Sample Itineraries for Peru: Plan Your Perfect Trip

Peru offers a diverse range of travel experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to trekking through the Andes or venturing into the Amazon Rainforest. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended adventure, here are some sample itineraries to help you plan your perfect trip to Peru.

1. 3-Day Machu Picchu Express

This short itinerary is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Machu Picchu but have limited time. Begin your trip in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where you’ll explore the city’s colonial architecture and Incan ruins. On the second day, take the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and visit the legendary Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. Spend the final day returning to Cusco and visiting the surrounding Sacred Valley.

Accommodation: Mid-range hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
Meals: Traditional Peruvian cuisine
Activities: Cusco city tour, Machu Picchu guided tour

2. 7-Day Sacred Valley and Inca Trail Adventure

This week-long itinerary combines cultural exploration and trekking. Start with a visit to Cusco and the nearby Sacred Valley, where you’ll explore ancient Incan ruins, traditional markets, and the beautiful landscapes of the Andes. On the third day, embark on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Over four days, you’ll hike through stunning mountain scenery, passing through ancient Incan sites, and finally arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise. This is the perfect itinerary for adventure lovers.

Accommodation: Hotels in Cusco and Sacred Valley, camping along the Inca Trail
Meals: Included meals during the trek
Activities: Sacred Valley tour, Inca Trail trek, Machu Picchu guided tour

3. 10-Day Amazon and Andean Exploration

Perfect for nature lovers, this itinerary combines the best of Peru’s natural landscapes, from the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest. Start your journey in Cusco, where you’ll explore the historic city and the Sacred Valley. After visiting Machu Picchu, fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon. Spend several days exploring the Amazon Rainforest, staying in an eco-lodge and enjoying activities such as jungle treks, boat tours, and wildlife spotting.

Accommodation: Hotels in Cusco and eco-lodge in the Amazon
Meals: Included meals at the lodge
Activities: Machu Picchu tour, Amazon River tours, jungle hikes, wildlife viewing

4. 12-Day Peru Grand Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon

This itinerary covers Peru’s most iconic destinations over 12 days. Begin in Cusco with a city tour and exploration of the Sacred Valley. After visiting Machu Picchu, travel to Lake Titicaca, where you’ll visit the famous Uros Floating Islands and the island communities of Taquile and Amantaní. Finish your trip with a journey into the Amazon Rainforest for a few days of jungle exploration and wildlife tours.

Accommodation: Hotels in Cusco, Puno (Lake Titicaca), and eco-lodge in the Amazon
Meals: Traditional meals in the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca, included meals in the Amazon
Activities: Machu Picchu tour, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca boat tours, Amazon jungle hikes

5. 14-Day Best of Peru: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Nazca Lines

This two-week itinerary is ideal for travelers wanting to experience the highlights of Peru, from the coast to the Andes. Start in Lima, Peru’s capital, where you’ll explore the historic center and enjoy its famous culinary scene. From there, travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu. Continue south to the Nazca Lines, where you’ll take a scenic flight over the mysterious geoglyphs. End your trip with a visit to Paracas and the Ballestas Islands for wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Hotels in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Nazca
Meals: Included breakfasts and selected dinners
Activities: City tours in Lima, Machu Picchu, scenic flight over Nazca Lines, Ballestas Islands wildlife tour

These sample itineraries for Peru offer a wide variety of experiences, from ancient Incan ruins and high-altitude trekking to wildlife adventures in the Amazon. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended journey, Peru’s diverse landscapes and rich history guarantee an unforgettable travel experience.