7-Day Budget Adventure in Peru: Exploring the Land of the Incas

Day 1: Lima City Exploration

Lima, Peru

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Lucha

Start your day with a hearty desayuno at La Lucha, enjoying their famous sandwiches and fresh juices.
Located in Miraflores, a short taxi ride from most accommodations.
PEN 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Museo Larco

Dive into Peru's rich history at Museo Larco, which showcases fascinating pre-Columbian artifacts.
Take a taxi from the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
PEN 30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Rincón de Lago

Enjoy Peruvian ceviche at this local favorite, a true taste of Lima's coastal cuisine.
A short 10-minute walk from the museum.
PEN 35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through Barranco

Explore the bohemian district of Barranco, famous for its colorful streets and vibrant art scene.
Take a local bus or taxi, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at the cliffs of Miraflores

End your day by watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs at Parque del Amor.
Return to Miraflores by bus, about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Panchita

Treat yourself to a dinner of traditional Peruvian dishes, including anticuchos and lomo saltado.
A 10-minute walk from Parque del Amor.
PEN 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Cusco

Cusco, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at Jack's Cafe

Start your day with a filling breakfast at Jack's Cafe, renowned for their fresh, wholesome meals.
Located in central Cusco, easily accessible from any accommodation.
PEN 25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Sacsayhuamán

Explore the impressive Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán, where you will be amazed by the massive stone walls.
Take a local taxi or walk uphill, about 15 minutes.
PEN 70, 2 hours

11:00AM

Discover San Pedro Market

A vibrant local market where you can sample fresh fruit and local snacks, a great way to mingle with locals.
Head back down to the city center by taxi or foot, about 20 minutes.
Free to visit; snacks PEN 10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado San Pedro

Try a local dish, like lomo saltado or quinoa soup, right in the heart of the market.
Once at San Pedro, you can eat at any of the many stalls.
PEN 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tour the Plaza de Armas

Wander the stunning Plaza de Armas and visit the beautiful Cathedral of Cusco.
A short walk from the market, about 10 minutes.
Free to explore; church entry PEN 25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pachapapa

Relish a traditional Andean meal, complete with hearty stews, in this cozy restaurant.
Taking a taxi will get you there in about 10 minutes.
PEN 45, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast provided by your hotel, fueling up for a big day ahead.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train Journey to Aguas Calientes

Experience the stunning Andean scenery as you take a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Train departs from Poroy Station, reach by taxi or bus from central Cusco.
USD 80, 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Aguas Calientes

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.
Walking distance to your lodging.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Tree House

Refuel with a delicious lunch while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
PEN 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the local hot springs

Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs, a perfect way to soothe weary muscles after the train ride.
10-minute walk to the hot springs.
PEN 40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Indio Feliz

Enjoy a mix of Peruvian and French cuisine in a rustic setting to cap off your first day in Aguas Calientes.
A short walk from the hot springs.
PEN 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Machu Picchu Expedition

Machu Picchu, Peru

5:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Rise early and enjoy breakfast to fuel up for your exciting adventure at Machu Picchu.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00AM

Machu Picchu Visit

Take the early bus to Machu Picchu to explore the majestic ruins before the crowds arrive.
Take the bus from Aguas Calientes, which takes about 30 minutes.
USD 24 (bus), USD 60 (entrance), 4 hours

10:30AM

Explore Inti Punku

Hike to the Sun Gate for breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the citadel.
Hiking from Machu Picchu, about 1 hour each way.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge

Enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking Machu Picchu at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant.
On-site dining for convenience.
PEN 85, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Continue Exploring Machu Picchu

Spend the afternoon discovering more of the ruins at your leisure, soaking in the incredible atmosphere.
Wander freely around the site.
Free after entrance fee, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Aguas Calientes

Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and relax after an exhilarating day.
Bus returns you to town in about 30 minutes.
Included in #2, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Inkaterra

Savor another local dish before resting for the night.
A leisurely walk back towards the center.
PEN 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventuring through the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading out to explore the Sacred Valley.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ollantaytambo Ruins

Explore these remarkable Inca ruins, complete with stunning terraces overlooking the valley.
Take a local bus from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
PEN 70, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the town of Ollantaytambo

Wander the picturesque streets and enjoy local artisan shops.
Only a short walk through the charming streets.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Apu Veronica

Enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties in this cozy restaurant.
Located in Ollantaytambo, easy to find.
PEN 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Chinchero

Continue to Chinchero to see the vibrant textile market and learn about traditional weaving practices.
Local bus from Ollantaytambo, about 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Cusco

Head back to Cusco and relax after a day of exploring the Sacred Valley.
Take a local bus back, approx 1 hour.
PEN 10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Cusqueñita

Indulge in a buffet of traditional dishes and try some local beers to wind down.
Located a short walk from your accommodation.
PEN 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Enchanting Pisac Markets

Pisac, Peru

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Refuel before traveling out to Pisac for a full day of activities.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pisac

Take a local bus from Cusco to Pisac to experience the picturesque countryside.
Buses leave frequently from the main bus terminal.
PEN 5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Pisac Market Visit

Spend time wandering through the colorful crafts market, perfect for souvenir shopping.
The market is near the bus drop-off point.
Free to enter; shopping varies, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at El Albergue

Enjoy a fresh meal made from local produce in this charming restaurant.
Located near the market, just a short walk.
PEN 40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pisac Ruins

Hike up to the impressive ruins overlooking the town, a rewarding experience with great views.
Hiking from the market takes about 40 minutes uphill.
PEN 70 (entrance fee), 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Cusco

Head back to Cusco to unwind after your adventure.
Take the bus back, about 1 hour.
PEN 5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Bodega 138

Treat yourself to pizza or pasta in this cozy eatery, perfect for sharing tales of the day.
Located in the city center, a brief walk from your hotel.
PEN 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Lima

Lima, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final Peruvian breakfast as you prepare for departure.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Fly back to Lima

Catch your morning flight back to Lima, reminiscing about your epic adventure.
Taxi to the airport, approx 30 minutes.
USD 70, 1 hour

10:30AM

Arrive in Lima

On arrival, prepare to explore last-minute sites if time allows.
Taxi from the airport to the city.
PEN 50, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pardo's Chicken

Try some of Peru's best rotisserie chicken at this popular chain before heading to the airport.
Taxi from your last site to Pardo’s, about 15 minutes.
PEN 35, 1 hour

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping at Larcomar

Browse through shops for souvenirs and enjoy the seaside views before your flight.
Take a taxi from lunch, around 10 minutes away.
Free to browse; shopping varies, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Head to the Airport

Make your way back to the airport for your departure from Lima.
Taxi to the airport, approx 30 minutes.
PEN 50, 1 hour
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