How to Book This Itinerary

Planning a trip to Peru involves several moving parts, including Machu Picchu tickets, trains, flights, and accommodations. Booking these elements in the right order will help ensure availability and make the planning process much smoother.

Here is the recommended sequence for organizing your trip.

1. Book Your Machu Picchu Experience First

The most important part of planning your Peru itinerary is securing your visit to Machu Picchu, as daily visitor numbers are limited and tickets frequently sell out weeks or even months in advance.

If you plan to travel on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, it is best to book the train first, as the experience includes:

• Entry to Machu Picchu

• A guided tour of the citadel

• Private luxury bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and the entrance

Because Machu Picchu access is included with the train experience, your visit date will be determined by the availability of the Hiram Bingham departure.

If you plan to return to Machu Picchu the following morning, you will need to purchase an additional entry ticket through the official government website:

https://tuboleto.cultura.pe

For travelers not taking the Hiram Bingham train, purchasing Machu Picchu entry tickets should be the first reservation you make, since these tickets determine the rest of your itinerary.

2. Book Your Train to Machu Picchu

Once your Machu Picchu date is confirmed, reserve your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the citadel.

Many trains depart from Ollantaytambo, making the Sacred Valley a convenient base before visiting Machu Picchu.

Trains are commonly operated by PeruRail.

3. Secure Your International Flights

Once your key travel dates are confirmed, book your international flights to Lima, the primary international gateway to Peru.

4. Your Hotels

Next, reserve your accommodations in each destination along your itinerary.

Key destinations typically include:

• Lima

• Sacred Valley

• Cusco

• Aguas Calientes or near the entrance at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Booking accommodations early ensures the best availability and preferred room types.

5. Book Domestic Flights

Domestic flights connect Peru’s major destinations, including Lima, Cusco, and Iquitos.

These flights are usually short but can increase in price closer to travel dates, so booking in advance is recommended.

6. Arrange Guides & Local Experiences

Finally, arrange guides, transfers, and optional activities such as:

• guided tours in Cusco

• Sacred Valley excursions

• Amazon rainforest experiences

Many hotels or travel advisors can assist with coordinating these details.

Final Planning Tip

Because Machu Picchu availability determines the rest of the itinerary, securing your visit there first makes planning the rest of your trip much easier.

Once that date is confirmed, the remaining reservations can fall into place naturally.