Explore Peru's culinary capital and its historic center
Day 2: Paracas
3 hours 40 minutes (154 miles) from Lima
Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and witness sea lions and penguins
Day 3: Huacachina
2 hours 30 minutes (116 miles) from Paracas
Sandboard and ride dune buggies in the desert oasis
Day 4: Nazca
1 hour 30 minutes (53 miles) from Huacachina
Overfly the mysterious Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 5-6: Arequipa
8 hours (446 miles) from Nazca
Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and hike in the Colca Canyon to spot Andean condors
Day 7-8: Cusco
6 hours 30 minutes (331 miles) from Arequipa
Discover Cusco's Incan heritage and take a horseback ride to the Sacred Valley
Day 9-11: Machu Picchu
2 hours (50 miles) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, then 1 hour 30 minutes by train
Explore the Lost City of the Incas and hike the Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu
Day 12: Lima
1 hour 20 minutes (76 miles) from Machu Picchu, then a 2 hours 30 minutes by plane to Lima
Visit the museums and shops of Lima before departing
Time and Cost Estimates
Lima food tour (3 hours, $50)
Paracas boat tour (2 hours, $25)
Huacachina dune buggy tour (2 hours, $70)
Nazca Lines flight (1 hour 30 minutes, $120)
Colca Canyon trek (2 days, $150)
Cusco horseback ride (2 hours, $50)
Machu Picchu entrance (1 day, $75)
Total Estimated Costs: $540
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider visiting the Amazon Rainforest or the rainbow mountain of Vinicunca. If you have less time, skip Nazca or Huacachina. Be prepared for altitude sickness in Cusco and Machu Picchu, and bring sunscreen and layers for the desert and the mountains. Book entrance tickets and tours in advance, especially during high season.