Peru Travel Guide: BEST Places to visit in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Peru Travel Guide: BEST Places to visit in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Flying with Avianca Airlines. My first time with this carrier. Time to board to Bogotá, Colombia. One-way ticket was aprox. $250 CAD per person (no carry-on or checked baggage included). No services are included in Avianca flights. Avianca offered a premium seat upgrade for about $120 USD. Considering the long flight, it was a good decision. The upgrade included only the seat. The premium seat was spacious and comfortable. No entertainment system. While it didn’t recline fully, it offered great comfort for the journey. In Colombia, we couldn’t miss the chance to try their famous coffee. Highly recommend it—truly amazing. Flying to Lima now. Same aircraft, this time we were lucky, We got emergency exit seats without extra charge. The flight was calm with some turbulence near the Andes. Too early to check in, so we left my bags at the hotel and explored Lima. Started with the Larcomar and the coastal views. Past midday, but only breakfast and snacks were available. Tried famous Peruvian dishes as empanadas. Every empanada tasted great, but the Lomo Saltado was my favorite. It was very tasty, juicy and a bit smoky. Spent time enjoying the stunning coastal views and walking along the coast. A quick walk from the coast to the neighborhood center, visiting interconnected parks. Located in the heart of Miraflores, It is a lively urban park known for its street food, local art, weekend markets, and its many resident cats. Once strays, the cats were gradually cared for by locals and are now part of the park’s charm. Lots of cats relaxing and lounging around. Time to return to the hotel and check in. First we stayed a few nights at a chain hotel in Lima. The room was spacious, functional, and very quiet.
We paid $67 USD per night After some rest, we returned to Larcomar to catch the sunset views before heading out for dinner. Punto Azul is famous for its traditional Peruvian cuisine and fresh seafood. The ceviche was incredibly fresh, with a generous portion size. Our favorite dish! Tender, smoky lomo in a creamy, flavorful sauce. On the way back to the hotel, Larcomar had a lively atmosphere, almost like a party. We wrapped up our day there. Wooden bridge built in 1876. Surrounded by colorful streets, murals, and coastal views. Legend says if you hold your breath while crossing it for the first time, your wish will come true. Started early in the Barranco neighborhood. It was peaceful, with very few people around. We admired the coastal views from Barranco as well. The area is filled with vibrant street art and graffiti, adding to its charm. Coffee break time. We found this place walking back to Miraflores. Great coffee and we loved their Alfajor with Dulce de leche. This church is located across from the parks we visited the day before. Finally, some sunshine! Lima is usually cloudy, so we took the opportunity to enjoy the views again. Time for lunch. La Lucha is a popular spot for Peruvian sandwiches. The ingredients were fresh, a step above typical fast food. Our favorite sandwich was the Lechón a la Leña—juicy, smoky, and flavorful. Another walk along the coast. Back to the hotel for a short rest before heading out for dinner. Returned to Barranco this evening. Dined at another traditional Peruvian restaurant. Ordered a shared dish due to the large portions. The pork was juicy and flavorful, and the Crema Volteada dessert was outstanding. Highly recommend both! A new day, heading to the heart of Lima. Founded in 1535 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Lima’s historic center preserves grand colonial architecture around Plaza Mayor: cathedral, Government Palace, convents, and famous carved wooden balconies. Stunning colonial architecture and historic buildings. Truly impressive. Quick snack break to try their well-known sandwich which Peruvian presidents used to eat. We didn’t enjoy the sandwich — it was cold and lacked seasoning. Wouldn’t recommend it. Souvenir shops are plentiful in this area. Returning to the hotel before heading out for lunch. After the disappointing snack, we revisited Punto Azul for lunch. The Tacu Tacu and pasta were both fantastic dishes. This was our last meal in Lima before heading to Cusco. Checkout our videos in Cusco & Machu Picchu. Heading to Cusco from Lima, the nearest city with a big airport to Machu Picchu. Flying LATAM. We’ve used to fly with them a lot in Brazil. Pretty standard service. We paid $81 USD per person round-trip from Lima to Cusco. Full flight to Cusco. Economy seats weren’t comfy or spacious, but it was a short 1h30 flight. Calm trip. Walking through the airport, you can already feel the strong Inca vibes. First time in a city over 3000m! We took medicine in Lima and didn’t feel altitude sickness here. Staying in a boutique hotel with stunning colonial-style architecture. Arrived at night, so we’ll show the hotel room tour in the daytime later in this video. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco sits at 3,400 meters above sea level. Its Plaza Mayor is a historic square surrounded by colonial architecture, lively cafes, and the iconic Cusco Cathedral. The hotel’s location was perfect—just 2 minutes from Cusco’s main square. After exploring the city, it was time for a much-anticipated dinner. Prices were high, but it’s expected in such a touristy area like Plaza de Armas. Portions were decent but not as generous as we had in Lima. Both dishes were great, but we preferred the lamb shank. It was tender, flavorful, and paired perfectly with gnocchi. The lomo was tasty but not super tender. Dessert time! Crema Volteada was delicious and reminded us of Brazilian Pudim. It got late, and we had an early train to catch for Machu Picchu, so we called it a night. Headed to Poroy Station and took the train to Machu Picchu. We’re taking the Peru Rail Vista Dome train,
which cost $123 USD per person round-trip.
Book early—it sells out quickly! The seats were spacious and comfortable. Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views. Many people take a day trip, skipping Aguas Calientes and heading straight to Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. Nestled in a lush valley at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to the iconic ruins. Known for its thermal baths, local markets, and riverside views, it’s the last stop before ascending to one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. We stayed one night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu early and avoid the crowds. Most hotels in Aguas Calientes are small and simple. Ours was fine—perfect for a one-night stay without high expectations. The room and bathroom were outdated, but for $44 USD per night, it was one of the cheaper options in town. No soundproofing in the hotel room. It was noisy, right in front of train tracks, and train smoke came in through poorly sealed windows. Time for lunch. We tried a recommended restaurant for Peruvian food. Large space with a buffet and a menu. The views were stunning! The food was disappointing. Pricey, with bland lamb shank despite being tender. The lamb rack was mostly fat and lacked seasoning. Frozen veggies. Wouldn’t recommend. At least the view made up for it. Aguas Calientes is full of shops in the city center. After resting, we explored the city.
Lots of Incan-themed items to see. After a disappointing lunch, we found a gem. Cheaper prices, and the food was much better! Not a Peruvian dish but made with local ingredients. Creamy, flavorful, and delicious. The Aji de Galinha was our favorite. Traditional Peruvian dish with moist, well-seasoned chicken and great flavor. Calling it a night. Early start tomorrow for Machu Picchu. A new day, but foggy and rainy. We weren’t sure if we’d see much in Machu Picchu. Rain had been constant for days. Let’s see what happens! To reach the mountain, you can hike for free or take the shuttle. The shuttle costs $24 USD per person round-trip. We made it to Machu Picchu! Bought tickets 3 months ahead, just before the circuit changes. Tickets cost $152 Soles for circuits 1, 2, and the Inca Bridge. Prices and circuits may have changed—double-check before visiting. It was so foggy we couldn’t see anything. We hired a guide and decided to visit the Inca Bridge first. The views were stunning. Down there is Aguas Calientes. The hike to the Inca Bridge is steep and narrow—avoid it if you fear heights. When we returned, it was still foggy. Our guide told us to wait, so we stayed patient. And then, after 30 minutes, this happened! The fog cleared, and it turned sunny. We were so lucky—enjoy this incredible view! The Lost City of the Incas sits high in the Andes, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and clouds. Built around 1450, it was once a royal Inca citadel and remained hidden from the outside world for centuries. Today, it’s one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now heading to circuit 2. Located between two iconic peaks Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu creating a breathtaking backdrop for the Inca citadel. Llamas roam freely around the ancient stone terraces, adding life to this mystical site suspended in the clouds. It got really hot! Bring sunscreen, repellent, and wear layers to adjust to the weather. Spotted lots of llamas at the end of the trails. Time flew by. We stayed for hours, soaking it all in! There’s no time limit for your visit. We had a 3 PM train to catch, so we returned to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Went back to Chullos since we loved dinner there the night before. The yuca croquettes were a great appetizer. Tried alpaca for the first time—it’s similar to beef, lean, and tasty. The pasta was well-cooked too. The trout was our favorite—so fresh and delicious! It started raining right after we left Machu Picchu.
What a lucky day! Time to head back to Cusco. The return train was the same as before.
A relaxing trip with beautiful views. Here’s how much we spent to visit Machu Picchu (per person): Round-trip Flights from Montreal to Lima: $340.00 USD. Round-trip Flights from Lima to Cusco: $81.00 USD Round-trip Train Tickets from Cusco to Aguas Calientes: $123.00 USD. Round-trip Bus Tickets from Aguas Calientes to. Machu Picchu: $24.00 USD. Machu Picchu Entrance Fee: $42.00 USD Total: $610 USD per person Back in Cusco, let’s show you the hotel we stayed at for all our nights here. The hotel was an old colonial house. Loved the warm and quiet vibe, and the staff was very friendly. No elevators, though. Room was okay—not huge but had enough space for luggage. Bathroom was small and a bit outdated, but our stay was smooth overall. Returning from Machu Picchu at night, we enjoyed the main square again and grabbed some dinner. Another traditional Peruvian restaurant, but this one had a fantastic vibe. So beautiful! Prices here were more reasonable, and the portions were just right. Last time, my wife loved the lamb dish. This time I tried it, and it didn’t disappoint—we liked it even more! The lamb was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired with lots of fresh veggies. The lomo was good but not as amazing as the one in Lima. New day in Cusco! Hotel breakfast was included, but it was super simple with limited options. This church is massive and stunning inside. No filming allowed, but it’s a must-visit! Explored the Sacred Valley. Tour cost $43 CAD/person for 7 hours covering 2 cities and 4 sites. 1st stop: Chinchero, a city at 4000m above sea level. Visited a community making alpaca fleece products. Beautiful spot, included in the tour, no extra fees. Located at 3,762 meters above sea level, Chinchero is a traditional Andean village near Cusco known for its vibrant textile market & Inca terraces. Met some alpacas up close. They were super cute! They had a big store, but prices were super high, so we didn’t buy anything. 2nd stop: Moray archaeological site. Entrance was $70 soles for a multi-attraction ticket. This site was mind-blowing—just incredible! You can explore some areas of the Inca ruins on foot. It is an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring circular agricultural terraces built into natural depressions. Located at about 3,500 meters above sea level, it’s believed the Incas used it as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops at different microclimates. After Moray, our 3rd stop was the small city of Maras.
It was very quiet, with almost no one around. Visited a local chocolate shop selling salted chocolate. We bought some chocolate but we don’t recommend buying anything. These chocolates tasted good there, but back home, they were awful—not like real chocolate. 4th stop: Salt Mines. The ride was scary! If you fear heights, avoid window seats. Entry: $20 soles. Totally worth it! The breathtaking views of the Salt Mines were unforgettable. This is a salt extraction center from pre-Hispanic times. There are a few shops selling salt and souvenirs. Thousands of salt evaporation ponds that have been used since Inca times. Fed by a natural underground saltwater spring, these terraces create a stunning white landscape and are still harvested by local families today. Last quick look at the salt mines on our way back. Back to Cusco. Time to grab a bite! We had empanadas. The cheese one was our favorite over the beef. After resting, we visited the San Pedro market. Packed with locals, small shops, and affordable eats. Tip: For souvenirs or local clothes, shop here or near Plaza Mayor in Cusco. Bought a sweater in Lima, found it in Cusco for less than half the price! Enjoying the sunset at Plaza de Armas. After resting, we were ready for dinner, but it didn’t go as planned. We had a reservation at Chicha by Gaston Curio, but my wife didn’t feel well. We went back to the hotel. I ordered dinner from Chicha at the hotel. It was incredible—so delicious! I didn’t film, but I had empanadas and Estofado de Lengua with mashed potatoes. One of the best meals of the trip! Highly recommend. Last day in Cusco. My wife was still recovering, and we had a flight to Lima in the afternoon. I went for a walk. Lots of steps for these amazing views. A well-known spot on social media. Beautiful, but not much to do. This perfectly carved stone is a famous example of Inca masonry, known for its twelve interlocking angles that fit seamlessly into the surrounding wall. Located on Hatun Rumiyoc Street, it’s a symbol of the precision and skill of Inca architecture. One last look at Plaza de Armas before resting and heading to the airport. So much we didn’t have time to explore in Cusco. Recommend staying longer! Returning to Lima with LATAM again. Cusco airport is very small. Same aircraft. Seat felt smaller than the first one. I got a window seat—amazing views! Flight was surprisingly smooth. Amazing views all the way. Arriving in Lima. This time, we stayed in a boutique hotel with a charming colonial-style mansion. We paid $66 USD per night (it was the first week of October 2024). The hotel was stunning and peaceful. Our room had a beautiful view of a fountain and was both cozy and functional. The property featured a patio, restaurant, and café. For dinner, we chose Punto Azul again, we really liked this place. We tried their shrimp pasta, which was good, but we preferred the Lomo Saltado pasta. My wife had a comforting fish soup. While not extraordinary, it was good. Very big portion. Checked out the hotel bar for a relaxing drink before retiring for the night. Started the day with a stunning view from our room. The hotel offered a delightful breakfast as part of the stay. On our last day in Lima, we visited Huaca Pucllana. Just a 20-minute walk from our hotel, this Inca pyramid stands in the heart of Miraflores. The entry fee was $ 15 SOLES. Located in the Miraflores district, it is a pre-Incan adobe pyramid built around 500 AD by the Lima culture. Once a ceremonial and administrative center, it showcases ancient construction techniques using adobe bricks and offers insight into Peru’s early civilizations, right in the heart of modern Lima. The visit was well worth it—affordable and captivating. On our very last day in Lima, we revisited La Lucha. Their sandwiches never disappoint. After a rest, we enjoyed the coastal views one last time before dinner. Our last dinner was at Panchita, a renowned restaurant. The venue was gorgeous and spacious. We arrived early since we didn’t have a reservation. We tried croquettes and lengua. Both were phenomenal—rich, flavorful, and highly recommended. Wrapped up the evening early to finish packing and prepare for our 1 a.m. departure. Flew with Arajet, another low-cost airline with no included services. We paid approximately $160 USD per person for a one-way trip, with no carry-on or checked baggage included. Arajet changed our flight time and gave us $100 USD voucher per person, we used it to pay for the checked bags, around $35 USD each. The flight to Santo Domingo was calm, with standard seat space comparable to other airlines. Pretty calm, and everything went smoothly. Last leg: a quiet flight back to Montreal on the same aircraft.

Planning your trip to Peru? In this Peru Travel Guide, we show you the BEST places to visit in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu — with stunning views, local food, and tips to plan the perfect itinerary.
We spent 10 days in Peru and created this video to help you avoid common travel mistakes and experience the very best of the country.

🇵🇪 Unmissable sights in the Andes and beyond
🍽️ Traditional Peruvian food you need to try
🚆 Step-by-step tips on how to get to Machu Picchu

Perfect for anyone searching for places to visit in Peru, a Peru vlog, or helpful Peru travel advice!

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Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Lima
12:54 Cusco
14:53 Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
15:50 Aguas Calientes
18:05 Machu Picchu
25:00 Back to Aguas Calientes
26:00 Back to Cusco
28:50 Sacred Valley
33:50 Cusco
37:50 Back to Lima

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