10-Day Peru Active Itinerary: Lima Arrival 10pm → Paracas → Huacachina → Cusco → Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu → Rainbow Mountain → Lake Titicaca → Lima Depart 12:00
Mid-morning coach back to Lima (approx 4–4.5h) to connect with an afternoon flight to Cusco — arrive Lima early afternoon to allow domestic check-in time.
Afternoon flight to Cusco (~1h45) timed to arrive before evening so you can check in and begin easy acclimatization; flights run frequently in the afternoon.
Gentle walking around Plaza de Armas and the San Blas artisan neighborhood; keep activity light to acclimatize and enjoy the town’s viewpoints and cafés.
Scenic drive (~45–60 min) to Pisac to explore the morning artisan market (best 7:00–12:00) and later hike up to the archaeological site for valley views.
Visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site (open ~7:00–17:00), climb terraces and stroll the town's steep Inca-era streets; overnight here to catch early train.
Short bus up to Machu Picchu (site opens 6:00); spend the morning exploring the citadel, terraces and viewpoints — allocate 3–4 hours for the main circuit.
Very early minivan pickup (~4:00–5:00) for the 2.5–3 hour drive toward the trailhead; dressing in layers and bringing water is essential for the high-altitude hike (~5,100m).
Hike 2–3 hours round-trip (depending on pace and any horse option) to the colorful mountain viewpoint — the high altitude makes it strenuous but very rewarding.
Morning flight (~45–60 min) from Cusco to Juliaca; transfer (~45–60 min) onward to Puno to begin Lake Titicaca activities — flying saves many hours vs overnight bus.
Start a local boat tour to the Uros reed islands (typical departures 9:00–10:30) to visit floating-community homes and see reed craft and life on the lake.
Continue by boat to Taquile for lunch and a moderate walk to viewpoints — many tours include a set local lunch and a short cultural visit (total island time ~2–3h).
Drive ~30–40 minutes to the Sillustani funerary towers (chullpas) overlooking a lake — a 1.5–2 hour visit gives time to walk the site and photograph the towers (site open ~8:00–17:00).
Evening flight (~1h45) from Juliaca to Lima to return to the coast; arrive Lima in the evening and check into Miraflores/Barranco for your final night.
Quick morning stroll on the Malecón or a coffee in Barranco to enjoy cliff-top Pacific views and a last look at Lima before your flight; most shops open by 8:30–9:00.
Depart hotel to arrive at Jorge Chávez by ~9:30am–9:45am (recommended 2.5–3 hours before an international flight), ready for your 12:00 noon flight to Los Angeles.