Before I dive into this week’s newsletter — I have a tip for you! If you have Global Entry, download the Global Entry app and set it up now. (You’ll need your Pass ID/KTN.) Global Entry lines have been getting longer—using the app will let you skip the queue! You will not have to use the kiosk! More here.

Now…on to Peru…

Although I’ve been to Peru twice, I still haven’t done Machu Picchu. It is definitely on my bucket list, but truth be told, I don’t want to hike it. I want to take the train!

The great thing about Peru is that’s one of the rare bucket-list destinations that genuinely works at almost any price point. You can do it affordably, comfortably, or in full-blown luxury—and still come home saying, “That was incredible.”

Machu Picchu may be the headline act, but the real story is everything around it: Lima’s food scene, Cusco’s history, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, and some of the best craft shopping in South America. (Bring a foldable duffle bag and buy everyone in your family an alpaca blanket before you fly home.)

First, let’s clear up a myth: Peru is easy to get to.

New York → Lima: ~8 hours nonstop
Chicago → Lima: ~7.5–8 hours nonstop
Miami → Lima: ~5.5–6 hours nonstop
Time zone: Same as Eastern Time → no jet lag

Below are multiple real ways to do Peru, using actual itineraries travelers book every year—standardized so you can easily see how they compare.

1. Budget & Efficient

Inca Journey: Machu Picchu by Train

Length: 7 days
Price: from ~$1,618
Travel Style: Small group, value-focused
What You Do: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train, plus a short Amazon experience

This is Peru boiled down to the essentials. It’s fast-moving, social, and extremely good value. Hotels are simple but well-located, guides are strong, and logistics are handled. You’ll still have time to browse Cusco markets and pick up locally made alpaca knits—but this trip prioritizes seeing Peru efficiently rather than lingering.

Best for travelers who want Machu Picchu done right without overcomplicating or overspending.

2. Family-Focused Adventure

Peru Family Experience

Length: 9 days
Price: from ~$2,489 per adult (kids often discounted)
Travel Style: Family-friendly small group
What You Do: Lima, Amazon rainforest at G Lodge Tambopata, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, chocolate-making fun and cultural experiences

This one is crafted with kids in mind — without making adults feel like they’re on a babysitting trip. You start in Lima and head straight into the Amazon, where two nights at the G Lodge Amazon give families unforgettable wildlife encounters with naturalist guides (oxbow lakes, jungle critters, birdlife). Then it’s up to the Andes: Cusco, a stop at a local women’s weaving co-op (great for seeing how alpaca textiles are made), and a classic guided visit to Machu Picchu.

There’s even a hands-on chocolate experience in Cusco — perfect for younger travelers—and ample free time to explore plazas, markets, and artisan shops together. Meals, guides, internal flights, and most transportation are included, and the group size is small enough (often ~12-20) to feel personal.

Best for active families who want real moments over templates, and who still want to tick those bucket-list boxes without over-scheduling anyone.

3. Classic Guided Tour + Lake Titicaca

Peru, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

Length: ~12 days
Price: from ~$3,599
Travel Style: Fully escorted, traditional touring
What You Do: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, plus Lake Titicaca

This itinerary expands the map. In addition to the core highlights, you’ll visit Lake Titicaca, adding a quieter, deeply cultural region to the trip. It’s structured, smooth, and ideal for travelers who like everything clearly organized from start to finish.

If you want Machu Picchu and a broader understanding of Peru, this delivers.

4. Budget-Plus With More Cultural Depth

Peru: The Soul of Cusco & Machu Picchu

Length: 8 days
Price: from ~$3,699
Travel Style: Small group, culture-forward
What You Do: Deeper time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train

This itinerary slows the pace just enough to add context. There’s more time in Cusco, more cultural interaction, and better opportunities to explore artisan workshops and weaving cooperatives where alpaca textiles are still produced traditionally.

Ideal if you want value and a stronger sense of place—not just highlights on a checklist.

5. Premium Guided Comfort (Great Middle Ground)

Peru with Machu Picchu

Length: ~10 days
Price: from ~$4,395+
Travel Style: Premium guided, classic or small group
What You Do: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras salt pans, weaving communities

This sits squarely between midrange and luxury. Hotels are high quality, guides are excellent, and many meals and experiences are included—think visits with Quechua weavers, curated cultural moments, and very solid pacing. It’s comfortable without feeling overproduced.

A strong choice for travelers who want depth and comfort, but don’t need ultra-luxury.

6. Comfortable Small-Group With a Food Focus

Signature Peru: Lima, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Length: 9 days
Price: from ~$7,499
Travel Style: Premium small group
What You Do: Lima (properly), Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, elevated hotels and dining

This is where comfort, pacing, and food start to matter. You’ll begin in Lima—with its world-class culinary scene—before moving into the Andes. Hotels are noticeably better, guides are excellent, and the Sacred Valley gets the attention it deserves.

A great choice for travelers who want ease and polish without jumping to full luxury pricing.

7. High-Touch Luxury

Peru, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Length: ~8–9 days
Price: from ~$7,995
Travel Style: Luxury small group
What You Do: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu with top-tier guides and hotels

This is Peru done beautifully. Expect exceptional guiding, prime hotel locations, seamless transfers, and experiences designed to minimize crowds and maximize meaning. Shopping becomes curated—private studios, high-quality alpaca pieces, and crafts that feel collected, not touristy.

For travelers who value experience over efficiency, this is the gold standard.

8. The Option Most People Don’t Realize Exists: Fully Custom Peru

Tours are a great way to understand what’s possible—but Peru truly shines when it’s tailored.

Custom itineraries can include:

Private guides in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Boutique hotels instead of standard group properties
Extra nights in Lima if food matters to you (it should)
Amazon lodges or Lake Titicaca extensions
Artisan workshops, cooking classes, or soft hiking

Machu Picchu is the anchor—but Peru is the whole book.
And whether your budget is modest, midrange, or indulgent, there’s a version of this trip that fits.

If you’re ready to plan Peru in a way that reflects how you actually travel—not just what shows up first on Google—that’s where I come in.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.

What I Offer…

Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change

I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

How to Do Peru: From Budget Machu Picchu to Fully Custom Luxury