Most travelers will find that eight to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Peru trip with stops in Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. It’s also possible to hit the highlights in seven days if you don’t mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another place like Puno, Arequipa, Cabanaconde, and the Amazon. See more ideas for Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley itineraries below.
## Exploring the Wonders of Peru: Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Planning a trip to Peru and wondering how much time to dedicate to the iconic destinations of Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley? You’re not alone! Many travelers grapple with this question, eager to maximize their experience in this captivating country. The answer, of course, depends on your personal travel style, pace, and the depth of exploration you desire. However, we can offer some general guidelines to help you craft the perfect itinerary.
Generally speaking, most travelers find that spending between 8 and 10 days allows for a comfortable exploration of Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley when combined into a single trip. This timeframe strikes a good balance, providing enough time to soak in the highlights without feeling overly rushed.
Is it possible to squeeze all these destinations into a shorter timeframe? Yes, visiting Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley in just 7 days is indeed achievable. However, be prepared for a whirlwind adventure, as the pace will be quite intense, leaving you with less time to truly immerse yourself in each location. You might find yourself spending more time in transit and less time savoring the unique experiences each destination offers.
On the other hand, if you have the luxury of a longer trip, say 11 days or more, you open up a world of possibilities. With extra time on your hands, most travelers choose to extend their journey to include additional captivating stops within Peru. These extensions allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures.
Some of the most common and highly recommended extensions include venturing to Puno, a city on the shores of the majestic Lake Titicaca; exploring Arequipa, the “White City” nestled beneath towering volcanoes; descending into the breathtaking Colca Canyon near Cabanaconde, one of the deepest canyons in the world; or immersing yourself in the lush biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on Peru’s rich tapestry of experiences.
## Recommended Itineraries for Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
To provide further guidance, let’s delve into some recommended itineraries tailored to different trip lengths, highlighting the key attractions and experiences you can expect along the way.
### Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
This itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the highlights of Peru, perfect for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion.
**Day 1: Arrival in Lima and Exploration**
Your Peruvian adventure begins in Lima, the vibrant capital city. After arriving at the airport and settling into your accommodation, take some time to explore the city’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the colonial architecture, including the impressive Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. In the evening, indulge in Lima’s renowned culinary scene, sampling delicious Peruvian cuisine.
**Day 2: Nazca Lines & Huacachina Adventure**
Embark on an early morning journey south to witness the enigmatic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert landscape. Take a thrilling flight over the lines for a bird’s-eye view of these mysterious figures. Afterward, head to Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of sandboarding and a thrilling dune buggy ride. Overnight in Paracas.
**Day 3: Lima City & Food Tour**
Return to Lima and dedicate the day to exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and culinary delights. Discover the bohemian charm of Barranco, stroll along the Miraflores Malecon with its stunning ocean views, and delve into the historical center once again. In the afternoon, embark on a guided food tour, sampling a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes and learning about the country’s rich culinary heritage.
**Day 4: Transfer to Cusco and Exploration**
Today, you’ll transfer to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Take a flight from Lima to Cusco and, upon arrival, settle into your accommodation. Take it easy on arrival to acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, begin exploring Cusco’s historical center, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
**Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco, Chinchero & Ollantaytambo**
Embark on a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, a region of stunning natural beauty and significant historical importance. Visit Chinchero, a traditional Andean village known for its colorful textile markets. Explore the impressive Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a strategic fortress and agricultural center. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
**Day 6: Maras & Moray Tour, Train to Aguas Calientes**
Continue your exploration of the Sacred Valley with a visit to Maras, home to thousands of ancient salt pans. Then, marvel at the intriguing circular terraces of Moray, an agricultural experimentation site. In the afternoon, take a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
**Day 7: Machu Picchu Excursion**
The highlight of your trip awaits! Embark on an early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Explore the magnificent ruins, marvel at the intricate stonework, and soak in the breathtaking views. In the late afternoon, return to Cusco by train.
**Day 8: Fly to Lima, Depart Peru**
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cusco before catching a flight back to Lima, where you’ll connect with your international departure flight, filled with memories of your incredible Peruvian adventure.
This one-week highlights tour, from Lima to Machu Picchu, is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure. Explore the bohemian neighborhoods and food scene of Lima, then continue to Cusco—the ancient Incan capital. Spend several days in the Sacred Valley discovering colorful textile markets and monolithic ruins, then walk the Inca trail to arrive at Machu Picchu.
## Extended Itineraries
For those with more time to spare, consider extending your itinerary to include additional captivating destinations, such as Puno, Arequipa, or the Amazon rainforest.
### 10-Day Itinerary Including Puno
This itinerary builds upon the 8-day itinerary, adding a visit to Puno and Lake Titicaca, allowing you to experience the unique culture and beauty of the Andean highlands.
**(Days 1-7: Same as the 8-day itinerary)**
**Day 8: Fly to Puno, Explore**
Take a morning flight from Cusco to Juliaca, the airport serving Puno. Upon arrival, transfer to Puno and settle into your accommodation. In the afternoon, explore the city’s historical center and visit the Puno Cathedral.
**Day 9: Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island**
Embark on a full-day boat tour of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the Uros Floating Islands, artificial islands constructed from reeds by the Uros people. Continue to Taquile Island, known for its traditional textiles and stunning views of the lake.
**Day 10: Fly to Lima, Depart**
Enjoy a final breakfast in Puno before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Lima, where you’ll connect with your international departure flight.
This 10-day tour in Peru is an active and fun getaway. Explore Lima and stroll around its bohemian seaside neighborhoods. View some of the world’s most impressive geoglyphs, then try your hand at sandboarding on the nearby dunes. Next, head south to Cusco, and explore the impressive ruins of Machu Picchu. Embark on an exciting via ferrata and ziplining adventure and hike to the peak of Huayna Picchu mountain for some stunning views. Finally, travel to Lake Titicaca to experience the beauty and culture of its islands.
### 2-Week Itinerary Including Puno, Arequipa & Cabanaconde
This extensive itinerary allows for a deeper exploration of Peru, including visits to the colonial city of Arequipa and the breathtaking Colca Canyon.
**(Days 1-7: Similar to the 8-day itinerary, with adjustments to allow for travel time)**
**Day 8: Transfer to Cusco, Explore**
**Day 9: Cusco City Tour**
**Day 10: Tour the Sacred Valley: Cusco, Pisac & Ollantaytambo**
**Day 11: Maras, Moray & Chinchero Tour**
**Day 12: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu**
**Day 13: Machu Picchu Excursion**
**Day 14: Fly to Lima, Depart**
**(Days 1-3: Same as the 10-day itinerary)**
**Day 4: Fly to Arequipa, City Tour**
Fly from Lima to Arequipa, the “White City.” In the afternoon, take a guided city tour, exploring the Plaza de Armas, the Arequipa Cathedral, and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
**Day 5: Colca Canyon Tour**
Embark on a tour to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Enjoy the stunning views and keep an eye out for condors soaring overhead. Overnight in Cabanaconde, a town near the canyon.
**Day 6: Colca Canyon, Transfer to Puno**
Continue exploring the Colca Canyon, visiting viewpoints such as Cruz del Condor. In the afternoon, transfer to Puno.
**Day 7: Lake Titicaca Tour: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island**
**(Days 8-14: Same as the 10-day itinerary, adjusted for the later start in Cusco)**
From the Nazca Lines to Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu, this 14-day itinerary takes you to Peru’s major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines, some of the world’s most impressive geoglyphs, then spend some time exploring the metropolitan city of Lima before heading out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Next, explore Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, before visiting Lake Titicaca. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
### 15-Day Itinerary Including the Amazon
For the ultimate Peruvian adventure, consider this 15-day itinerary that combines the highlights of the previous itineraries with a thrilling excursion into the Amazon rainforest.
**(Days 1-11: Similar to the 14-day itinerary, with adjustments to allow for travel time)**
**Day 12: Transfer to the Amazon, Explore**
Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Amazon rainforest. Transfer to your jungle lodge and embark on an introductory jungle excursion.
**Days 13-14: Jungle Excursions**
Spend two full days exploring the Amazon rainforest with guided excursions. Discover the incredible biodiversity of the region, spotting monkeys, macaws, and other wildlife. Enjoy activities such as jungle hikes, canoe trips, and visits to local communities.
**Day 15: Transfer to Lima, Depart**
Transfer back to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Lima, where you’ll connect with your international departure flight.
From Inca ruins to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, the 15-day version of this itinerary shows you the many sides of Peru. Experience metropolitan Lima, the incredible Nazca lines, and the Inca capital of Cusco. Walk a section of the Inca Trail, followed by a day at Machu Picchu. Then, make your way to Puerto Maldonado, where you’ll spend three days viewing wildlife on jungle excursions while enjoying a comfortable stay at an ecolodge.
## How to travel between Lima, Cusco, Paracas, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Navigating the distances between these iconic destinations requires careful planning. Here’s a breakdown of the most common transportation options:
**How to get from Lima to Paracas**
Travel from Lima to Paracas is a transition from one of South America’s biggest cities to one of its nearest major wildlife reserves. Paracas is the catch-all word for the Paracas National Reserve and the nearby village (where transport from Lima arrives) which is also known as El Chaco.
Going by private transfer all the way from Lima to Paracas (260 miles; 418 km) is the quickest and most enjoyable way to travel this route, offering door-to-door service and flexibility. Bus options (or a combination of bus and private transfer) are also available, providing a more budget-friendly alternative.
**How to get to Machu Picchu**
Machu Picchu needs little introduction—it’s South America’s most famous and most visited travel destination. Getting to this complex of Inca ruins, as almost every Peru-bound traveler wishes to do, always involves first traveling to Cusco. From Cusco, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, or embark on a multi-day trek along the Inca Trail.
**How to get to the Sacred Valley**
The Sacred Valley is the name given to the valley of the Río Urubamba and the pretty tradition-rich towns and villages that cling to its sides amid a clutch of Inca ruins. The valley begins twists and turns beneath steep mountainsides north of Cusco. Cusco is the only real access point to the Sacred Valley because it acts as one of Peru’s biggest transport hubs. All travel to the Sacred Valley, therefore, first necessitates a journey to Cusco. From Cusco, you can hire a private driver, join a guided tour, or take public transportation to explore the various towns and ruins within the Sacred Valley.
**How to get from Lima to Cusco**
The most popular place to head from Lima is Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca and the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. For those with limited time, the easiest means of getting there is to fly. Flight prices per person are still not that much more expensive than heading overland by bus and cheaper than heading overland by private transfer. It is not recommended to drive yourself due to road conditions and other dangers. Flying is the most efficient and convenient option. While taking a bus is possible, the journey is long and can be uncomfortable.
By carefully considering these itineraries and transportation options, you can create a personalized Peruvian adventure that suits your interests, timeframe, and budget. Get ready to be amazed by the beauty, history, and culture of this incredible country!
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