15-Day Adventure Itinerary in Peru

• Day 1: Lima
  0 minutes from Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

  Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Lima. Explore the historic city center and see the colonial architecture of Plaza Mayor. Visit the Larco Museum to learn about Peru's ancient cultures and civilizations through their artifacts.

• Day 2-4: Huaraz
  7-hour drive or 8-hour bus ride from Lima

  Travel to Huaraz, the capital of the Ancash Region. It is the perfect location for adventure activities like hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Enjoy a guided trek in the stunning Cordillera Blanca mountain range and see the turquoise lakes of Laguna 69.

• Day 5-7: Iquitos
  2.5-hour flight from Lima

  Take a flight to Iquitos, a city surrounded by the Amazon rainforest. Explore the region's biodiversity and experience a jungle adventure with activities such as kayaking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, home to various unique animals, including pink river dolphins and giant otters.

• Day 8-9: Cusco
  1.5-hour flight from Iquitos

  Head to Cusco to explore the ancient Incan capital. Take in the stunning architecture and history at Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Experience the city's vibrant culture and cuisine, and embark on exciting activities such as mountain biking or white-water rafting on the Urubamba River.

• Day 10-12: Arequipa
  1-hour flight from Cusco

  Visit Arequipa, known as the "white city" due to its beautiful buildings made of white volcanic rock. Hike the Colca Canyon for spectacular views or visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of Peru's most impressive colonial buildings. Taste the unique flavors of the local cuisine, including dishes like rocoto relleno and alpaca steak.

• Day 13-15: Paracas
  4.5-hour drive or 3.5-hour bus ride from Arequipa

  End your adventure in Paracas, a coastal paradise known for its beaches and marine life. Take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see penguins, sea lions, and other wildlife. Visit the Paracas National Reserve to see exotic birds, sand dunes, and stunning ocean views.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Larco Museum (2-3 hours, S/.32 / £7.50)
• Laguna 69 trek (12 hours, S/.120 / £28)
• Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve tour (2-3 days, S/.500-2000 / £118-470)
• Machu Picchu trip (full day, S/.261 / £61)
• Colca Canyon hike (2-3 days, S/.200-400 / £47-94)
• Ballestas Islands tour (2-3 hours, S/.36 / £8.50)
Total Estimated Costs: S/.1,149-2,733 / £270-640

Transportation

Consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for travel beyond Lima. Domestic flights are available for longer distances. Budget for S/.50-100 / £12-24 daily for local transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other locations such as the Nazca Lines or Lake Titicaca. If you have less time, cut the stay in Paracas to one or two days.

Airports

Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) is located in Callao, just outside of Lima. It is 10 miles (16 km) from the city center.