Comprehensive 20-Day Peru Itinerary: From Lima to Machu Picchu and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Lima, Peru on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Lucha Sanguchería

Start your day with a traditional Peruvian breakfast of fresh juices and sandwiches in a popular Lima spot.
PEN25, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Plaza Mayor

Explore Lima's historic main square, featuring the Government Palace and Lima Cathedral, open daily from 8am to 8pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Larco Museum

Discover Peru’s pre-Columbian art and artifacts at this renowned museum open from 9am to 7pm.
PEN40, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at El Mercado

Savour fresh seafood ceviche and other Peruvian dishes at this well-regarded restaurant open until 5pm.
PEN60, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk along Miraflores Boardwalk

Stroll the scenic cliffside walkway overlooking the Pacific Ocean, free to enjoy at any time.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Central

Dine at one of Latin America’s top restaurants, known for its innovative Peruvian dishes. Reservations recommended.
Approx PEN250, 2h0m
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Day 2: Lima Cultural Day

Lima, Peru on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Puku Puku

Enjoy a hearty breakfast including local breads and coffee in this cozy cafe.
PEN20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Huaca Pucllana

Tour this ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of Lima, open 9am to 5pm.
PEN15, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping in Barranco

Explore the bohemian district’s galleries, shops and street art, open throughout the day.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Isolina

Try traditional Peruvian comfort food in a lively setting open from noon to 10pm.
PEN50, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Museo Pedro de Osma

Admire a collection of colonial art in an elegant mansion open 2pm to 6pm on weekdays.
PEN10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rafael

Experience a refined dining experience with modern Peruvian cuisine, open until 11pm.
Approx PEN200, 2h0m
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Day 3: Transfer to Paracas

Paracas, Peru on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included in stay, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel Lima to Paracas

Bus or private transfer (~3.5 hours) from Lima to Paracas, enjoy coastal views along the way.
PEN50, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Chaco

Eat fresh seafood dishes at this popular local restaurant open until 5pm.
PEN45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Paracas National Reserve

Explore this coastal protected area with stunning desert landscapes and wildlife, open 7am to 5pm.
PEN20, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Hacienda Bahia Paracas

Dine with a sea view and sample Peruvian specialties, open until 10pm.
PEN80, 1h30m
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Day 4: Ballestas Islands

Paracas, Peru on September 4, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast before your early boat trip.
Included in stay, 0h30m

7:00am

Boat tour to Ballestas Islands

Tour the islands to view sea lions, penguins, and birds; tours open daily from 7am to 11am, book in advance.
PEN70, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at La Caracola

Enjoy casual dining with views of the bay, open until 5pm.
PEN50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Relax at Playa Roja

Visit this scenic red sand beach within Paracas Reserve, accessible throughout the day.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at El Piloto

Try freshly grilled fish dishes in a local favorite open till 10pm.
PEN60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Huacachina

Huacachina, Peru on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before check-out.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel Paracas to Huacachina

Bus or taxi for approximately 1.5 hours journey inland to the desert oasis.
PEN30, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and relax

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful desert surroundings.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Desert Nights

Sample local and fusion dishes near the oasis, open till 5pm.
PEN40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sandboarding & Dune Buggy

Experience thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding on the vast desert dunes, tours operate daily from morning until sunset.
PEN100, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pisco y Nazca

Enjoy Peruvian specialties with desert views, open until 10pm.
PEN50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Breakfast before leaving Huacachina to start longer travel day.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Arequipa by bus

Long-distance bus (~9 hours) from Huacachina to Arequipa with scenic Andean views; buses depart early morning.
PEN80, 9h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and unwind

Relax at your hotel after arrival in Arequipa.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Zig Zag

Sample local specialties like alpaca steak in this popular restaurant, open till 10pm.
PEN100, 1h30m
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Day 7: Arequipa City Tour

Arequipa, Peru on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a traditional breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Santa Catalina Monastery

Explore this vast convent complex open 9am to 5pm highlighting colonial architecture.
PEN40, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sol de Mayo

Enjoy Arequipan cuisine and specialties at this cultural restaurant, open for lunch until 3pm.
PEN60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Plaza de Armas & Cathedral

Stroll the historic main square and cathedral with impressive architecture, accessible all day.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Museo Santuarios Andinos

Learn about the famous Ice Maiden mummy, open 9am to 5pm.
PEN20, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Nueva Palomino

Try delicious Peruvian grilled dishes at this local favorite, open till 10pm.
PEN70, 1h30m
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Day 8: Colca Canyon Trip

Colca Canyon, Peru on September 8, 2025

5:00am

Early departure to Colca Canyon

Leave Arequipa early for a full day tour of Colca Canyon to see the Andean condors. Tours typically start around dawn.
PEN120, 10h0m

7:00am

Condor viewing at Cruz del Condor

Watch majestic Andean condors soaring in the canyon; best time early morning.
Included in tour, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit traditional villages

Explore nearby Andean villages like Chivay with markets and local culture.
Included in tour, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Chivay

Taste traditional Andean dishes such as alpaca stew.
Included or approx PEN30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at thermal baths

Soak in hot springs near Chivay, open daily from 9am to 10pm.
PEN20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Arequipa

Drive back to Arequipa arriving by evening.
Included in tour, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby

Relax and have dinner near your accommodation after a long day.
PEN50, 1h0m
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Day 9: Travel to Puno

Puno, Peru on September 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy traditional breakfast before travel day.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Bus from Arequipa to Puno

Approximately 6-hour scenic bus journey through high Andes to Puno.
PEN60, 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Mojsa Restaurant

Savour Puno’s local dishes including trout, open till 5pm.
PEN50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll around Puno Plaza

Relax and explore the lively main square and cathedral, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Casona Restaurant

Enjoy local and international cuisine in a cozy setting, open until 9pm.
PEN60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Lake Titicaca Tour

Puno, Peru on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your lake excursion.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Full Day Lake Titicaca tour

Visit Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, tours operate from 8am to 4pm.
PEN120, 8h0m

12:30pm

Lunch on Taquile Island

Enjoy a traditional Andean meal prepared by local communities.
Included in tour, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Puno

Relax after returning from the lake tour.
Included in tour, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balcones de Puno

Dine with views over Lake Titicaca featuring local seafood specialties, open till 10pm.
PEN70, 1h30m
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Day 11: Travel to Cusco

Cusco, Peru on September 11, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early meal preparing for travel to Cusco.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Bus from Puno to Cusco

Approximate 7-hour scenic bus ride with stops at Andahuaylillas and Raqchi for cultural visits.
PEN80, 7h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Relax at your Cusco accommodation after arrival.
Varies, 1h0m

5:00pm

Light walk around Plaza de Armas

Evening stroll to acclimatize to the altitude and see the main square.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cicciolina

Savour local and Mediterranean fusion dishes, open till 11pm.
PEN100, 1h30m
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Day 12: Cusco City Tour

Cusco, Peru on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start to your day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Sacsayhuamán

Explore this impressive Inca fortress with panoramic views of Cusco, open daily from 7am to 5pm.
PEN70, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

See the former Inca temple now a convent, open 8am to 5pm.
PEN25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Point

Enjoy vegetarian and vegan dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open till 5pm.
PEN45, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit San Pedro Market

Experience local life and sample fresh fruit and snacks in this bustling market open daily.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Cusco Cathedral

Explore this historic cathedral on Plaza de Armas, open 10am to 6pm.
PEN25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chicha

Enjoy contemporary Andean cuisine by renowned chef Gastón Acurio, open until 10pm.
PEN150, 2h0m
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Day 13: Sacred Valley Tour

Cusco & Sacred Valley, Peru on September 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departing for Sacred Valley exploration.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Full-day Sacred Valley tour

Visit Pisac ruins and market, Ollantaytambo fortress; tours usually run 8am to 6pm.
PEN150, 10h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Urubamba town

Taste traditional dishes amid beautiful valley scenery.
Included or approx PEN40, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to Cusco

Relax after full day tour.
Included, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Delight in innovative Peruvian dishes in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
PEN90, 1h30m
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Day 14: Free Day in Cusco

Cusco, Peru on September 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Ayllu

Taste locally roasted coffee alongside pastries in this cozy cafe.
PEN30, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional visit to Qenko or Tambomachay

Explore lesser-visited Inca archaeological sites open daily 7am to 5pm.
PEN70 combined ticket, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Limo

Enjoy Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine with river views, open till 4pm.
PEN100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax and shop in San Blas

Wander the artisan district with craft shops and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jack’s Café

Casual option with international dishes and friendly atmosphere, open till 10pm.
PEN60, 1h30m
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Day 15: Train to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes, Peru on September 15, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast ahead of train journey to Aguas Calientes.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Train Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Enjoy scenic train ride (~3.5 hours) through the Sacred Valley, book tickets in advance.
PEN150, 3h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Aguas Calientes

Relax and prepare for next day’s Machu Picchu visit.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Indio Feliz

Enjoy fusion cuisine near the town center, open till 4pm.
PEN60, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit local hot springs

Relax in the natural thermal waters, open daily from 9am to 9pm.
PEN10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tree House

Cozy dining with diverse menu, open till 9:30pm.
PEN50, 1h30m
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Day 16: Machu Picchu Exploration

Machu Picchu, Peru on September 16, 2025

5:00am

Early breakfast

Eat a light early breakfast before ascending to Machu Picchu.
Included, 0h30m

6:00am

Bus to Machu Picchu

Catch the morning bus (~25 minutes) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu; buses run from 5:30am to 3:30pm.
PEN24 round trip, 0h30m

6:30am

Guided Machu Picchu tour

Explore the iconic Inca citadel with a licensed guide, site open from 6am to 5pm.
PEN152 (entry) + PEN70 (guide), 3h0m

10:00am

Optional hike to Sun Gate

Hike to the Inti Punku viewpoint for breathtaking vistas, takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.
Included, 1h30m

1:00pm

Return to Aguas Calientes

Bus back to town and relax after your visit.
Included, 0h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Inkaterra

Eat fresh salads and sandwiches with garden views.
PEN50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time in Aguas Calientes

Relax or shop for souvenirs before train departure.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Incontri del Pueblo Viejo

Enjoy hearty Italian-Peruvian fusion dishes close to the train station.
PEN60, 1h30m
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Day 17: Return to Cusco

Cusco, Peru on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before travelling back to Cusco.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco

Scenic return journey by train (~3.5 hours).
PEN150, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pachapapa Cusco

Traditional Andean dishes in a charming courtyard setting.
PEN70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free afternoon: shopping or relax

Explore shops or rest in Cusco after your journey.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at MAP Café

Experience fine dining in an art museum setting, open until 10:30pm.
PEN150, 2h0m
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Day 18: Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain

Cusco, Peru on September 18, 2025

3:30am

Early departure to Rainbow Mountain

Begin pre-dawn trip to hike the stunning Rainbow Mountain; tours start early morning for best conditions.
PEN150, 12h0m

8:30am

Hiking Rainbow Mountain

Trek through high altitude landscapes to view the colourful mountain; plan for 3-4 hours hiking time.
Included in tour, 4h0m

1:30pm

Return to Cusco

Travel back relaxing after the hike.
Included in tour, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Green Point or similar

Light, healthy meal after a strenuous day, open till 10pm.
PEN50, 1h0m
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Day 19: Rest & Local Discovery

Cusco, Peru on September 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Jack’s Café

Relaxed morning breakfast with great coffee.
PEN40, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Museo de Arte Precolombino

View impressive pre-Columbian collections, open 10am to 6pm Tue to Sun.
PEN15, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Enjoy casual upscale Peruvian cuisine, open for lunch till 4pm.
PEN90, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit San Blas artisan shops

Spend time browsing crafts and art in the artisan neighborhood.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pachapapa

Experience traditional dishes served in a courtyard ambiance.
PEN70, 1h30m
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Day 20: Departure Day

Cusco, Peru on September 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Peru.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Transfer to Cusco airport

Head to the airport for your departing flight.
Varies, 1h0m
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