Planning a trip to Peru but no idea where to start or begin? Check out my detailed 10-day Peru itinerary that packs in the country’s best adventures.
Peru is the stuff of dreams: ancient ruins remain immaculately preserved on the high-altitude mountains of the Sacred Valley, alpacas roam freely in charming cobblestoned villages, and the beautifully-dressed indigenous people continue to live the way their ancestors have done for centuries. Few countries in South America have managed to retain their pre-Hispanic culture and traditions as well as Peru has.
One of the reasons why Peru has become such a popular travel destination is because it’s jampacked with many bucket-list worthy sights: from the world-renown Machu Picchu to the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, and Ica Desert. With only 10 days in Peru, you can tread the thousand-year-old cobblestones of Cusco , hike through the stunning Sacred Valley , swoosh down sand dunes at Huacachina, and feast on gourmet meals in cosmopolitan Lima. In this article, I will be sharing our 10-day Peru itinerary as well as details on where we stayed, ate and explored.
The Ultimate Peru Itinerary & Guide
With 10 days in Peru, you’ll barely scratch the surface of this mega-diverse country, but you will get a taste of Peru’s highlights. This Peru itinerary focuses mainly on the capital Lima, the desert oasis of Huacachina, Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Summary of this Peru Itinerary:
Days 1-2: Lima
Days 3-4: Paracas & Huacachina
Days 5-6: Sacred Valley
Days 7-8: Machu Picchu
Day 9: Cusco
Day 10: Fly home!
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How to Get to Peru
This Peru itinerary starts and ends in the capital city, Lima. Many travelers avoid Lima, but I personally think it’s a good place to start/end your Peru trip thanks to the multitude of museums and world-class restaurants here.
The main gateway to Peru is the Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). LATAM Airlines is the national airline and serves many major cities in the world. You can get flights from New York to Lima for just US$300 return and Los Angeles to Lima for around $500 return.
We flew from Cancun to Lima (a 5-hour direct flight) for just US$300 return. You can also get reasonably priced flights to Lima from London. Similarly, you’ll find flights from Madrid to Lima offering reasonable rates, providing you with multiple options for affordable travel to Peru’s capital.
How to Get around Peru
Back when we first traveled Peru in 2008 as backpackers, it was way too expensive to fly around Peru. But now, domestic flights are incredibly affordable, making it easy to travel around Peru without spending 15+ hours on a bus. For instance, a flight from Lima to Cusco cost around US$50-80 (instead of a 21-hour bus journey), while flying from Cusco to Puno just costs $40-70 each way. Check for flights here.
By Car
We hired a car in Lima and another one in Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley. Renting a car is definitely an easy way to travel around Peru, but driving in Peru requires some grit as the steep mountain roads of the Sacred Valley aren’t easy to navigate. But, if you’ve got experience driving abroad, it is doable and definitely makes for an adventure!
It’s really cheap to hire an economy car in Lima ; we paid around US$20 a day. Our Cusco car rental cost a lot more, around US$280 for 7 days, which was not cheap but gave us more freedom. We always use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve consistently given us the best prices and customer service.
By Bus
If you’re on a budget, buses are the cheapest way to get around Peru. Some bus companies are incredible, with reclining bed/seats similar to airplanes’ first class seating. On our first trip to Peru, we took Cruz del Sur from Lima to Cusco, and even though the journey took 21 hours, it was way more comfortable than we’d imagined! Bookaway is the best resource to book bus journeys in Peru.
By Taxi
For those who don’t drive but prefer your own transport, Taxidatum is a useful service that allows you to make a private driver reservation online. Taxidatum can pick you up at the airport, hotel, or anywhere. They’ll wait for you as well as take you around the Sacred Valley. The trip between Cusco and Ollantaytambo cost roughly US$40.
Best Time to Visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from April to October . During this time, there is little rainfall and temperatures are milder, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
We’ve traveled Peru in April and July, and found the weather to be always sunny, warmish, and perfect on both times. Keep in mind that June to August is peak tourist season in Peru, so expect crowds and higher prices during these months. November to April is the rainy season, temperatures are warmer but wetter. Be sure to pack waterproof gear!
You can also time your trip to coincide with Inti Raymi , the largest Andean festival in Peru . The Festival of the Sun falls on June 22, 2020 and celebrates the Sun God Inti. There will be big parades in Cusco as well as sacrifices of llamas and re-enactment of Inti Raymi.
Is it Safe to Travel Peru?
Like other countries in South America, Peru has been experiencing many anti-government protests in recent years. During our recent visit, we didn’t witness any protests or riots on the streets, but we did experience the paro nacional, nationwide strikes that caused all transport and businesses to shut for a few days.
We were not allowed to leave our hotel in Ollantaytambo for 2 days as the road was blocked and our hotel staff said it wasn’t safe. Our train to Machu Picchu got cancelled too, but we managed to rebook them for another day. Some travelers we met weren’t so lucky and had to fly home without visiting Machu Picchu (imagine that)! Keep yourself informed about the situation in Peru and try to add in some flexibility to your schedule. I personally I feel that Peru is a safe place to travel, especially if you’re traveling along the well trodden tourist trail.
Travel Peru Independently or Group Tour?
We traveled Peru independently on both trips there and had no issues whatsoever. But if you don’t speak Spanish or are planning to travel Peru with kids , your best bet is to book a tour package.
If you prefer to travel with a group, check out this 12-Day Classic Peru tour with small-group operator G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them many times (to Mongolia, Antarctica, Brazil, Svalbard and Nepal) and can highly recommend them. Every single trip was epic and I’ve made some lifelong friendships on my trips with them.
Another alternative is to travel independently but go on day tours to places that are harder to access. You can find a wide range of day trips with prices and reviews at Viator. They have free cancellations and mobile vouchers which make it really convenient. Here’s a look at some popular day tours in Peru:
Huacachina and Isla Ballesta from Lima
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Rainbow Mountain Day Tour from Cusco
Pisac & Ollantaytambo Day Tour
Cusco: 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu trip
Short Inca Trail
Altitude Sickness in Peru
When you fly into Cusco from Lima, there’s a chance of getting altitude sickness as the whole city of Cusco lies at an imposing 11,000 feet (3,399m) above sea level. I personally suffered from altitude sickness the day after we landed in Cusco. I felt nauseous, dizzy, and weak, and spent the whole day in bed. Thankfully, I felt fine in the evening after taking some Acetazolamide (or Diamox) and coca tea.
TIP 1: If you have time, travel from Lima to Cusco by bus, as a gradual ascent will help your body to acclimatize to the altitude. The bus journey is 21 hours, but you can easily break it up by staying in Huacachina and Nasca on your way to Cusco.
TIP 2 : For those tight on time, you can also fly to Cusco and head straight to the Sacred Valley, which is lower, at 8,000 feet (2,440m) above sea level. This will help your body get used to the altitude.
How to Cope with Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can hit anyone, irregardless of age or fitness level. Symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. Here are some things I learned:
Take it easy on the first day. I know there are many things to do in Cusco , but you’ll have time to explore after you’ve acclimatized.
Drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes.
Coca is a great natural remedy for altitude sickness. It was revered because of its healing qualities and is still utilized in exactly the same way today as it was in Incan times. Most hotel lobbies have them readily available.
Bring Acetazolamide (or Diamox) with you; otherwise most pharmacies in Cusco also sell it.
Travel Insurance for Peru
It’s important to have travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Peru for 10 days or a month. Travel insurance will have you covered in case of any incident, theft or loss of luggage. If you’re traveling Peru with kids , having travel insurance will cover both you and your child.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Cost of Travel in Peru
Prices in Peru are affordable and you can find really cheap hostels and local diners. The highest expenses will probably be the domestic flights (around US$50-80 each way) and tours. Expect to pay US$5-10 for a restaurant meal and around $20 for a hostel dorm bed and $50 for a standard three-star hotel room.
Inter-city buses are cheap and can range from $10-30 depending on the route. Renting a car can set you back at around US$20-40/day. Gasoline prices are currently around $1 per liter.
10-Day Peru Itinerary
Peru Itinerary Day 1: Lima
This Peru itinerary starts in the country’s capital city, Lima. Many travelers avoid Lima as it’s massive, cosmopolitan, and honestly not the Peru of people’s dreams. That was what we thought on our first trip to Peru as backpackers, but as we found out from our recent trip, Lima is actually quite an appealing city with an amalgam of modern beachfront districts, bohemian enclaves, and a historical center with Spanish colonial architecture. Read my list of things to do in Lima for more details.
Start at Plaza las Armas
Plaza Las Armas is the main square in Lima and a great place to start your exploration of the city. The square is home to the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima, as well as a number of other important historical buildings.
From its conception in 1535—the same year in which Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima—to the present day, the Plaza de Armas has remained the focal point of the city.
Take a Tour of the Lima Cathedral
Overlooking the Plaza las Armas, the Lima Cathedral is one of the most important religious sites in Peru. The cathedral was built in the 16th century and is a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture. With the entry ticket, you can get a free tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and see its stunning interior.
Wander around the Museo Palacio Arzobispal
Next door to Lima Cathedral is the Palacio Arzobispal (or Archbishop’s Palace), a gorgeous colonial-style building that houses the Archbishop of Lima.
The palace is open to the public and visitors can explore its grounds and gardens, as well as take a tour of the interior. You can buy a combo ticket for this site and the Cathedral.
Visit the Catacomb at the Monasterio de San Francisco
One of the most unique things to do in Lima is a visit of the underground catacomb at the Monasterio de San Francisco. This 17th-century monastery is one of the city’s most important historical sites, and its catacombs are said to be the largest in all of South America.
The entrance ticket comes with a free tour, which takes you through the various parts of the monastery before descending into the dark tunnels of the catacombs. You’ll see bones and skulls lining the walls. It’s a little bit eerie but also very fascinating.
Where to Stay in Lima
Airbnb: Miraflores Apartment
We booked a spacious and comfortable 3-bedroom apartment in Lima’s upscale Miraflores neighborhood and couldn’t believe how cheap it was. At just $45/night, it was incredible value for money.
Just steps from restaurants and supermarkets, the apartment has an amazing location and functional features. If you’ve got a bigger family, check out this gorgeous 4-room apartment .
Luxury: Belmond Miraflores Park
Situated in the upscale Miraflores district, this five-star hotel offers lavish amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, a spa, gourmet dining options, and elegant rooms and suites adorned with modern decor and upscale furnishings. Check rates here.
Mid-Range: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Located in the heart of Miraflores, this mid-range hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities. Its convenient location allows guests to explore nearby attractions such as Kennedy Park, Larcomar shopping center, and the Malecón de Miraflores. Check rates here.
Budget: Hostal Plaza Mayor Lima
Situated in the heart of the historic center, this budget-friendly hotel offers cozy accommodations with quirky decor and basic amenities, including free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. Its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant surroundings make it a favorite among budget-conscious travelers looking to explore. Check rates here.
Peru Itinerary Day 2: Lima
See the Ancient Ruins at Huaca Pucllana
Did you know that there’s an ancient ruin right in the heart of the city? Start your morning at Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe and clay pyramid that was once the ceremonial center of the Lima Culture. The Lima culture was one of the most advanced cultures in pre-Columbian Peru.
The site is now a protected archaeological park, and you can visit Huaca Pucllana on a guided tour , which includes a walk around the archaeological site and an explanation of its history and significance.
Walk along the Miraflores Boardwalk
Huaca Pucllana is located in the Miraflores district of Lima, and here, you’ll find a lovely boardwalk that runs along the edge of the cliffs, with great views of the ocean. The boardwalk is also home to a string of restaurants and cafes, as well as some parks and playgrounds. It’s the best spot in Lima to catch the sunset.
Chill at Parque de los Amores
Along the Miraflores boardwalk, be sure to stop by Parque de los Amores, a park dedicated to love. The park is home to a number of sculptures and murals, as well as a beautiful view of the city.
The local’s favorite chain, Besos Frances creperie , has several locations along the boardwalk, but the one at Parque de los Amores is the most popular.
Explore the District of Barranco
The bohemian district of Barranco is a district bursting with charm and character, earning its reputation as one of the city’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods.
One of the most captivating aspects of Barranco is its colorful colonial-era buildings adorned with intricate wooden balconies, which line its narrow cobblestone streets. These architectural gems serve as a testament to the district’s storied past, offering a glimpse into Lima’s colonial history while providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls.
Dine in World-Class Restaurants
Renowned for over a decade as a culinary hotspot, Lima is blessed with some of the world’s best restaurants. Central ranks #1 in the World’s Best Restaurants 2024 list and is drawing people from around the world to Lima. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the diverse bounty of tubers, flowers, and grains sourced from the Amazon and Andes regions. These establishments offer innovative concepts that showcase the richness and complexity of Peruvian ingredients in every dish.
For a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, head to Maido , where the concept of nikkei cuisine takes center stage. Here, traditional Japanese techniques intertwine seamlessly with Peruvian ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
Alternatively, pay homage to the godfather of Peruvian gastronomy, Gaston Acurio, at Astrid y Gaston . This iconic restaurant promises a gastronomic adventure that pays homage to Peru’s culinary heritage while embracing contemporary techniques and flavors.
Peru Itinerary Day 3: Paracas & Islas Ballestas
It’s time to hit the road and kick-start your Peru road trip! Our destination for the day is Huacachina, but we’ll be making a few stops before getting there.
You’ll first drive four hours south of Lima to the sprawling, unspoiled Paracas National Reserve. It’s home to a huge variety of wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and birds. Spanning over 3,350 km² of area, the protected area spans desert, ocean and islands and the iconic red sand beaches. The Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, a huge hillside etching of mysterious origins, sits on the Paracas Peninsula.
Take a Boat to Islas Ballestas
From Paracas, you can catch a boat to the Ballestas Islands. Nicknamed “the poor man’s Galapagos”, the rocky islands have gained popularity due to their rich wildlife and stunning views. It’s easy and cheap to visit these islands, and those dreaming of going to the Galapagos will find the trip a nice compromise.
Drive to Huacachina Oasis
Then continue driving just 1 hour 20mins to the Huacachina Oasis, one of my favorite spots in Peru . Surrounded by colossal sand dunes, the oasis is nestled around the Huacachina Lagoon, with waters that are believed to have therapeutic properties. There’s a small town right in the heart of the oasis, fringed by palm trees and lined with restaurants. You’ll probably reach just in time to see the sunset from the top of the dunes! Book Ballestas Islands Guided Boat tour here.
Where to Stay in Huacachina
Sure! Here are three hotels in Huacachina, Peru, catering to different budgets:
Luxury: Hotel Mossone
Hotel Mossone is the biggest hotel in Huacachina; we stayed there on our second trip. The hotel features outdated but spacious family rooms and a swimming pool. Its restaurant overlooks the main square and center of Huacachina. Check rates here.
Mid-Range: Hotel El Huachinero
We stayed at this hotel on our first trip to Peru and absolutely loved it! The rooms are very comfortable and all overlook the swimming pool, which is backdropped by the sand dunes. We came back here on our second trip and spent an afternoon having an amazing lunch here while cooling off in their pool. Check rates here.
Budget: Viajero Kokopelli Huacachina Hostel
This fun, youth hostel has a gorgeous pool right at the base of the sand dunes and lots of comfy sunloungers by the pool. Rooms are comfortable and there are basic amenities such as a communal kitchen. The hostel also organizes sandboarding and dune buggy tours for guests who want to explore the surrounding desert. Check rates here.
Peru Itinerary Day 4: Huacachina
Rise bright and early to catch sunrise over the sand dunes! The best way to explore the Ica Desert is on a dune buggy, which brings you up and down the vertiginous dunes. It’s an absolutely thrilling ride; my daughter absolutely loved it! You can book a dune buggy tour easily from your hotel or operators.
After the dune buggy tour, take your time to stroll around the oasis town. It’s very compact but there are quite a few nice cafes and bars to chill at. We had a pool at our hotel just by the base of the sand dunes, so we spent the morning soaking in the water and feasting on the gorgeous views.
That afternoon, drive back to Lima to prepare for your flight the next morning. I suggest staying the night near the Lima Airport. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Lima Airport , just a short shuttle ride from the airport. The breakfast spread was amazing and the location very convenient indeed. Check rates here.
Peru Itinerary Day 5: Sacred Valley
Next morning, catch an early morning flight from Lima to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire. The flight is just 1 hour and there are regular departures everyday; and domestic flights are cheap, at around US$75 each way. Check for flights here.
However, in order to avoid altitude sickness, head straight to the Sacred Valley as the altitude is much lower. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to explore Cusco at the end of the trip! The easiest way to get from Cusco to the Sacred Valley is to rent a car. We hired a car for 5 days from Cusco Airport and found it an excellent way to explore the Sacred Valley. Our Cusco car rental cost around US$280, which was not cheap but gave us more freedom. We always book on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and service.
Get Up Close to Alpacas at Awana Kancha
Leaving Cusco behind, drive 30 minutes to the Awana Kancha , an educational farm and living museum of the Andes. The farm is home to four species of the native camelid family: alpacas, llamas, guanacos and vicunãs. These long-necked creatures have historically roamed the Andes and provided clothing, fuel and companionship as domesticated animals for over 5,000 years.
Feeding these cheeky creatures is a lot of fun, and their inquisitive nature makes meeting them an enjoyable experience. Just be careful about saliva and spitting! Don’t miss out on Awana Kancha’s fascinating exhibits on Peruvian textiles’ manufacturing and making. Entry is free, but donations are much appreciated!
Wander around Pisac Market
After meeting the animals, continue driving for 1 hour to reach Pisac, one of the main towns in Sacred Valley . Make a stop at its bustling market, where Peruvians from all over the valley come to trade their goods.
The Pisac market sells everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to live chickens and cuy (guinea pigs). Grab some empanadas for a quick lunch or sit down for a dieta de pollo (chicken noodle soup). You can also find traditional clothing, hand-crafted jewelry and other souvenirs. It’s a great place to interact with the Quechua community and get a feel for rural life in Sacred Valley.
Explore Pisac Ruins
Pisac ruins are among Peru’s most extensive archeological sites, and said to be bigger than Machu Picchu. Located on the long crest of a 3000m high mountain overlooking the Southern end of the Sacred Valley, the Pisac ruins offer spectacular views of the valley.
The sheer size and location of the site suggests that Pisac was an important defence against any potential invasion of Cusco. One of the main sites here is Inti Punku, or the ‘Sun Gate’. From here, you get a stunning view of the valley below and the entire site. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here. You can also consider booking this Private Pisac Ruins and Alpaca Farm Day Trip.
Stay the night in Pisac town or Urubamba (a 30-minute drive away). Check out my hotel suggestions above.
Visit Museo Inkariy
From Pisac, it’s just a 30-minute drive to the town of Calca, home to the impressive Museo Inkariy . This new museum is one of the best that we’ve visited in Peru: it shows the fascinating pre-Colombian civilizations that came before the Inca.
You learn about each civilization, including the Inca, through key artifacts, musical instruments, tools, and even life-sized figures of its people. Great for both adults and kids! Entry: 35 Soles or US$9.
It’s then a 1-hour drive to our destination for the night: Ollantaytambo, the main town of the Sacred Valley.
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
Luxury: Tambo del Inka
One of the best hotels in Sacred Valley is Tambo del Inka, which sits right along the Urubamba River and has a private train station to Machu Picchu. This gorgeous property is laid out on a sprawling green area, and gives the perfect rustic luxury experience. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Del Pilar Ollantaytambo
We stayed at this countryside hotel and loved being surrounded by the mountains. The hotel’s location (a 20-minute drive from Ollantaymbo) may be inconvenient for those without a car, but we loved being surrounded by the mountains. The hotel has quality furnishings, an excellent recreation room with boardgames and pool table, as well as mountain bikes that you can use for free! Check rates here.
Budget: Wayras Hostal
Wayras Hostal has an excellent location next to the Ollantaytambo train station. We stayed here for 1 night as it was convenient to catch the early morning train to Machu Picchu and they provided free parking. The triple rooms are comfortable, with thick duvets and the sound of the river outside the window. Check rates here.
Peru Itinerary Day 6: Sacred Valley
Hike up the Ollantaytambo Ruins
Perched on the hilltops of the town, the Ollantaytambo fortress is a showcase of amazing Incan stonework. During the Spanish conquest of Peru, it was used as a fortress by the Inca resistance. In fact, the Inca repelled the Spanish army from this location. Sadly, the Spaniards returned with greater forces later and forced the Inca to withdraw to Vilcabamba.
The most prominent features are the Temple Hill and the Temple of the Sun, with their massive stones stacked at perfect angles. These huge rocks still bear ancient carvings in relief. The complex also includes a stepped terrace, known as the Princess Baths, where ritual bathing took place.
See the Ollantaytambo Market
Lying at the foot of the Ollantaytambo ruins is the outdoor Ollantaytambo market. It’s more of a souvenir market these days, jam-packed with handicrafts and souvenirs of every shape and size. Prices here are higher than in Cusco. You can also spot “Inca emperors” here who are dressed up for photos.
Marvel the UNESCO Maras Salt MINES
It’s a 30-minute steep drive from Urubamba up to the Maras salt mines, but the journey is undoubtedly some of the most breath-taking scenery in Peru. Salineras de Maras is a collection of about 3,000 small pools that sit on the slopes of the mountains. I remember first hearing about these salt mines from a documentary, Añay Kachi (highly worth watching!).
The indigenous communities have been harvesting salt from the springs here by hand for over 600 years, prior to the Inca times . After many years of struggle and unfair working conditions, the salt workers became owners of the salt mine, creating a cooperative. Today they proudly own and operate the salt business and the salt mines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
You can still see the salt workers hard at work today, but it’s no longer allowed to walk free around the salt pools. Entry: 35 Soles or US$9. Or consider booking this Maras Salt Mines Tour with Lunch.
Stop at Mountain View Experience
As you leave Maras behind, you’ll spot the gorgeous glamping huts of Mountain View Experience . Here, A-framed wooden huts stand precariously on the meadow, with wild vicunas roaming around you. One of the huts even come with an outdoor hot tub! We didn’t stay here as it was out of the way, but we wish we did! It’s gloriously in the middle of the mountains and the location is just spectacular.
Admire Moray Circular Terraces
