1. Use a Local Travel Agent Opt for a local travel agent instead of booking individual tours on sites like Viator. Having a local contact is invaluable when things go wrong. During our trip, a landslide left us stranded at a train station at 1 a.m., but our local agent quickly found us a driver. We used Exclusive Inka Tours.

2. Airport Transfers in Lima & Cusco Consider Welcome Pickups for hassle-free airport transfers in Lima and Cusco. They meet you at the airport with a sign, carry your bags, and monitor flights for delays.

3. Be Flexible Prepare for unexpected weather events and other disruptions. Our trip faced delays due to heavy rain, landslides, and union strikes. Having a local guide was crucial as she provided up-to-date information and alternative plans.

4. Train to Machu Picchu Consider upgrading to higher levels of service for the train to Machu Picchu. Enjoy more comfortable seats, entertainment, and a bar car to enhance your experience.

5. Buy Machu Picchu Entry Tickets Early Research the different routes to Machu Picchu as they change yearly. Decide whether you prefer scenic views or a longer hike and purchase tickets directly or through a reputable agent.

6. Shopping for Alpaca Wool For authentic alpaca wool products, visit stores like Sol Alpaca and Patapampa in Cusco. If you’re on a budget, “no name” vendors offer alternatives, but authenticity can be hard to verify. A tip: Real alpaca is cold to the touch, unlike the warmer feel of cotton or nylon.

7. Wear Proper Hiking Clothes In the Sacred Valley, even off-mountain, proper hiking attire is common. The town is dusty, so prepare for dirty shoes.

Read my 9-day Itinerary here.

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