10-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Peru

  • Day 1: Lima
    0 minutes from Lima City Center (by staying overnight in Lima City Center)

    Explore the vibrant capital city of Peru. Visit Plaza de Armas for the colonial architecture and historical significance. Head to Miraflores, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Lima, for shopping and dining while enjoying the ocean view.

  • Day 2: Paracas
    4 hours (151 miles) from Lima City Center

    Take a relaxing boat tour to Ballestas Islands for a chance to see sea lions, penguins, and other wildlife. Visit Paracas National Reserve for a scenic view of the coastline and the desert. Enjoy fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants.

  • Day 3: Nazca
    2 hours and 30 minutes (119 miles) from Paracas

    Take an unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines for a bird's eye view of the mysterious geometric designs etched into the desert. Visit Aqueducts of Cantalloc, an impressive hydraulic system built by the Nazca people.

  • Day 4-6: Cusco
    9 hours and 30 minutes (465 miles) from Nazca

    Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Plaza de Armas, San Blas neighborhood, and Qorikancha, an important religious site for the Incas. Take a day trip to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

  • Day 7-8: Sacred Valley
    1 hour (24 miles) from Cusco

    Visit Pisac and its colorful artisan market. Explore Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress with impressive stone walls. Take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu. Stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  • Day 9: Arequipa
    10 hours and 30 minutes (485 miles) from Aguas Calientes

    Visit Plaza de Armas, the largest square in Arequipa surrounded by colonial buildings made of volcanic rocks. Explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, a peaceful walled complex with narrow streets and colorful buildings.

  • Day 10: Lima
    1 hour and 30 minutes (466 miles) from Arequipa

    Return to Lima, and spend the day at Jockey Plaza, one of the largest malls in South America. Buy souvenirs from a wide range of stores, eat at local or international restaurants, and enjoy family-friendly activities such as bowling or cinema.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Boat tour to Ballestas Islands (2 hours, $20)
  • Flight over Nazca Lines (1 hour, $150)
  • Train ride to Machu Picchu (2 hours, $150)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $320

Transportation:

To get around Peru, the most common modes of transportation are flights, buses, and trains. Flights are the quickest but also the most expensive. Buses and trains are more budget-friendly but can take longer. When traveling between cities, it's best to reserve tickets in advance to secure seats and ensure optimal schedules.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting Colca Canyon, some of the deepest canyons in the world, for breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. If you have less time, consider skipping the Nazca Lines or extending your stay in Lima or Cusco, as they offer plenty of unique attractions and activities.

Airports:

Peru's main airport is the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), located in Lima City Center, about 11 miles from the coast. There are also smaller airports in Cusco, Arequipa, and other major cities.

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