The Top 5 Peru Travel Tips from Local Experts Are you preparing to go on a trip to Peru? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got seven insider secrets from our crew of local Peru travel experts in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Before heading off to Peru and seeing all of the attractions and secret gems of this South American gem, think about these recommendations. #1 Acclimatize in Peru: Start your trip to Peru in the Sacred Valley. After you’ve booked your hotel, flight, and excursion in Cusco, make the most of your time on this incredible continent by seeing one of its best monuments. After all, part of the appeal of visiting Peru is seeing beautiful Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca city is a “must see.” However, going there as soon as you arrive in Lima may induce altitude sickness, which will ruin an important portion of your Peru trip. So go to Cuzco (where all Machu Picchu trips begin), then hurry out into the Sacred Valley. Hotels in the Sacred Valley range from comfy to memorable depending on where you stay. The sacred valley and Machu Picchu are located at an elevation of around 11,000 ft / 3,400 meters above sea level. Some people may be caught off guard by the higher altitude and ruin a wonderful experience and vacation. The Sacred Valley lowers you in altitude, which can help with acclimation. You also get to see how the Inca empire progressed through ruins and culture up to the religious center at Machu Picchu. Take a look at an excellent example itinerary for one of our most popular Peru trips that passes through The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. #2 What is the best way to get to Machu Picchu: by Inca Trail or Train? Boarding the Vistadome train from the Sacred Valley is usually the most convenient or, in some cases, even less difficult method of getting to Machu Picchu. This cuts two hours off a journey that normally takes four hours (which, while beautiful, isn’t as nice as it sounds…). It starts in Ollantaytambo, which is considered to be the prettiest section of the route. The Vistadome train, which travels across the Andes from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, is designed with a glass viewing dome that allows passengers to view down into the valley...