an early night to prepare for your journey through the Sacred Valley.

Day 3: Sacred Valley Exploration

Morning:

Depart for the Sacred Valley: After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac, known for its vibrant market and impressive Incan ruins.

Ollantaytambo: Continue to Ollantaytambo, a charming town with well-preserved Incan architecture. Explore the ruins and enjoy the picturesque views.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba, where you can try traditional Peruvian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Train to Aguas Calientes: In the late afternoon, take the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The journey is about 1.5 hours long.

Evening:

Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Check into your hotel and have a relaxed evening. Wander through the small town or visit the hot springs.

Dinner: Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant like Indio Feliz.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Early Morning:

Machu Picchu Visit: Wake up early to catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving early will allow you to experience the site with fewer crowds and in the soft morning light.

Guided Tour: Spend the morning exploring Machu Picchu with a guide, learning about its history and significance. You’ll have time to explore iconic spots like the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and the Inca Bridge.

Afternoon:

Lunch: Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local café or restaurant.

Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can visit the Machu Picchu Museum or relax before your return journey.

Evening:

Train to Cusco: Return to Cusco in the late afternoon or evening. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest after an unforgettable day.

Dinner: Enjoy a late dinner at a Cusco restaurant, perhaps sampling alpaca or other Andean delicacies.

Day 5: Cusco to Miami

Morning:

Free Time in Cusco: Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or visit additional sites, such as San Pedro Market.

Afternoon:

Flight to Lima: Fly from Cusco to Lima, where you’ll catch your connecting flight back to Miami.

Departure for Miami: Board your flight back to Miami, bringing home memories of Peru’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Evening:

Arrival in Miami: Return to Miami in the evening, completing your 5-day Peruvian adventure.