Upon arrival in Lima, you'll check in at your hotel in Miraflores - a modern tourist hotspot, home to numerous restaurants, and shops. You can spend the day exploring the area, shopping, and enjoying delicious Peruvian dishes.
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza Mayor - a UNESCO world heritage site - in the historic center. Visit the Presidential Palace, Palace of the Union, and Cathedral of Lima. Afterward, you can walk around the old streets of Lima while admiring the ancient buildings and experiencing the culture.
This day has a few exciting places to visit. After breakfast at your hotel, head to the Barranco district, formerly a beach resort for locals that is now famous for its art galleries, trendy bars, and cafes. After exploring Barranco, head to the colorful Love Park located in Miraflores, a perfect place for taking photos or having a picnic. Then, you can end your day by discovering the magic of Larcomar Shopping Center, where you can enjoy shopping, live music, and Peruvian dishes.
Take a morning flight to Cusco and check in at your hotel located in the historic center. After resting for a while, visit the San Pedro Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to local handicrafts. Enjoy some street food and drinks while listening to live music.
Experience the breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains on a day trip to the Sacred Valley. Visit the Pisac Market for souvenirs and handicrafts and then head to the Ollantaytambo fortress to see the remarkable Incan ruins.
Take an early train to the Machu Picchu area and then a bus to the ruins. Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. After spending the day exploring Machu Picchu, head back to Aguas Calientes and stay overnight at a hotel there.
If you are interested in seeing more of Machu Picchu, opt for making an early start to hike the famous Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain. This requires purchasing a separate entrance ticket that should be booked in advance. After returning from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, take an evening train back to Cusco and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants there.
Spend the day at your own leisure while exploring Cusco's Historic Center. Visit its churches, museums, or simply walk its streets and explore its old buildings, including the famous San Blas district. You could also sign up for one of its couple of cooking classes or go shopping for souvenirs at the center's shops.
Take an early morning bus to Cusipata and then a van to Rainbow Mountain. Experience the natural scenery of the Andes mountains in a 2-hour trek to reach the summit. After lunch, then return to Cusco and end the day with a cozy dinner at a local restaurant with your loved ones.
Your journey to Peru has come to an end, and it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. Our recommended transportation is by taxi, and you will arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
During your time in Peru, you'll need to consider different modes of transportation. All of the locations mentioned in this itinerary have good public transportation options or can be reached via taxi or car. Domestic flight options offer a faster way to get to some areas in the country, such as Cusco. Keep in mind that the roads in Peru can be curvy, so some people might find the journey a bit challenging.
The costs of transportation range from free to moderately priced, depending on your choices. For example, taking a train to Machu Picchu is more expensive than taking a bus to the Rainbow Mountains.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca or exploring the Amazon rainforest. If you have less time, skip Rainbow Mountain, Huayna Picchu mountain, or Machu Picchu mountain.
The main airport in Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) located in Callao, a city near Lima, about 30 minutes away by car/taxi. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is located just outside of Cusco and is about 15 minutes away by car/taxi.