All-Inclusive Peru Vacation Packages: 5, 7 & 10 Days
Planning an all-inclusive Peru vacation package should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
If you’re weighing 5-, 7-, or 10-day itineraries, this guide breaks down what’s included, realistic costs, altitude considerations, and how to choose the trip that truly fits your pace, interests, and budget.Is an All-Inclusive Peru Package Right for You?
All-inclusive Peru trips make the most sense when you want expert guides, seamless logistics, and timed-entry tickets (like Machu Picchu) handled for you. They’re especially helpful if your travel window is fixed, you value cultural depth, and you’d rather not juggle trains, permits, and altitude planning on your own.
Signs you’re ready for an all-inclusive package: you have a clear wish list (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, and a taste of Lima), prefer guided experiences with context, and appreciate a balance of structure and free time. It’s about ease, safety, and cultural insight—not just convenience.
Who benefits most: first-time visitors to Peru, honeymooners and milestone travelers, retirees who prefer a smoother pace, and anyone concerned about altitude and transport between regions. If you love deep dives into history and living culture, a guided, bundled approach often delivers better value than piecing it together solo.
What “All-Inclusive” Usually Covers in Peru
Common inclusions: centrally located hotels; domestic transportation (airport transfers, trains to/from Aguas Calientes, and often a Lima–Cusco roundtrip flight); guided tours; entrance fees (including Machu Picchu); and selected meals (typically breakfasts, some lunches, and one or two special dinners).
Often not included: international flights; some dinners and most meals in Lima (so you can try the city’s world-class dining); optional excursions (e.g., Rainbow Mountain, cooking classes); personal expenses and tips; and comprehensive travel insurance.
How Peru differs from beach “all-inclusives”: these are experience-focused, multi-city journeys with knowledgeable guides and curated logistics. Instead of staying at one resort, you’ll move between Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu—and possibly Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or the Amazon.
5-Day, 7-Day & 10-Day Package Breakdowns
5-Day Peru Package
Best for: travelers short on time, Machu Picchu-focused trips, and those adding Peru to a longer South America itinerary.
Typical flow: Arrive Lima (1 night or connect to Cusco), Sacred Valley (1–2 nights), Machu Picchu (day trip or 1 night in Aguas Calientes), and 1 night in Cusco.
- Pros: Efficient, hits the icons, lower overall cost and time off work.
- Trade-offs: Fast pace with limited acclimation; less time for museums and markets; fewer culinary experiences in Lima.
7-Day Peru Package
Best for: first-time visitors seeking the best balance of pace, culture, and value.
Typical flow: Lima (1–2 nights) for food and history; Sacred Valley (2 nights) to acclimate and explore Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Maras/Maray; Machu Picchu (guided visit); Cusco (2 nights) for Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, and museums.
- Pros: More acclimation and cultural depth, time for a hands-on experience (weaving workshop or cooking class), and a well-rounded feel.
- Trade-offs: Higher cost than 5 days; still a structured itinerary with limited free days.
10-Day Peru Package
Best for: slow travelers, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts who want to add Lake Titicaca, Arequipa/Colca Canyon, or the Amazon.
Typical flow: Lima (1–2 nights), Sacred Valley (2–3 nights), Machu Picchu, Cusco (2 nights), plus 2–3 nights in an additional region: Titicaca (Uros and Taquile islands), Arequipa and Colca Canyon (condors, colonial architecture), or the Amazon (Tambopata or Manu lodges).
- Pros: Deeper exploration, gentler pacing, and more variety (Andean culture + coastal cuisine + jungle wildlife).
- Trade-offs: Higher price and more stamina required for travel days and altitude shifts.
Quick Comparison: Pick by Pace and Priorities
- 5 days: Highlights only—Machu Picchu plus a taste of Sacred Valley/Cusco.
- 7 days: Best balance—icons, acclimation, and cultural experiences.
- 10 days: Deep dive—add Lake Titicaca, Arequipa/Colca, or the Amazon.
Pricing & Cost Expectations
Typical per-person ranges (excluding international flights):
- 5 days: Mid-range $1,600–$2,700; Premium/Luxury $2,900–$4,800+
- 7 days: Mid-range $2,300–$3,900; Premium/Luxury $4,200–$6,800+
- 10 days: Mid-range $3,300–$5,700; Premium/Luxury $6,200–$9,500+
What drives cost: hotel class (boutique vs luxury), train category to Machu Picchu (Expedition/Vistadome vs Hiram Bingham), private vs small-group touring, peak-season dates, and add-ons (Amazon lodges, Titicaca overnights).
Plan for extras: international airfare, optional excursions (Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, cooking classes), meals not specified (especially in Lima), tips, and comprehensive travel insurance.
Best Time to Visit Peru
Dry season (May–September): clear Andean skies, cooler nights, busiest months June–August. Expect higher prices and sell-outs near holidays and school breaks.
Wet season (November–March): greener landscapes, afternoon showers in the Andes, fewer crowds, better hotel value. Some trails can be muddy; Inca Trail maintenance closures typically occur in February.
Shoulder seasons (April, October): a sweet spot for lighter crowds and stable weather. Lima is coastal and often overcast and mild in winter; Cusco and the Sacred Valley are high-altitude and sunny but chilly at night.
Season affects not just weather but permits and pricing. Machu Picchu entries are timed and limited—book well ahead in peak months via a trusted operator or the official site.
Physical Demands & Altitude Considerations
Cusco sits at about 3,400 m/11,150 ft; the Sacred Valley is lower (roughly 2,800–2,900 m/9,200–9,500 ft). Many travelers feel better spending their first night or two in the Valley before sleeping in Cusco.
Acclimation tips: take it easy on day one, hydrate, avoid heavy alcohol, and consider discussing preventive medication with your clinician. If you have heart, lung, or circulatory conditions—or are pregnant—seek medical advice well before travel.
Who might prefer longer itineraries: retirees or anyone concerned about altitude benefit from 7–10 days, which allow gentler pacing, rest days, and contingency time if you need to slow down.
Activities & Experiences Typically Included
- Machu Picchu: guided visit with timed-entry permits and train transfers; some packages include a second entry or a Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain hike option.
- Sacred Valley: Pisac market and ruins, Ollantaytambo fortress, Chinchero textiles, Moray terraces, and the Maras salt pans.
- Cusco highlights: Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, San Blas quarter, and the Plaza de Armas; museum stops vary by package.
- Lima culture & cuisine: historic center, Larco Museum, Barranco arts district; food tours, pisco or ceviche classes are common add-ons.
- Optional nature/adventure: Rainbow Mountain or Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, Amazon lodges (wildlife spotting), or Lake Titicaca island visits.
Risks, Trade-Offs & Real-World Considerations
Pace vs depth: shorter trips maximize highlights but minimize downtime. Longer trips let you linger in the Sacred Valley or add regions without rushing.
Guided structure vs free time: all-inclusive doesn’t mean every minute is scheduled, but confirm how many meals and blocks of time are open for independent wandering.
Travel insurance: strongly recommended to cover health, trip interruption, and weather-related delays. Verify altitude-related coverage.
Entry and permits: ensure your passport validity meets requirements and that your Machu Picchu entry and train tickets match your dates and times.
Cultural respect: learn basic Spanish phrases, ask before photographing people, and support community-based tourism projects when possible.
Use-Case Scenarios
Retirees: 7 vs 10 Days
If you’re altitude-sensitive or prefer slower mornings, 10 days offers gentler transitions and time for Lake Titicaca or the Amazon. If you’re active and comfortable with light hiking, 7 days can still feel relaxed with two nights in the Sacred Valley and two in Cusco.
Couples & Honeymooners
Consider 7 days for a romantic balance: a Lima food night, Sacred Valley boutique lodge with spa time, sunrise at Machu Picchu, and a final evening in Cusco. Upgrade trains and select a room with a view—it’s a milestone trip.
First-Time International Travelers
An all-inclusive 7-day plan removes friction: airport transfers, bilingual guides, and pre-booked entries. You’ll still have free time for shopping, cafes, and photo strolls.
Active Travelers vs Relaxed Explorers
Active travelers might add Rainbow Mountain or a day hike on the Inca Trail; relaxed explorers can add a cooking class, extra museum time, or a spa day in the Sacred Valley.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the shortest trip to save money: a rushed 5-day plan can feel like a blur. If you value depth (and acclimation), stretch to 7 days.
- Ignoring altitude adjustment: sleep first in the Sacred Valley, not Cusco, and keep day one light.
- Overpacking activities: build in a buffer afternoon; weather or transit delays happen in the Andes.
- Not confirming Machu Picchu timing: permits are timed and limited; align entry slots with train schedules and guide services.
- Skipping travel insurance: altitude, strikes, or weather can disrupt plans; protect your investment.
Decision Support Tools
Mini Self-Assessment: Which Length Fits You?
- If you have 5–6 days off work, are fit, and want a “greatest hits” trip → 5 days.
- If you want balance, acclimation time, and culinary/cultural depth → 7 days.
- If you crave variety (Titicaca, Arequipa/Colca, or Amazon) and a gentler pace → 10 days.
Peru All-Inclusive Planning Checklist
- Pick your length by pace first, then budget.
- Choose season: dry, wet, or shoulder—book permits early in peak months.
- Decide hotel style: boutique comfort vs luxury.
- Select train class and private vs small-group touring.
- Plan acclimation: first nights in Sacred Valley if possible.
- Block optional experiences (food tour, weaving visit, hike).
- Confirm what’s included: meals, entrances, tips, luggage handling.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and review medical coverage.
- Check passport validity and entry requirements; keep digital copies of documents.
Bottom Line Summary
- 5 days = highlights only
- 7 days = best balance
- 10 days = deeper exploration
- Choose pace before price so your trip feels memorable, not rushed.
Helpful Resources
- Official Peru Travel (PROMPERÚ)
- Machu Picchu Official Ticketing
- SERNANP (Protected Areas of Peru)
- CDC Traveler’s Health: Peru
- PeruRail (Trains to Machu Picchu)
- Inca Rail (Trains to Machu Picchu)
- Peru Migraciones (Entry/Immigration)
- Puno/Lake Titicaca Tourism Info
Sources
- Official Peru Travel (PROMPERÚ): visitor information and regional overviews.
- Machu Picchu Official Ticketing: current entry rules and availability.
- SERNANP: protected areas and trail advisories.
- CDC Traveler’s Health: altitude and immunization guidance.
- PeruRail and Inca Rail: route schedules and train categories.
- Peru Migraciones: documentation and entry updates.