Help - Honeymoon trip to Peru
I am trying to plan our trip to Peru (LIMA to CUSCO back to LIMA) for our honeymoon. I am a little stressed about the day breakdown and logistics to get from place to place for the first part of our Cusco side where we ant to be more active and relax once we go back to Lima. We are trying to do sacred valley and Machu Pichu but do not know anyone who has been before.
Can anyone help give advice for October 26th-28th and if we are biting off more than we can chew? Links to good food places, activities, travel sites etc.
We are very adventurous people and want to make the most of our special post wedding trip.
LODGING SUMMARY (AT A GLANCE)
| Date | Day | City You Sleep In |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 25^(th) | Mon-Travel Day | Cusco https://www.antiguacusco.com/ |
| Oct 26^(th) | Tue-Inca Jungle Adventure | Jungle Lodge https://ecoquechua.com/en/lodge |
| Oct 27^(th) | Wed-Machu Picchu Day | Machu Pichu https://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi |
| Oct 28^(th) | Thurs-Sacred Valley + Rafting | Sacred Valley https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cuzlc-tambo-del-inka-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa/overview/ |
| Oct 29^(th) | Friday-Cusco → Lima | Cusco https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/peru/cusco/belmond-palacio-nazarenas/ |
| Oct 30^(th) | Sat | Lima Airbnb |
| Oct 31^(st) | Sun | Lima Airbnb |
| Nov 1^(st) | Mon | Lima Airbnb |
| Nov 2^(nd) | Tues-Travel Day | Lima Airbnb |
MONDAY — OCTOBER 25
✈️ Travel Day
- Fly Charlotte → Lima
- Evening connection Lima → Cusco
- Late‑night arrival in Cusco
🏨 Night 1 Lodging:
Cusco (Historic Center / San Blas)
TUESDAY — OCTOBER 26
🌿 Inca Jungle Adventure – Day 1
- Inca Jungle Trek – 2–3 Day Variants (Private / Premium) This covers:
- Mountain biking
- Jungle trekking
- Zip‑lining
- Transport to Machu Picchu corridor
- Jungle lodge stay
🔗 Reputable Operators
- Inca Jungle Trek (Premium) https://www.inca-jungle-trek.com
https://www.incaexpert.com/packages/2-day-inca-trail
- Peru Eco Expeditions (Private, higher‑end) https://www.peruecoexpeditions.com
✅ Book at least 1–2 months ahead.
WEDNESDAY — OCTOBER 27
🏔️ Machu Picchu Day
- Sleep: Sacred Valley (Urubamba / Ollantaytambo)
✅ Mandatory Booking
You must book Machu Picchu in advance.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket (Official)
👉 https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
✅ Choose:
- Circuit 1 or 2 (most complete views)
- Morning entry (paired with your tour)
- Train: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
- PeruRail 👉 https://www.perurail.com
- Inca Rail 👉 https://www.incarail.com
✅ Your jungle operator may bundle this — confirm before double‑booking.
THURSDAY — OCTOBER 28
🚣♂️ Sacred Valley + Rafting
- Sacred Valley Tour + Urubamba River Rafting Sleep: Tambo del Inka (Urubamba)
✅ Sacred Valley Tour Options
(Private or small‑group)
- Moray + Maras + Pisac 👉 https://www.cuscobesttours.com
or
👉 https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com
✅ Recommend private tour this day to control timing before rafting.
✅ Urubamba River Rafting (Top Operator)
River Explorers – Sacred Valley Rafting (Class II–III)
This is the gold standard operator.
👉 https://www.riverexplorers.com/rafting-sacred-valley
- Transport included
- All gear included
- Excellent safety record
✅ Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
FRIDAY — OCTOBER 29
✈️ Cusco → Lima
- Cusco Morning → Lima Flight Sleep: Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (Cusco)
Optional Morning Activities (Choose One)
✅ Horseback Riding (Easy Morning Option)
👉 https://www.culturavivaperu.com
✅ Walking Tour (Light, Flexible)
👉 https://www.cuscotours.com/free-walking-tour
✅ These can also be booked last‑minute via hotel concierge.
SATURDAY — OCTOBER 30
🌊 Lima — Culture & Relaxation
- Historic Center
- Museums
- Huaca Pucllana
- Fine dining
🏨 Night 6 Lodging:
Lima (same hotel)
SUNDAY — OCTOBER 31
🌅 Lima — Leisure Day
- Spa morning
- Barranco art walk
- Ocean views & sunset cocktails
🏨 Night 7 Lodging:
Lima (same hotel)
MONDAY — NOVEMBER 1
🌊 Lima — Final Full Day
- Shopping
- Beach walk
- Farewell honeymoon dinner
🏨 Night 8 Lodging:
Lima (same hotel)
TUESDAY — NOVEMBER 2 → EARLY NOV 3
✈️ Return Travel
- Late‑night departure Lima → Charlotte
- Arrival early Tuesday, Nov 3
❌ No lodging needed this night