Peru: From Lima to Machu Picchu with G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys

Days 1 and 2: Discovering Lima

Our adventure began in Lima, with its coastal views, surfers along the waterfront and a mix of modern neighbourhoods and historic streets.

We explored Miraflores, visited Kennedy Park with its resident cats and sampled some fantastic Peruvian food. A visit to La Mar for ceviche was a highlight, as was stopping at the historic Gran Hotel Bolívar for a pisco sour.

Lima has a character all of its own, and two days gave us a taste of what the city offers. I’d definitely recommend allowing time here rather than treating it simply as somewhere to arrive and depart.

Day 3: Into the Andes and the Sacred Valley

An early flight took us from Lima to Cusco, and the scenery immediately felt like another world. Steep hillsides, mountains and small houses clinging to the terrain made for some spectacular views.

We continued into the Sacred Valley, visiting Moray, an archaeological site famous for its enormous circular terraces, before heading to the salt mines at Maras.

Thousands of individual pools spread across the mountainside create an incredible sight. The salt is produced by local families working together through a cooperative, making this much more than just a photo stop.

We finished the day with a traditional Pachamanca dinner. This Andean cooking method uses heated stones to cook food underground, and sharing the meal was a wonderful introduction to local food and traditions.

Day 4: Ancient history and local communities

There was more Inca history to explore at Ollantaytambo, including the impressive Temple of the Sun and its surrounding ruins.

We also visited Potato Park, around 3,900 metres above sea level, where local communities work to preserve traditional farming practices and around 1,367 varieties of native potatoes. We met local women involved in traditional weaving, helping to keep their skills and cultural knowledge alive.

At Pisac, we explored more archaeological remains before heading to Parwa, a community-run farm-to-table restaurant supported through the G Adventures and Planeterra partnership.

The food was lovely, but understanding how the project supports local livelihoods made the experience even more meaningful.

This is one of the things I particularly value about travelling with G Adventures. You aren’t simply moving from one famous sight to another. You have opportunities to meet people, learn about their lives and see how tourism can make a positive contribution to the places you visit.

Day 5: The journey to Machu Picchu

The excitement was building as we headed towards Machu Picchu.

At Ollantaytambo railway station, our group split. Some members set off to hike the final section of the Inca Trail, while the rest of us boarded the PeruRail train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

I opted for the train, and what a journey it was.

The scenery changed dramatically as we travelled through the valley. Rugged mountains and striking red cliffs gradually gave way to lush, tropical-looking vegetation, with a river winding through the landscape.

It was one of those journeys where you want to keep looking out of the window because the scenery just keeps changing.

We arrived in Aguas Calientes with time to explore the town, browse the local market and enjoy lunch before the big day ahead. Then it was an early night, ready for the experience we’d travelled so far to see.

Day 6: Machu Picchu. The moment I’ll never forget

We were up early for the winding, bumpy bus journey up the mountain. Around 25 minutes later, we arrived at the entrance.

And then came the moment I can’t do justice to in words.

We rounded a corner, and suddenly the full vista of Machu Picchu opened up in front of us.

I genuinely had tears in my eyes.

I wasn’t expecting such an emotional reaction, but standing there looking across this extraordinary ancient city, surrounded by mountains, completely took me by surprise.

You can read about Machu Picchu, see hundreds of photographs and watch countless videos, but none of them prepares you for being there yourself.

Our guide took us on a three-hour walk around the site, exploring its different levels, stone structures and archaeological features. The scale of the complex and its spectacular setting are extraordinary. We even spotted llamas as we made our way out.

Machu Picchu exceeded every expectation. It was one of those rare travel experiences that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Afterwards, we headed back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and a celebratory drink before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and continuing to Cusco.

It had been a long day, but one I wouldn’t have missed for anything.

Cusco: Cooking, cocktails and cloudy skies

Back in Cusco, we had time to explore more of the city and enjoy a cookery class that began with a visit to a local market.

We learnt about the ingredients used in Peruvian cooking before getting stuck in ourselves. On the menu was lomo saltado, a popular Peruvian dish combining beef, onions, tomatoes, chips and rice, with Chinese culinary influences. We also made pisco sours, naturally!

It was a fun way to get closer to the local food culture, and the best part was enjoying what we’d made.

We also visited the Cusco Planetarium to learn more about the importance of astronomy and the stars in Inca culture. Sadly, cloud cover meant we couldn’t see the stars as hoped. You can’t win them all!

Cusco is fascinating, with its mix of Inca foundations, colonial architecture and lively streets. It’s also important to allow time to acclimatise to the altitude, rather than rushing straight through.

Back to Lima and home

Our final journey took us back to Lima for one last night before flying home.

Looking back, I was struck by just how much we’d experienced. From the food and coastal atmosphere of Lima to the mountains, ancient ruins, local communities and the unforgettable sight of Machu Picchu, Peru delivered an incredible variety of experiences.

The people we met, the food we tried and the opportunities to learn about local traditions were just as important as the headline attractions.

And Machu Picchu? Absolutely worth it.

My top tips for travelling to Peru

Having experienced it first-hand, here are a few things I’d want you to know before planning your own trip.

1. Take altitude seriously

Cusco and parts of the Sacred Valley are at significant altitude, and you may feel the effects even if you’re normally fit and active. Allow time to acclimatise, take things slowly, stay hydrated and discuss altitude precautions with your doctor before travelling. Don’t pack your first day with strenuous activities.

2. Plan your Machu Picchu visit early

There are different circuits around Machu Picchu, each offering a different route and perspective. Tickets are timed, visitor numbers are controlled and availability can be limited, so don’t leave arrangements until the last minute.

If you book an organised G Adventures itinerary, they coordinate the relevant arrangements for you. If planning independently, research the circuits carefully and book through the official channels.

3. You need to choose between hiking and the train

The classic Inca Trail is an incredible option for hikers, but it’s not the only way to reach Machu Picchu. You can travel by train to Aguas Calientes and then take the bus or walk up to the site. I chose the train, and the changing scenery through the valley was a highlight in its own right.

4. Pack for changing weather

Peru isn’t a one-climate destination. You can experience warm, humid conditions in Lima and much cooler temperatures in the mountains, with sunshine and rain possible too.

Layers are your friend. Take comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and a small day bag. Keep essentials accessible, and check any luggage restrictions for your train and Machu Picchu visit before you travel. 

5. Don’t underestimate travel times

Distances can look deceptively short on a map, but mountain roads are winding and journeys can take longer than expected. There are early starts, transfers and plenty of time on the move. Build some breathing space into your itinerary and don’t expect to squeeze everything into a few days.

6. Consider travelling in a small group

I really enjoyed the small-group experience. You get the benefit of local guides, organised logistics and the chance to meet like-minded travellers, without feeling that you’re part of a huge tour group. It also opens the door to experiences such as community visits and shared meals that can be harder to arrange independently.

7. Leave room for the unexpected

Our visit to the Cusco Planetarium was clouded out, and not every day went exactly to plan. That’s part of travelling. Go with a little flexibility, embrace the experiences you do get and don’t worry if you can’t fit every sight into one trip.

Is Peru worth visiting?

Without hesitation.

Peru combines history, scenery, food and cultural experiences in a way few destinations can. It’s an adventure, and it does require some planning, but the rewards are enormous.

A National Geographic Journey with G Adventures is a great option if you want to experience the iconic sights while learning more about the people and communities that make the country so special.

For me, this trip was another reminder of why first-hand travel experience matters. It’s one thing to research a destination and recommend it to a client. It’s quite another to stand there yourself, meet the people and understand what makes it special.

If Peru is on your wish list, I’d love to help you plan your own adventure, whether that’s exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking the Inca Trail or combining Peru with more of South America.

Get in touch and let’s start planning.