Arrive in Lima (Jorge Chávez), transfer to Miraflores for an easy check-in and brief rest to adjust from the flight; light walking only to avoid fatigue.
Visit Barranco for colorful streets, viewpoints and short walks across the Bridge of Sighs — Barranco's artful atmosphere is perfect for an afternoon wander (open all day).
Try traditional dishes like lomo saltado or causa at a neighborhood picantería, or splurge with a reservation at a top restaurant (Central or Maido) to sample tasting menus.
Early coach (3.5–4h) south to Paracas to reach the Ballestas boat window; buses depart Miraflores and downtown Lima (overnight options exist but morning is scenic).
2-hour wildlife boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabird colonies; boats usually depart 8:00–10:30 and return after ~2 hours (bring windproof clothes).
Classic 1.5–2 hour dune buggy tour (with sandboarding) over the Ica desert dunes — tours commonly operate mid-afternoon and return before sunset for great light and adrenaline.
Gentle walking around the Plaza de Armas and the San Blas neighborhood (shops and viewpoints) to acclimatize; avoid strenuous exertion the first full day at altitude.
Browse San Pedro Market for local fruits and snacks — perfect for picking up coca tea and altitude remedies; keep activity light to keep acclimatizing.
Explore Ollantaytambo ruins (open ~7:00–17:00) — walk the Inca terraces and steep streets; best to arrive mid-afternoon when light is great for photos.
Take an early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (first trains around 05:30–06:30); aim for an early slot to maximize Machu Picchu time and avoid crowds.
Short bus ride (~25 min) to the Machu Picchu citadel entrance; Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 and the best morning light is early — explore terraces, plazas, and viewpoints.
Afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo then transfer to Cusco (if you prefer an evening return to Cusco); trains run throughout the afternoon and early evening.
Very early minivan transfer (4:00–5:00) toward the trailhead — the drive is ~3 hours and the hike begins early to avoid afternoon weather; bring layered clothing for cold and sun.
Hike (2–3 hours round-trip depending on fitness) to the viewpoint at ~5,100m; the high altitude makes the hike strenuous but offers the iconic multicolored strata views at the summit.
Early flight (~45–60 min) from Cusco to Juliaca (JUL), then a 45–60 minute transfer to Puno — flights are quicker than the long bus; arrive to begin Lake Titicaca touring.
Start a morning boat tour to the Uros reeds islands (typical departures 8:30–9:30), visiting floating island communities and learning about reed-craft traditions — tours last ~2–3 hours.
Continue to Taquile Island for lunch and short hikes (if doing full-day) — enjoy local stew and panoramic lake views; many tours include a set lunch on the island.
Short morning drive (~30–40 min) to Sillustani, a lakeside pre-Inca funerary complex with towering chullpas; site open generally 8:00–17:00 — 1.5–2 hours is ideal.
Late-afternoon/evening flight from Juliaca to Lima (direct flights available) to return to the coast and prepare for international departure; arrive Lima evening.