Quick Highlights of Peru in 1 Week
If you have one week to spend in
Peru, the must- see sights are found in Machu Picchu, Lima, and Cusco. Consider the following itinerary:
Day 1-2, Lima: See Lima's Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral of Plaza de Armas, and the Church of San Francisco. You will also have some free time to wander as you please through the city.
Day 3, Sacred Valley: Fly over to Cuzco and take a guided walk through Sacred Valley, which was the former center of the Inca Empire
Day 4, Ollantaytambo: Visit the ruins of the famous Inca stronghold
Day 5-6, Cusco/Machu Picchu: Tour Cusco, the imperial city of the Incas during their reign, and explore Machu Picchu by foot. Walk to the Gate of of the Sun for a stunning view of the valley below.
Optional, Lake Titicaca: Visit one of South America’s largest lakes and birthplace of the Incas.
Day 7-8, Lima: Take a flight back to Lima. Enjoy free time on the last day of your tour.
Highlights of Peru in 2 Weeks
For two weeks in Peru, in addition to Machu Picchu, Lima, and Cusco, you can fit in Lake Titicaca, the Colonial era city of Arequipa, and see the Nazca Lines. Consider the following itinerary:
Day 1, Lima: Arrive
Day 2, Paracas: Drive south of Lima and spend a day in the beach resort town of Paracas
Day 3, Nazca Lines: Head over to Nazca to see the 2nd Century B.C. architectural wonders of the Nazca Lines (gigantic drawings carved into the sand).
Day 4 -5, Arequipa: See the volcanoes of Arequipa and join a walking tour of the Santa Catalina Convent.
Day 6-7, Lake Titicaca: Board a boat that takes you along beautiful Lake Titicaca, surrounded by Peru, Bolivia, and the Andes.
Day 8-9, Cusco: See Plaza de Armas and the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman. Take optional trips outside of Cusco and see the Sacred valley of the Incas, and Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca Fortress with large stone terraces.
Day 10-11, Train to Aguas Calientes to tour Machu Picchu: See the lost city of the Incas and walk up to the Sun Gate for a breathtaking view of the valley.
Day 12-14: Join a city tour of Lima or have free time to wander the city. Be sure to visit the Larco Herrera museum.
3 Weeks - Best of Peru and Beyond
A three week trip in Peru can span beyond Machu Picchu, Lima, and Cusco to the neighboring countries of
Bolivia and south towards
Chile. Consider the following itinerary:
Day 1-2, Lima: Tour the city of Lima, visit the San Francisco Monastery, see the Larco Herrera Museum, or visit the Gold Museum (South America’s best collection of historical costumes and weaponry).
Day 3-4, Cusco: Visit the Plaza de Armas, Coca Museum, and the local San Pedro market. Be sure to take some time to acclimatize to the altitude!
Day 5, Ollantaytambo: See the Sacred Valley and explore the area by foot.
Day 6-9, Aguas Calientes: Travel by Train to Machu Picchu. Walk up to the Sun Gate, and see Huayna Picchu “Young Mountain” which towers above the ruins.
Day 10-13, Take a flight to La Paz, Bolivia: See the Museo de Oro, archaeological site of Tiwanaku, and the Puerte del Sol (the most famous structure in Tiwanaku. Also be sure to check out the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market
Day 14-15, Lake Titicaca: Board a boat that takes you along beautiful Lake Titicaca, surrounded by Peru, Bolivia, and the Andes.
Day 16-18, Santiago, Chile: Join a guided tour of the capital of Chile to see museums, parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés. Climb up San Cristobal Hill to enjoy its views of the city.
Day 19-20, Atacama Desert or Mendoza: Depending on which trip you choose, you can explore the Atacama Desert, a desert Oasis, or Mendoza known for its wineries and signature Malbecs.
Day 21, Head back to Lima (or your starting city)