Start your trip in Cusco to get acclimatized to the altitude. Take a stroll around the historic city center and visit Plaza de Armas, the central square. Then, head to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and Qorikancha where the Incan walls are visible beneath the Spanish architecture.
Visit the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including the terraced fields of Moray and the salt pans of Maras. Take a scenic train ride to the famous Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of this magnificent site. Hike up to the Sun Gate for the breathtaking view of the entire site.
Return to Cusco to visit the fascinating San Pedro Market and try some local cuisine. Visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of the city.
Take a scenic bus ride to the charming town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit the Uros Islands and Taquile Island, known for their unique floating homes and textiles.
Visit the colonial city of Arequipa, known as the "White City" for its beautiful white buildings made of volcanic stone. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Mirador de Yanahuara for stunning views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
Take a scenic drive to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Spot the majestic Andean condors and relax in the natural hot springs of La Calera.
Take a flight to Lima, the capital city of Peru. Visit the Huaca Pucllana, an ancient ceremonial site in the heart of the city. Stroll around the Miraflores district and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean.
Take a scenic drive south to the coastal town of Paracas and visit the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins and other wildlife. Take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, mysterious geoglyphs that have baffled scientists for years.
Visit Lima's historic center and stroll around the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings. Visit the impressive Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, which houses an extensive collection of ancient books and art.
Traveling around Peru can be challenging due to the long distances between some destinations. Buses are the most common mode of transport and many companies offer comfortable services with reclining seats and onboard entertainment. Domestic flights are also available for some routes, but they can be expensive. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in major cities, but make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.
Estimated costs: $20-30 for a long-distance bus ride, $80-100 for a domestic flight, $5-10 for a taxi ride in a city.
If you have more time, consider exploring the northern part of Peru and visiting the ancient ruins of Chan Chan and the pre-Incan adobe city of Huaca de la Luna. If you have less time, you can skip the Nazca Lines and spend more time in Lima. Make sure to pack warm clothes and sunscreen, as the weather can vary widely between destinations.
The main airport in Peru is the Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), located in the capital city of Lima. It is the main hub for international and domestic flights and is located 11 miles from the city center. Other major airports in Peru include Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco and Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa.