If you're coming to Peru for Pope Leo XIV's visit, don't leave without seeing Machu Picchu and Cusco. Here's the 7 to 10-day route that combines the papal events with South America's most important archaeological wonders.
Thousands of pilgrims and travelers will arrive in Peru for Pope Leo XIV's visit, which covers four confirmed cities: Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa. If you're already crossing the Atlantic or traveling thousands of kilometers for this historic event, it makes every sense to use the trip to also visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
This guide is made for you: how to organize a week (or more) in Peru that includes both the papal events and the destinations that make this country one of the most visited in South America.
Why Peru Is So Much More Than the Papal Visit
Pope Leo XIV chose Peru as the destination for his apostolic journey for deep reasons — this country shaped him as a bishop and missionary. But Peru has far more to offer:
- Machu Picchu: the world's most famous Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
- Cusco: the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, with over 3,000 years of history blending Inca and colonial architecture
- Sacred Valley: indigenous markets, living communities, salt mines, and ruins along the Urubamba River
- Lima: Latin America's gastronomic capital, home to some of the world's best restaurants
- Pucallpa and the Amazon: living jungle, Yarinacocha lake, Shipibo-Konibo communities, unique biodiversity
Combining the papal visit with these destinations is perfectly doable in 7 to 10 days.
The 10-Day Route: Pope + Machu Picchu
This is the itinerary we recommend if you're coming primarily for the papal events but want to make the most of the trip.
Days 1–2 — Lima
Arrive in Lima, Peru's gateway. Two days allow for:
- Day 1: Rest from the flight. Barranco neighborhood for dinner (ceviche, lomo saltado, tiradito).
- Day 2: Lima's Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage), Cathedral, Plaza Mayor. Afternoon in Miraflores and the Parque del Amor overlooking the Pacific.
Days 3–4 — Papal Event (Lima and/or Chiclayo)
If the papal Mass is in Lima, these are your key days. If the event you prefer is in Chiclayo, add a domestic flight (Lima–Chiclayo is ~1h30) — this is the city where Leo XIV served as bishop, making it the most emotionally significant stop of his itinerary.
Keys for event day:
- Arrive at the venue 4–5 hours before the start
- Comfortable clothing, flat shoes, no large metal objects
- Hydration and a light snack
- Charge your phone the night before
Days 5–6 — Cusco: Acclimatization and Inca History
Flight Lima–Cusco (1h20). Cusco sits at 3,400 m altitude — your first day is for gentle acclimatization: coca tea, slow walking, no alcohol or physical exertion.
- Day 5: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Hatun Rumiyoq street (the 12-angle stone wall). Dinner in the center.
- Day 6: Qorikancha (Inca sun temple), San Pedro market, San Blas neighborhood. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuamán (15 min from center).
Day 7 — Sacred Valley
Full-day tour along the Sacred Urubamba River Valley:
- Pisac: indigenous artisan market + hilltop ruins
- Ollantaytambo: living Inca town + military ruins (impressive)
- Maras Salt Mines: over 3,000 salt ponds at 3,000 m elevation
- Moray: circular Inca terrace amphitheater (agricultural laboratory)
Sleep in Ollantaytambo to catch the first dawn train to Machu Picchu.
Day 8 — Machu Picchu
The highlight of the trip.
- 05:00–06:00: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (~1h20)
- 07:00: Bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel gate (~25 min)
- 07:30–12:00: Guided tour of Machu Picchu — agricultural zone, sun temple, sacred stone, llama enclosure
- Optional: Hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) for the full panoramic view
- 14:00: Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- 16:00–18:00: Return train to Ollantaytambo / Cusco
Days 9–10 — Return via Lima
- Day 9: Flight Cusco–Lima. Free afternoon in Miraflores — Larcomar, Kennedy Park, final Peruvian dinner.
- Day 10: Return flight home.
Recommended Extension: Pucallpa and the Amazon (2 extra days)
If the Pope visits Pucallpa and you want to attend that event — or simply want to experience the Peruvian Amazon — add 2 days before or after Cusco:
- Flight Lima–Pucallpa (1h10 from Lima)
- Lago Yarinacocha: canoe on the lagoon, pink river dolphins, Amazonian birds
- Shipibo-Konibo communities: crafts, ancestral medicine, Amazonian worldview
- Living jungle: forest hikes, wildlife observation
The combination Lima + Chiclayo + Pucallpa + Cusco + Machu Picchu over 12–14 days is the complete papal visit itinerary paired with the best of Peruvian tourism.
Short Version: 7 Days (Lima + Event + Cusco + Machu Picchu)
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lima (arrival + rest) |
| 2 | Lima (Historic Center + Miraflores) |
| 3 | Papal event (Lima or Chiclayo) |
| 4 | Cusco (acclimatization) |
| 5 | Sacred Valley + sleep in Ollantaytambo |
| 6 | Machu Picchu |
| 7 | Flight Cusco–Lima + return home |
What to Book in Advance
The Pope's visit creates extraordinary demand for hotels, flights, and trains. Here's what to secure first:
- International flight to Lima — as early as possible
- Domestic flights (Lima–Cusco, Lima–Chiclayo, Lima–Pucallpa) — direct flights fill up on high-demand dates
- Machu Picchu tickets — daily capacity limit, purchased at gob.pe. Sells out weeks ahead in high season
- Train to Machu Picchu — book via PeruRail or Inca Rail at least 3–4 weeks ahead
- Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes — prices rise in high season (June–August)
Need Help Organizing Everything?
At Machupicchu Agency we specialize in tailor-made itineraries covering Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. We handle trains, tickets, hotels, guides, and transport — you just focus on enjoying the trip.
