Exploring Solo to Machu Picchu
I’m incredibly grateful for Anywhere’s recommendations. As a woman traveling alone, it felt like I knew someone “in-country” just in case.
Unforgettable views and dishes.
Since this was a solo trip, I had the luxury of flexibility and experiencing all the things I wanted to do! I started in Lima, where I got to take a diving trip in Pucusana Bay and a day later, the Palomino Islands. I saw so many sea lions, I called it the "Island of Chewbaccas!" I had a really warm welcome by the team since the first transportation pick up! I made a checklist from our conversation about Peruvian cuisine, and turned my time in Lima into a foodie scavenger hunt!
The highlights of my adventure...
Marcos from Inca Trail Reservations did an outstanding job and treats people like family. The Inca Trail takes us through various Inca archaeological sites until we reach Machu Picchu. I recommend visiting the Planetarium Cusco for anyone doing the Inca Trail. Get a briefing on the stars before heading up into the darkness of the Southern skies. I got to see Mars through a telescope!
Why I’d go back in a heartbeat...
Throughout the week, the team checked in with excursion updates and answers to my questions. As a woman traveling alone, it felt like I knew someone "in-country" just in case I run into any trouble. Cusco was enchanting. I was glad for two days to explore the city on foot and was very comfortable doing so. The team picked high-quality excursions from beginning to end, adding a sense of the deep history of ancient civilizations to the beautiful jungle backdrop.
Places you'll stay
Lima
The coastal city of Lima is diverse, with colorful parks, friendly locals, tasty cuisine, vibrant markets, and ancient historical attractions. Travelers can tour world-class museums, wander through the colonial architecture of Miraflores, and eat seafood along the Pacific coast.
Cusco
Nestling in the dip of the Watanay River Valley, from above the city of Cusco takes the shape of a puma, which some historians theorize was a purposeful design. As the city expands, its borders creep up the sides of the surrounding mountains, but puma statues, fountains, and signs keep the big cat’s status of unofficial city mascot.
The Sacred Valley
The first inhabitants of the Sacred Valley treasured this land not only for its dramatic landscapes and sweeping vistas—the Sacred Valley also offered ample opportunities for agriculture, and had plentiful water just beyond the reaches of the parched desert. Its fertility was the result of a sunny climate and the Río Urubamba coursing through the valley.
Moments to look forward to
Palomino Islands
With a fabulous show of marine wildlife, the Palamino Islands boat trip is one of the most exciting tours close to Lima. The full day trip amazes with interesting historical sites, a diverse array of sea birds, and you can even jump in and swim with sea lions!
Ollantaytambo Fortress
The staggeringly steep Inca ruins at the Ollantaytambo Fortress loom over the north side of the town of Ollantaytambo. They are famous for being one of the few places where the Incas defeated Spanish conquerors in a major battle.
Pisac Market
With both ancient and modern attractions, the charming colonial town of Písac has truly earned its place on the map. It lies 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Cusco on the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. It’s at the base of a mountain that houses the spectacular Inca Písac Fortress.
Inca Trail
Trek the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu at the end of a memorable journey. The Inca Trail covers 24 miles (39 km) through the mountains above the Sacred Valley. Much of the Inca Trail is paved with stones put in place by the Inca. This trail will take you through cloud forests – rare environments dense with jungle growth and mist. You’ll see many different types of delicate orchids, and experience the biodiversity that only a humid jungle can produce.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the bucket-list tourist attraction and the highlight of many peoples’ trip to Peru; the vastness, location and detail of the ruins make it unmissable. Without a doubt this is the crown jewel of Peruvian ruins.
Dives for Certified Divers in Pucusana
Palomino Islands Tour
Sacred Valley Excursion
Trekking Brief
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days/3 Nights
Planetarium Cusco
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Hotel Recommendation #2
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Seamless Connections
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
