Discover the Wonders of Peru on a 7-Day Adventure with Kaypi Peru Tours

My best friend and I love traveling the world together, often seeking off-season trips to avoid crowds and save money. This time, we purchased a Groupon that included flights, airport transfers, train rides, tours, Machu Picchu tickets, and breakfasts at our hotels. The total cost from JFK for 7 days? Just $1,600—an unbeatable deal! I’d link the deal here, but they tend to expire, so my advice is to check Groupon periodically because it seems to come back often.

Machu Picchu August 2025

We booked with Kaypi Peru Tours, and I can’t recommend them enough. The communication was impeccable, and all of our drivers and guides arrived exactly when scheduled. Everything ran smoothly, making this trip stress-free and incredibly memorable.

Day 1: Arrival in Peru

We arrived in Lima around 10 PM, so after navigating the airport and checking into our hotel, we just went straight to bed to rest up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: First Full Day in Lima – Catacombs and Coastal Walks

We arrived in Lima and immediately headed to the Convento de San Francisco to explore the catacombs (no photos allowed inside, but stunning!). Afterward, we visited a store for a mini lesson on alpaca fabrics and spotting fakes. Then we walked to the Plaza de Armas to catch a local performance before returning to our hotel to rest.

In the afternoon we were on our own so we walked along the coast from Miraflores (where our hotel was) to Barranco, Lima’s artsy district along the coast. We loved the Barranco, it is the artsy district, you had ocean views, local artisan shops, and even stopped for a smoothie/snack at a cute local restaurant. Exhausted, we grabbed an Uber back to the hotel.

• Lunch: Barra Botanica

• Dinner: Paralelo Restaurant & Café – 3 cocktails, 2 entrees, $50 total

Day 3: Cusco Arrival & Walking Tour

We flew to Cusco, arriving around 2 PM. Our Kaypi Peru Tours guide picked us up at the hotel, and after a quick check-in, we joined a walking tour. Cusco sits at high altitude, so we took it slow, altitude sickness pills are highly recommended! Dinner was at Calle Del Medio in the Plaza de Armas, and the food was incredible.

We were pleasantly surprised, many restaurants in the plaza could feel like tourist traps, but all of them were amazing. Definitely check them out; we didn’t have one bad meal in Cusco (or the entire trip!).

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Adventure

Our free day led us to Rainbow Mountain, at 15,000 ft with a 3-mile hike up and 3 miles back, with 2,000 ft elevation gain. We woke at 2:30 AM for a 3 AM pickup to beat the crowds and it was totally worth it! The hike was challenging but incredibly rewarding, with breathtaking views. Optional horses are available for those who prefer not to hike.

Bonus: We also explored the nearby Red Sacred Valley (small fee, 30 soles), which was even more stunning than Rainbow Mountain. On this tour, we met travelers from Romania, Peru, and New York, adding an extra layer of connection to the experience.

Red Sacred Valley

I recommend packing layers, it started at 30°F but warmed up quickly with the altitude and the effort of hiking. I stripped off layers and stored them in my backpack. Vendors along the trail make it easy to grab water or snacks if needed.

The tour cost $39 USD and included hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, and drop-off. Our guides were fantastic photographers too, this was an incredible value! After returning, we relaxed and grabbed dinner in Cusco with some of the new friends we met on the tour.

Day 5: Agua Calientes & Alpaca Farm

Our tour picked us up at 8 AM to visit a small alpaca farm. We learned about the production of ponchos and other items, fed and petted alpacas, and supported a farm run by a domestic abuse survivor and single mom, who donates part of proceeds to help other women.

Next, we took a scenic train ride to Agua Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we had a brief walking tour, shopped, and enjoyed the best ceviche I’ve ever had, paired with a perfect pisco sour. Agua Calientes is tiny—you can only arrive by train or on foot, which adds to its charm.

Agua Calientes

We considered visiting the hot springs but were too tired, and they were reportedly crowded. Even just walking around and soaking in the views would have been worth it.

Day 6: Machu Picchu

We lined up early for the bus to Machu Picchu. I highly recommend a tour guide to handle tickets and logistics; otherwise, it can get chaotic. The 15-minute bus ride delivered us to one of the most surreal experiences of our lives.

Our guide explained the history as we explored and took photos. I can’t describe how unreal it felt to be there. A note: there’s almost no shade, and even in winter, we got sunburned, bring a hat and sunscreen!

Afterward, we had lunch in town before returning to Cusco via train and van, it was about a 3–4-hour journey.

• Last night dinner in Cusco: Campo Cocina Andina – every bite was amazing!

Day 7: Journey Home

Early morning flights took us from Cusco to Lima, Lima to Bogota, and finally Bogota to JFK, a long day, but everything ran perfectly on time. Three flights in one day? Not recommended, but it worked out.

Final Thoughts & Tips

This trip was incredible. From Lima’s coastal charm to Rainbow Mountain and the unforgettable Machu Picchu, every moment was memorable. Kaypi Peru Tours made logistics effortless, and traveling off-season meant fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.

Tips:

• We traveled in August (their winter). Pack layers, mornings can be cold, it warms up during the day, and evenings drop again. I used a puffer jacket from Amazon, which worked perfectly.

• Altitude sickness medication is highly recommended. We both felt the altitude a bit, and staying hydrated is key.

• Don’t drink the tap water—bottled water is cheap and widely available.

Health Note: After the trip, I got sick with Campylobacter (likely from a layover meal in Bogota, though we’ll never know for sure). It knocked me out for over a week. While this can happen anywhere in the world, it’s a reminder to always be cautious with food and water.