Here, we will show you how to create your perfect travel plan, allowing you to choose the most suitable one.
There is much more to visit than just Machu Picchu.
You need to know that just visiting Machu Picchu is not enough to make a perfect trip to Peru; the important thing is how you see it, that is, with the proper context, the right pace, and the correct order of the tours in the itinerary. We will talk about this point later. But first, let’s get the typical doubts out of the way for now: the best time to visit Peru, a Peru packing list, and the best things to do in Peru.
Let’s get back to planning. Here’s a typical 7-day itinerary.
The typical plan
Seven-day tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Lima
- Day 2: Flight to Cusco and city tour
- Day 3: Tour Sacred Valley and overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Day 4: Tour to Machu Picchu
- Day 5: Colored Mountain and flight to Lima
- Day 6: Sandboarding tour in the Huacachina Oasis
- Day 7: Ballestas Islands or Gastronomic tour
Most popular destinations in Peru
Lima
It is the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Ocean coast. Approximately one-third of Peru’s 30 million inhabitants live here. It boasts a vibrant gastronomic scene, featuring numerous restaurants ranked among the world’s best. Visiting for 1 or 2 days is enough to get a good idea of the city.
Cusco
The ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It is located in the highlands of southern Peru at approximately 3400 m. 1.5 hours from Lima by plane. The main tours (Sacred Valley, Colored Mountain, Humantay Lagoon) are 2 to 4 hours by car from Cusco.
Sacred Valley
It is a 2-hour drive from Cusco and has many incredible landscapes and archaeological sites. In the old days, it was a summer resort for the Incas due to its warmer climate. We recommend visiting it before going to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
Aka Machupicchu village. It is a small town located on the edge of the jungle at the foot of Machu Picchu, primarily full of hotels, bars, and restaurants. There isn’t much to see or visit there. If you have time, it is best to spend the night in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.
Machu Picchu
It is 4 hours from Cusco (2 hours by car + 2 hours by train). Day tours from Cusco are feasible, but that means a long day. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (the surrounding mountains) are excellent complementary visits to Machu Picchu, but should be booked in advance.
The Amazon Rainforest
The exotic land. It is an excellent visit to complement the coast and highlands landscapes and get Peru’s full flavor.
Huacachina Oasis
An excellent desert getaway, 4.5 hours south of Lima. You can do sand buggy tours and sandboarding in the Huacachina desert.
Let’s focus on these seven days, as that’s the average trip length for most travelers visiting Peru.
Why spend Day 1 in Lima?
Because Lima airport is the “most” international airport in the country, it is the central hub connecting flights from the US and Europe.
Why do a Cusco and Sacred Valley city tour first?
Because Machu Picchu is the main attraction of the whole trip, you will get the most out of it with the proper understanding and local context. It also allows you to acclimate to the altitude more effectively.
Why stay overnight in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu?
The main reason: Machu Picchu is 4 hours from Cusco (by car + train), so visiting Machu Picchu on a day tour from Cusco means a pretty long day.
Why Rainbow Mountain on day five and not before?
To get used to the altitude. The peak of the Colored Mountain is approximately 5000 m, 1500 m higher than Cusco.
Finally, after learning about local life and Inca history, seeing incredible landscapes in the Sacred Valley and the 7 Colors Mountain, and having visited Machu Picchu, it is time to venture out on days 6 and 7, visiting the Huacachina Oasis or enjoying Lima’s thriving gastronomic scene.
What about Amazon or other destinations?
You’re right. Peru has so much more to show, so it all comes down to time constraints. To clarify our point, I’ll provide you with two additional reference itineraries.
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