I landed in Lima with a backpack full of hiking equipment and anticipation. Over the next two weeks, Peru revealed its magic to me: ancient Inca sites, bustling cities with rich culture, colorful high Andean lakes, and hidden jungles full of exotic wildlife. This 10 days Peru trip guide combines well-known tourist destinations in Peru with a handpicked selection of hidden gems, providing practical information for budget travelers and those seeking a touch of luxury in the Andes.
Day 1-2: Relaxing Beach Time & Delicious Food in Lima
Visit the Historic Center and Miraflores
Begin in Peru's capital, a big city with old history blended with modern style. Walk through Lima's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover Peru's history with Spain in the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, built in the 16th century. In Miraflores, stroll along the Malecón (cliff walk) at night and watch paragliders soaring above the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid surprisingly situated in the middle of city streets.
Culinary Spots
Lima is a foodie's haven and is quite vibrant. Have the fresh ceviche at a cevichería and savor the anticuchos—beef heart skewers grilled—at a place in Miraflores, where Anticuchos de la Tia Grimanesa continues to be a favorite. You will also want to go to a market stall for the delicious causa, a potato dish, or the rocoto relleno, a pepper stuffed with various flavors. On the first day of your arrival, dine at one of the top restaurants in San Isidro or Barranco in Lima.
Taxis and rides are ubiquitous in Lima, but be sure to negotiate with the driver first before getting in a street-taxi. To feel the real local atmosphere, travel in the "combi" minibuses preferred by the locals — just grip the seat as they zip through congested roads!
Days 3-5: Cusco & The Sacred Valley – Heart of the Incas
Fly for a brief period from Lima to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital in the Andes. Acclimatize for a whole day with the high altitude level of 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level – drink a coca tea and rest. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets in Cusco, observing the temple ruins of Koricancha behind the colonial Santo Domingo Church, and stroll through the artistic neighborhood of San Blas. Cusco's central cobblestone streets, Inca stonework, and colonial architecture astound all travelers.
Ruins & Bazaars
Outside the bustling center of Cusco is the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its imposing walls made out of big stones. Time seems to slow down in the picturesque villages in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo, and many people enjoy their beauty. In my afternoons in Ollantaytambo plaza, I drank coca tea; a pleasant way after the hustle in Cusco, with ruins in the hills and warm and peaceful atmosphere. This nice place is excellent for visiting nearby attractions: the round agricultural terraces in Moray and the salt mines in Maras, with many salt ponds forming a beautiful pattern down the hill.
Adventure & Culture
If adventure is your desire, consider hiking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or the alternative, hiking mountain Palcoyo – both offer stunning striped vistas. Do note that Rainbow Mountain is highly popular, so early risers or the alternative hike is the way to go in order to avoid most tourists. Another adventure option is the Ausangate trek, which is located at a very elevated location. A traveler described it as having stunning mountain vistas and lots of alpacas – a true wild adventure with little people around. (This 5-day trek is combinable with Rainbow Mountain and it is advisable to hire a guide due to the altitude.)
Where To Stay
The Sacred Valley caters to all, regardless of their budget. Backpackers enjoy the night clubs that operate in Ollantaytambo and Cusco, while the more upscale accommodations in Aguas Calientes, close to Machu Picchu, and in Urubamba offer nice hotels and inns. If more luxury is desired, Tambo del Inka is an excellent option, with beautiful views of the mountains and a train stop, and it is easy to go to Machu Picchu.
Tip: To trek the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, obtain your permits in advance. If you can't obtain permits, shorter treks or the 1-day Inca Trail are alternatives. Those with flexible travel dates frequently have the possibility to reserve tour packages from Cusco to Machu Picchu at short notice for around $150, but first ensure that the agency is reliable.
Day 6-7: Machu Picchu – The Secret City of the Incas
Day 6
Travel from Ollataytambo by train along the green valley of the river Urubamba. Save money by taking a bus and hiking in the last leg from the Hydroelectric station. The trip is all part of the adventure – watch as the dry mountains transform into cloud forest. Your arrival in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, is a bustle of tourist activity, but that is what is so appealing about it. Enjoy the natural hot springs, or treat yourself in the evening with a pizza in preparation for the grand moment early the following morning.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Catch the early Day 7 shuttle so that you arrive in time at Machu Picchu for sunrise. I strolled around the old stone structures, and the early light gradually revealed the beauty of the Andes, a moment that I will treasure always. I stood waiting as the mist cleared, and the much-famous ruins materialized beside the tall peak of Huayna Picchu. Take a stroll along the temple and terrace trails with your tour guide, listening as he tells the interesting history and pleasant stories about this incredible site. Don't miss getting your passport stamped with the official Machu Picchu stamp before you depart, a nice memento to remind yourself that you were there.
Optional Hike
In the event that you feel adventurous and hold a ticket, the Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu hike is available. These hikes begin at a point that is elevated, so you can view the Inca ruins from above. They are steep, but they provide excellent vistas of the ruins and mountains.
You have the option of heading back to Cusco in the evening, but should you desire more rest, you can linger in Aguas Calientes.
Days 8-10: Following Cusco – Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or the Amazon?
Here are your options for your adventure, depending on your tastes:
Option 1 – Lake Titicaca (Puno)
A bus or train journey is available from Puno, which is 6 to 8 hours long. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. It is shared by Peru and Bolivia. Uros floating islands, constructed by totora reeds, can be visited, and people can be met there. It is full of tourist crowds, but it is worth seeing people living on the lake for decades. A more authentic stay is with a family in Amantani or Taquile Island. Traditional farm work and weaving can be observed, and quinoa soup can be shared with them. The lake is deep blue, and with the altitude at 3,800 meters above sea level, the night is full of stars. (Take it easy while in Puno, as it is at altitude.)
Option 2 – Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Fly or bus your way to Arequipa, Peru's lovely "White City," with pretty white buildings constructed from sillar stone. Visit the unusual Santa Catalina Monastery, colorful portion of the city, and sample the special food, such as the favorite dish rocoto relleno that you should try. The city is interesting to discover, and it is also the beginning point for Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. In the afternoon, hike to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint and watch big condors soaring in the warm morning skies. Relax in the hot springs while llamas and vicuñas graze around in their native habitat. Hiking down into the canyon leads tough hikers to the green oasis place, Sangalle—just note: what goes down, must come up, and the way back is steep!
Option 3 – Amazon Adventure
Replace mountains with green jungles. Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazonian rainforest in Tambopata Reserve (1 hour). Boat trip to stay in an eco-lodge for two days. Walk through tree canopy trails, night hike through caiman country, and bird-watch at dawn in oxbow lakes where otters play. A glimpse at the Amazonian varying wildlife. Budget tip: Search for lodges with transportation, food, and tour guides included in the price. Those that want luxury can opt for upscale lodges with amenities such as glamping tents and gourmet jungle food.
Whatever you choose, all reveal something about Peru. A Reddit traveler, having been in Peru for two months, suggested visiting Lima, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and Huacachina oasis in Huacachina desert. That is a long trip, but it is possible if you have more than 10 days. In your case, since you have around 10 days like in this itinerary, concentrate on the most important spots and reserve the rest for another time.
The Hidden Treasures and Last Advice
There is much more in Peru that is beyond the "Gringo Trail." Take a trip north if you have the time, ideally a few days, or need a quiet respite from the tourist rush.
You can hike around the stunning blue lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. Alternatively, hike to Chachapoyas in the enchanted cloud forests. Here, discover the Kuélap fortress, the "Machu Picchu of the north," and hike up incredible waterfalls such as Gocta, one of the highest in the world. Few tourists travel this way.
Peru has a reliable long-distance bus service, and Cruz del Sur is favored since it is nice and has comfortable seats. The overnight bus saves money on accommodation, but if your priority is getting more rest, internal cheap flights trim your journey time, such as from Lima to Cusco or Arequipa. In the larger townships and cities, there are rides available in Lima and Cusco, and mototaxis, those brightly painted auto-rickshaws, are a good way around the smaller townships.
Peru has something for all, whether you're trying to save money or indulge. There is cheap accommodation, such as $5 hostel beds and $2 street food, available alongside luxury hotels and good eateries for those with more money.
You can combine the two options depending on what your purse can take. While trekking, we camped and slept in cheap guesthouses, but after the rough Ausangate trek, we spoilt ourselves by booking a nice hotel with a spa in Cusco.
Last Meal: Treat yourself with a pisco sour cocktail as a special good-bye before departing.
When I was saying good-bye to Peru, I was thinking about all the fantastic things that we did—how powerful the Amazon waterfall was, watching the beautiful sun rise at Machu Picchu. Peru has a little bit of everything: adventure, history, culture, and food. With this book and these guidelines, you're set for a fantastic trip to Peru. Good travels!
