Land in Lima, clear immigration and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or artsy Barranco to drop bags and rest; choose a hotel with early check-in or luggage hold. This orients you to the Pacific coast neighborhoods you’ll use as your Lima base.
Enjoy excellent bread, fresh pastries and strong coffee; a popular local spot ideal for a relaxed arrival breakfast and to try local fruit juices. Open from ~7:30am.
Stroll the cliff-top Malecon to Parque del Amor for ocean views, then walk to Larcomar for shops and coastal vistas — Larcomar shops open ~10:00–22:00. Great low-effort sightseeing after a long flight.
Taste Lima’s signature ceviche (fresh fish cured in lime) — La Mar is a classic (open from ~12:00), while Punto Azul is a local favorite for varied seafood dishes.
Head to bohemian Barranco for colorful streets, murals and sunset from the Bridge of Sighs; the neighborhood is perfect for light wandering and photos.
Book a table at a mid-range Nikkei spot (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) or a ceviche/anticuchos place to sample varied Peruvian flavors; many open through the evening (reserve if possible).
Take an early taxi to Jorge Chávez Airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado; domestic flights typically begin early — aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure.
Afternoon guided walk to spot wildlife, learn about medicinal plants, and climb a canopy tower for sunset views and birdwatching; lodge-led hikes typically run ~3:00–6:00pm.
After dusk take a guided boat trip to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife — a highlight of lowland Amazon stays; tours usually depart around 6:00–7:00pm.
Pachapapa in San Blas offers traditional Andean dishes like alpaca or roasted potatoes; its clay-oven specialties are warming at altitude (open evenings).
Short uphill walk to the massive Inca stone terraces with panoramic views of Cusco; open typically 7:00am–5:00pm, and the walk is a gentle acclimatizing hike.
Sample mountain specialties (if you want adventurous tasting, try cuy / guinea pig) or more familiar quinoa & Andean potato dishes at a well-rated restaurant near Plaza.
Enjoy a relaxed multi-course dinner focused on Peruvian ingredients with good wine; these places are great for tasting several dishes without museum time.
Visit the hilltop Pisac ruins (open ~7:00–17:00) then descend to the lively Pisac artisan market for textiles, ceramics and local food; markets are busiest in the morning.
Short drive to Ollantaytambo to walk cobbled streets, check the impressive Inca fortress (open 7:00–17:00), and scout the train station for your Machu Picchu departure.
Take a short morning hike to the Pinkuylluna grain storage ruins for views over Ollantaytambo or walk local agricultural terraces; great warm-up before train travel.
Board an afternoon train (several services daily) that follows the Urubamba River; journey takes ~1h45m and offers scenic canyon views — book advance seats.
Take the early bus (5:00am onward) or pre-book a steep 1.5–2.5h hike to reach Machu Picchu for sunrise; arriving early avoids larger midday crowds. Machu Picchu official access typically starts at 6:00am.
Spend the morning exploring the citadel with a guide or self-guiding; Machu Picchu is open ~6:00am–5:30pm and the best light and cooler temperatures are early.
If you secured a permit, hike Huayna Picchu (steep, limited tickets often at 7:00am) or the longer Machu Picchu Mountain for spectacular panoramas; both are extra-ticketed and require reservations.
Descend by bus or foot to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch; many visitors return to town for a relaxing meal before the train back to the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Catch an afternoon train back toward Ollantaytambo and then a transfer to Cusco (or direct train to Cusco depending on services). Book return trains in advance.
Choose Rainbow Mountain (very early start, strenuous at >5,000m) or Humantay Lake (scenic glacier-fed lake hike, high but slightly less extreme). Tours depart ~3:00–4:00am and return late afternoon.
If you prefer low exertion, take a cooking class to learn ceviche or causa; alternatively do a short valley hike if you want another outdoor dose before flying out.
For adventurous, book Maido well in advance for Nikkei creativity (high-end); for a more casual but delicious option, try Pescados Capitales for imaginative seafood plates. Check opening times and reserve.
Enjoy a final Peruvian breakfast and fresh coffee; use the morning for last-minute shopping, a coastal stroll, or paragliding over Miraflores cliffs if you want one last thrill.
Have a leisurely lunch trying dishes you loved earlier or sample a new ceviche preparation before heading to the airport; restaurants are open through the afternoon.