10-Day Peru Family Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lima - Barranco district
    30 minutes (12 km) from Lima

    Barranco district is a charming and bohemian art district in Lima. You can explore the colorful and graffiti-filled streets, visit local galleries and museums, and try local food and drinks at traditional cafes and restaurants.

  • Day 2: Cusco - Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
    15 minutes (6 km) from Cusco Sacsayhuaman

    Plaza de Armas is the heart of Cusco and a perfect place to start exploring the historic city center. You can admire the Cathedral's stunning architecture, shop at local markets and stores, and enjoy street performances and music.

  • Day 3: Machu Picchu - Incan Citadel
    3.5 hours by train from Cusco

    Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking places in the world. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Incan Empire and explore the ruins, terraces, and temples, or just enjoy the stunning views of the Andes Mountains.

  • Day 4: Sacred Valley - Pisac Market
    50 minutes (32 km) from Cusco

    The Pisac Market is a traditional indigenous market where you can find handmade textiles, jewelry, and crafts. You can also explore the ruins of the Pisac Inca Citadel, with winding stone staircases, stunning views, and a sense of history.

  • Day 5: Lake Titicaca - Uros Islands
    1 hour flight from Cusco to Juliaca, then 30 minutes (6 km) by boat from Puno

    The Uros Islands are a unique and fascinating place where the indigenous people still live on floating reed islands. You can take a boat tour to learn more about their way of life, try traditional food, and buy souvenirs.

  • Day 6: Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery
    4 hours by bus from Puno

    The Santa Catalina Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place in the heart of Arequipa. You can admire the colonial architecture, explore the cobblestone alleys and flower-filled courtyards, and learn about the history of the convent and the nuns who lived here.

  • Day 7: Colca Canyon - Condors viewpoint
    3.5 hours (167 km) from Arequipa

    The Colca Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world and a stunning natural wonder. You can hike to the Condors' Viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds and enjoy the breathtaking views of the canyon, with its green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and traditional villages.

  • Day 8: Nazca - Nazca Lines
    4 hours (260 km) from Arequipa

    The Nazca Lines are a mysterious and awe-inspiring set of figures and shapes etched into the desert floor thousands of years ago. You can take a scenic flight over the area to see the lines in full and to learn more about the theories and legends surrounding them.

  • Day 9: Huacachina - Oasis and Sandboarding
    2 hours (100 km) from Nazca

    The Huacachina oasis is a unique and picturesque place surrounded by towering sand dunes. You can relax by the lagoon, soak up the sun, and take a thrilling sandboarding ride down the dunes.

  • Day 10: Lima - Magic Water Circuit and Park of the Reserve
    4 hours (300 km) from Huacachina

    The Magic Water Circuit and Park of the Reserve is a popular and enchanting place in Lima. You can enjoy the colorful and illuminated fountains, see the water show and laser effects, and take a stroll through the park and gardens.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Barranco District (2 hours, free)
  • Plaza de Armas and Cathedral (2 hours, free)
  • Machu Picchu (4 hours, $60)
  • Pisac Market (3 hours, free)
  • Uros Islands (3 hours, $30)
  • Santa Catalina Monastery (2 hours, $20)
  • Condors viewpoint (2 hours, free)
  • Nazca Lines (1 hour, $100)
  • Huacachina oasis (2 hours, $50)
  • Magic Water Circuit and Park of the Reserve (2 hours, $5)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $285 per person

Transportation

You can travel around Peru by plane, bus, or train, depending on your itinerary and budget. Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco start at $50 per person, while bus tours and private transfers are available for most destinations. The train to Machu Picchu is a comfortable and scenic option, with several routes and prices to choose from starting at $70 per person. Keep in mind that some roads and routes may be closed or restricted due to weather conditions or other factors, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add other destinations to your itinerary, such as the Amazon Rainforest, the Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Moray circular terraces. If you have less time, you can pick and choose from this itinerary based on your preferences and interests. We recommend booking tours and tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions such as Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.

Airports

The main airport in Peru is the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in Lima, about 10 km from the city center. Other airports serving domestic and international flights include Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa, and Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca. Plan for at least 2 hours before your domestic flights and 3 hours before your international flights for check-in and security procedures.

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