Peru is one of the most popular travel destinations in South America, and for good reason! With a rich history, stunning landscape, and friendly people, Peru has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you may be wondering what the best itinerary is. There are so many options and it can be tough to know where to start.
This article details the best Peru itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip. This guide provides recommendations for visiting some of Peru’s other important cities, as well as ideas for things to do and see in each place and recommendations for varying lengths of stay in Peru.
How Many Days to Spend in Peru
Key Cities to See in Peru
Every Peruvian city is worth seeing. The country’s culture is fascinating in and of itself. The cuisine, particularly Peruvian street food, is never disappointing. Furthermore, because the Peruvian lifestyle is quite laid-back, visitors are forced to take a step back and appreciate life while they’re there.
Then there’s the environment. The Peruvian terrain is breathtaking. If you enjoy nature, Peru will be right up your alley. Peru offers a wide range of terrains, including beaches, mountains, jungles, and deserts—and it’s far beyond what you could have imagined.
The following is a list of some of the most popular cities to see in Peru. Later on, you’ll read suggestions for different types of Peru itineraries for varying lengths of stay in Peru.
Lima: The Country’s Booming Capital
Many people include Lima, Peru on their list of places to visit in Peru. This is because Jorge Chávez International Airport, which is the only international airport in Peru, is located in Lima. This means that international travelers must stop in Lima first. Some travelers stay in Lima for a day and use it as a stopover city on their way to their next destination in Peru. Others stay in Lima for days and take advantage of all the activities the city has to offer.
How Long to Stay in Lima, Peru:
The ideal amount of time to stay in Lima is 2-5 days. Some people split their time in Lima up by going at the beginning and end of their trip. This works because travelers have to go through Lima when they enter and leave Peru.
Where to stay in Lima, Peru:
The best neighborhoods to stay in Lima are Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro. You can find out more about these neighborhoods and where to stay here.
How to Get Around Lima:
The best way to get around Lima is by using the RideShare App. Uber works well in Lima and is a popular choice for many people. There are also public taxis and buses. If you take a public taxi, be sure to negotiate the cost of your trip before getting in the car; otherwise, you may end up paying more than you should for your trip.
What to do in Lima:
Lima is a great city to spend time in if you want to experience Peruvian culture. The city has a great food scene, with some of the world’s best restaurants located there—such as Central Restaurante. There are also plenty of other things to do and see in Lima, such as its rich history and beautiful architecture.
- Spend time at the beach and go surfing & paragliding
- Learn about Incan culture at the Museo Larco
- Walk-through Barranco, the artsy neighborhood in Lima
- Check out the country’s capital building in the Historic Center
- Walk through the ruins from 200 to 700 AD at Huaca Pucllana. You can visit during the day or eat at the on-property restaurant in front of the lit-up ruins at night.
- Go swimming with the sea lions near Islas Palomino; located 90 minutes from Lima, Peru by boat.
- See the statue in El Parque Del Amor (translation: Love Park)
Cusco: Home to Incan Ruins & Some of the Worlds Best Treks
Cusco is the most popular city for tourists in Peru. Many tourists visit Machu Picchu, which is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. To get there, tourists have to travel through Cusco City. When tourists only have time to visit one or two cities on their trip, they usually visit Lima and Cusco. There are many things to see and do in the Cusco Region, including Incan Ruins, city life, spiritual activities, and plenty of mountainous hiking trails.
How Long to Stay in Cusco, Peru:
Cusco has a lot to offer tourists. If you have a short trip to Peru, you can plan to spend 3-5 days in Cusco. This will give you time to see the key attractions. If you are staying in Peru for a longer time, you can spend 30 days or more in Cusco and not run out of things to do.
Where to Stay in Cusco, Peru:
The Cusco region of Peru is very big. There are many places for tourists to stay. The most common areas for tourists to stay are in Cusco City, Urubamba, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo.
Hot to Get Around Cusco:
The most common way to get around in the Cusco region is a colectivo. Colectivos are vans that hold about 12 people. They go to and from all the major cities in the Cusco region for a low price. You can also take moto-taxis or taxis within each city. As always in Peru, be sure to negotiate the cost of your ride before getting into any transportation so you don’t pay too much.
What to do in Cusco:
There is so much to do in Cusco, especially for travelers that like culture and adventure. Below is a list of some of the key activities:
- Spend Time in Cusco City: You’ll have to stop in Cusco City while en-route to other areas in the region due to how transportation flows in Peru. While in Cusco City, visit San Blas, Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and shop for local Peruvian goods in Mercado Central.
- Visit Machu Picchu: The most common reason that people visit Peru is to see Machu Picchu. There are several ways to get there. The most common way is to hike the Inca Trail, but you can also take a day trip from Cusco City.
- Trek to Inti Punku, The Sun Gate at Machu Picchu: Inti Punku is one of many Incan ruins in the Cusco Region. It was once a guarded entranceway to Machu Picchu, which is quite a distance away from the site. The hike to Inti Punku can be accessed from Ollantaytambo and takes about 7 hours in total to complete.
- Hike Rainbow Mountain: The Rainbow Mountain Trek is one of the most challenging hikes in the world. The mountain is set at an altitude of 17,000 feet, making every step taken on top of it a tremendous feat.
- Go to the Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley was once the center of the Incan Empire in Peru. This is a great place to visit if you want to relax and see some ancient Incan Ruins. There are many towns in the Sacred Valley, but Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo are the most popular.
Arequipa: The White City
Arequipa is the second most populous city in Peru. The buildings in Arequipa are made from colonial-style architecture and they are mostly white. Because of the use of white, it is nicknamed “the white city.” There are three volcanoes near Arequipa and Colca Canyon is close to the city. This city is good for people who want to see a mix of Peruvian city life and nature.
How Long to Stay in Arequipa:
If you want to visit Arequipa, it is recommended to stay for 1 day in the city and 2-3 days if you want to visit Colca Canyon.
Where to Stay in Arequipa:
The best place to stay in the Arequipa region is in the city of Arequipa, near the city center.
How to Get Around Arequipa:
Arequipa City is small and easy to walk around in. There are taxis available if you need to go further away, but for trips to Colca Canyon, it’s best to go with a tour group. The tour group will provide transportation to and from the city.
What to Do in Arequipa:
The Arequipa region offers many activities for people who want to stay in the city or explore nature. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Arequipa:
- Walk around Arequipa City: If you want to explore a foreign city, the best way to do it is by walking around. Arequipa is a great city for this because the white colonial architecture is so beautiful and it’s easy to navigate on foot.
- Go on a free walking tour: These tours leave from the City Center every day and last about two to three hours. You will visit every landmark in the city with a local guide who will tell you about each site.
- Visit Colca Canyon: If you like hiking and nature, you should visit Colca Canyon in Peru. You can do a one-day tour or go on a longer hike for two to three days. The one-day tours are aggressive, but it’s worth it if you don’t have much time.
- Spend Time in the Plaza de Armas: This section of Arequipa is beautiful. It has views of grand colonial architecture next to monotonous terrain. Restaurants line the plaza, and it’s a great place to stop and enjoy the views while having a meal.
- Go to the Museo Santuarios Andinos: This museum has exhibits from the Incan era. They have textiles, ceramics, and bioarchaeological artifacts.
- See tons of Alpacas at Mundo Alpaca: If you like Alpaca, then visit Mundo Alpaca. There are a lot of Alpaca here, and they will come close to you for food and pictures.
- Check Out the Local Volcanos: There are several volcanoes near Arequipa. The most famous one is El Misti, which is the most visible volcano in the city. Tours of the volcano and camping trips near it are available.
Puno: Set on South America’s Largest Lake
Puno, Peru is set on Lake Titicaca, which is South America’s largest lake and set at a higher altitude than any other large lake in the world. Lake Titicaca stretches across both Peru and Bolivia. Puno is close to Bolivia, so visitors often like to end their Peru itinerary in Puno before entering Bolivia via Copacabana.
How Long to Stay in Puno:
One to two days is recommended for a trip to Puno.
Where to Stay in Puno:
The best place to stay in Puno is near the city center. From there, you can visit attractions in Puno such as the floating islands.
How to Get Around Puno:
Puno is a walkable city. Taxis are available for lengthier trips.
What to Do in Puno:
Puno is near Lake Titicaca. There are some great restaurants and markets in Puno. You can also do some unique cultural activities in the surrounding area. Here is a complete list of the top things to do in Puno:
- Visit Uros Floating Islands: One of the top things to do in Puno is visit the Uros Floating Islands. Tours leave from Puno City every day. The tours usually leave early in the morning and return during mid-day. You’ll first take ground transportation to a lake, and then take a boat to the islands. The islands are a small floating city that is home to hundreds of Peruvians. Everything on the islands rests on a floating island, including homes, schools, and markets. There are also 2-day homestays available for travelers who want to enjoy a local experience.
- Venture to Amantaní & Taquile Islands: These islands are located on Lake Titicaca, and are a distance away from Uros Floating Islands. A trip to Amantaní & Taquile Islands is only possible if you plan to extend your stay in Puno for more than 2-3 days. A visit to the islands is a great way to experience life on Lake Titicaca and to experience local Peruvian Indigenous culture. The islands can be seen in one tour, with Taquile being a short stop on the way to Amantaní.
- See a Pre-Inca Burial Ground at Sillustani: This burial ground overlooks Lake Titicaca and is accessible from Puno City.
- Spend time in Plaza de Armas & View Catedral de Puno: Located in Punos main square. Go here to see religious and social architecture. And, while there, visit Jirón Lima, which is an area of Puno with many markets that sell hand-made Peruvian goods.
Piura Region: Home to the Best Beaches in Peru
The Piura region is a great place to visit if you love the beach. You can find some of the best beaches in South America here, and the area is a playground for surfers and backpackers. The region is large, with Piura City as its largest district. There are other smaller districts close to the beach, such as Mancora, Tumbes, Zorritos, and Organos. The most popular beach town in this region is Mancora, but the entire area is worth exploring if you have the time.
Piura is located in Northern Peru, and some tourists like to pair a visit to Mancora with a trip to Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador is just a few hours away from the region.
How Long to Stay in the Piura Region:
How much time you spend in the Piura region depends on what you want to see. If you just want to see one beach, then go to Mancora. Most tourists visit only one beach and that’s usually Mancora. If you go this route, then plan to spend 2-3 days in the region so that you have enough time to travel to and from the airport, which is a distance away from the beaches, and also enjoy the culture of the area.
Where to Stay in the Piura Region:
There are many different districts in the Piura region. If you choose to stay in the Mancora district, stay close to the city center. There are many good hostels in the area, like Selena Mancora, which is near the town center.
How to Get Around the Piura Region:
The best way to travel between districts in Piura is by bus. Eppo Bus Piura is a reliable and affordable bus company that can take you to any district in the area. Once you are in your desired district, you can walk or take a moto-taxi to get around.
What to Do in the Piura Region:
There are many things to do in Piura. If you only have a few days, focus on one or two places.
- Spend time at Mancora Beach: Mancora beach is a haven for backpackers & surfers. It’s a small beach town with great waves for beginner surfers, awesome restaurants, and good shopping.
- Visit Zorritos: Zorritos is one of the most beautiful beach areas in the region. Besides spending time on the beach, you can visit the natural hot springs. There are small fox-like animals called Zorritos in the area, as well.
- Explore Other Beach Towns in the Area: If you base yourself in Mancora and have the time, visit other nearby beach towns in the area such as Los Organos, Las Pocitas, and Vichayito.
- Go Sandboarding in the Sechura Desert: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, consider sandboarding in the Sechura Desert. It’s like snowboarding but down a sand-dune. You’ll need to get in a dune-buggy to ride to the dunes, which is a very fast and exciting experience.
Iquitos: Gateway to the Amazon
Iquitos is in the Amazonas region of Peru. Within Iquitos are hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and local markets. The reason that many visit Iquitos is for access to the Amazon Jungle. Overnight jungle stays, and tours, are available to tourists. Most jungle stays are accessible via a two to three-hour boat ride from Iquitos.
How Long to Stay in Iquitos:
You will want to spend one day in Iquitos and two to three days in the jungle. If you want a longer adventure, you can spend up to two weeks exploring more of the area.
Where to Stay in Iquitos:
It’s a good idea to spend one night in Iquitos city, before you go on an overnight tour of the jungle. There are great hotels all over the city. The financial area of Iquitos is a good section to stay in. You can rely on your hotel, or another trusted guide, to pre-book your overnight stay at a lodge within the jungle in advance of your trip.
How to Get Around Iquitos:
Moto-taxis are available all over Iquitos City for quick and affordable transportation. For lengthy distances to areas outside of the city, you’ll have to take a taxi or a boat.
What to Do in Iquitos:
Iquitos is a great city to experience the Amazonas culture in Peru. There are excellent restaurants and great nightlife in the area. The city is also a portal to the Amazon Jungle, which is a great place to start your adventure. Below are some key things to do in the Iquitos area.
- Spend Time in Iquitos City: Explore the markets, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Go on an Adventure in the Peruvian Amazon: The most popular thing to do in Iquitos is to embark on an adventure in the Peruvian Amazon. On your trip, you’ll walk through the jungle and go on boat rides through the Amazon River. You may see animals like Sloths, tarantulas, frogs, snakes, pink dolphins, monkeys and more. This trip is not for the faint of heart and will be a memory you’ll never forget.
- Take a Day Trip to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve: You will see all sorts of wildlife on this trip, including monkeys.
Tarapoto: Jungle in the Mountains
Tarapoto is a city in the Amazonas Region of Peru. It’s like Iquitos in that it is close to the jungle. What makes Tarapoto different from Iquitos is that it is mountainous, instead of flat.
How Long to Stay in Tarapoto:
Two to three days will be enough time to spend in Tarapoto. If you’ve got more time to spend on your trip then you may choose to extend and spend more time in the jungle.
Where to Stay in Tarapoto:
Depending on when you arrive, you may have to stay in Tarapoto City for one night. This is because it is only safe to drive in the jungle during the day. Spend as much time as possible inside the jungle, along the Amazon river. There are a lot of great jungle lodges in the area. Our favorite is the Pumarinri Amazon Lodge.
How to Get Around Tarapoto:
Moto taxis are the best way to travel around Tarapoto city and the remote locations outside of the city. They can be hailed on the streets and are available all over.
What to Do in Tarapoto:
Tarapoto is all about enjoying the natural landscape of the Amazon jungle. While most of your time in Tarapoto will be spent relaxing and taking it in, here are some things you may want to explore:
- Spend Time in Tarapoto City: While there, visit the Plaza de Armas and have a meal.
- Relax by the River: We recommend staying in a lodge near the river for most of your time in the region. While there, enjoy the relaxing jungle sounds and river views. You can also do some wildlife watching for the local monkeys, birds, and snakes.
- Hike to the Pucayaquillo Waterfall: To get to this waterfall, you will have to walk through the jungle for 45 minutes. Once you get there, you can swim in the water and take pictures.
- Enjoy the Ahuashiyacu Waterfalls: There are a few waterfalls in the region, and Ahuashiyacu Waterfall is one you don’t want to miss.
- Visit a Local Chocolate Factory: Chocolate is grown and produced for sale in Tarapoto. Visit a local chocolate factory, speak with a shop owner about the chocolate-making process, and try some of the locally-grown chocolate.
- Go Rafting Down the River: If you’re into adventure sports, then try rafting down the river in Tarapoto.
Huacachina: South America’s Biggest Sand Dune
Huacachina Desert Oasis is located about four hours from Lima, Peru. If you are already visiting Peru and have more than two weeks on your itinerary, this place is worth adding on as a side trip. Huacachina is the largest sand-dune in South America. People visit to see the natural wonder and go sandboarding or on a dune-buggy ride.
How Long to Stay in Huacachina:
One to two days is a good amount of time to spend in Huacachina Desert Oasis.
Where to Stay in Huacachina:
There are hotels in Huacachina and Ica. Ica is a 10-minute drive from Huacachina. If you’re looking for convenience, it’s recommended to stay in Huacachina and as close to the sand dunes as possible.A favorite hostel in Huacachina is Ecocamp Huacachina, which is on the sand dune and within walking distance of where the tours leave from.
How to Get Around Huacachina:
Huacachina is a small city where you can walk around. If you are in Huaachina and want to visit areas outside of Huacachina city, like Ica, you will need to take a taxi.
What to Do in Huacachina:
Huacachina is a small city with bars and restaurants. Most tourists visit to go sandboarding. Here’s a full list of the top things to do in Huacachina:
- Take in the Views of the Lagoon: A natural lagoon is at the center of Huacachina. You can take boat rides around the lagoon or eat/drink at a nearby restaurant.
- Go on a Huacachina Buggy Tour: Dune buggies leave from Huacachina many times per day. A dune buggy ride is as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride. Dune buggies storm very fast around the sand dunes and jump from dune to dune. The best time to go on this tour is during sunset, when the views of the sun setting behind the dunes are incredible.
- Experience Sandboarding down the dunes: This is the top thing to do in Huacachina. The Huacachina Buggy tours stop to let guests go sandboarding. You can also opt to rent your own board and go sandboarding alone.
Paracas National Reserve: A Natural Sanctuary
Paracas National Reserve is approximately 3 hours away from Lima. A visit to Paracas is a great item to pair with a trip to Huacachina on your Peru itinerary. Paracas is en-route from Huacachina to Lima, and a convenient stop in your itinerary.
How Long to Stay in Paracas:
One to two days is a good amount of time to spend in the Paracas National Reserve.
Where to Stay in Paracas:
If you’re driving to or from Huacachina, you can stop in Paracas for a day. You can stay in a hotel in the city center or rent a tent and go camping on the beach..
How to Get Around Paracas:
You will need to rent a car, scooter, or an ATV to get around Paracas. It is recommended that you join a tour to see the reserve, as it is very large and you could easily get lost without a tour guide. You can book a tour at one of the shops in the Paracas town center, which is where the bus will let you off when you arrive.
What to Do in Paracas:
Paracas National Reserve is massive; there are a few ways to experience the national reserve.
- Go on an ATV Tour: Rent an ATV and follow a tour guide around key areas to see in Paracas. The tour is approximately three hours long and is a great thing to do if you only plan to visit Paracas for the day.
- Take an Islas Ballestas Tour: Take a boat ride to the Islas Ballestas. The islands are cool-looking rock formations in the middle of the ocean. The best thing about this tour is that you’ll likely see penguins.
- Go on a Bike Ride Through Paracas: If you have some time and want to explore the area at your own pace, rent a bike and ride through the Paracas National Reserve.
- Go Camping in the National Reserve: Camping is allowed at the beach inside the national reserve. Bring your own tent or rent one when you arrive.
Nazca Lines: A Mysterious World Wonder
If you have the time, another activity to consider adding to your Peru trip is visiting the Nazca lines. The Nazca lines are located about seven hours away from Lima by bus. This makes for a nice stop when traveling from Lima to Cusco by bus.
The Nazca lines are infamous symbols that were drawn in the sand. The mystery of how they were formed still remains unsolved. It’s rumored that alien activity was the cause of the line formation.
How Long to Stay in Nazca:
Most tourists spend just one day in Nazca. If you want to see more than the Nazca lines, then you can stay for two days and see more of the city.
Where to Stay in Nazca:
The best area to stay in Nazca is in the city center near the Plaza de Armas de Nazca.
How to Get Around Nazca:
The best way to see the Nazca lines is in a plane, from the sky. Make sure you book a tour before you arrive.
What to Do in Nazca: Most tourists visit Nazca to see the Nazca lines. If you are planning on staying in Nazca for more than one day, then check out some of these other items:
- Visit the Nazca Lines: Book a tour to visit the Nazca lines from over head
- See the Cantalloc Aqueducts: This was an irrigation system built by the Incas. As with much of the artifacts that the Incas built, this is a wonder to view.
- View the Mummies in Chauchilla Cemetery: This is about 30 minutes by car from Nazca city. The mummies are of Nazca people that were preserved in the 9th century.
- Tour the Cahuachi Pyramids: The Nazca people built 40 pyramids that have been preserved and are available for viewing.
- Browse the Museo Antonini: The museum contains artifacts from the ancient lives of the Nazca people in Peru.
Sample Peru Itineraries
The following are some sample Peru itineraries to help you plan your upcoming trip to Peru. These itineraries are based on our knowledge of the country after spending over a year in it.
We suggest using these as a basis for planning your trip and swapping in attractions from the cities listed in the top half of this article. For example, the Piura region isn’t listed in any of these itineraries, but you might want to visit Arequipa, Puno, or the Amazonas instead.
Itinerary for 1 Week in Peru
If you plan on spending 7 days in Peru, then you will have time to see the main attractions in the top two cities (Lima & Cusco).
If you choose this itinerary and want to hike to Machu Picchu, we suggest going on a day trip instead of hiking there. You should also spend two full days in Cusco City so you can adjust to the high altitude before continuing on your journey.
- Day 1: Land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru
- Day 2: Spend a day in Lima, Peru, and take a flight to Cusco, Peru in the evening
- Day 3: Acclimate to the altitude in Cusco, Peru, and explore the city
- Day 4: Explore key sights in Cusco City
- Day 5: Go on a day trip to Machu Picchu
- Day 6: Visit another site in Cusco (we suggest: hiking Rainbow Mountain or visiting the Sacred Valley Region).
- Day 7: Fly home from Cusco, Peru with a layover at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.
Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Peru
The below itinerary details an outline of suggested ways to map out 14 days in Peru. This plan assumes that you will be taking a bus to various locations in Peru. Adjustments might be made depending on what your goals are for the trip. If, for example, you’d like to spend 7 days hiking to Machu Picchu then you may skip some of the attractions detailed here and dedicate most of your trip to that.
- Day 1: Land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.
- Day 2: Spend the day exploring Lima, Peru.
- Day 3: Take a bus to Paracas, Peru & Enjoy the Day in Paracas.
- Day 4: Take a bus from Paracas to Huacachina & Enjoy the Day in Huacachina.
- Day 5: Take a bus from Huacachina to Nazca. View the Nazca Lines and then head to Arequipa by bus.
- Day 6: Rest day in Arequipa. Walk around the city & join the free walking tour.
- Day 7: Go on a day tour of Colca Canyon.
- Day 8: Depart Arequipa for Cusco City.
- Day 9: Spend the day in Cusco City.
- Day 10: Day trip to Machu Picchu.
- Day 11: Rest day in Cusco City or tour the Sacred Valley.
- Day 12: Hike Rainbow Mountain.
- Day 13: Fly back to Lima, and explore Lima Peru.
- Day 14: Flight back to your home.
Itinerary for 3 Weeks in Peru
The below itinerary is a suggestion for travelers that plan to go to spend 21 days in Peru. This itinerary assumes that most of the traveling will be via bus and that trekking will be a priority on the trip.
- Day 1: Land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.
- Day 2: Spend the day in Lima, Peru. Explore the beaches & museums.
- Day 3: Go on a Swimming with the Sea Lions excursion.
- Day 4: Take a bus from Lima, Peru to Paracas. Book a tour to go on an ATV ride or bike ride around Paracas.
- Day 5: Visit the Islas Ballestas in Paracas.
- Day 6: Go from Paracas to Huacachina. Spend the day in Huacachina.
- Day 7: Take a bus from Huacachina to the Nazca Lines. Visit the Nazca Lines, then take the bus from Nazca to Arequipa.
- Day 8: Rest day in Arequipa. Relax, go on a free walking tour.
- Day 9: Colca Canyon 2-day Trek, day 1.
- Day 10: Colca Canyon 2-day Trek, day 2.
- Day 11: Depart Arequipa for Cusco.
- Day 12: Spend the day in Cusco City.
- Day 13: Spend the day in Cusco City.
- Day 14: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 1.
- Day 15: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 2.
- Day 16: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 3.
- Day 17: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 4.
- Day 18: Tour the Sacred Valley region in Cusco.
- Day 19: Hike Rainbow Mountain.
- Day 20: Fly back to Lima, spend the day in the city.
- Day 21: Fly back to your home base.
Itinerary for 4 Weeks in Peru
The below itinerary is suggested for tourists that plan to spend 28 days in Peru and want to see all the key sights. This itinerary can be altered and mixed or matched with any of the key attractions of cities listed at the beginning of this blog.
Some changes that you can make, for example, would be opting to do less activity throughout your stay to slow the pace down. You may also opt to visit Machu Picchu and Colca Canyon on day trips, rather than lengthy treks. You may also opt to visit Tarapoto instead of Iquitos if you plan to go to the jungle.
- Day 1: Land at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru
- Day 2: Spend the day in Lima, Peru. Explore the beaches & museums.
- Day 3: Go on a Swimming with the Sea Lions excursion.
- Day 4: Take a bus from Lima, Peru to Paracas. Book a tour to go on an ATV ride or bike ride around Paracas.
- Day 5: Visit the Islas Ballestas in Paracas.
- Day 6: Go from Paracas to Huacachina. Spend the day in Huacachina.
- Day 7: Take a bus from Huacachina to the Nazca Lines. Visit the Nazca Lines, then take the bus from Nazca to Arequipa.
- Day 8: Rest day in Arequipa. Relax, go on a free walking tour.
- Day 9: Colca Canyon 2-day Trek, day 1.
- Day 10: Colca Canyon 2-day Trek, day 2.
- Day 11: Depart Arequipa for Cusco.
- Day 12: Spend day in Cusco City.
- Day 13: Spend day in Cusco City.
- Day 14: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 1.
- Day 15: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 2.
- Day 16: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 3.
- Day 17: Machu Picchu Inca Trail Hike, day 4.
- Day 18: Tour the Sacred Valley region in Cusco.
- Day 19: Hike Rainbow Mountain.
- Day 20: Take a bus from Cusco to Puno.
- Day 21: Visit the Uros floating Islands in Puno.
- Day 22: Take a flight from Puno to Iquitos.
- Day 23: Spend the day in Iquitos.
- Day 24: Go on a tour of the Amazon Jungle (day 1 of 3).
- Day 25: Go on a tour of the Amazon Jungle (day 2 of 3).
- Day 26: Go on a tour of the Amazon Jungle (day 2 of 3).
- Day 27: Fly from Iquitos to Lima, spend the day in Lima.
- Day 28: Fly back to home base.
Enjoy Your Trip to Peru!
Peru is a large, and diverse country that offers many different types of trips for all sorts of travelers. You are sure to enjoy your trip to Peru, no matter how you map your itinerary out.
Read this Peru travel guide for more insight on building your Peru itinerary and planning a trip to Peru. Also, check out the articles listed below for a deep dive into several Peru experiences.
Read More Inspiration for a Trip To Peru
