Machu Picchu sits nearly 2,430 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, a stone citadel carved into a mountain ridge so remote that Spanish colonizers never found it. Visiting in person feels like stepping into a world that time forgot, where terraces cascade down misty slopes and condors circle overhead. For Canadian travellers, especially those in their retirement years, the question is rarely “should I go?” but rather “what will it actually be like when I get there?”
Explore Approach Tours’ all-inclusive Peru and Machu Picchu tour to see how every detail is handled for you, from flights to altitude preparation.
This guide walks you through what to expect on a Machu Picchu tour, including the altitude adjustments, the daily rhythm of a well-paced itinerary, accessibility for older travellers and the cultural richness that makes Peru so much more than a single ruin on a mountaintop.
How High Is Machu Picchu, and Should You Worry About Altitude?
Machu Picchu itself stands at roughly 2,430 metres (7,972 feet), which is actually lower than Cusco at 3,400 metres (11,152 feet). Most travellers feel the altitude more in Cusco, Puno and the Colca Valley than at the citadel itself. The good news: a properly designed tour builds in gradual acclimatization days so your body adjusts before you ever reach the highest elevations.
On Approach Tours’ 16-day Peru and Mystical Machu Picchu itinerary, the route is designed with altitude in mind. You begin at sea level in Lima, then fly to Arequipa at 2,335 metres where you spend two full days adjusting. From there, the journey moves through Colca Valley before reaching Puno and Lake Titicaca at 3,810 metres. By the time you arrive in Cusco on Day 10, your body has had a full week to adapt.
Common altitude symptoms include mild headaches, shortness of breath when climbing stairs and occasional fatigue. These typically pass within 24 to 48 hours. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol on arrival days and taking it slow are the simplest remedies. Many travellers also try coca tea, a traditional Andean infusion that locals have used for centuries to ease altitude discomfort.
A Day-by-Day Look at a Peru Tour Itinerary
Understanding what each day looks like helps you pack smarter, set expectations and get excited about the right things. Here is how a typical 16-day all-inclusive Peru itinerary unfolds:
Days 1 to 3: Lima. Your journey begins with a private car ride to the airport in Canada and flights to Lima. Once settled into your hotel, a hands-on Peruvian cooking class introduces you to the country’s famous cuisine. You will also explore colonial Lima, including the Renaissance-era Cathedral and the underground catacombs of San Francisco Monastery, before wandering the seaside districts of Miraflores and San Isidro.
Days 4 to 5: Arequipa. A morning flight takes you to Arequipa, Peru’s “White City,” built from pale volcanic stone. The slightly higher elevation here gives your body its first real altitude test, but with two full days to explore at a relaxed pace, there is no rush. Highlights include the massive Santa Catalina Convent, Plaza de Armas and the Yanahuara viewpoint with its sweeping views of the Misti volcano.
Days 6 to 7: Colca Valley. The drive into the Colca Valley reveals terraced hillsides carved by pre-Incan civilizations. At Cruz del Condor, you will watch Andean condors ride thermal currents over one of the world’s deepest canyons. A soak in La Calera’s natural thermal springs rounds out the experience.
Days 8 to 9: Puno and Lake Titicaca. Arriving in Puno, you will board a boat on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 metres. The floating reed islands of the Uros people are genuinely astonishing, entire communities built on layers of totora reeds that gently bob on the water. Lunch on Taquile Island comes with panoramic views that stretch to the Bolivian border.
Day 10: The Andean Journey to Cusco. The drive from Puno to Cusco crosses the La Raya mountain pass, the highest point of the trip. Stops at the ruins of Pukara, the Raqchi Inca site and the chapel of Andahuaylillas (nicknamed the “Andean Sistine Chapel” for its gilded interior) break up the journey.
Day 11: Sacred Valley. The route into the Sacred Valley passes through Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town where residents still use the original stone irrigation channels. Cobblestone streets, stone doorways and colourfully dressed locals give you a glimpse of a culture that has barely changed in 700 years.
Day 12: Machu Picchu. A morning train ride through the Urubamba gorge delivers you to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town. From there, a short bus ride climbs switchbacks to the citadel entrance. Nothing quite prepares you for that first view: stone temples, plazas and terraces arranged in perfect harmony against a backdrop of jagged green peaks. A guided tour explains the history and architecture before free time lets you wander at your own pace.
Compare Peru tour options to find the itinerary that suits your travel style and budget.
Days 13 to 14: Cusco. Back in the Inca capital, you will explore Pisac’s craft market in the Urubamba Valley, the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman and Cusco’s impressive cathedral before a farewell dinner celebrating the journey.
Days 15 to 16: Return Home. A flight back to Lima connects with your international flight, and a private car service delivers you home from the airport.
Is Machu Picchu Accessible for Older Travellers?
This is one of the most common concerns, and the honest answer is: yes, with the right tour. Machu Picchu involves uneven stone paths, steep staircases and significant walking, but you do not need to be an athlete to enjoy it. The citadel visit itself takes two to three hours at a comfortable pace, and the guided circuit sticks to the main terraces and plazas without requiring you to climb Huayna Picchu or tackle the steepest sections.
A few practical notes on accessibility:
- The train option matters. Unlike the multi-day Inca Trail hike, which requires camping at high altitude, tour-based itineraries use the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This removes the most physically demanding part of the journey entirely.
- Bus transfers handle the climb. From Aguas Calientes, buses run every few minutes up the switchback road to the citadel entrance. There is no need to walk up the steep hillside.
- Comfortable pacing is built in. On a well-designed group tour, the schedule includes rest days, leisurely mornings and optional activities so you can choose your own level of exertion.
- Walking poles are helpful. The uneven stones at the site can be slippery, especially in the morning mist. Collapsible walking poles or sturdy shoes with good grip make a noticeable difference.
Approach Tours rates their Peru itinerary as “High” difficulty, which reflects the altitude and the amount of walking rather than any extreme physical demands. The group size caps at 30 travellers, and a dedicated Group Guru accompanies the group 24/7, in addition to the main tour guide and local guides at each destination. If you need to sit out an activity, there is always someone to help you find a comfortable alternative.
What Does “All-Inclusive” Actually Include on a Peru Tour?
The phrase “all-inclusive” gets tossed around loosely in the travel industry. For a Machu Picchu tour, what you want to know is exactly what is covered and what might cost extra. On all-inclusive tours designed for Canadian seniors, the answer should be “everything that matters.”
Here is what a genuinely all-inclusive Peru tour covers:
| Category | What Is Included |
|---|---|
| Flights | International flights from Canada plus two domestic flights within Peru |
| Accommodation | 14 nights in first-class hotels (or best available in each city) |
| Meals | All 40 meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners, including beverages |
| Transport | Private door-to-door car service (within 100 km of gateway airports), luxury coach, train to Machu Picchu |
| Excursions | Every site visit, entrance fee and guided tour listed in the itinerary |
| Guides | Dedicated English-speaking tour guide, local guides and 24/7 Group Guru support |
| Insurance | $5 million emergency medical travel insurance through Manulife |
| Extras | All tips, airport taxes, hotel taxes, luggage porterage |
The value of these included perks, items that competitors typically charge separately, adds up to over $3,300 per person. There are no hidden surcharges for the cooking class in Lima, the boat ride on Lake Titicaca or the train to Machu Picchu. What you pay upfront is what you pay, period.
How to Prepare for Altitude Before Your Trip
Altitude preparation starts well before you board the plane. Here are the steps that make the biggest difference:
- Talk to your doctor. Mention that you will be spending time above 3,000 metres. Some physicians prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive measure, which can reduce symptoms considerably.
- Build your cardio fitness. You do not need to train for a marathon, but regular walking, swimming or cycling for four to six weeks before departure improves your body’s oxygen efficiency.
- Hydrate aggressively. Start increasing your water intake a few days before you fly. At altitude, your body loses moisture faster than usual through breathing and evaporation.
- Ease into it. The itinerary does this for you, starting low in Lima and climbing gradually. Resist the urge to rush through activities on your first day at elevation.
- Eat light meals. Heavy, rich food taxes your digestion at altitude. Soups, grains and fruit are easier on the stomach while you acclimatize.
Most travellers on guided tours report that the gradual acclimatization schedule, combined with common-sense precautions, keeps altitude symptoms manageable. Serious altitude sickness is uncommon when the itinerary is well designed.
What to Pack for a Machu Picchu Tour
Packing for Peru means planning for several climates in one trip. Lima is mild and coastal. Arequipa is dry and sunny. The highlands around Cusco and Puno are cool to cold, especially at night. And Machu Picchu itself sits in a subtropical cloud forest where rain can arrive without warning.
Here is a practical packing list:
- Layers. A lightweight base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell cover every scenario. Mornings at Machu Picchu can be chilly and damp, but midday sun warms things up quickly.
- Sturdy walking shoes. Hiking boots are not necessary for the train-based itinerary, but shoes with solid ankle support and non-slip soles are essential for the uneven stone pathways at ruins throughout the trip.
- Sun protection. At altitude, UV radiation is significantly stronger. A wide-brimmed hat, quality sunscreen (SPF 50+) and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
- A small daypack. Carry water, a camera, sunscreen and a rain jacket. Large bags are not permitted inside Machu Picchu.
- Medications. Bring any prescriptions plus a basic kit with pain relievers, anti-nausea tablets and any altitude medication your doctor recommends.
- Comfortable evening clothes. Dinners at hotels are relaxed but not casual. Smart casual works well throughout.
The Cultural Side: Peru Beyond the Ruins
A Machu Picchu tour that only focuses on the citadel misses half the story. Peru’s cultural richness runs deep, from the culinary renaissance in Lima to the living Inca traditions in the Sacred Valley.
In Lima, a cooking class teaches you to prepare ceviche and other Peruvian staples alongside a local chef. Peru has been named the top culinary destination in South America by the World Travel Awards for over a decade, and tasting the food in context, at a market stall or a family-run restaurant, is completely different from reading about it.
In Arequipa, the Museo Santuarios Andinos houses “Juanita,” a remarkably preserved Inca mummy discovered on Mount Ampato in 1995. The exhibit tells the story of Inca religious practices and the significance of mountain worship in Andean culture.
On Lake Titicaca, the Uros communities invite visitors onto their floating islands to demonstrate how they harvest totora reeds, build new layers onto the islands and maintain a way of life that predates the Inca empire. On Taquile Island, the men are the knitters (a UNESCO-recognized tradition), producing intricate textiles that signal their marital status and community role.
In the Sacred Valley, markets burst with hand-woven textiles, painted ceramics and silver jewellery. The artisan economy here is alive and well, and buying directly supports local families. Your Group Guru can help you navigate the markets and find quality pieces.
These cultural encounters, learning a recipe, watching a weaver work, sharing a meal with a local family, are the moments most travellers remember long after the photographs have been sorted. They are also what separates a guided cultural tour from simply showing up at an archaeological site with a guidebook.
Read our guide to the best time to visit Peru so you can plan around weather, festivals and peak seasons.
What the Train Ride to Machu Picchu Is Really Like
The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is one of the trip’s highlights, not just transportation. The route winds through the narrow Urubamba River gorge, passing terraced hillsides, waterfalls and cloud forest. Large panoramic windows (some trains have glass ceilings) give you unobstructed views as the landscape shifts from dry Andean highlands to lush subtropical vegetation.
The ride takes roughly 90 minutes, and most services offer snacks and beverages onboard. It is a relaxed, scenic experience, a far cry from the four-day Inca Trail hike that many younger travellers choose. For anyone who prefers comfort over camping, the train is the better option by a wide margin.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, shuttle buses depart every few minutes for the 25-minute ride up the switchback road to the entrance. The whole process is smooth and well organized.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
Peru’s dry season runs from May through October, and these months offer the clearest skies and most comfortable conditions for visiting Machu Picchu. June through August is peak season, with larger crowds and higher demand for train tickets and entry permits.
The shoulder months of April, May, September and October balance good weather with thinner crowds. Rain is possible but usually arrives as brief afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours.
The wet season from November through March brings more rain, especially in January and February when the Inca Trail closes entirely. Machu Picchu itself stays open year-round, and the rain season has its own appeal: fewer tourists, lusher vegetation and dramatic cloud formations that drift through the ruins.
For Canadian travellers, the shoulder seasons often align well with retirement schedules, avoiding both the harsh Canadian winter and the crowded Peruvian high season. Check seasonal departure dates and availability to find a window that works for you.
How Much Does a Machu Picchu Tour Cost from Canada?
A genuinely all-inclusive Peru tour from Canada, covering international and domestic flights, 14 nights in first-class hotels, all 40 meals, guided excursions, the train to Machu Picchu and door-to-door car service, starts at $9,995 CAD per person in double occupancy.
For solo travellers, a single supplement of $1,500 secures a private room throughout. A three-step payment plan, $500 deposit, $1,000 at 45 days and the balance at 90 days before departure, spreads the cost comfortably.
When comparing prices, check what competitors leave out. Many “affordable” Peru packages exclude international flights ($1,500 to $2,500), domestic flights ($300 to $500), airport transfers, tips, travel insurance and several meals. Once you add those extras, the true cost often exceeds what an all-inclusive tour charges upfront.
Find out what travel packages really include before you compare prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Machu Picchu Tours
Do I need to hike the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu?
No. The Inca Trail is a separate multi-day trek that requires camping and significant physical fitness. Tour-based itineraries use the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride to the citadel entrance. No hiking is required.
Is Machu Picchu safe for seniors?
Yes. The main circuit at Machu Picchu follows established paths with railings at the steeper sections. A guided tour ensures you stay on the safest route, and the bus service eliminates the steep climb from Aguas Calientes. The biggest concern is altitude, which a well-paced itinerary with gradual acclimatization addresses effectively.
How many days should I spend in Peru?
A 14 to 16-day itinerary is ideal for covering Lima, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without feeling rushed. Shorter trips often skip important acclimatization time, which increases the risk of altitude sickness.
What is a Group Guru?
A Group Guru is Approach Tours’ dedicated support person who travels with the group 24/7, separate from the main tour guide. They handle logistics, help with personal needs, manage any issues that arise and serve as your go-to contact throughout the entire trip.
Can I visit Machu Picchu on my own or do I need a guide?
Peru requires all visitors to Machu Picchu to enter with a licensed guide. Independent “self-guided” visits are no longer permitted. On a group tour, your guide is included, and you also get free time to explore after the guided portion.
What currency do I need in Peru?
The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but soles are better for markets, small restaurants and tips. ATMs are available in all major cities on the tour route. On an all-inclusive tour, most expenses are prepaid, so you mainly need cash for personal shopping and any optional extras.
Why a Guided Tour Beats Going It Alone
Peru is a country where logistics matter. Domestic flight schedules shift without notice. Train tickets to Machu Picchu sell out weeks in advance. Altitude catches unprepared travellers off guard. And navigating the permit system for the citadel, which now limits daily visitor numbers and assigns specific entry times, requires planning months ahead.
A guided all-inclusive tour removes every one of these friction points. Your flights, trains, hotels, meals, guides and entry permits are booked and confirmed before you leave home. If a flight gets cancelled or a road closes, the tour operator handles the rebooking. If someone in the group feels unwell at altitude, the Group Guru coordinates medical attention immediately.
For senior travellers who want comfort without compromise, a guided tour is not about giving up independence. It is about spending your energy on the experiences rather than the logistics. You still choose how to spend your free afternoons, whether to join optional excursions and how deep to go into each cultural encounter. The difference is that someone else is handling the details.
View the full Peru and Machu Picchu itinerary and check available departure dates.
