“Get comfortable with being alone. It will empower you.” – Jonathan Tropper
How to plan a solo trip from NYC to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu?
A lot of travelers go to Peru to see Machu Picchu, however if time permits then I would definitely recommend visiting Lima and Cusco before making your way to Machu Picchu. It will not be an inconvenience considering you have to fly into Lima and transfer to Cusco then either hike or take the train to Aguas Calientes (the town where Machu is located).
If you are a full-time worker like myself and will be using your vacation or personal days to travel then time is an essence and you obviously must plan smartly.
When is the best time to visit these cities?
- From my research, the best time to visit would be in June since it’s consider winter in Lima; but keep in mind their winter is like fall if you are from NYC. Basically you would need a light jacket.
- In Cusco, the temperate is a bit warmer since the elevation is much higher there.
- In Machu Picchu, it definitely gets cooler as you get closer to the mountains and I would recommend taking gloves, scarf and dress in double layers to ensure you are comfortable.
My travel dates were from June 19 through June 22, 2019. On June 19th, I took a red eye from NYC – JFK and connected in Mexico City at midnight to Lima. Must say Interjet airline was pretty reliable, inexpensive and served good food.
How to navigate between Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- I landed in Lima on June 20th around 6 AM and that would give me a day to hang out and tour the city before traveling the next morning to Cusco.
As mentioned, everyone must transfer from Lima to Cusco then travel to Machu Picchu.
- On June 21st, I used Latam airline to travel from Lima to Cusco. My flight was about 1.5 hour and the cost of the flight was inexpensive. Also if you are taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu then you can pick up your tickets at the airport in Lima. Make sure you purchase your tickets way in advance…
- After landing in Cusco, I wanted to spend some time there before I took the train from Ollantaytambo (small town in Cusco and about 3 hour drive from the airport) to the town of Aguas Calientes (then another two hour ride). At the airport, I was able to get a driver to take me to the city of Cusco where I spent about 3 hours touring the heart of the city and enjoy a meal and have some drinks at the irish bars.
Just remember that there is no direct flight from Cusco to Machu Picchu. You must take a cab from the airport to one of the train station in Cusco to get to Aguas Calientes.
I’d used Peru rail to travel to Aguas Calientes.
A lot of folks stay in Cusco then do the day trip to Machu Picchu, but I wanted to stay in the town of Aguas Calientes for the night and enjoy the scenery and the people.
- On June 22nd, it was the big day to finally see Machu Picchu. Now when you get to the town of Aguas Calientes, you much purchase a round trip bus ticket in order to get to Machu Picchu. The ride is about 20 minutes or so and they have buses leaving every 30 minutes. I was able to get on the 6 AM bus. Also, keep in mind you must purchase your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu way in advance before your trip and be sure to have a hard copy of your ticket with you.
Most importantly, please keep in mind that you cannot enter the park if you are not with a professional tour guide. Don’t panic you can get one of the tour guide at the entrance of park for about $15…basically it’s cheaper if you are part of a group tour.
Where to stay in Lima and Machu Picchu? (Kindly note, I did not spend the night in Cusco)
- In Lima, you definitely want to stay in MiraFlores since that’s the safest and happening city. I’d stayed at the hotel Ibis Lima Reducto MiraFlores which was in the heart of Lima and the center of all the popular spots to visit. The ride from the airport was about 1 hour not factoring in traffic…the traffic in Peru is wow…lets say it’s worst that NYC and Mumbai.
- In the town of Aguas Calientes, I stayed at Hotel Retama Inn Machu Picchu, which was literally about 5 minutes walking from the train station. Additionally there was another 5 minute walking to catch the bus that will take you Machu Picchu. The hotel is in the heart of the town and walking distance from all the bars, restaurants and music scenery.
What does my 3 day Itinerary looks like?
Day 1 in Lima:
- Larco
- Monastery of San Francisco
- Plaza Mayor
- Municipal Palace of Lima
- Magic Water Circuit
- Sip pisco sour
- Enjoy Peruvian lunch at seaside restaurant
- Enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean
Day 2 – Brief sightseeing in Cusco:
- Tour Plaza De Armas
- Enjoy garlic bread and a guniess at Paddy’s
Day 3 – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu):
- Take advantage of the sightseeing, drink and have dessert on the Peru Rail from Cusco to Machu Picchu
- Tour the town of Aguas Calientes
- Enjoy a Peruvian meal at one of the many restaurants
- Have a cup of black coffee
Please please enjoy each and every second of Machu Picchu. It will be an experience of a life time.
Overall, planning a trip to Peru especially if you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu is not cheap. but it will be a moment you will never forget.
I am hoping this blog was helpful with planning your trip especially if you are traveling as a solo female traveler to Peru.
Please reach out to to me if there are only questions. Happy Travel!!!
