7 days 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks 1 month Itineraries for Peru

How to Use These Itineraries

Templates, Not Rules: Think of these as flexible starting points. You can mix and match elements based on your personal interests and energy levels throughout the journey.

Pacing is Personal: We have designed these itineraries for a comfortable and enjoyable pace. However, you should feel free to add or remove a day where you see fit to linger longer or move more swiftly.

Internal Travel: Peru is a vast country, and these itineraries rely on a combination of internal flights and buses to connect regions efficiently. Please be advised that internal flights, particularly those to and from Cusco, should be booked well in advance as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Altitude Acclimatization: Note that any itinerary visiting Cusco, Lake Titicaca, or Huaraz intentionally builds in dedicated time for your body to adjust to the high altitude. It is crucial for your health and comfort that you do not skip these acclimatization periods.

The 7-Day Sprint: Cusco & Machu Picchu Focus

This itinerary is crafted for those with limited time who wish to experience the essential highlights of the Inca heartland. The pace is brisk, so being well-organized will ensure a smooth and rewarding journey.

Option A: The Classic Inca Express

Focus: History, hiking, and the most iconic archaeological sites.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cusco. The priority today is to rest and begin acclimatizing to the altitude. We strongly recommend taking it easy: walk slowly, stay hydrated, and consider trying the local coca tea, which can help alleviate symptoms.
• Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour. A full-day excursion to explore key sites such as the vibrant Pisac market and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• Day 3: Take a morning train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You can use the afternoon to explore the town and relax before the next day’s adventure.
• Day 4: Machu Picchu. An early start to explore the magnificent citadel. For those seeking an extra challenge, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain offers stunning views, but these permits must be pre-booked far in advance. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Cusco.
• Day 5: Cusco City Tour. Discover the heart of the Inca empire, visiting the temple of Qorikancha, the monolithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and bustling local markets.
• Day 6: Choice of high-altitude day trip. Depending on your interest and fitness, you can choose a trek to either the vibrant Rainbow Mountain or the glacial Humantay Lake.
• Day 7: Enjoy a final morning for souvenir shopping before departing from Cusco.

Option B: Culture & Comfort

Focus: A more relaxed pace with deeper cultural immersion and less intense hiking.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cusco. Allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Day 2: Explore Cusco at a leisurely pace. Wander through the artisanal San Blas neighborhood, visit the city’s fine museums, and enjoy a long lunch at a local restaurant.
• Day 3: Take a tour of the Sacred Valley, but instead of returning to Cusco, enjoy an overnight stay in a quieter town like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba for a more tranquil experience.
• Day 4: Board the morning Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes for a scenic journey. In the afternoon, you will visit Machu Picchu, when the crowds have often started to thin.
• Day 5: You have the option of a second entry to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise, or you can enjoy a relaxed morning in Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cusco.
• Day 6: Immerse yourself in local culture with a Peruvian cooking class or a visit to a traditional weaving cooperative in the countryside near Cusco.
• Day 7: Depart from Cusco.

The 10-Day Explorer: Coast, Andes & Inca Heartland

This duration is a popular choice as it allows for the addition of another distinct Peruvian region—either the vibrant coastal capital of Lima or a glimpse into the Amazon basin—to the core Cusco experience.

Option A: The “Gringo Trail” Taster

Focus: A journey through the most popular and celebrated highlights of Southern Peru.

• Day 1-2: Arrive in Lima. Spend time exploring the modern, cosmopolitan districts of Miraflores and the bohemian Barranco, and indulge in the city’s world-class culinary scene.
• Day 3: Fly from Lima to Cusco. Dedicate the day to rest and acclimatization.
• Day 4: Cusco City Tour to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of the city.
• Day 5: Tour the Sacred Valley, concluding with an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo.
• Day 6: Take the train to Aguas Calientes for your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in the evening.
• Day 7: Choose between a challenging day trip to Rainbow Mountain or a free day to explore Cusco’s shops and cafes at your own pace.
• Day 8: Fly from Cusco to Arequipa, the elegant “White City” built from volcanic sillar stone.
• Day 9: Explore Arequipa. A visit to the sprawling, vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery is a must.
• Day 10: Fly from Arequipa back to Lima to connect with your departure flight.

Option B: Andes & Amazon Taster

Focus: A combination of the high Andes with a short yet immersive jungle experience.

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima and take a connecting flight to Cusco. Rest and acclimatize.
• Day 2: Explore Cusco and its immediate surroundings, such as the nearby Inca ruins.
• Day 3: Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley.
• Day 4: A round-trip day journey to Machu Picchu by train, returning to Cusco for the night.
• Day 5: Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon. You will be transferred from the airport to your jungle lodge.
• Day 6-7: Participate in a variety of Amazon Lodge activities, which may include guided jungle hikes, canopy walks for a bird’s-eye view, boat safaris to spot wildlife, and fascinating night walks.
• Day 8: Enjoy one final morning activity in the jungle before flying from Puerto Maldonado to Lima.
• Day 9: Explore Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful colonial architecture.
• Day 10: Depart from Lima.

The 2-Week Discovery: A Deeper Dive

This timeframe allows for a more logical, overland route through the south. This approach reduces the number of internal flights and adds major destinations like the Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca for a more comprehensive journey.

Option A: The Complete Southern Circuit

Focus: A comprehensive overland journey through Peru’s most famous southern region.

• Day 1-2: Lima. Arrival, settling in, and city exploration.
• Day 3: Fly to Arequipa. Settle in and explore this beautiful city.
• Day 4-5: Colca Canyon tour. This is typically a two-day, one-night excursion, which is a highlight for many travelers, offering the chance to see majestic Andean condors in flight.
• Day 6: Take the scenic tourist bus from the Colca Canyon town of Chivay to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
• Day 7-8: Lake Titicaca tour. Visit the unique Uros floating islands made of reeds and experience an overnight homestay on Amantani or Taquile Island for an authentic cultural exchange.
• Day 9: Travel from Puno to Cusco on the scenic “Route of the Sun” bus, which includes stops at several interesting archaeological sites along the way.
• Day 10: Arrive in Cusco. A day to rest, continue acclimatizing, and explore the city at your leisure.
• Day 11: Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley.
• Day 12: Excursion to Machu Picchu.
• Day 13: A free day in Cusco for visiting museums, shopping for crafts, or taking an optional day trip you may have missed.
• Day 14: Fly from Cusco to Lima for your international departure.

Option B: The Trekker’s Dream (Inca Trail & Amazon)

Focus: Designed for active travelers who wish to complete the classic Inca Trail trek and explore the Amazon jungle.

• Day 1: Arrive in Lima and take a connecting flight to Cusco.
• Day 2-3: Acclimatize in Cusco and the lower-altitude Sacred Valley to prepare for your trek.
• Day 4-7: Embark on the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail trek, a world-renowned hike culminating in your arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
• Day 8: A well-deserved day of rest and recovery in Cusco.
• Day 9: Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon basin.
• Day 10-12: A 4-day/3-night immersive program at your jungle lodge, with guided excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.