Is a private guide worth it for Machu Picchu?

Absolutely. A private guide can navigate you away from the crowds and provide deep historical context that group tours miss.

How do I handle the altitude?

Spend your first 3 nights in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco. The altitude is significantly lower, which makes adjustment much smoother.

Should I book restaurants in advance?

Yes. Top-tier restaurants in Lima (like Central or Maido) often book out 3-4 months in advance.

Planning a Luxury Two-Week Itinerary for Peru

To do Peru in luxury, prioritize private transfers, boutique lodges like Inkaterra, and internal flights to bypass long bus rides. Spend 14 days balancing the Sacred Valley’s acclimatization with high-end exploration of Machu Picchu, Cusco, and a luxury Amazon river cruise.

Lock in your internal logistics. Book LATAM Airlines for all internal flights. Use their business class where available for extra baggage allowance and lounge access. Hire private drivers for all transfers between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the train station.
Build in 72 hours of altitude adjustment. Land in Cusco and head immediately to the Sacred Valley (lower altitude). Stay at a high-end property in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo for the first 3 days to adjust before pushing higher or trekking.
Select your luxury basecamps. Choose 'Relais & Châteaux' or similar boutique properties. In the Sacred Valley, look for hotels with private river access; in Cusco, prioritize converted colonial mansions in the San Blas district.
Book private guides for ruins. Skip group tours. Hire a private, licensed guide for Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman. This allows you to explore at your own pace and avoid the peak bus hours (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
Incorporate a luxury Amazon experience. Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and stay at a high-end eco-lodge or board a luxury river cruise vessel. This provides a necessary 3-4 day shift from mountainous terrain to tropical rainforest.

Is a private guide worth it for Machu Picchu?: Absolutely. A private guide can navigate you away from the crowds and provide deep historical context that group tours miss.
How do I handle the altitude?: Spend your first 3 nights in the Sacred Valley instead of Cusco. The altitude is significantly lower, which makes adjustment much smoother.
Should I book restaurants in advance?: Yes. Top-tier restaurants in Lima (like Central or Maido) often book out 3-4 months in advance.