How many days do you need in Peru?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Peru, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Peru?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Peru. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Family Adventure in Peru: Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu & Sand Buggy Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Lima Exploration

Lima, Peru

8:00AM

Arrival in Lima

Start your family adventure in Lima. Enjoy a traditional Peruvian breakfast at a local cafe before exploring the Miraflores district and its beautiful coastline views.

$10, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maido

Delight your taste buds with a fusion lunch at Maido, one of Lima's best restaurants blending Peruvian and Japanese flavors.

$30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Historic Center

Stroll through Lima's historic center, Plaza Mayor, and visit the San Francisco Monastery for a cultural immersion into Peru's past.

$0, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at La Mar

Indulge in fresh seafood at La Mar, a renowned restaurant known for its ceviche and seafood dishes.

$40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Lima

Day 2: Cusco Arrival and Acclimatization

Cusco, Peru

10:00AM

Arrival in Cusco

Fly from Lima to Cusco. Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. Relax at your hotel or explore the charming streets of San Blas.

$20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Greens Organic

Enjoy a healthy lunch at Greens Organic, a cozy restaurant in San Blas offering organic and vegetarian options.

$20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Sacsayhuaman

Explore the impressive Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman and admire the ancient stone architecture overlooking Cusco.

$10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cicciolina

Dine at Cicciolina, a popular restaurant in Cusco serving contemporary Andean cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

$30, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 3: Rainbow Mountain Trekking Adventure

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before heading to Rainbow Mountain for a colorful trekking experience.

$0, 1 hour

7:00AM

Private Van to Rainbow Mountain

Embark on a scenic journey to Rainbow Mountain. Marvel at the vibrant hues of the mountain as you trek through the Andean landscape.

$60, 3 hours

11:00AM

Trekking at Rainbow Mountain

Hike up Rainbow Mountain for panoramic views of the colorful peaks and surrounding valleys. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.

$30, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Basecamp

Enjoy a packed lunch at the basecamp while taking in the stunning vistas of Rainbow Mountain before returning to Cusco.

$15, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Cusco

Head back to Cusco in the private van and rest at your hotel after a rewarding day of trekking and exploration.

$60, 3 hours

Find Hotels in Rainbow Mountain

Day 4: Machu Picchu Wonder

Machu Picchu, Peru

7:00AM

Train to Aguas Calientes

Board the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the breathtaking views along the journey.

$50, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Machu Picchu

Discover the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the intricate stone architecture and the majestic surroundings.

$50 (entrance fee), 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Tinkuy

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, located near Machu Picchu with a variety of Peruvian and international dishes to refuel after exploring the ruins.

$25, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Cusco

Take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a private van to Cusco. Reflect on the mystical experience at Machu Picchu.

$70, 4 hours

Find Hotels in Machu Picchu

Day 5: Desert Oasis and Sand Buggy Thrills

Huacachina, Peru

9:00AM

Flight to Ica and Transfer to Huacachina

Fly from Cusco to Ica and transfer to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Prepare for thrilling sand buggy rides and sandboarding adventures.

$50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Desert Nights

Enjoy an oasis lunch at Desert Nights restaurant, offering local and international cuisine with a view of the picturesque Huacachina lagoon.

$25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sand Buggy and Sandboarding

Embark on an adrenaline-filled sand buggy ride across the dunes of Huacachina followed by sandboarding down the sandy slopes for an unforgettable experience.

$40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Huacafornia

Savor a delightful dinner at Huacafornia, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Peruvian and international dishes in a relaxed ambiance.

$20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Huacachina

Day 6: Coastal Exploration in Paracas

Paracas, Peru

9:00AM

Drive to Paracas

Embark on a scenic drive from Huacachina to Paracas, a coastal town famous for its wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and stunning beaches.

$80, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ballestas Restaurant

Delight your taste buds with a seafood lunch at Ballestas Restaurant overlooking the ocean, known for its fresh catches and local specialties.

$30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse marine life including sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species.

$50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Paracas Beach

Unwind and enjoy the serene sunset at Paracas Beach, ideal for a family evening by the sea and a peaceful end to the day's adventures.

$0, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at El Chefo

Savor a scrumptious dinner at El Chefo, a welcoming restaurant serving fresh seafood and Peruvian delicacies in a pleasant setting.

$25, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Paracas

Day 7: Return to Lima and Departure

Lima, Peru

9:00AM

Drive to Lima

Embark on a picturesque drive back to Lima from Paracas, enjoying the coastal vistas and bidding farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Peru.

$100, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Central Restaurante

Delight in a culinary experience at Central Restaurante, renowned for its innovative Peruvian cuisine and top-notch dining ambiance.

$50, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lima City Tour

Embark on a guided tour of Lima, exploring the historic center, Plaza Mayor, and the Larco Museum for insights into Peru's rich history and culture.

$40, 3 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Astrid y Gaston

Conclude your family adventure with a farewell dinner at Astrid y Gaston, a renowned restaurant offering a gastronomic journey through Peruvian flavors and creativity.

$50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Lima

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Family Adventure in Peru: Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu & Sand Buggy Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Lima Exploration

8:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Cusco Arrival and Acclimatization

10:00AM

1:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Rainbow Mountain Trekking Adventure

6:00AM

7:00AM

11:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Machu Picchu Wonder

7:00AM

10:00AM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 5: Desert Oasis and Sand Buggy Thrills

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Coastal Exploration in Paracas

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 7: Return to Lima and Departure

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

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