ITINERARIES FOR PERU: 7, 10 & 15 DAYS

(ROUTES THAT ACTUALLY WORK)

Let me save you weeks of research. After 20 years designing itineraries, I know exactly what works—and what doesn’t.
I’ve seen countless travelers with “perfect” plans on paper that fall apart in real life because they didn’t account for real travel times, altitude adjustment, or simply tried to do too much.

The #1 mistake?
Trying to see EVERYTHING.
Peru is huge. In 10 days you can’t do Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Arequipa, Nazca, the Amazon, and the northern beaches.
Well, technically you can—but you’ll spend more time in buses and airports than actually enjoying.

What I’m giving you here are three tested itineraries built on real timing, proper altitude acclimatization, rest days, and a human rhythm (not a military one).
Spoiler: Fewer destinations enjoyed deeply > more destinations rushed through.

BEFORE YOU START: THE GOLDEN RULES OF A GOOD ITINERARY

1. Altitude Acclimatization Is Real
   Don’t land in Cusco (11,000 ft) and jump straight into the Inca Trail. Your body needs 2–3 days to adjust.
2. Transfers Take Time
   A “travel day” Lima–Cusco doesn’t mean free time in the afternoon. Between check-out, airport transfers, flight, arrival, hotel… half your day is gone.
3. Less Is More
   Three destinations well enjoyed > six destinations rushed.
4. Plan Rest Days
   Especially after treks or intense days. You can’t go full speed for 15 days straight.
5. Weather Can Change Plans
   Especially in the rainy season—always have a Plan B.

🗓️ 7-DAY ITINERARY: THE ESSENTIAL PERU

Route: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
For: First-time visitors, limited time, want the highlights
Best time: May–September (dry season)
Budget: Approx. $1,200–2,000 USD (excluding international flight)
Intensity level: Medium

You’ll see:
✅ Lima (food capital of South America)
✅ Cusco (Inca capital)
✅ Sacred Valley
✅ Machu Picchu (of course)

You won’t see:
❌ Puno / Lake Titicaca
❌ Arequipa
❌ Amazon jungle
❌ Southern coast (Paracas, Nazca)

And that’s totally fine — in 7 days you’ll experience the essentials without exhausting yourself.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN LIMA

Most international flights arrive late at night.

What to do:

• Go through immigration (30–60 min)
• Taxi or Uber to Miraflores or Barranco ($15–25, about 45 min)
• If you arrive before 8pm: grab dinner and walk along the coastal cliffs
• If you arrive late: head straight to bed

Where to stay:

• Budget: Pariwana Hostel, Flying Dog ($25–40)
• Mid-range: Tierra Viva Miraflores, Hotel Runcu ($70–90)
• Premium: Belmond Miraflores Park, JW Marriott ($200–350)

Where to eat:

• Budget: El Bodegón, Surquillo Market (meals S/.15–25)
• Mid-range: La Mar (ceviche S/.50–70), Isolina (traditional Peruvian S/.40–60)
• Luxury: Central, Maido, or Astrid & Gastón (S/.250–600)

Daily cost: $50–100

Tips:

• Exchange a small amount of cash at the airport (rate isn’t great)
• Get a local SIM card for data ($10–15)
• ATMs are everywhere—don’t exchange too much cash at once

DAY 2 – LIMA CITY TOUR & FOOD EXPERIENCE

Morning (9am–1pm):

• Breakfast at hotel
• Lima Downtown Walking Tour:
  • Plaza Mayor (30 min)
  • Lima Cathedral
  • San Francisco Monastery + Catacombs ($5, 1 hr)
  • Walk along Jirón de la Unión

Lunch (1–2:30pm):

• Mercado by Rafael Osterling (modern ceviche, S/.60–80)
• Or La Mar (classic ceviche, S/.50–70)

Afternoon (3–7pm):

• Walk through the Love Park & Malecon Cisneros
• Visit Huaca Pucllana ruins ($5, 1 hr)
• Larcomar (shopping & sunset views)
• Barranco District: art galleries, Puente de los Suspiros, street murals

Evening (7–10pm):

• Dinner in Barranco:
  • Isolina (home-style Peruvian) or Canta Rana (seafood)
  • For fine dining: Central (book months ahead!)

Daily cost: $80–150
Tips:

• Uber from Miraflores ↔ Downtown: S/.20–30 (30 min)
• Downtown can be chaotic—watch your belongings
• If you fly to Cusco tomorrow, pack tonight

DAY 3 – LIMA → CUSCO (Arrival & Acclimatization)

Morning (6–9am):

• Flight Lima–Cusco (usually early morning, 1 hour)
• Light breakfast at airport

Arrival in Cusco (9–11am):

• Taxi to hotel ($7–10, 20 min)
• Check-in, unpack, and rest

What (not) to do:
🚫 Don’t start tours today
🚫 Don’t climb stairs fast
🚫 Don’t eat heavy meals
✅ Walk slowly around Plaza de Armas
✅ Drink coca tea (offered in most hotels)
✅ Stay hydrated

Afternoon (2–6pm):

• Light stroll around Plaza de Armas
• Visit Cusco Cathedral ($10) if you feel fine
• Optional short walk to San Blas neighborhood
• No rushing—just breathe and enjoy

Evening:

• Dinner:
  • Chicha by Gastón Acurio (modern Cusco cuisine, S/.60–90)
  • Morena Peruvian Kitchen (fusion, S/.50–70)
• Early bedtime—you might sleep poorly due to altitude, that’s normal

Where to stay:

• Budget: Pariwana Hostel, Milhouse ($25–45)
• Mid-range: Casa Andina Standard, Tierra Viva ($70–100)
• Premium: Palacio del Inka, JW Marriott ($150–250)

Daily cost: $100–180

Tips:

• This is your most important acclimatization day
• Mild altitude symptoms (headache, fatigue) are normal
• If it gets bad, hotels have oxygen tanks available

Day 4: Sacred Valley – Full-Day Tour from Cusco

Why Visit the Sacred Valley Before Cusco: Lower Altitude, Softer Acclimatization & Stunning Landscapes

At 2,800 meters (9,186 ft), the Sacred Valley of the Incas is lower than Cusco — making it the ideal first excursion to help your body adjust to the altitude while exploring some of the region’s most breathtaking Inca sites and Andean villages.

Typical Sacred Valley Tour Itinerary

Pick-up from hotel: 7:00–8:00 a.m.

Pisac (9:00–11:00 a.m.)

• Visit the Pisac Handicraft Market, one of the best places to buy souvenirs — prices are lower than in Cusco.
• Explore the Pisac archaeological site (optional). It’s a steep climb, but the panoramic views of the valley are worth it.

Urubamba (1:00–2:00 p.m.)

• Stop for a buffet lunch (usually included in the tour).
• Enjoy traditional Peruvian dishes made with local ingredients.

Ollantaytambo (2:30–4:00 p.m.)

• Explore the massive Inca fortress overlooking the town.
• Walk through Ollantaytambo’s ancient streets, still following the original Inca layout.
• Climb the terraces to the Sun Temple — take your time, the stairs are steep!

Chinchero (4:30–5:30 p.m.)

• Visit a traditional Andean village known for its textiles.
• Enjoy a weaving demonstration by local artisans.
• Visit the colonial church built atop Inca foundations.

Return to Cusco: around 6:00–7:00 p.m.

What’s Included

• Transportation
• Professional bilingual guide
• Lunch buffet in Urubamba

Not included:

• Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico): $50 USD, required for all Sacred Valley sites

Tour Prices

• Group tour: $30–50 USD per person
• Private tour: $150–200 USD per person

Where to Sleep

• Return to Cusco (same hotel)

Evening Options

After a long day, you can relax or enjoy dinner in Cusco:

• Jack’s Café – International favorites, $8–12 USD
• Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse – Fine Peruvian meats, $15–25 USD

Estimated daily cost: $100–150 USD

Travel Tips

• Buy your Tourist Ticket at the beginning of the tour (your guide will assist).
• Bring sunscreen – high-altitude sun is strong.
• Carry water and snacks for the ride.
• Have cash on hand for artisan markets in Pisac.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – The Most Awaited Day

The Journey to the Lost City of the Incas

This is the highlight of your entire trip — the day you finally step into Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whether you arrive by train or after a multi-day trek, this day will stay in your memory forever.

Option A: Morning Train (Recommended)

Early Morning (4:00–5:00 a.m.)

• Hotel pick-up in Cusco
• Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 2 hours)

Train to Aguas Calientes (7:00–8:30 a.m.)

• Board the Vistadome Train — panoramic windows and incredible Andean scenery
• Duration: 1.5 hours along the Urubamba River valley

Arrival in Aguas Calientes (9:00 a.m.)

• Disembark and take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu (30 minutes, ~$12 USD)

Machu Picchu Guided Tour (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• 2–3 hour guided tour through the most iconic areas: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone
• Free time for photos and personal exploration
• Take a deep breath — the energy of this place is magical

Afternoon (2:00–4:00 p.m.)

• Return bus down to Aguas Calientes
• Lunch options:
  • Indio Feliz – Fusion cuisine, ~$15–20 USD
  • Tinkuy Buffet – Located near the entrance, ~$20–25 USD

Return Journey (4:00–5:00 p.m.)

• Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
• Private transfer back to Cusco
• Arrival at your hotel around 8:00–9:00 p.m., tired but thrilled

Option B: Overnight in Aguas Calientes

• Take a late afternoon train the day before
• Spend the night in Aguas Calientes
• Enter Machu Picchu early (6:00 a.m.) — fewer crowds and a chance to see the sunrise
• Return to Cusco in the evening

Total Estimated Cost (Machu Picchu Day)

🏛️ Day 6: Cusco City – Recovery & City Tour

Relax after Machu Picchu and discover the heart of the Inca capital.

After the excitement of Machu Picchu, today is your chance to slow down, explore, and enjoy Cusco’s charm.

Morning (9 a.m.–12 p.m.)

Take it easy this morning. Enjoy breakfast and then head out for a Cusco City Tour, a perfect mix of history and local life.
Highlights:

• Qorikancha / Temple of the Sun (~$4 USD) – once the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire.
• Cusco Cathedral (included in the Tourist Ticket) – masterpiece of colonial art and architecture.
• San Pedro Market – taste fresh juices, see colorful produce, and feel the rhythm of daily life.

Lunch (12 – 2 p.m.)

• Cicciolina – tapas-style Peruvian dishes in a cozy atmosphere (~$18–25 USD).
• Limo Nikkei – elegant fusion of Peruvian + Japanese (~$20–27 USD).

Afternoon (2 – 6 p.m.)

Option 1 – Nearby Inca Ruins (group tour ~$20 USD / private ~$80 USD)
Visit the archaeological circuit above Cusco:

• Sacsayhuamán – gigantic stone walls overlooking the city.
• Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay – smaller but fascinating sites full of Andean mysticism.

Option 2 – Free Afternoon

• Wander the bohemian San Blas neighborhood (artisan shops, galleries).
• Visit the Pisco Museum for a tasting (~$8 USD).
• Or simply relax at your hotel or a café with a view.

Evening (7 – 10 p.m.)

Celebrate your last night in Cusco with a special dinner:

• MAP Café – romantic fine dining inside the Pre-Columbian Art Museum (~$25–35 USD).
• Cicciolina (if you didn’t go earlier).
• Pachapapa – rustic courtyard and delicious wood-fired dishes (~$15–20 USD).

Overnight: Cusco
Estimated Daily Cost: $80–150 USD

Traveler Tips

• Today is perfect for shopping souvenirs—you already know the fair prices.
• Negotiate kindly in markets (a smile goes a long way).
• If your flight leaves early tomorrow, pack tonight.

Day 7: Cusco → Lima → International Flight

Your Peruvian adventure comes to an end.

Morning:

• Hotel checkout
• Flight Cusco → Lima (usually 8–11 a.m.)

If your international flight departs late afternoon or evening:

• Store your luggage at a hotel near the airport (~$5–10 USD)
• Take a final walk through Miraflores
• Enjoy one last Peruvian meal by the Pacific Ocean

If your international flight departs early or midday:

• Go directly to Jorge Chávez International Airport
• Arrive 3 hours before your flight (lines can be long)

Estimated Daily Cost: $50–100 USD

Tips:

• Double-check the time between your domestic and international flights.
• Domestic and international terminals are connected but separate—allow enough time.
• Airport souvenir shops have fair prices if you missed anything downtown.

7-Day Peru Itinerary Summary

Total Budget (Excluding International Flights):

• Budget: $1,000 – 1,400 USD
• Mid-Range: $1,800 – 2,400 USD
• Premium: $3,500 – 5,000 USD

10-Day Peru Itinerary: Balanced and Complete Experience

Ideal for: First-time visitors who want to see Peru’s main highlights — and a little more.
Best travel time: May to September (dry season, perfect for sightseeing).
Budget: USD 1,600 – 2,800
Activity level: Moderate

Choose between two variants depending on your travel style:

• Option A: Cusco + Lake Titicaca (Classic Route)
• Option B: Cusco + Amazon Jungle (More Adventurous)

Variant A: Cusco + Puno (Classic Route)

Day 1–6: Same as the 7-day itinerary

Follow the Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu route.

Day 7: Cusco → Puno (Tourist Bus Route)

This isn’t a wasted travel day — it’s a sightseeing journey through the Andes.
The tourist bus from Cusco to Puno makes several scenic and cultural stops along the way.

• Departure: 7 – 8 a.m.
• Arrival: 5 – 6 p.m.
• Includes: guided visits to archaeological sites + buffet lunch

Typical stops:

• Andahuaylillas: The “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” a beautiful colonial church
• Raqchi: Temple of Wiracocha, impressive Inca ruins
• La Raya: The highest point (4,335 m / 14,222 ft) — great photo spot
• Pukará: Small lithic museum
• Lunch: Buffet restaurant along the route

Tourist bus cost: USD 25 – 40 (much better than the regular bus for nearly the same price)

Arrival in Puno:

• Hotel check-in
• Light dinner
• It’s cold! Puno sits at 3,827 m (12,556 ft) — bring thermal layers.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Inka’s Rest, Pukara Inn (USD 30 – 50)
• Mid-Range: Casa Andina Tikarani, Jose Antonio Hotel (USD 70 – 100)
• Premium: Hotel Libertador Lake Titicaca (USD 150 – 200)

Approx. daily cost: USD 70 – 120

Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island

Morning departure (6:30 – 7 a.m.) from Puno port on a fast boat.

Uros Floating Islands (8–10 a.m.):

• Handmade islands built entirely from totora reeds
• Home to the Uros people — one of the oldest cultures of the Andes
• 45-minute boat ride from Puno
• Learn how they build and maintain their islands
• Very touristy, but still fascinating

Taquile Island (11 a.m.–3 p.m.):

• Traditional Quechua community known for UNESCO-listed textiles
• Climb to the main square — take it slow due to altitude
• Lunch with a local family (included)
• Panoramic views of Lake Titicaca
• Fun fact: men do the weaving, women craft other handmade goods

Return: 4 – 5 p.m. to Puno
Dinner suggestions:

• Mojsa Restaurant (Andean fusion, USD 10–15)
• La Casona (Peruvian & international, USD 9–14)

Approx. daily cost: USD 80 – 130

Tips:

• Bring cash for island souvenirs
• Use sunscreen — the water reflection and high altitude can burn quickly
• Take a jacket — it gets cold on the boat

Day 9: Puno → Cusco or Arequipa

Option A – Return to Cusco:

• Tourist bus (7 hours, USD 25 – 40)
• Overnight in Cusco
• Day 10: Flight Cusco → Lima → International departure

Option B – Continue to Arequipa (if you have an extra day):

• Bus Puno → Arequipa (5 – 6 hours, USD 15 – 30)
• Half day in Arequipa
• Flight Arequipa → Lima

If you only have 10 days total, return to Cusco, stay overnight, and fly out next morning.

Approx. daily cost: USD 60 – 100

Day 10: Cusco → Lima → Departure

• Morning flight Cusco → Lima
• Connection to your international flight
• End of trip

Variant B: Cusco + Amazon Jungle (Adventurous Route)

Day 1–5: Same as 7-day itinerary (Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu)

Day 6: Cusco → Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Rainforest)

• Flight Cusco → Puerto Maldonado (30–45 min, usually midday)
• Arrival + transfer to jungle lodge (included)
• 1–3 hours by boat on the river
• Check-in and orientation
• Evening night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife

Where to stay: Amazon lodge package (all-inclusive)
Cost: included in lodge package

Days 7–8: Amazon Lodge Experience

Typical 3-day / 2-night program includes:

• Guided day and night jungle walks
• Canoe trips on oxbow lakes
• Macaw clay lick visit (if available)
• Optional excursion to Sandoval Lake
• All meals included
• Naturalist guides

Where to stay: Amazon lodge

Approx. lodge package cost:

• Budget: USD 300 – 400
• Mid-Range: USD 500 – 700
• Luxury: USD 900 – 1,500

Day 9: Amazon → Cusco → Lima

• Morning activity at the lodge
• Transfer to Puerto Maldonado Airport
• Afternoon flight to Cusco → Lima
• Overnight near Lima airport

Day 10: Lima → Departure

• International flight home
• End of your Peru journey

Summary – 10 Days in Peru

Estimated 10-Day Budget:

• Budget: USD 1,400 – 1,900
• Mid-Range: USD 2,400 – 3,200
• Premium: USD 4,500 – 6,500

15-Day Peru Itinerary: The Complete Experience

Ideal for: Travelers visiting Peru for the first time with enough time to explore it deeply — or those returning to discover more.
Best travel time: May to September (dry season, ideal for long journeys).
Budget: USD 2,500 – 4,500
Activity level: Medium to High

Route Overview:
Lima → Paracas → Nazca → Cusco → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Puno → Arequipa → Lima
(Alternative: Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → Puno → Amazon → Lima)

Below is the classic full route.

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s capital city. Transfer to your hotel and rest after your international flight.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short evening walk in Miraflores or Barranco.

Where to stay: Lima

Day 2: Lima (Full City Tour)

Morning:

• Explore the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, and colonial balconies.
• Stop at Casa Aliaga, one of the oldest colonial mansions in South America.

Afternoon:

• Tour the world-class Larco Museum, with its pre-Columbian art and ancient artifacts.
• Visit Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of Miraflores.

Evening:

• Discover the Magic Water Circuit, a colorful fountain show at night (S/. 4).
• Or enjoy dinner at a top restaurant such as Central, Maido, or Isolina — Lima is a gastronomic capital.

Where to stay: Lima

Day 3: Lima → Paracas

Morning:

• Bus Lima → Paracas (4 hours, USD 20–35).
• Depart between 8–9 a.m., arrive around noon.

Afternoon:

• Check in at your hotel in Paracas.
• Stroll along the seaside promenade.
• Visit Red Beach (Playa Roja) by taxi (USD 10–15 round trip).
• Optional: Tour the Paracas National Reserve by car.

Evening:

• Seafood dinner recommendations:
  • El Coral (USD 13–20)
  • Waterfront restaurants with sunset views

Where to stay:

• Budget: Hostal Paracas (USD 25–40)
• Mid-Range: San Agustín Paracas, Paracas Backpackers (USD 60–90)
• Luxury: Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort (USD 250–400)

Day 4: Paracas (Ballestas Islands) → Nazca

Morning (early):

• Take the Ballestas Islands boat tour (8 a.m., 2–3 hours, USD 15–25).
• See sea lions, penguins, seabirds, and the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.

Midday:

• Return to Paracas, check out, and take the bus Paracas → Nazca (3 hours, USD 10–20).
• Arrive in Nazca around 3–4 p.m.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum or Maria Reiche Museum.
• Stop at the Nazca Lines viewpoint along the highway — a free and easy glimpse of the famous lines.

Where to stay: Nazca (USD 30–80, depending on category).

Day 5: Nazca (Flight Over the Lines) → Cusco

Morning:

• Take the iconic Nazca Lines flight (8–10 a.m., USD 90–120, 30–35 minutes).
• Book the day before to secure your time slot.

Midday:

• Long-distance bus Nazca → Cusco (14–15 hours, overnight).
  • Depart 1–2 p.m., arrive 5–6 a.m. next day.
• Or, for more comfort, fly via Lima (Nazca → Lima → Cusco).

Day 6: Arrival in Cusco (Acclimatization)

Morning:

• Arrive in Cusco around dawn.
• Early check-in if possible, rest, shower, and relax.

Afternoon:

• Easy acclimatization walk — explore San Blas neighborhood or Plaza de Armas.
• Drink coca tea to help with altitude.

Evening:

• Light dinner and early sleep to adjust to 3,400 m (11,155 ft).

Where to stay: Cusco

Days 7–11: Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Follow Days 4–6 of the 7-day itinerary, but with more flexibility.

Extra options:

• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Full-day hike, demanding but stunning (5,200 m / 17,060 ft).
• Humantay Lake: Easier alternative, equally beautiful turquoise lake.
• Maras & Moray: Visit salt mines and circular Inca terraces.
• Peruvian Cooking Class: Fun half-day activity with local chefs.

Highlights: Machu Picchu, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, local markets, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.

Day 12: Cusco → Puno

Take the scenic tourist bus from Cusco to Puno (see Day 7 of the 10-day itinerary).
Enjoy a day full of Andean culture and landscapes.

Day 13: Lake Titicaca (Uros & Taquile Islands)

Same as Day 8 of the 10-day itinerary.
Optional: Homestay on Amantaní Island (2D/1N) for a more authentic and cultural experience.
Basic accommodation but a truly special experience.

Day 14: Puno → Arequipa

Bus Puno → Arequipa:

• 5–6 hours (USD 15–35)
• Stunning views of the Altiplano and volcanoes.

Afternoon in Arequipa:

• Check in to your hotel.
• Visit Plaza de Armas, one of Peru’s most beautiful squares.
• Santa Catalina Monastery (closes at 5 p.m. — visit next day if late).

Evening:

• Dinner suggestions:
  • Zig Zag (grill & fondue, USD 16–25)
  • Chicha (Arequipean cuisine, USD 15–22)

Where to stay:

• Budget: Wild Rover, Le Foyer (USD 25–40)
• Mid-Range: Casa Andina Classic, Los Tambos (USD 60–90)
• Luxury: Casa Andina Premium, Cirqa Relais & Châteaux (USD 150–250)

Day 15: Arequipa (Monastery + Flight to Lima)

Morning:

• Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery (3 hours, USD 15).
  • A “city within a city,” with colorful streets and rich history.

Midday:

• Explore Yanahuara viewpoint and enjoy lunch at Sol de Mayo (famous for rocoto relleno).

Afternoon:

• Flight Arequipa → Lima (usually 4–6 p.m.).
• Transfer to airport hotel or connect with your international flight.

Optional: Add a 2-day Colca Canyon tour if you have extra time — one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders.

Summary – 15 Days in Peru

Estimated 15-Day Budget:

• Budget: USD 2,000 – 2,800
• Mid-Range: USD 3,500 – 4,800
• Premium: USD 7,000 – 10,000

Itinerary Variations by Interest

Adventure & Trekking

For adventure lovers, adjust the 15-day itinerary as follows:

• Days 7–10: Replace the standard Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu section with the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N.
• Day 11: Rest and recovery in Cusco.
• Days 14–15: Replace the Arequipa city visit with the Colca Canyon 2D/1N

Optional add-ons:

• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
• Laguna 69 (near Huaraz — requires extra days)
• Urubamba River rafting

Gastronomy Lovers

Focus on Lima — Peru’s food capital:

• Add 1–2 extra days at the beginning.
• Join a market-to-table culinary tour.
• Take a Peruvian cooking class (ceviche & pisco sour).
• Dine at world-renowned restaurants: Central, Maido, Astrid y Gastón.

In Cusco:

• Half-day Peruvian cooking class with a local chef.
• Visit San Pedro Market with your guide.
• Try fine-dining restaurants such as MAP Café or Cicciolina.

Family-Friendly (with Kids)

Adjustments:

• Remove long or strenuous hikes.
• Include more rest days between destinations.
• Focus on Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu (by train).
• Skip Puno if traveling with small children (cold and high altitude).
• Add the Amazon jungle — kids love spotting wildlife.

Family-friendly activities:

• Private tours (more flexible).
• Visit the Chocolate Museum in Cusco.
• Explore San Pedro Market.
• Train ride to Machu Picchu — always a highlight for children.

Culture & Archaeology

For travelers passionate about history and culture, focus on:

• Museums in Lima: Larco Museum, National Museum, Gold Museum.
• Cusco: all major Inca archaeological sites.
• Sacred Valley: full-day exploration including Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
• Maras & Moray: salt mines + Inca agricultural terraces.
• Puno: live Andean culture on Lake Titicaca.
• Arequipa: Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (home of the Ice Maiden Juanita).

Consider adding:

• Choquequirao Trek (demanding but worth it).
• Chachapoyas & Kuelap (needs extra days).

What to Book in Advance

Critical (2–6 months ahead)

• ✅ Inca Trail permits: 6 months ahead for high season.
• ✅ International flights: book early for best rates.
• ✅ Machu Picchu entry tickets: 1–2 months ahead (sell out quickly).
• ✅ Train to Machu Picchu: 1 month ahead in high season.

Important (2–4 weeks ahead)

• ✅ Hotels in Cusco during peak season.
• ✅ Amazon lodge reservations.
• ✅ Domestic flights (Cusco – Lima, etc.).
• ✅ Fine-dining restaurant bookings (Central, Maido, etc.).

Can Be Last-Minute

• Sacred Valley tours (many options).
• Lake Titicaca tours.
• Nazca Lines flights (book 1 day before).
• Hotels during low season.

Final Itinerary Tips

1. Build in a Buffer Day
   If possible, keep one “just-in-case” day — weather and delays happen.
2. Don’t Underestimate Travel Times
   Cusco–Puno says 6 hours, but it’s often 7–8 with stops and traffic.
3. Quality over Quantity
   It’s better to truly enjoy 3 days in Cusco than rush through everything in one.
4. Listen to Your Body
   Don’t schedule intense hikes right after a long trek — recover first.
5. Have a Plan B
   What if your Nazca flight is canceled by rain? What if you miss a flight?
6. Save Your Energy for Machu Picchu
   Don’t arrive exhausted — it’s the grand finale of your trip.

Common Itinerary Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Mistake 1: Starting the Inca Trail the day after arriving in Cusco
✅ Solution: Allow at least 2 full days for altitude acclimatization.

❌ Mistake 2: Trying to see Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Nazca, and the Amazon in just 7 days
✅ Solution: Choose 2–3 regions per week max.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring real travel time
✅ Solution: A “travel day” = half a day lost in transit, not a full day of activities.

❌ Mistake 4: Visiting Machu Picchu on Day 2 in Cusco
✅ Solution: Go on Day 3 or 4 after you’ve adjusted to altitude.

❌ Mistake 5: Scheduling intense activities every day without rest
✅ Solution: Alternate between active and relaxed days.

Final Thought

There’s no such thing as the perfect itinerary — but there is a perfect itinerary for you.
Consider your rhythm, interests, budget, and physical condition.
And remember: you can always come back.
No one sees all of Peru in one trip.