Peru itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Most people come to Peru for Machu Picchu, and that’s fair enough, it is worth the hype. But to not explore more of this country would truly be a shame. High mountain trails lead to lost cities. Long stretches of desert hide mysterious geoglyphs. Even the food tells a story, shaped by the coast, the Andes, and the jungle.

But with so much ground to cover (and altitude to adjust to), the right itinerary makes all the difference. The key is to pace things in a way that works with the terrain and gives your body time to adjust. A smart itinerary helps you avoid rushed travel days, and spend more time in the places that matter to you.

Here is a breakdown of our favorite itineraries, with travel tips and day by day breakdowns so you can make the most of your time without planning too much. And if you’d like an actual hand in planning, Rough Guides’ local experts can help tailor an itinerary. 
 

Best Peru itinerary at a glance

If you only have a week, you can still see a good range of Peru’s major highlights. With two weeks, you’ll have time to slow down a little and explore more.

• 7 days in Peru itinerary: A good first trip. Start in Lima, then fly to the highlands to explore the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Cusco. This route covers the must-sees at a steady pace and gives you time to acclimate.
• 10 days in Peru itinerary: For this route, skip the crowds and head north. Visit Caral, Trujillo’s Moche pyramids, Chiclayo’s museums, and the cliff-top ruins at Kuelap near Chachapoyas. It’s more travel but fewer tourists and fascinating sites.
• 14 days in Peru itinerary: Truly an ideal amount of time. See the coast, highlands, and lake regions. Highlights include Lima, the Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Travel days are spread out for easier acclimatization.
   

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7 days in Peru itinerary

How to plan a trip to Peru that's only seven day? This one-week Peru itinerary gives you a feel for both the country's history and everyday life. You’ll start in Lima, get used to the pace, then head straight for the Sacred Valley to ease into the altitude. From there, you’ll make your way to Machu Picchu and finish in Cusco. The pace is steady, so you make the most of your limited time.

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Land at Jorge Chávez Airport and head into Miraflores, the easiest neighborhood of Lima to settle into on your first day. If you’ve been on a long flight, take it slow. Drop your bags at the hotel, then stretch your legs with a walk along the Malecón.

The path runs along the top of the cliffs, looking out over the Pacific. You’ll pass green parks, food carts grilling skewers, and people from the area jogging or walking dogs. Don’t try to pack in too much today. Just get a feel for the city, eat something simple, and try to stay up until dark to get on Peru time.

Insider's tip: Around sunset, walk over to Larcomar. The shopping center is built into the cliff, but the main draw is the view. 
 

Day 2: Lima and on to Cusco

Start day two of this Peru itinerary in the city center. Plaza Mayor is the main square, surrounded by colonial buildings and government offices. If you're there around midday, you can watch the changing of the guard outside the presidential palace. The Cathedral is just across the square. It’s quieter inside and worth stepping into for a look at the wooden altars and vaulted ceilings.

Later, head to El Olivar in San Isidro. It’s a peaceful park filled with olive trees that were brought from Spain hundreds of years ago. Then make your way back to Miraflores for a walk around Huaca Pucllana. This adobe structure was built by pre-Inca cultures and rises unexpectedly out of the modern neighborhood.

Finish the day at the Larco Museum. It’s one of the best places to get a sense of Peru’s pre-Columbian cultures. The galleries are organized well, with ceramics, jewelry, and textiles from different regions and time periods.

Day 3: Cusco to Sacred Valley

Travel time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Catch an early flight from Lima to Cusco, usually around 6 to 8 AM. On a clear day, you’ll see snow-covered peaks as you fly over the Andes. The altitude in Cusco is high, around 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), so most travelers head straight to the Sacred Valley afterward, which sits lower and helps ease the transition.

Before you leave Cusco behind, you’ll stop at a couple of sites just outside the city. The first is Sacsayhuamán, where huge stone blocks fit together so precisely it’s hard to believe they were shaped by hand. Just a bit further along is Tambomachay, a small but well-built site with spring water still running through its carved channels.

On the road toward Pisac, stop at Awanacancha. It’s a weaving project where you can see how alpaca wool is spun, dyed, and turned into textiles using natural ingredients and traditional methods.

You’ll reach Pisac in time for lunch and a walk through the market. The stalls spill across cobbled streets, selling handmade pottery, silver, woven belts and blankets.  After browsing, you’ll head to a nearby farm for lunch. A lot of people stop at Hacienda Sarapampa, where you’ll learn a bit about the large white corn grown in the valley and eat a fresh meal surrounded by fields.
 

Day 4: Sacred Valley

You’ll spend day four of this Peru itinerary exploring more of the Sacred Valley, starting with the Maras salt pools. Here, thousands of shallow terraces cascade down the hillside, filled with mineral-rich water that dries into salt. Local families still harvest it using traditional methods, and if you go early, you’ll catch the morning light glinting off the pools.

Next is Moray. From above, it looks like a deep circular depression, but it’s actually a series of terraces built into the earth. The Incas built it, possibly as a kind of agricultural test site. Because of how deep it goes, temperatures can shift quite a bit between the top and bottom. Each ring creates its own microclimate, and can grow different crops.

Wrap up in Ollantaytambo, where stone terraces climb the mountain. It’s one of the few places where the Inca resisted the Spanish. The old town below is still laid out the way the Inca designed it, with narrow streets and running water channels that are still in use.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Travel time:

• Train to Aguas Calientes: about 1.5 hours
• Return train: another 1.5 hours
• Drive to Cusco: around 1.5 hours

Catch an early train from Ollantaytambo. The ride follows the Urubamba River, cutting through tight canyons with green cliffs towering above. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, shuttle buses climb a winding road to the entrance.

Once you're inside, your guide will lead you through the site, past temples, drainage systems, and living quarters. The construction is still incredibly precise. Since the Spanish never found it, much of it remains in place. The whole place is perched between two peaks, with the river far below.

The Temple of the Sun, the carved Intihuatana stone, and the area thought to be a royal residence are worth pausing at. After the visit, retrace your route back to Cusco: bus down, train to Ollantaytambo, then van or car to the city

Many people book the afternoon Vistadome train or similar with bigger windows and snacks.

Insider’s tip: Bring your passport so you can get the Machu Picchu stamp. Pack some snacks and water too. There are places to refill bottles, but not much else once you're inside.
 

Day 6: Cusco

Back in Cusco, start day six of this Peru itinerary in the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by arcades and colonial churches, and one of the best places to visit in Peru. Inside the cathedral, look out for local twists in the artwork, like the painting of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig.

A short walk away is Santo Domingo, built directly over the Inca temple of Koricancha. You can still see the original stone foundations below. The Spanish kept the base and built right on top, which is why parts of the old temple still survive.

If you have time and energy, head up to Sacsayhuamán. The stonework here is huge and tightly fit. Nearby, Qenqo has carved rock formations and hidden passageways. You can also check out Tambomachay, where spring water flows through what are believed to be ceremonial baths, and Puca Pucara, possibly used as a lookout or checkpoint.

Insider’s tip: The Cusco Tourist Ticket gets you into most of these places and ends up saving money if you're planning to visit several sites.

Day 7: Departure

Today you’ll head to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Leave yourself at least 2 hours for domestic flights or 3 for international. It’s a small airport, but mornings can be slow with long lines.

If you have a lot of time before your flight, you might want to wander around the San Blas neighborhood. It’s a quieter area with small galleries and coffee spots worth a visit.

Ready to see Peru? Our tailor-made trips make seeing the world easy. Our local travel experts create a personalized itinerary just for you, and take care of the planning and booking.
 

10 days in Peru Itinerary

This ten-day northern Peru itinerary focuses on ancient ruins and rich landscapes far from the usual tourist routes. You’ll visit one of the oldest known cities in the Americas, explore cloud forest fortresses, and take your time at archaeological sites without rushing from one place to the next.  It’s a good choice if you’re more interested in archaeology and local culture than ticking off the big-name stops.

Day 1: Lima and Barranco

Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport and head to your hotel in central Lima on your first day of this Peru itinerary. Once you’ve settled in, make your way to Barranco, a laid-back neighborhood near the coast known for its galleries, cafes, and street art. It’s one of the most walkable areas in the city, with cobbled streets and brightly painted houses.

Follow the little pedestrian path to the Puente de los Suspiros, then keep going downhill to the ocean. Around sunset, people start gathering near the cliffs. If you’ve been on a long flight, this is an easy way to stretch your legs and ease into Peru.

Insider’s tip: Ask your hotel if they’ve got any ocean-facing rooms. The sound of the waves cuts through traffic noise and helps with jet lag.

Day 2: Caral

Take a day trip north to Caral, the oldest known city in the Americas, built around 3000 BC. It’s about 120 miles (200 km) north of Lima, so you’ll want to leave early.

The ruins stretch across about 150 acres of dry desert, with six pyramids, sunken plazas, and residential zones. It’s a quiet site, usually with few other visitors, and you’ll learn how the Caral people built complex cities, traded with far-off regions, and created astronomical tools, without using pottery or warfare.

Lunch is usually a packed box meal so you can stay out and explore without needing to backtrack.

Insider’s tip: No shade, no vendors, no running water. Bring at least 2 liters, a decent hat, and sunscreen. The heat kicks in fast after 10 a.m.
 

Day 3: Trujillo

Travel time: About 8–9 hours driving

You’ll leave Lima early on day three of this Peru itinerary and head north along the Pan-American Highway. It’s a long but interesting drive through desert plains, with farmland and coastal towns breaking up the landscape. A recommended stop is Sechín Alto, home to a huge ceremonial mound and carved stones from a pre-Inca culture. These carvings show warriors, priests, and some pretty graphic scenes that give a glimpse into the era’s beliefs and practices.

Trujillo has a very different feel from Lima. The center is small, walkable, and bright. Yellow, blue, and coral buildings with balconies and iron grilles. Start at the Plaza de Armas and branch out from there. You can visit a few museums or just wander.

Trujillo was briefly Peru’s capital during the independence movement, and there’s still a bit of that pride in how the city holds itself. You’ll find plenty of small bakeries and restaurants around the center where you can try regional dishes.

Day 4: Moche ruins and the coast

Travel time: About 3 hours driving

Start day four of this Peru itinerary at Huacas del Sol y de la Luna.  The Huaca de la Luna has preserved murals showing Ai Apaec, a key Moche deity. You’ll see rows of painted figures that somehow survived centuries of wind and sand. The Huaca del Sol is mostly buried under a modern neighborhood, but you can still get a sense of its scale.

After that, swing by the Arco Iris Temple, a small Chimú structure with raised rainbow patterns, then drive out to Huanchaco. This coastal town is known for the caballitos de totora, the reed boats still used by fishermen today. Walk the beach, grab lunch, then make your way to Chan Chan in the late afternoon. The adobe city stretches far, with walls, plazas, and ceremonial spaces that give you a feel for what life was like in this desert capital.

After you finish exploring Chan Chan in the late afternoon, you’ll leave Trujillo and start the drive north to Chiclayo. It’s about 130 miles (210 km) and takes around 3 hours by car. You won’t be stopping much after Chan Chan, so plan to leave by around 4 or 5 p.m. if you want to avoid arriving too late.

Day 5: The Lady of Cao

Spend the morning of day six of this Peru itinerary at El Brujo, about an hour north of Trujillo. The site itself is atmospheric, with dry wind, wide views of the valley, and faded murals along the adobe walls. The real draw is the adjacent museum, where you’ll learn about the Señora de Cao, a Moche woman buried with ceremonial objects and signs of high status. Her skin is still intact, revealing tattoos of spiders and snakes, animals with symbolic power in Moche culture. She was buried with fine textiles, gold jewelry, and ritual objects, suggesting she held political or spiritual authority, possibly both.

The museum is modern and well-presented. Most signage is bilingual, and the rooms are climate-controlled to protect the exhibits. One section is dedicated entirely to her burial, and you can view the mummy itself through glass.

This discovery challenged earlier assumptions about power and gender in pre-Columbian cultures.

Insider’s tip: Head up to the museum’s rooftop viewing deck for a wide view of the Chicama Valley. You’ll see how this ancient site connects to the surrounding farmland and river system that once supported it.

Day 6:  Sipán and journey into cloud forest

Travel time: Approximately 8–10 hours driving

This is a long day on the road, but the first part breaks things up nicely. Start the morning in Chiclayo and head to Huaca Rajada, where you can walk around the excavation site of the Lord of Sipán’s tomb.

The Lord of Sipán’s tomb, uncovered in 1987, was found completely intact and revealed a lot about the Moche civilization. At the Tumbas Reales Museum, you’ll see gold ear ornaments, decorative knives, beaded chest plates, and the half-moon headdress that marked the Lord’s high status. Everything in the museum was recovered from one of the most intact pre-Columbian tombs ever found in the Americas.

From there, continue to Túcume. You’ll pass a few small towns on the way, and the pyramids appear suddenly, rising out of the dry ground. You don’t need to walk all 26 pyramids, but wandering between a few of them shows how big this complex really was.

It’s then a steady uphill drive into the Andes. Watch for cloud banks rolling in. Eventually you reach Chachapoyas.

Day 7: Karajia’s sarcophagi

After breakfast, you’ll drive a couple of hours to reach the trailhead for Karajia. The ride through the mountains is scenic, but it’s the last bit that makes it interesting — you’ll go by horseback or on foot to get to the cliffside. The sarcophagi are perched on a narrow ledge and look almost cartoonish at first: wide eyes, thin arms, straight backs. But they’ve been there for more than 600 years, weathering rain and sun above a steep drop.

Once you ride back out, stop at Quiocta Caverns. You’ll need a flashlight and decent shoes, the cave floor is muddy. Inside, you’ll see long limestone formations, some faint rock art, and signs of past ceremonies. It doesn’t feel overly polished or staged, and there’s a guide on-site if you want context.

Day 8: Kuelap

Start early on day eight of this Peru itinerary and take the cable car up to Kuelap. It’s about 20 minutes each way and gives you a wide-angle view over the forest. From the upper station, you can walk or ride a short distance to the main entrance. The walls come into view before anything else: massive blocks stacked into steep defensive towers. Inside, you’ll follow paths past circular houses, narrow alleyways, and open plazas.

Kuelap was built by the Chachapoyas people around 900 AD, and it functioned like a fortified city. It’s quiet now, surrounded by forest and often wrapped in mist. If you look closely, you’ll notice carved faces and animal shapes on a few of the stone walls. Some visitors rush through, but give it a couple of hours.

Insider’s tip: Bring binoculars. The forest is protected, and you might spot parrots, toucans, or woolly monkeys around the edges.
 

Day 9: Gocta Waterfalls

The trail to Gocta starts near a small village. You’ll go on horseback for part of the way, then hike the last stretch. It’s not difficult, but it’s humid and muddy in places, especially after rain. Along the trail, you’ll pass orchids, moss-covered branches, and tiny frogs darting into the underbrush. The sound of the falls builds long before you see them.

At 2,530 feet (771 meters), Gocta is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. It drops in two main sections and creates a constant mist around the base. Expect to get wet. On the way back, the trail feels longer, but the views are worth it, especially when the clouds lift.

Insider’s tip: Bring a waterproof bag or rain cover for your gear. A dry shirt helps too.

Day 10: Departure

Your last morning of this Peru itinerary is quiet. If you’re up early, take a short walk and listen to the forest wake up. Birdsong is constant, and the mist clings to the trees before burning off. After breakfast, it’s time to drive to Jaén. The road heads downhill, following switchbacks through farmland and lower valleys.

Jaén is a small airport, and flights out are usually in the afternoon. You’ll want to leave plenty of time for the drive, just in case of weather delays or roadwork.

Need help planning a trip you’ll love? Local travel experts create itineraries tailored to you.

14 days in Peru itinerary

With more time, this two week Peru itinerary follows a path across Peru’s coast, desert and highlands. The days are paced to allow for proper acclimatization while hitting all the iconic sites plus hidden gems that most tourists miss.

Day 1: Lima

You’ll land in Lima on day one of this Peru itinerary and head into the city center. Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags, stretch your legs along the Miraflores Malecón, a paved walkway that runs along the cliffs above the Pacific. People from the area walk their dogs here, and you’ll pass landscaped parks and sculptures as you look out over the ocean. It’s a relaxed way to shake off the flight and get a first look at the capital.

Insider’s tip: Change just a bit of money at the airport to get you through the evening. For a better rate, wait until tomorrow and use a casa de cambio in Miraflores.

Day 2: Lima to Paracas

Travel time: 4 hours

Start day two of this Peru itinerary with a guided tour through Lima’s historic center. Around the main square, you’ll see the Government Palace, Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace, each great examples of Spanish colonial architecture.

Then you’ll head to the San Francisco Convent, known for its baroque cloisters and the underground catacombs lined with bones. Before leaving town, you’ll also get a look at Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built long before the Incas, oddly surrounded now by modern buildings.

In the afternoon, catch a bus to Paracas. The ride takes about 4 hours and follows the coast along the Pan-American Highway. The route is flat and scenic, especially if you sit on the right side.

Day 3: Paracas to Nasca

Travel time: 3 hours

In the morning of day three of this Peru itinerary, head out by boat to the Ballestas Islands. It’s known for wildlife, and once you're out there, you'll hear and smell why. Sea lions haul out on the rocks, penguins waddle around, and hundreds of birds circle overhead. On the way out, you’ll pass the Candelabra geoglyph, etched into the hillside. No one really knows who made it or why.

After the boat trip, take a bus inland through the desert to Nasca. 

Day 4: Nasca lines and on to Arequipa

You’ll start the day four of this Peru itinerary with a flight over the Nasca Lines. From the air, you’ll be able to clearly make out massive shapes like the monkey, spider, and hummingbird carved into the desert.

Nobody fully agrees on how or why they were made, which is part of what makes them so interesting. The plane is small, and the pilot makes sure both sides of the cabin get good views.

After the flight, you’ll travel to Arequipa by bus. This is a long one, but it’s worth doing overnight. The road climbs steadily into the Andes and the scenery gets more dramatic the higher you go. Overnight buses with reclining seats make it easier to sleep through most of it. Flights are also available.

Insider’s tip: Sit near the front of the plane if you're prone to motion sickness. Keep your eyes on the horizon between each figure to avoid feeling queasy.
 

Day 5: Arequipa

Wake up in Arequipa on day five of this Peru itinerary and take it slow. The air is thinner here, and the sun can feel intense.

Start with a visit to Carmen Alto for views of the volcanoes, then walk over to Yanahuara. It’s quieter, with narrow streets and an old stone church. The Santa Catalina Monastery is the main draw. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering through the courtyards and painted walls. It’s like a self-contained village inside the city.

While here, try rocoto relleno. It’s a stuffed red chili pepper that looks like a bell pepper but packs more heat. The filling is usually minced beef, onions, olives, peanuts, and a touch of raisins, topped with melted cheese and served with a side of creamy potato pastel de papa.

Day 6: Arequipa to Colca

Travel time: 6 hours

This drive from Arequipa to Colca Canyon takes you high into the Andes, passing Chachani volcano and climbing through open grasslands where you might see wild vicuñas grazing.

One of the first main stops is at Pampa Cañahuas, a national reserve with wide views and herds of camelids moving across the plains. On the way up, you’ll pass the Mollepunco cave and eventually get to a high viewpoint where you can see several snow-covered peaks in the distance.

Just before reaching Chivay, which is the main town near Colca Canyon, the road crosses a pass above 15,700 feet (4,800 meters). You’ll drop down slightly as you arrive and settle in. If you’re feeling up for it, head to La Calera hot springs later in the day. The warm water helps take the edge off the altitude and road fatigue.

Insider’s tip: Coca tea or coca leaves can help with the altitude. Drink some before leaving Arequipa so your body has a head start on the climb.
 

Day 7: Colca Canyon to Puno

Travel time: 6 hours

You'll need to get up early today, but seeing condors fly at the edge of Colca Canyon makes it worth it. The best viewing time is early morning when the birds ride the warm air currents from deep inside the canyon. They can pass close to the lookout, wings stretched wide as they rise on the thermals.

Day seven of this Peru itinerary is another full day on the road across the altiplano. Most visitors do it with a tourist bus, though public buses are also available if you're traveling independently. The landscape stays remote and high-altitude most of the way.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Maca and Yanque, two small villages where you can walk around and check out the local markets and churches. Then the road climbs again, crossing empty plains with wide skies and scattered alpacas before dropping into Puno, near Lake Titicaca.

Day 8: Puno (Lake Titicaca)

Lake Titicaca is the biggest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world at 12,500 feet (3,812 meters). Most boat trips start by visiting the Uros Islands, where families live on floating platforms made of reeds. Walking on the reed surface feels a bit like a trampoline. The Uros people have lived this way for generations, and you’ll hear stories about how they build, repair, and live on these islands.

Later, the boat continues to Taquile Island. This is a much larger landmass with a slower pace and a strong focus on traditional weaving. The locals still use centuries-old techniques and wear distinctive handmade clothing. For lunch, try fresh lake fish and local grains like quinoa, eaten outside with lake views before heading back to Puno.
 

Day 9: Puno to Cusco

Travel time: 10 hours including stops. Public buses are faster but skip all the sites. The tourist bus or driving is worth it for the break in routine.

This is a long day, but taking the tourist bus or driving breaks it up with stops. The first is Pucara, where there’s a small museum with pre-Inca artifacts and pottery. Next, you’ll cross La Raya Pass, the high point of the route at 14,200 feet (4,335 meters), with views of glacier-fed rivers and mountains in the distance.

Stop for lunch in Sicuani, followed by a visit to Raqchi, where the Temple of Wiracocha once stood. It’s one of the tallest Inca structures still standing. The last stop is Andahuaylillas, a village with a surprisingly ornate church covered floor to ceiling in painted murals and gold trim.

You’ll get to Cusco in the evening, just in time to check in and grab dinner somewhere close by.

Day 10: Cusco

Start your day in San Blas, a neighborhood that still feels like a local part of town. The streets are narrow and steep, with small galleries and workshops run by painters, weavers, and silversmiths. It’s a quieter area to explore before heading to the city’s historic center.

The Plaza de Armas is a good place to get your bearings. From here, you can visit the Cathedral, which has paintings that blend Catholic themes with Andean traditions. One of the more famous pieces is a version of the Last Supper featuring guinea pig on the plate. Nearby is Qoricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca world. Some of the original stonework is still visible under the colonial structure built on top.

Just outside the city are a few major ruins. Sacsayhuaman is worth a visit giant zigzagging walls built with massive stones. A short drive beyond, you'll find Q’enco, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each with its own purpose, from ritual spaces to water shrines and guard posts.

Insider’s tip: If you're planning to visit multiple sites, it’s cheaper and easier to get the Cusco Tourist Ticket instead of paying for each place separately.
 

Day 11: Cusco to Sacred Valley

Travel time: Around 1.5–2 hours total driving, including stops

The Sacred Valley was key to the Inca Empire, thanks to its fertile land and smart location. Start the day in Pisac. Down in the town square, the market gets going early. You’ll find here beautiful woven textiles, alpaca knits, clay cookware, all laid out under tarps.

As you continue through the valley, you'll pass rows of green terraces climbing up the hills. The terraces here were once used for farming, and the views stretch across the whole valley.

Continue along the valley floor, passing farmland still worked by local communities. In the afternoon, explore Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca settlements. The narrow cobbled streets follow the original layout, and water still runs through the old stone channels. You can climb the fortress steps to see how the site guarded the valley and to get a clear view of the surrounding mountains. Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 12: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu to Cusco

Travel time: Around 1.5 hours each way by train, 25 minutes by bus from Aguas Calientes to the site, and about 2 hours by road from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

On day twelve of this Peru itinerary, you’re finally heading to Machu Picchu. The train from Ollantaytambo follows the Urubamba River through steep forested terrain. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and feels more remote the closer you get. From Aguas Calientes, it’s a short but winding bus ride up the mountain, about 25 minutes, with a lot of tight curves.

Once you reach the entrance, it’s a short walk before the site opens up in front of you, with Huayna Picchu rising behind. A local guide will take you through the main areas, pointing out temples, terraces, and residential zones while explaining how the structures are aligned with the sun and stars.

You’ll probably see a few orchids along the way, and maybe even some llamas hanging around. After the visit, head back down to Aguas Calientes and catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by your return to Cusco.

Insider’s tip: Bring your passport. There’s a small desk just inside the gate where you can get a Machu Picchu stamp.
 

Day 13: Cusco

Day 13 of this Peru itinerary is about getting a feel for daily life in the Andes. In Chinchero, you’ll see how much of the Inca foundations are still part of village life. The church here is built over an Inca site and has detailed murals inside. At the local weaving center, women demonstrate how they use natural materials to create dyes and work with alpaca and sheep wool. The bright reds come from cochineal beetles, which they crush to get the pigment.

The surrounding terraces show how the Inca grew food at different elevations. Later in the day, head to Maras, where salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times. The salt pans spill down the hillside in thousands of small pools. Families still maintain these pools and harvest salt the traditional way. Paths between the pools are narrow, uneven, and can get slippery, so move carefully.

Insider’s tip: Wear closed shoes with good grip around Maras. Even though the paths look easy at first, they’re not as flat as they seem.

Day 14: Cusco departure

If your flight’s later in the day, use the morning to walk through San Blas or grab another coffee near the Plaza. Most shops open early, so you can still pick up anything you missed like small textiles, silver earrings, coca candy for the plane.

Give yourself time at the airport. It’s small, but lines back up fast. There aren’t many places to sit once you’re through security, so eat something before heading out.
 

Personalize your Peru travel itinerary

There’s no one way to experience Peru.  That’s why Rough Guides' local experts don’t follow set routes, they build your trip around how you like to travel.

If you want to add a multi-day trek to lesser-known ruins, spend time with chefs in Lima, visit Machu Picchu at sunrise with a private guide, or spend a few days in the Amazon, they can make it happen. They'll handle the logistics too, like booking accommodation that fits your budget, sorting transport between regions, and being available 24/7 in case anything changes while you're on the road. 

Because they live in Peru, they know what’s worth your time and can give access to things most travelers are sure to miss. If you’re ready to start planning, reach out to us through our enquiry form. 

Other Peru travel itineraries

Traveling in Peru often comes down to choosing between mountains, jungle, and coast.

Best nature Peru itinerary

This two-week trip takes you through some of the most ecologically diverse parts of Peru, from the high Andes to the Amazon Basin. You'll get a good mix of landscapes, wildlife, and traditional communities.

• Days 1 & 2: Cusco
  • Start in Cusco to give your body time to adjust to the altitude. The city sits at around 11,150 feet (3,400 meters). Spend your first couple of days wandering around the historic center, checking out the steep streets of San Blas, and visiting the ruins at Sacsayhuamán just above the city. The San Pedro Market is worth a walk-through too.
• Days 3 to 5: Lake Titicaca and Puno
  • From Cusco, head to Puno and Lake Titicaca, about 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level. It’s a long day’s travel, so take it slow once you arrive. A boat trip out to the Uros floating islands gives you a look at how people have adapted to living on reed platforms. You can also stay with a family on Taquile Island, where you’ll walk through terraced hillsides and eat local trout. Make time for Sillustani, a burial ground with giant stone towers set on a windswept peninsula above a quiet lake.
• Days 6 & 7: Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain
  • Loop back toward Cusco to explore the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is a good base for seeing Inca ruins and catching the train later, and there are some solid hikes around here. Pisac has a lively market and ruins above town that are worth the climb. If you’re up for it, join a one-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. The hike is tough, around 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) at the top, but the layered colors of the mineral hills are real, not edited.
• Days 8 to 12: Tambopata Amazon
  • From the Andes, fly down to Puerto Maldonado and take a long motorized canoe ride into the Tambopata region. The difference in humidity and altitude is instant. Most lodges here are only accessible by river and have no cell service, so it’s a good reset. Walkway bridges take you up into the canopy where you might see toucans or howler monkeys. Early mornings are usually spent at clay licks watching hundreds of macaws gather, and afternoons exploring oxbow lakes where you might see giant river otters or hoatzins. Night walks bring out tarantulas, frogs, and sometimes glowing caiman eyes.
• Days 13 & 14: Cusco
  • You’ll return to Cusco to decompress before flying out. If you missed any museums earlier, now’s your chance. The Museo de Arte Precolombino is well curated and manageable in under two hours. It’s also a good time to pick up any weavings or ceramics from local collectives or markets you might’ve skipped at the beginning.
     

Best Peru food itinerary

This food-focused route takes you through three regions known for their distinct flavors and local ingredients. You’ll go from Lima’s coastal ceviche joints to Cusco’s mountain markets and finish in Arequipa, where the food gets spicy and bold. Along the way, you’ll eat well and see some of Peru’s most famous sights.

• Days 1 to 4: Lima
  • Start in Lima, where seafood is the star. You’ll try fresh ceviche near the ocean, sample new fruits at neighborhood markets, and join a cooking class to get a feel for local techniques. The cityis known for its laid-back neighborhood restaurants and fine dining spots
• Days 5 to 9: Cusco and the Sacred Valley
  • As you adjust to the altitude, the food shifts too: heavier, earthier, and based on what grows at elevation. You'll come across dishes made with quinoa, hundreds of types of potatoes, and meats like alpaca. The San Pedro Market in Cusco is great for seeing what people in the area actually cook with. You can also take part in a traditional cooking demonstration in a Sacred Valley village or learn how to make a local stew in a clay oven.
• Days 10 to 12: Arequipa
  • Finish in Arequipa, where the food is rich, spicy, and built around native ingredients from the surrounding valleys and volcanoes. You’ll try dishes like chupe de camarones (shrimp soup with milk and potatoes) and ocopa (a creamy peanut sauce with herbs served over potatoes). Eat where people from the area do at a traditional picantería, and if you’ve got room for dessert, grab a cup of queso helado. It’s a kind of frozen milk treat that tastes better than it sounds.
     

Best family Peru itinerary

This Peru itinerary keeps the pace manageable for families with school-aged kids, focusing on Peru’s major highlights without too much moving around. You’ll fly into Lima, ease into the altitude in the Sacred Valley, explore Machu Picchu, and end in Cusco.

• Days 1 & 2: Lima
  • Start in the capital, where you can ease into the trip without rushing. The Museo Larco is a good intro. Easy to walk through, with colorful displays and a quiet garden where kids can stretch their legs. If the weather’s nice, walk the clifftop path through Miraflores for Pacific Ocean views and stop at a park or two along the way. On day two, catch a flight to Cusco and drive straight down into the Sacred Valley.
• Days 3 to 7: Sacred Valley
  • Spend five nights in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo so you can explore the valley without switching hotels. It’s an easy base for visiting the terraced ruins and market in Pisac, climbing through the old Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo, and checking out the salt ponds at Maras. Most kids enjoy the alpaca and llama farms, and there are options for horseback rides through the open countryside. Rest time is easy to build in here, and distances between stops are short, usually under 1.5 hours of driving.
• Days 8 & 9: Machu Picchu
  • Ride the train through the cloud forest to Aguas Calientes, the base town for visiting Machu Picchu. Most families stay one night so they can head up early the next morning. A private guide who’s good with kids can really make a difference here— pointing out animal shapes in the stonework or explaining the site in a way they’ll remember. Llamas still wander the terraces, and there’s enough space to explore at your own pace without it feeling too crowded.
• Days 10 & 11: Cusco
  • Wrap up in Cusco, which feels more manageable after time in the Sacred Valley. The steep hills and cobbled streets can be tiring, so plan breaks around open plazas where kids can move around. The ChocoMuseo is usually a hit. Kids can make their own chocolate while you grab a coffee. Markets are colorful and walkable, and a short taxi ride takes you up to the huge stonework at Sacsayhuamán.
• Day 12: Departure
  • Spend the morning picking up last souvenirs or just relaxing before your flight back to Lima. Most international connections leave late, so there’s time to ease into the travel day. Expect your kids to tell everyone about the llamas, the chocolate, and the giant rocks.

Peru travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning a Peru itinerary.

How many days do you need in Peru?

Give yourself at least 10 to 14 days if you want to see Peru properly without rushing through it. Most people start with a few days in Lima to try the food and walk the coastal neighborhoods. After that, head to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Plan around four days there so your body has time to adjust to the altitude before you visit Machu Picchu. You’ll want at least two days for Machu Picchu itself, especially if you're planning to hike one of the nearby mountains or take your time at the ruins.

If you're doing a trek like the Inca Trail or spending time in the Amazon, add another three to four days. If you’ve got longer, places like Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, and the Nazca Lines are worth working into your route. If you’re short on time, a week lets you cover Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, but it’ll be full-on. Three weeks gives you time to travel slower and see more of the country’s different regions.

What is the best time to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru’s  highlands is between May and September, when they are at their driest. This is the best time for hikes and visiting ruins. It’s also when most people travel, so it can get crowded and more expensive. April and October are a bit quieter and still have pretty decent weather, which works well if you’re looking to avoid peak season.

From January through March, it rains a lot in the mountains and some trails close temporarily. But this is actually a good time to visit the Amazon, since wildlife tends to be more active during the wet season. Lima and the coast don’t get much rain at all, but the skies are often overcast. If you want to hike the Inca Trail in the dry season, book your permit up to six months in advance.
 

How do you get around Peru?

Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances. Lima to Cusco only takes a little over an hour by plane, compared to 20 hours by bus. Buses like Cruz del Sur or Peru Hop are good for longer road trips, with big reclining seats and decent onboard service.

In cities, ride-share apps are usually the easiest and most reliable way to get around. For shorter regional trips, you can take collectivos, which are shared vans that leave when full. If you’re going to Machu Picchu, there’s no road that takes you all the way there, so you’ll need to take the train from somewhere like Ollantaytambo.

How much does a trip to Peru cost?

It depends a lot on how you like to travel. If you're on a budget, you can keep costs as low as $200 a day. Mid-range travelers spend more each day, around $350 to stay in comfortable hotels, eat at restaurants, and join small group tours. High-end trips with boutique hotels, private drivers, and guided experiences will raise your daily cost to $500 per day or more.

Your biggest expenses will probably be the entrance fees and transport related to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing a multi-day trek. Domestic flights can also add up, but they’ll save you time. Lima and Cusco are more expensive than rural towns, but you can still find cheap street food and fixed-price lunches almost everywhere. There are plenty of ATMs in cities, but it’s smart to carry some cash if you’re going off the beaten path.
 

Are permits or fees required for popular treks like the Inca Trail?

Yes. You’ll need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, and you have to book through a licensed tour operator. These permits often sell out months in advance, especially for the dry season, so plan early. You can’t do this trek on your own. Your permit will include your Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the final day.

Other treks like Salkantay, Lares, or Choquequirao don’t require advance permits and are good alternatives if you want fewer crowds. If you’re visiting Machu Picchu without a trek, you’ll still need to book a timed-entry ticket online. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, those tickets are separate and also have limited availability.

Always book through official websites or well-reviewed tour companies. Discounts are available for students and kids if you bring valid ID.

Is altitude sickness common, and do I need to schedule a day of rest for it?

Yeah, it’s pretty common in Cusco and other places above 11,000 feet (3,350 meters). It’s smart to plan at least two full days there before doing anything active, especially if you're headed to Machu Picchu or planning a trek. You might feel tired, get a headache, or feel a bit nauseous the first day or two. Drinking lots of water, eating lightly, and skipping alcohol can help. Coca tea is everywhere, and it’s worth trying.

One good option is to head straight to the Sacred Valley when you land. It’s lower than Cusco and gives your body a chance to adjust more gradually. If you’re worried about getting sick, talk to your doctor before you go about altitude meds like acetazolamide. Most people feel better within a day or two, but if you start feeling worse instead of better, you’ll need to go to a lower elevation. Machu Picchu is actually lower than Cusco, so you’ll likely feel fine by the time you get there.

How can I travel responsibly and support local communities?

Start by thinking about who you’re booking with. Some companies are better than others when it comes to treating guides and porters fairly. For example, if you’re hiking the Inca Trail, expect to pay around $600 or more for a four-day trek if the company follows Peru’s 2022 Porter Workers Law. Tips are also important. Around $20 to $28 per person for porters is a good guideline, or you can chip in $40 to $80 as a group and split it between the whole team.

When shopping, try to buy directly from artisan cooperatives rather than big souvenir shops. Awamaki in Ollantaytambo and the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco are good examples. Most of what you spend actually goes to the weavers. If you want to visit communities in a way that feels respectful, look into something like Tierra de los Yachaqs. They work with several villages in the Sacred Valley and set up visits that help support local families.

Another simple way to help is to bring school supplies in your suitcase and donate them through a program like Pack for a Purpose, which some hotels in Peru are part of. Try to stay in guesthouses owned by local families and eat in small restaurants when you can. Learning a few Quechua words shows people you're making an effort, and that goes a long way.

Avoid anything involving orphanage visits or captive wild animals. These things often aren’t what they seem.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel around Peru?

Not really, but it helps. In places like Cusco, Lima, and around Machu Picchu, you’ll find people who speak at least some English, especially in hotels or with guides. But in smaller towns, markets, bus stations, and restaurants, English isn’t common. Knowing a few basic phrases will make a big difference and help things go more smoothly.

It’s a good idea to download a translation app that works offline in case you don’t have service. In some highland villages, people speak Quechua first and may only speak a little Spanish, so patience is key. Even if your Spanish isn’t great, people are usually kind about it. Just knowing how to say hello, thank you, ask how much something costs, and order food will go a long way.