Get ready to experience the bustling city of Lima, known for its rich history, arts, and culture. Start your journey by exploring the historic center of the city, Plaza de Armas. Visit other historic sites like the Monastery of San Francisco and the Government Palace.
Next, head to the picturesque Huacachina oasis. Go sandboarding down the high dunes, take a refreshing dip in the lagoon and explore the stunning desert scenery. Take a guided tour of the city of Ica and learn about the history of pisco, Peru's national beverage.
Explore Arequipa, known as the "White City." Visit the historic Santa Catalina Monastery, the Yanahuara District, and see the stunning El Misti Volcano. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant marketplace, San Camilo Market.
Take a guided tour to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Witness the magnificent Andean Condors soaring the sky, spot some llamas and alpacas, and enjoy stunning natural landscapes. Soak in the hot springs to relax after a long day of hiking through the canyon.
Explore Puno, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Take a boat ride to see some of the floating Uros Islands, a unique and interesting attraction, and learn about the indigenous people who live there. Visit the Sillustani ruins, an ancient burial ground set amidst beautiful landscapes.
The highlight of the trip, no visit to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. Take a train from Cusco train station to Aguas Calientes, and then take a bus to the famous Incan ruins. Explore the magnificent ancient city and immerse yourself in a rich and intriguing history rich with myths and legends.
End your adventurous trip in Peru with a visit to the stunning city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. Explore the picturesque San Blas neighborhood, visit the art galleries and boutiques, and enjoy beautiful views of the city from the hilltop lookout at Sacsayhuaman.
Getting around Peru can be a bit challenging but you have plenty of options including buses, trains, and domestic flights. Buses and trains are the most popular way to travel between cities, but domestic flights can save you a lot of time if you're on a tight schedule. The cost of transportation ranges from 40 – 150 PEN (approx. $12-45 USD) depending on the mode of transportation.
If you have more time, add a visit to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru's own "mini Galapagos". If you have less time, skip Huacachina or Puno. To avoid side effects of altitude sickness, take some time to acclimate to the high altitude by staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous exercise, and taking it easy the first couple of days.
When traveling to Peru, your main entry point will be the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), located in Lima, which is the hub for all domestic flights to other cities in the country. The airport is located about 11 miles (18 km) from the city center, and you can take a taxi, bus or the express airport shuttle to get to the city.