How to spend 10 days in Peru - 5 unique itineraries

Whether you're drawn to the mystique of Machu Picchu, the culinary delights of Lima, or the enigmatic allure of the Amazon rainforest, Peru promises a diverse set of experiences that will linger in your memory for a lifetime. Here's our guide to creating your own 10-day Peru itinerary, complete with itinerary suggestions that blend history, nature and contemporary vibrancy.

Is 10 days enough for Peru?

While 10 days won't allow you to see every corner of Peru, it provides enough time to explore some of the country's most iconic attractions. Careful planning, prioritising your interests, and considering travel logistics will help you make the most of your time in this captivating South American country.

One point to note: it’s  important to consider that if your itinerary includes high-altitude destinations like Cusco, it's essential to acclimatise to prevent altitude sickness. This may require spending a day or two in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu.

Itinerary #1: Coast, Mountain Ranges and the Amazon Rainforest

On this 10 day Peru itinerary, you’ll explore the rich history, diverse nature, and vibrant culture of Peru. Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Lima, then venture to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before concluding in the Peruvian jungle. Discover Peru’s lakes, nature trails, and breathtaking views in this unique and captivating destination. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check-out this 10-day Peru itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival at Lima International Airport
• Rest of the day at leisure to explore Lima

Day 2

• Panoramic city tour including the Colonial Center, Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Municipality of Lima
• Visit the Convent of San Francisco with cloisters and catacombs
• Panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana and Miraflores district

Day 3

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco
• Arrival in Cusco, transfer to the selected hotel
• Free time to acclimate or explore Cusco

Day 3

• City tour of colonial Cusco, including Main Square, Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and the Cathedral
• Visit archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman, Q'enco, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay

Day 4

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit Pisac town and its handicraft market
• Explore the Sacred Valley of Urubamba
• Lunch buffet in the Sacred Valley
• Visit Ollantaytambo, an Inca city with archaeological sites

Day 5

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the train station
• Excursion to Machu Picchu, guided tour for approximately 2 hours
• Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch
• Return to Cusco

Day 6

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado
• Arrival in Puerto Maldonado, boat ride to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion
• Lunch at Casa Grande dining room
• Afternoon jungle walk and Twilight Riverboat ride
• Dinner at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Day 7

• Morning visit to Lake Sandoval, an ox-bow lake in Tambopata National Reserve
• Canoe ride to explore the lake's biodiversity
• Afternoon Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda Walk
• Rainforest walk by night

Day 8

• Visit the organic bio-orchard and Palmetum
• Lunch at Casa Grande dining room
• Paddle boat ride in Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion’s lagoon
• Fishing for piranha and Inland Collpa observation

Day 9

• Return boat and road journey to Puerto Maldonado
• Visit to the Butterfly House

Day 10:

• Transfer to the airport for departure

If this trip suits your taste, why wait? Customise your experience with our tailor-made trip service and book it today.

Itinerary #2: Peru for Nature Lovers

Peru stands out as one of the planet's most ecologically diverse nations, hosting 84 of 103 ecosystems and encompassing nearly 90% of the world's recognised climates. Undoubtedly, Peru provides an abundance of attractions for those who appreciate and cherish nature. On this trip, designed for nature lovers, you’ll discover many of the natural sites Peru has to offer. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Peru itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrival in Lima
• Transfer to hotel in Miraflores District
• Leisure time to relax or explore

Day 2

• Fly to Cusco, then onto Sacred Valley
• Visit Awanacancha, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo
• Explore textile techniques, Pisac archaeological complex, and the Ollantaytambo fortress
• Farm lunch at Hacienda Sarapampa
• Return to the hotel

Day 3

• Maras Saltpans, Moray Terraces & Ollantaytambo
• Visit Maras salt fields and terraces, Moray terraces, and Ollantaytambo fortress
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Return to the hotel

Day 4

• Full-day excursion to Machu Picchu via roundtrip train
• Train journey to Aguas Calientes
• Bus ride to Machu Picchu Citadel
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Day 5

• Free day in Machu Picchu
• Morning at leisure to explore
• Afternoon train back to Cusco
• Transfer to the hotel

Day 6

• Discover Cusco's landmarks
• Visit Santo Domingo church, San Cristobal viewpoint, Sacsayhuaman, Inca Baths of Tambomachay, and Main Plaza
• Guided tour of the Cathedral
• Afternoon at leisure for personal activities
• Fly from Cusco to Lima
• Night in Lima

Day 7

• Fly to Iquitos
• Transfer to Tree House Lodge
• Start of the Amazonian adventure

Day 8

• Days at leisure in Iquitos
• Optional activities or relaxation

Day 9

• Days at leisure in Iquitos
• Optional activities or relaxation

Day 10

• Depart for home

Planning your trip to Peru? See our Peru itineraries for inspiration.

Itinerary #3: A hidden gem in Peru

This Peru 10 day itinerary is a journey to explore the marvels of Peru through a less-travelled route in the northern region. Uncover rich history through archaeological sites, and be awestruck by the expansive nature and picturesque landscapes that await. Read more. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Peru itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrive at Lima International Airport.
• Transfer to hotel
• Leisure time

Day 2

• Visit Caral, the first centre of civilization in the Americas.
• Explore the archaeological site with an English-speaking guide.

Day 3

• Stop at Sechin Alto, the capital of a pre-Incan culture.
• Continue to Trujillo, known for colourful painted buildings.

Day 4

• Private tour of archaeological sites: Huaca del Sol, Huaca de la Luna, and Chan Chan.
• Lunch provided.
• Visit a traditional Mochica family.
• Explore Arco Iris Temple and Chan Chan.

Day 5

• Visit El Brujo Complex and Senora De Cao Museum with a private guide.
• Explore Mochica-built adobe temples.

Day 6

• Visit Huaca Rajada and Tucume.
• Private tour of Tumbas Reales Museum.

Day 7

• Horse ride to Karajia sarcophagi and Quiocta Caverns.
• Explore the ancient burial site.
• Overnight at Casa Hacienda Achamaqui.

Day 8

• Visit Kuelap Fortress, the "new Machu Picchu."
• Cable car, horseback, or walking to the fortress.
• Overnight at Casa Hacienda Achamaqui.

Day 9

• Horse ride to Gocta waterfalls (over 770 meters tall).
• Enjoy panoramic views and smaller waterfalls.
• Look out for wildlife along the way.
• Overnight at Gocta Andes Lodge.

Day 10

• Depart from Coachimba for your journey back home.

Our itineraries are crafted by local travel experts and can be booked today.

Itinerary #4: Machu Picchu, Titicaca & Uyuni

On this 10 day trip, you’ll get to experience the wonders of Peru and Bolivia, starting with the mesmerising ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Next, journey onward to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Then explore La Paz before heading to the awe-inspiring Salar de Uyuni, home to the breathtaking salt flats. Read more. 

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Peru itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrive at Liima International Airport.
• Explore Lima at leisure.

Day 2

• Start a panoramic city tour visiting the Colonial Center, Major Square, Government Palace, Cathedral Basilica, and more.
• Explore the convent of San Francisco with cloisters and catacombs.
• Continue through traditional, residential, and commercial areas of Lima.
• End with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Miraflores beaches.

Day 3

• Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco.
• Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to the selected hotel.
• Visit Plaza de Armas, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), and the Cathedral of Cusco.
• Explore the archaeological centres of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enco, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Day 4

• Visit Pisac town, its handicraft market, and the Sacred Valley of Urubamba.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch.
• Explore Ollantaytambo, an Inca city with megalithic temples and foundations.

Day 5

• Transfer to the train station for a journey to Machu Picchu.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore temples, squares, and terraces, and enjoy the surrounding biodiversity.
• Return to Cusco and transfer to San Agustin International Hotel.

Day 6

• Transfer to the bus station for a shuttle to Puno.
• Visit Andahuaylillas church, Raqchi archaeological centre, La Raya pass, and Pucará Museum.
• Arrive in Puno.

Day 7

• Transfer to Copacabana, and visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin Morena.
• Sail on Lake Titicaca to the southern part of Isla del Sol.
• Disembark to visit the Archaeological remains of "Pilkakaina" and Yumani stairs.
• Move to Huatajata, then bus to La Paz.

Day 8

• City Tour visiting colonial museum, house of Murillo, Tiahuanaco open museum, Moon Valley, and Indian market.

Day 9

• Visit the pre-Inca archaeological centre of Tiahuanaco culture.
• Explore Puerta del Sol, monoliths, the pyramid of Akapana, and the semi-underground temple.

Day 10

• Transfer to the airport for a flight to Uyuni.
• Visit Train Cemetery, Colchani Village, and Los Ojos del Salar.
• Explore Isla Incahuasi with giant cacti.
• Transfer to the airport for departure.

Debating what time of year to plan your trip? See our guide to when to go to Peru.

Itinerary #5: Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

On this 10 day trip, you’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start your journey in Quito, where you'll discover the Middle of the World. Then, soar to the Galapagos Islands, a renowned biodiversity hotspot, before concluding your trip with the sublime Machu Picchu in Peru. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Peru itinerary:

Day 1

• Explore Quito’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Stroll through Independence Plaza, and visit La Compañia de Jesús Church, and San Francisco Church.
• Head to the Middle of the World to straddle the equator.

Day 2

• Transfer to Quito airport at 07:00 AM.
• Fly to the Galapagos Islands and board Yacht Isabela II.
• Explore Santa Cruz Island's Highlands and Puerto Ayora.
• Board Yacht Isabela II for overnight accommodation.

Day 3

• Visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island for beach walks and marine iguana sightings.
• Explore Chinese Hat Islet in the afternoon, enjoying snorkelling and Galapagos penguins.

Day 4

• Explore Prince Philip’s Steps for birdwatching on Genovesa Island.
• Visit Darwin Bay to enjoy a leisurely walk and observe resident birds.

Day 5

• Visit Santa Fe Island for encounters with sea lions and land iguanas.
• Explore South Plaza Island for snorkelling and a glass-bottom boat ride.

Day 6

• Disembark at Baltra Island, transfer to the airport, and fly to Lima.

Day 7

• Half-day tour of Lima’s historic centre, including Plaza San Martin and Plaza Mayor.
• Visit the Larco Herrera Museum and Hacienda for pre-Columbian art.

Day 8

• Visit Awanacancha, Pisac Market, and Pablo Seminario’s Ceramic Workshop in the Sacred Valley.

Day 9

• Tour Chinchero Town and Maras Salt Pans.
• Visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress.
• Transfer to the train station for the journey to Aguas Calientes.

Day 10

• Take a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the Citadel.
• Enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge’s Tinkuy Restaurant.
• Transfer to the airport for departure.

Prepare for your 10-day Peru itinerary

Carefully crafted by our local travel experts, each of these itineraries is designed to provide an exceptional experience. For more info, read up on the optimal time to explore Peru, discover the best activities in the region, and explore other inspiring Peru itineraries.

Alternatively, to save time on researching and planning your dream trip, take advantage of our tailor-made trip service. Our trips are entirely customisable to suit your preferences and ensure a personalised adventure.

Places to visit on a 10-day Peru itinerary

A 10-day itinerary in Peru offers a great opportunity to explore a mix of cultural, historic and natural wonders. Here are some key destinations to consider:

Lima

Lima, Peru's capital, is a great place to experience the vibrancy of Peruvian culture as you explore colonial architecture, stroll through the historic Plaza de Armas, and indulge in the delectable flavours of Peruvian cuisine. Meanwhile, the Miraflores district beckons with its modern charm, offering a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary allure.

Cusco

Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Allow a few days for acclimatisation to the high altitude as you navigate historic streets, bustling markets, and awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman. You'll feel the echoes of the past resonating through every cobblestone.

Puerto Maldonado

Puerto Maldonado is known as the portal to the Amazon Rainforest. Here you can bask in the vibrant biodiversity of the jungle as you navigate its waterways and trails. If you're lucky, you may even encounter exotic wildlife — from colourful birds to elusive mammals — and gain insights into the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a haven of natural beauty and ancient wonders. While here, marvel at the agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo, explore the vibrant markets of Pisac, and let the serene landscapes become a backdrop to your contemplative moments.

Machu Picchu

The infamous Machu Picchu awaits, perched majestically amidst the clouds as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll want to dedicate a day to unravelling the mysteries of this breathtaking Incan citadel, where every stone tells a tale against the backdrop of an awe-inspiring mountain vista.

Puno and Lake Titicaca

No Peru 10-day itinerary is complete without a stop in Puno — gateway to the mystical Lake Titicaca. Cruise its crystalline waters, visiting the unique floating Uros Islands and connecting with the indigenous communities that thrive in this high-altitude haven. This is a great opportunity to experience the highland serenity of Lake Titicaca.