How many days do you need in Peru?

This itinerary covers 8 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 8 days trip to Peru. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Adventure Through Peru: From Lima to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Exploring Lima

Lima, Peru

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Lucha Sanguchería

Start your day with a famous Peruvian sandwich and freshly squeezed juice at La Lucha, a local favorite.

PEN30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Larco Museum

Explore the Larco Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian art and artifacts in an 18th-century vice-royal building.

PEN35, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Mercado

Enjoy a fresh seafood dish at El Mercado, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious ceviche.

PEN60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through Miraflores Boardwalk

Walk along the scenic coast of Miraflores, enjoying ocean views, gardens, and street performances.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Parque Kennedy

Relax in Parque Kennedy, a lively park filled with cats and street vendors, a perfect place for sunset.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Panchita

Savor traditional Peruvian dishes, including anticuchos (grilled skewers), at the highly recommended Panchita.

PEN90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Lima

Day 2: Journey to Paracas

Paracas, Peru

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before leaving Lima.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Paracas

Take a comfortable 4-hour bus ride to Paracas, enjoying the scenic coastal views.

PEN65, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Coral

Indulge in fresh seafood at this popular local restaurant upon arrival in Paracas.

PEN70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Paracas National Reserve

Explore the stunning landscapes, including cliffs and beaches, within the Paracas National Reserve.

PEN50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Casa de Tono

Relax over a casual dinner with views of the marina, enjoying local dishes.

PEN80, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Paracas

Day 3: Nazca Mysteries

Nazca, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a breakfast buffet at your hotel in Paracas before departing for Nazca.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Nazca

Take a 3-hour bus ride to Nazca; enjoy the desert scenery on your journey.

PEN50, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nazca Lines

Take a scenic flight over the ancient Nazca Lines, mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert floor.

PEN450, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Encantada

Enjoy lunch in a charming setting with traditional Peruvian dishes just off the main square.

PEN60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Chauchilla Cemetery

Explore the ancient burial ground and learn about Nazca culture and mummified remains.

PEN35, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Paladar del Inka

Savor a delicious selection of local cuisine in a serene setting.

PEN75, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nazca

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Nazca as you prepare for your journey to Arequipa.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Arequipa

Head out on a 9-hour bus ride to Arequipa, renowned for its colonial architecture.

PEN80, 9 hours

6:00PM

Check in at hotel

Upon arriving, check into your hotel and refresh after the long journey.

PEN150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Chicha

Delight in a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes at Gastón Acurio’s flagship restaurant.

PEN100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Arequipa

Day 5: Puno: City of Lakes

Puno, Peru

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Arequipa.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Puno

Enjoy the stunning Andean scenery during a 6-hour bus ride to Puno.

PEN70, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at La Casona

Refuel with delicious local fare at this cozy restaurant, known for its quinoa dishes.

PEN50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Uros Floating Islands

Take an afternoon boat ride to the unique Uros Floating Islands and learn how they are made from totora reeds.

PEN80, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Mojsa Restaurant

Indulge in fine dining with lake views, focusing on fusion dishes.

PEN80, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Puno

Day 6: Cusco Cultural Capital

Cusco, Peru

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Puno hotel before traveling to Cusco.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Cusco

Set off on a 7-hour bus ride to Cusco, the heart of the Incan empire.

PEN60, 7 hours

3:00PM

Check in at hotel

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for a bit.

PEN120, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Sacsayhuamán

Discover the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán situated just outside the city, with panoramic views of Cusco.

PEN70, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Calle del Medio

Enjoy a wonderful culinary experience with local ingredients and contemporary flair.

PEN90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cusco

Day 7: Sacred Valley Adventure

Sacred Valley, Peru

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your Cusco hotel before starting your journey to the Sacred Valley.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

8:30AM

Touring Sacred Valley

Join a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac market and Ollantaytambo ruins.

PEN120, 7 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tunupa Restaurant

Enjoy lunch in a scenic setting overlooking the Urubamba River with a variety of local dishes.

PEN80, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Cusco

Return to Cusco and enjoy some free time to wander the charming streets.

Included in the tour package., 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chicha

After a day of exploration, have dinner back at Chicha, experiencing more of its multifaceted menu.

PEN100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Sacred Valley

Day 8: Iconic Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru

5:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick, early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day ahead.

Included in hotel, 1 hour

6:00AM

Train to Machu Picchu

Take the scenic 3-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

PEN600, 3 hours

9:00AM

Explore Machu Picchu

Spend the morning exploring the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

PEN150, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant

Dine at Tinkuy, located at the base of Machu Picchu, with stunning views and diverse menu options.

PEN90, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco

Catch your return train back to Cusco, reminiscing about a magical day.

PEN600, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Organika

Cap off your journey with a unique dining experience featuring organic Peruvian cuisine at Organika.

PEN110, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Machu Picchu

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Adventure Through Peru: From Lima to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Exploring Lima

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Journey to Paracas

8:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Nazca Mysteries

7:00AM

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Cultural Exploration in Arequipa

8:00AM

9:00AM

6:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Puno: City of Lakes

8:00AM

9:00AM

3:00PM

4:30PM

7:30PM

Day 6: Cusco Cultural Capital

7:00AM

8:00AM

3:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Sacred Valley Adventure

7:30AM

8:30AM

1:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 8: Iconic Machu Picchu

5:00AM

6:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

More About Peru

Plan Your Peru Trip