Fly IAD to Lima Saturday morning, reach Peru before dinner, acclimate in the Sacred Valley, protect Machu Picchu and Thanksgiving in Cusco, then return to IAD Sunday afternoon.
Avianca Flex locked in the family’s IAD–Lima schedule at a strong refundable fare. The remaining air decision is the Lima–Cusco domestic pair.
IAD both ways on one protected ticket for all five travelers. Total paid: $4,349.35, or $869.87 each, fully refundable Flex.
Take the 7:35 AM nonstop to Cusco and the 9:30 AM nonstop back to Lima. The target is Plus for seats and one checked bag each.
The Patel international flights are fixed. Rajan’s family should fly directly from Houston to Lima; the small timing difference is better than an unnecessary DC detour.
The route is Lima → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu Pueblo → Cusco → Lima. It limits altitude exposure at the start and makes the acclimation pattern visible across the week.
Bars show approximate elevation at each overnight or major visit. The dip to Aguas Calientes is intentional: it gives the family a lower sleep before Machu Picchu and Cusco.
This is the executable Nov. 21–29 plan built around the selected Avianca itinerary and recommended LATAM domestic pair. Tap any tile for exact timing, operational notes, maps, and direct links.
For a group of up to 13, transportation, meal planning, and altitude pacing need to be arranged in advance.
Start at sea level, sleep lower in the Sacred Valley, avoid heavy exertion early, and never push higher while symptomatic.
For 13 travelers, arrange luggage-capable vehicles with seat belts and an explicit late-train plan.
Target Friday, November 27 at 7:30 PM with Alturas Mater Vegetal. The children need hotel-vetted childcare or another responsible adult; do not leave them alone during the three-hour dinner and transfers.
Do not add the Amazon, Arequipa, Puno, Paracas, or another high-altitude day to this itinerary.
International air is complete. Book the domestic pair and then work through the family’s land arrangements in this order.
These are the pages still relevant to finishing the trip; the booked Avianca itinerary is no longer a comparison.
Domestic target: Nov. 22 at 7:35 AM and Nov. 27 at 9:30 AM. Select Plus for seats and one 23 kg checked bag.
Open domestic →Expected direct schedule: UA854 IAH→LIM around 4:20 PM–11:00 PM Nov. 21; UA855 LIM→IAH around 12:50 AM–7:30 AM Nov. 29. Meet in Lima Saturday night and return separately Sunday morning.
Open Houston direct search →Official Ministry of Culture path for Machu Picchu entry availability and circuits.
Official tickets →Current May–December 2026 timetable and travel recommendations. Recheck before purchase.
2026 timetable →Recent first-hand circuit, bus, packing, and rainy-season advice. Treat it as practical context; official rules control.
Watch guide →Preparation, acclimatization, symptoms, and when not to continue ascending.
Read guidance →Target: six adults on November 27 at 7:30 PM. Alturas Mater Vegetal is S/1,630 each: S/9,780 total, roughly $2,875 before card FX fees.
Check reservation →Status: international flights booked and fully refundable. Domestic flights, entry, trains, hotels, ground transport, and restaurants remain open.