Something about visiting Peru wakes up the underlying lust for life that too many people ignore in their day-to-day lives. This country has a fascinatingly vibrant, unique culture and provides truly world-class outdoor adventures; dull moments are rarer than a banana hammock at an American beach. So I wrote this Peru itinerary (10+ days) as a start for planning a trip to this amazing country.
Southern Peru is the region with the most famous sights: Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca just to name a few. But that means there are a ton of options for hotels, tours, and experiences, which can be overwhelming.
But after years of living and traveling in Peru, I’ve done the trips and research to give my best recommendations for visitors. I like this itinerary because it fits so much into only 10 days, and there are options for travelers who have more time. And this itinerary saves money by taking the bus to destinations instead of flying.
Anywho, check this out if you’re thinking of going to Peru.
Peru Itinerary: The Best 10 Days In South America?!
Days 1 & 2: Before Llamas, Lima
Pretty much any trip to Peru starts in Lima. Try the world-class gastronomy, learn more about Peru in the country’s best museums, and do a surfing lesson.
Some visitors unfairly ignore Lima. It can seem like a sprawling, chaotic city. And it’s covered depressing grey clouds most of the year. But it’s an excellent jumping-off point for lovers of food, adventure, and history.
Where to Stay
More important than the actual hotel, is the neighborhood. Stay in the seaside areas of Miraflores and Barranco, which cater more to tourists are are safer than, say, Lima Centro.
Check out Kaminu Backpackers in artsy Barranco. Kaminu follow sustainable water practices. This is even more important in Lima, the world’s 2nd largest desert city! Kaminu also has a bbq area and bike rentals. Meanwhile, I like Casa Andina in Miraflores for a more traditional hotel experience.
Top Experiences in LIma
- Surfing the Costa Verde
- Renting a bike on the boardwalk (malecon) in Miraflores
- Parasailing over the ocean at Miraflores
- Visiting the creepy catacombs at San Francisco Cathedral
- Get your history on at Museo Larco (including the notorious sala erotica)
- Eating the local fruits and dishes at Mercado Surquillo in Miraflores
- Ceviche…. Always ceviche.
Day 3: Head South to Huacachina
Hop on a bus (I recommend Cruz del Sur) and take the 4.5 hour ride to Ica. From the bus stop, find a taxi to take you to the oasis of Huacachina . Huacachina offers pools, discotecas, and is in the middle of Pisco country.
But in the afternoon take a dune buggy and sandboarding tour instead. That’s why people really come here, anyway. For a more eco friendly option, rent a board for only S/ 10 ($3) and hike up the dunes yourself.
Where to stay
10 days isn’t a lot for visiting Peru. For this reason, you should take the 11 hour bus to Arequipa overnight. This way you’ll save time on travel (and money on lodging!).
But if you do have more time to stay in Huacachina, there are many hotels/hostels of similar quality and price, all along the water. The Upcycled Hostel is notable for its overall vibe and because it’s made of recycled materials.
top experiences in huacachina
- Dune buggy + Sandboarding tour
- Or… hike the dunes and sandboard down!
- Nearby Pisco makers and vineyards (check out Tacama)
- Chillin at your hotel pool or bar
- The desert at sunset
Days 4-6: Canyons & Condors in Arequipa
Arequipa’s altitude is 7,661 feet (2,361 meters) above sea level. So take it easy for a day. Take advantage of the food scene (even other Peruvians, with their vocal gastronomic opinions, say Arequipa has amazing food).
Spend the next two days exploring the stunning treks of Colca Canyon. You’ll be able to see the famous Andean condor and soak in hot springs in addition to doing unforgettable hikes. Base yourself in the Colca town of Chivay, or in Arequipa itself.
top experiences in arequipa
- Condor watching at the break of dawn in Colca Canyon
- Taking the 1.5 day hike to summit the El Misti or Chachani volcanoes
- Hiking the various trails of Colca Canyon
- Take the mesmerizing 1-day “Ruta de Sillar”
- Visit the city’s historic center (make sure to get a pie from the Santa Catalina Monastery- those nuns know baking!)
where to stay
Casa Andina’s hotel in Chivay has a planetarium on premises (the sky is amazing at night!). Every Casa Andina location has the best breakfast buffet options in Peru IMHO. The chain has a good social responsibility program, too.
If you stay here you’ll get discounts on adventure tour options. Chivay lays between the Cruz del Condor viewing spot and the hot springs of La Calera.
And the highest-rated budget option in the city is Vallecito Backpacker.
Days 7-9: Culture & Cuzco
6 hours from Arequipa is the Inca’s ancient capital of Cuzco. You can spend weeks in and around Cuzco because there is so much adventure, history and culture to explore. But since you only have a few days, I’d prioritize Sacsayhuaman, the Qoricancha temple, San Blas neighborhood, and the San Pedro market.
Make sure to get a tourist ticket (boleto turitisco), or you won’t be able to see many of the sites. The official website for the ticket is here.
Keep in mind Cuzco is even higher than Arequipa (11,521 feet above sea level, or 3,400 meters). You’ll likely need time to acclimatize. Because of this I DO NOT recommend intense day hikes such as the Rainbow Mountain.
Take the train on Day 9 to Aguas Calientes. This way you will make it to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning. Buy tickets ahead of time, including the return trip to Cusco.
top experiences in cusco
- A half day hike to the archaeological wonders of Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Q’enko and Sacsayhuaman
- The Incan Sun Temple, Qoricancha
- Food at the San Pedro Market
- Exploring the artsy district of San Blas
- Day trip to a Sacred Valley town like Pisac or Chinchero for epic hike and souvenir options
- CHOCOMUSEO!!
where to stay
I’ve stayed at Niños hotel twice and love it both times. Niños is a “Green Leader” recognized by TripAdvisor, and also funds childcare for underserved children in Cusco. It’s walking distance to the main plaza. It’s comfy, clean, and has a wonderful restaurant with fireplace.
Day 10: Machu Picchu!!
The #1 visited destination in Peru has earned this distinction. But that also means Machu Picchu gets very crowded. Therefore, take the earliest bus at 6AM to enjoy the Incan citadel to yourself (at least, as much as is possible).
You can buy a ticket at the bus station the day of or the day before (recommended, since the line can be long).
Make sure to have already bought your ticket to Machu Picchu, in case they run out. Include Huaynu Picchu for the ultimate adventure experience.
Finally, plan your time accordingly so you make it on the train back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes. From Cusco, go back to Lima or your next destination.
If You Have More Time..
Honestly, it’s tough to include more in a 10-day itinerary for Peru. But if you have more time, consider these options:
Try More Trails in Colca
Want to get in a few days of top-notch treks, without the loads of tourists in Cusco? Then head to Canaconde outside of Arequipa. You’ll get the best hikes of Colca Canyon. Plus you can stay at an ecolodge.
Lake Titicaca: The Largest Freshwater Lake on Earth
Take a 6.5 hr detour between Arequipa and Cusco to Lake Titicaca, which Peru shares with Bolivia. Check out the Uros floating islands and stay with a local family in an island like Taquile or Amantani.
The islands provide excellent hiking opportunities and cool archaeological sites. In Quechua legends, the first Incas were born in Lake Titicaca.
Extra Options in Cusco
There are a ton of great 1-2 trips from Cusco if you have more time. I recommend Laguna Humantay or the 7 lakes hike.
Sacred Valley
It’s no longer the insider’s secret option, but staying in the Sacred Valley is a great cultural experience. Each village is unique and deserves a day or so of exploring, at least.
Consider Pisac or Chinchero for their archaeological sites and famous traditional markets. If you’re low on time, visit the cobblestoned and fortress-surrounded Ollantaytambo, where you can hop on a train to Aguas Calientes.
Inca Trail (or an Alternative)
If you have 4+ extra days, definitely consider the Inca Trail or one of its alternatives. Here is my ultimate guide to the Trail and other options to help you decide what is best for you.
Alternatively, the budget option is to take a car to Santa Teresa from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The next day, take a car to Hidroelectrica, and from there walk the 2-3 hours to Aguas Calientes.
This avoids paying for the train but adds days to your trip. You can save even more money by taking the strenuous 3 hr hike from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu.
Amazon Adventure
Hop on a short flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado to visit the 275,000 ha (over 1 million square mile) Tambopata National Reserve!
Best Time to Go
Try to avoid the rainy season in Cusco and the jungle from November through April. Especially avoid the rainiest months, January and February. Of course, since the coast is a desert, this only applies to the Andes and jungle.
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are closed in February.
Conclusion
I hope this Peru itinerary (10+ days) answered questions you had or convinced you go finally make the trip to Peru!
If you’re ready to go then check out my tips on what to pack. After that, you’ll be ready.
Do you have questions on the locations or things to do in Southern Peru? Message me by email (GringoInca@gmail.com), or comment below!
