After arriving in Lima, relax and soak up the coastal views of the Miraflores and Barranco districts. Notable points of interest include Mate Museum, showcasing works of Peruvian artist Mario Testino, and Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), a romantic spot in Barranco. Enjoy the sunset at Miraflores Boardwalk.
Get an early start and take a flight to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Take a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world and a world heritage site. Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace.
Head to the city of Ica for a relaxing wine and Pisco tasting in Tacama Wine and Pisco Cellar and visit the Huacachina oasis, a picturesque natural desert lagoon surrounded by palm trees. Take a dune buggy ride or enjoy the serene view while sipping a cold drink.
Embark on a boat tour from the town of Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see up close sea lions, penguins, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. Afterwards, explore the Paracas National Reserve, famous for its stunning rock formations and red sand beaches.
Take a flight to Easter Island, one of the most remote places in the world, known for its giant stone Moai statues. Take a guided tour and visit several archaeological sites, including Rano Raraku quarry, where Moai were carved, and Ahu Tongariki, the largest Moai platform. In the afternoon, fly back to Lima and take a city tour. Visit the historic center, a UNESCO world heritage site, including the 16th century cathedral, the Government Palace, and the San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs.
Transportation options vary depending on the activity, but most should be accessible by taxi or tour companies. Flights are required to get to Cusco and Easter Island, and the cost ranges from $60-$1200 depending on the airline and other factors. Total travel time for the trip around the itinerary is approximately 20 hours.
If you have more time, you can add more destinations in Peru, such as Lake Titicaca or the Amazon Rainforest. If you have less time, you can skip Huacachina and Paracas to spend more time in Lima or Easter Island. Remember to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
The primary international airport for Lima is the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), located in the city of Callao approximately 11.2 miles from Lima's city center. The Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is the airport closest to Easter Island, located about 1 mile from the island's main town.