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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential Peru: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Independent Peru rail journey from Lima to Machu Picchu and Cusco

Illustration of Essential Peru: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Railbookers operates this 8-day independent rail vacation across Peru, running from Lima to Cusco with stops in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Rather than following a group leader, travelers move between stops with private transfers and private guides booked for each city, while day 6 at Machu Picchu is left unguided so you can climb Huayna Picchu, wander the ruins, or soak in the Aguas Calientes hot springs at your own pace. Days blend city sightseeing, such as the Larco Herrera Museum and colonial Casa de Aliaga in Lima, with the open landscapes of the Sacred Valley's Maras Saltpans and Moray terraces, before the train ride from the Andean highlands down into the jungle toward Machu Picchu. The pace suits first-time visitors to Peru who want the logistics handled, along with couples or solo travelers who prefer flexibility over a fixed group schedule and don't mind stretches of the week without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 6 at Machu Picchu is unguided; the itinerary leaves it to you whether to explore the ruins, climb Huayna Picchu, or visit the hot springs.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima

    Your Journey Begins in Lima

    Welcome to Peru! You will be met on your arrival at the airport, then transported to your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure. (Overnight Lima)

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima

    Lima

    Today is a day exploring the riches of the city, with your private guide. Visit Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, and the Government Palace. Discover the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, with its remarkable interior and rich history dating back to 1535. Then, the Larco Herrera Museum to delve into Peru's ancient past, featuring a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. Enjoy a delightful meal at Café del Museo Restaurant within the museum complex. Explore the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its artistic history and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros. (Overnight Lima)

  3. Day 3overnight: The Sacred Valley

    Lima to The Sacred Valley

    Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport, where they will also assist with all check-in procedures and departure formalities. The flight to Cusco is just 1hr and 25mins, and you will be met on arrival, then driven on the 1hr 30min drive to The Sacred Valley. Along the way, you can visit the impressive Sulca Museum, which recreates fabrics from ancient Peru, and lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayoccari. (Overnight The Sacred Valley)

  4. Day 4overnight: The Sacred Valley

    Sacred Valley

    After breakfast enjoy a guided journey through the Inca's Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient Maras Saltpans where salt has been harvested for millennia. Witness the breathtaking array of colors in the salt deposits and visit the enigmatic Moray terraces, considered a colossal agricultural lab, astronomical observatory, and place of worship with its circular terraces nestled in cone-shaped depressions. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Community of Misminay, and following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel. (Overnight The Sacred Valley)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Machu Picchu

    The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

    After a brief visit to the historic site of Ollantaytambo, transfer to the train station for a memorable journey. As you travel from the Andean highlands to the jungle, enjoy the scenic transformation before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. Your luggage will be managed seamlessly as you embark on a short bus ride to the renowned ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Revel in a guided tour of this enigmatic Lost City of the Incas. (Overnight Machu Picchu)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cusco

    Machu Picchu to Cusco

    Rise and shine early today as the sunrise over Machu Picchu is a sight you don’t want to miss. It’s a day to enjoy unguided, so be it a stroll around the ancient ruins, a climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for even better views, or a visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, it's up to you. In the afternoon return to Cusco by scenic train, and then you will be escorted to your hotel. (Overnight Cusco)

  7. Day 7overnight: Cusco

    Cusco

    Explore the beautiful city of Cusco today. The cobbled streets and original Inca walls are second to now when it comes to archaeological treasures. Highlights of the tour include the Santa Domingo church, which is built on Inca Temple Koricancha’s foundations, the Cristobal viewpoint for some amazing views, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Inca baths of Tambomachay, and finally a tour of the magnificent Main Plaza and Cathedral. Head back to your hotel to refresh, then perhaps return to the Main Plaza for dinner. (Overnight Cusco)

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in LIma

    A driver will collect you from your hotel at the appropriate time to take you to the airport for your included flight to Lima. B View The Full Map

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private guide leads a tour of Lima's Larco Herrera Museum, with its collection of pre-Columbian art, and the Casa de Aliaga, a colonial mansion dating to 1535.
  • Day 4The tour visits the Maras Saltpans, where salt has been harvested for centuries, and the circular terraces of Moray.
  • Day 5After a stop at Ollantaytambo, the train from the Sacred Valley descends from the Andean highlands into the jungle on the way to Machu Picchu.
  • Day 6Travelers rise early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu, then have an unguided day to explore the ruins, climb Huayna Picchu, or visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs.

Included

  • Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lima
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in The Sacred Valley
  • 1 night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Machu Picchu
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cusco Full-day private city tour of Lima Full-day private tour of Maras Saltpans, and Moray Terraces including lunch Afternoon, and morning tours of Machu Picchu, including entrance fees Half-day private tour of Cusco, and the surrounding archaeological sites Roundtrip airfare between Lima and Cusco All airport/hotel/station private transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes round-trip rail between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, along with round-trip flights between Lima and Cusco.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with private transfers. Most days include a private guided tour, but day 6 in Machu Picchu is unguided.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 7 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, private guided tours in Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, Machu Picchu entrance fees, and all airport, hotel, and station transfers.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes full-day guided walking tours of Lima, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, plus a tour of Machu Picchu; day 6 offers an optional, steeper climb to Huayna Picchu.
Which places does the trip visit?
The route runs from Lima to Cusco, with stops in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu along the way.

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