Start your trip in Lima, the capital city of Peru. Explore the historic center of Lima, visit the Plaza San Martin, and take a walking tour of the Plaza Mayor. Enjoy some delicious seafood for dinner and try the national drink of Peru, Pisco Sour.
Machu Picchu is the most famous attraction in Peru and it's worth the visit. This ancient Inca city offers unparalleled views of the Andes Mountains and an opportunity to explore the fascinating history of the Inca Empire. Get a guided tour of the site to make the most of your visit.
Head back to Cusco, a city that offers a unique blend of ancient Inca culture and Spanish colonial architecture. Walk around the city and check out the Plaza de Armas, the Cusco Cathedral, and the many local markets. Have dinner at one of Cusco's many delicious restaurants that sell traditional Peruvian food.
Visit the Sacred Valley, which was a key area of the Inca Empire. Explore the incredible ruins of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero. Take a guided tour and discover the rich history of the valley while enjoying the stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
Arequipa is a charming colonial town with beautiful architecture and stunning views of the El Misti volcano. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas, and taste some of the local cuisine. Arequipa is also a great starting point for the Colca Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in the world.
The Colca Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers stunning views, trekking routes, and the opportunity to spot the Andean Condor. Take a guided tour to explore the canyon and enjoy the scenery.
Most travelers in Peru use buses or flights to move from one location to another. There are also train routes to visit Cusco/Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Flights are faster but more expensive than buses. In larger cities like Lima and Cusco, taxis and ride-hailing services are safe and easy to use. Plan travel in advance and consider costs and travel times of transportation plans when setting up the itinerary.
If you have more time, consider visiting Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, or Huacachina Oasis. If you have less time, consider cutting out Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, but note that it's a popular destination for travelers. Do some research on altitude sickness and prepare for it, as some areas in Peru can be above 11,000 feet. Street food is common in Peru and delicious; just be discerning about the stands you choose before eating from them.
The primary airport in Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. The airport is located approximately 7 miles from the city center. Other airports you may encounter include Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa, and Comandante FAP Germán Arias Graziani Airport (ATA) near the city of Huaraz.