Begin your adventure in Lima, Peru's capital city. Explore the historic center to admire the colonial architecture and visit the Plaza Mayor, which served as the heart of the Spanish colony. Taste the city's famous cuisine, such as ceviche and aji de gallina, at a local restaurant.
Head to the coastal town of Paracas, known for its stunning sea views and the Paracas National Reserve, where you can snorkel with sea lions, spot exotic birds or take a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands.
Enjoy a day of adrenaline in the desert oasis of Huacachina where you can try sandboarding or take a dune buggy ride through the massive sand dunes that surround the lagoon.
Discover the charming city of Arequipa, known as the White City, due to its many buildings made of white volcanic rock. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colorful 16th-century convent, and explore the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Take a dip in La Calera hot springs and watch the condors soar through the canyon.
Head to the historic city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the winding cobblestone streets and visit the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by Spanish colonial buildings and is the heart of the city. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas characterized by its impressive Inca sites like Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Moray Terraces.
Experience the Peruvian Amazon in Puerto Maldonado, a gateway to the lush Amazon rainforest. Take a boat ride down the Madre de Dios river and enjoy the natural beauty of Tambopata National Reserve. Spot a wide range of wildlife such as monkeys, caimans, and macaws. Visit a local farm to learn about native farming techniques and try fresh fruits.
Return to Lima to conclude your adventure by exploring the city's modern neighborhoods such as Miraflores and Barranco. Visit the Larco Museum, which houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art or indulge in some last-minute shopping at the local markets.
To get around Peru, you can use a mixture of transportation such as buses or flights. Buses are the most popular and affordable option to get to different areas in Peru, although some bus journeys can be long and uncomfortable. It is also easy to fly between major cities, making travel much faster. Flights are generally more expensive but can save you time and reduce travel fatigue.
Estimated transportation costs: $200 to $300.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Nazca Lines or taking a multi-day trek to Choquequirao. If you have less time, you could skip either Arequipa or Puerto Maldonado. Keep in mind that altitudes in Andean Peru can vary from 8,000 to 14,000 feet, so it's essential to acclimate slowly to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It is also important to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the primary international airport in Peru, situated about 10.4 miles from downtown Lima, with an estimated travel time of 30 minutes by car. Other airports, such as Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) and Puerto Maldonado Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) are regional airports that receive regular domestic flights.