Classic Peru Tour Itinerary: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Trekking Advice

I am currently planning a 10-day trip to Peru with my partner, focusing on the classic route through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and finishing with a multi-day trek to Machu Picchu. We are trying to figure out the best way to acclimatize properly to the altitude without wasting too much time, as we only have a limited window for vacation. Does anyone have recommendations on how to structure the itinerary between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and which trek offers the best balance of scenery and physical challenge for moderately active hikers?

For a 10-day trip, the golden rule of acclimatization is to head straight down to the Sacred Valley from Cusco airport, since the valley sits at a lower elevation.

You should spend your first two or three nights in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. It really helps your body adjust before you tackle Cusco or any strenuous trekking.

If you like well-paced cultural trips, you might appreciate how efficient logistics matter, similar to planning a well-structured European coach tour.

For moderately active hikers, the classic 4-day Inca Trail is the absolute gold standard. It offers incredible ruins, changing ecosystems, and a great physical challenge without being overly technical.

If the Inca Trail permits are sold out, the Salkantay Trek is a fantastic alternative. It is a bit more challenging due to higher mountain passes, but the scenery of the snowy peaks and Humantay Lake is unmatched.

Make sure you spend at least two full days in Cusco at the end of your trip when your red blood cell count is higher; you will enjoy the city much more without feeling breathless.

Drink tons of water and chew on coca leaves or drink muña tea as soon as you land. Altitude sickness hits everyone differently, so take it easy on day one.

When mapping out your travel days, keeping transit times efficient is key—much like organizing a tight schedule for a 7-day classic itinerary in Italy.

I recommend doing Lima on the tail end of your trip so you can relax, eat at world-class restaurants, and decompress after the exhausting trek.

Book your Machu Picchu entry tickets and train rides months in advance. The government has strict daily limits and they sell out incredibly fast.

If you prefer a private driver for moving between ruins in the Sacred Valley instead of buses, it gives you way more flexibility with your limited 10-day window.

Have an amazing time! Peru is magical, and following the reverse acclimatization strategy of going to the Sacred Valley first will save you from altitude headaches.