Yes, Machu Picchu is incredible. Yes, Lake Titicaca is breathtaking. Yes, you absolutely should visit Peru. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s your Peru itinerary:
| Luxury |  |
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| 1 | ✈To Lima (Book >) | Dep: Morning | Arr: Evening | 🏨Swissôtel Lima (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Book your transfer from Lima airport here. | |||||
| 2 | ✈Lima to Cusco flight (Book >) | Dep: Evening | Arr: Evening | 🏨Garden of San Blas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Much to see in Lima, but don’t worry – if you don’t get to it all today you have more time at the end of your trip. You’ll be in the historic centre so stroll through Plaza de Armas, checking out the Palacio de Gobierno, San Francisco Monastery, the cathedral and nearby Santo Domingo convent and Desamparados Station. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight. | Most visitors to Peru don’t need a tourist visa. | ||||
| 3-4 | Enjoy a couple of days seeing the sights in and around Cusco, starting with the beautiful Plaza de Armas. San Pedro Market is a great place to meet locals and buy souvenirs, as is the artisan district of San Blas. On the second day walk (slowly!) up to the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins and get acquainted with the Incan empire at the Inca Museum. | Altitude sickness is a real risk here – take it slow and recognise the symptoms. | |||
| 5 | 🚄Cusco to Aguas Calientes train (Book >) | Dep: 08:25 | Arr: 12:11 | 🏨Hotel Sumaq Machu Picchu (Book >) | All hotels > |
| The train journey to Aguas Calientes is spectacular – you’ll travel along the Sacred Valley, besides the mighty Urubamba river. Arrive in time for a first visit to the famous Machu Picchu. | Being so high up and close to the equator, a high SPF sunscreen is a must. | ||||
| 6 | 🚄Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo train 🚐Ollantaytambo to Cusco bus (Book >) |
Dep: 15:20 | Arr: 19:05 | 🏨Garden of San Blas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| More time today to see Machu Picchu, making sure you walk beyond the site to the Sun Gate and, in the other direction, to the Inca Bridge. | Try to get a seat on the left-hand side of the train from Cusco (and on the right back to Cusco). | ||||
| 7 | 🚄Cusco to Puno train (Book >) | Dep: 11:00 | Arr: 23:30 | 🏨On train (Book >) | |
| Your luxury Peru Rail train (which only departs on Thursdays) will whisk you to ruins and high passes on the way to Puno. | The train package includes meals and drinks. | ||||
| 8 | 🚄Puno to Sarachocha train | Dep: 06:00 | Arr: 19:30 | 🏨On train (Book >) | |
| Today you’ll visit Lake Titicaca, including the amazing man-made floating reed islands. | The islanders make lovely crafts – perfect souvenirs. | ||||
| 9 | 🚄Sarachocha to KM93 train 🚕KM93 to Colca Canyon transfer |
Dep: 06:45 Dep: 11:30 |
Arr: 11:30 Arr: |
🏨Hotel Belmond Las Casitas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| On the way south you’ll stop off at the prehistoric Sumbay Caves. Your hotel can help arrange a transfer to Colca Canyon where you can take a trip to see the condor soaring over this impressive landscape. | Didn’t see any condor? Try again tomorrow at 7am from the Cruz Del Condor lookout. | ||||
| 10 | 🚕Colca Canyon to Arequipa (Book >) taxi ✈Arequipa to Lima flight (Book >) |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 19:00 |
Arr: 12:30 Arr: 21:30 |
🏨Swissôtel Lima (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Enjoy an afternoon in the lovely city of Arequipa. The Plaza de Armas is perhaps the most impressive you’ll see. Along one flank of the square is the huge cathedral. Smaller, but intricately decorated, the Iglesia de la Compania is also worth a visit, as is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. If you’ve time visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to visit the preserved remains of the Ice Lady. | “Queso Helado” translates as “Frozen cheese” – but it tastes much better than it sounds and is well worth a try. | ||||
| 11-12 | ✈Lima to Home (Book >) | Dep: Evening |
Arr: Afternoon (next day) |
Connect this Peru itinerary with the Northern Chile, Bolivia or Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary | |
| Time today to see those sights in Lima that you missed on day 2 of this Peru itinerary (consider adding an extra day) | |||||
| Mid-range |  |
||||
| 1 | ✈To Lima (Book >) | Dep: Morning | Arr: Evening | 🏨Tierra Viva Miraflores Mendiburu (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Book your transfer from Lima airport here. | |||||
| 2 | ✈Lima to Cusco flight (Book >) | Dep: Evening | Arr: Evening | 🏨Garden of San Blas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Much to see in Lima, but don’t worry – if you don’t get to it all today you have more time at the end of your trip. You’ll be in the historic centre so stroll through Plaza de Armas, checking out the Palacio de Gobierno, San Francisco Monastery, the cathedral and nearby Santo Domingo convent and Desamparados Station. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight. | Most visitors to Peru don’t need a tourist visa. | ||||
| 3-4 | Enjoy a couple of days seeing the sights in and around Cusco, starting with the beautiful Plaza de Armas. San Pedro Market is a great place to meet locals and buy souvenirs, as is the artisan district of San Blas. On the second day walk (slowly!) up to the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins and get acquainted with the Incan empire at the Inca Museum. | Altitude sickness is a real risk here – take it slow and recognise the symptoms. | |||
| 5 | 🚐Cusco to KM 82 bus | Dep: 05:30 | Arr: 08:30 | 🏨Camping | |
| Book your Inca Trail hike a long time in advance (I recommend Inca Trail Reservations). An early start to commence your walk on which, before long, you’ll be passing breathtaking views of incredible Incan ruins. | Being so high up and close to the equator, a high SPF sunscreen is a must. | ||||
| 6-7 | Day two of the hike begins with the arduous climb up to Dead Woman’s Pass. The campsite on the other side is both remote and spectacular. Day three starts with another short climb, but then passes ruins and has incredible views across to mountains and forested valleys. The highlight of today is the Wiñay Wayna ruin. | Altitude sickness is a real risk here (day two of the Inca Trail is particularly challenging) – take it slow and recognise the symptoms. | |||
| 8 | 🚄Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train 🚐Ollantaytambo to Cusco bus |
Dep: 15:20 | Arr: 19:05 | 🏨Garden of San Blas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Awake before sunrise and finish the Inca Trail hike at the Sun Gate. Summon a but more energy to continue on to the Inca Bridge and then enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. The train journey to Ollantaytambo is a highlight and will be included in your tour. | Try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the train from Cusco for the best views. | ||||
| 9 | 🚄Cusco to Puno train (Book >) | Dep: 07:30 | Arr: 17:50 | 🏨Hotel Tierra Vivo Puno Plaza (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Your luxury Peru Rail train (which only departs on three times a week) will whisk you through captivating landscapes on the way to Puno. | The train price includes meals and drinks. | ||||
| 10 | Today visit Lake Titicaca, including the amazing man-made floating reed islands (arrange your tour in advance). | The islanders make lovely crafts – perfect souvenirs. | |||
| 11 | 🚌Puno to Chivay bus (Book >) | Dep: 06:30 | Arr: 12:15 | 🏨Casa Andina Standard Colca (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Today’s journey stops at the lakes of Lagunillas, the national reserve of Aguada Blanca and the 4,900 metre-high Andes Viewpoint. Chivay is in Colca Canyon and when you arrive you can go and look for condor or relax in the La Calera hot springs | Didn’t see any condor? Try again tomorrow at 7am from the Cruz Del Condor lookout. | ||||
| 12 | 🚌Chivay to Arequipa bus (Book >) | Dep: 13:15 | Arr: 16:30 | 🏨Hotel Katari At Plaza De Armas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| More time to spot condor, go horse riding or enjoy a hike in Colca Canyon before driving on to Arequipa. | Save the environment by using a filter water bottle. | ||||
| 13 | 🚌Arequipa to Nazca bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:30 | Arr: 23:30 | 🏨Casa Hacienda Nasca Oasis (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas is perhaps the most impressive you’ll see. Along one flank of the square is the huge cathedral. Smaller, but intricately decorated, the Iglesia de la Compania is also worth a visit, as is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. If you’ve time visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to visit the preserved remains of the Ice Lady. | “Queso Helado” translates as “Frozen cheese” – but it tastes much better than it sounds and is well worth a try. | ||||
| 14 | 🚌Nazca to Lima bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:40 | Arr: 22:21 | 🏨Tierra Viva Miraflores Mendiburu (Book >) | All hotels > |
| There’s one main reason you’re here: to see the mysterious Nazca Lines. Reserve your flight here. | The flights can cause upset stomachs – take motion sickness tablets if you need. | ||||
| 15-16 | ✈Lima to Home (Book >) | Dep: Evening |
Arr: Afternoon (next day) |
Connect this Peru itinerary with the Northern Chile, Bolivia or Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary | |
| Time today to see those sights in Lima that you missed on day 2 of this Peru itinerary (consider adding an extra day) | |||||
| Budget |  |
||||
| 1 | ✈To Lima (Book >) | Dep: Morning | Arr: Evening | 🏨1900 Backpackers Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Book your transfer from Lima airport here. | |||||
| 2 | ✈Lima to Cusco flight (Book >) | Dep: Evening | Arr: Evening | 🏨Kokopelli Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Much to see in Lima, but don’t worry – if you don’t get to it all today you have more time at the end of your trip. You’ll be in the historic centre so stroll through Plaza de Armas, checking out the Palacio de Gobierno, San Francisco Monastery, the cathedral and nearby Santo Domingo convent and Desamparados Station. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight. | Most visitors to Peru don’t need a tourist visa. | ||||
| 3-4 | Enjoy a couple of days seeing the sights in and around Cusco, starting with the beautiful Plaza de Armas. San Pedro Market is a great place to meet locals and buy souvenirs, as is the artisan district of San Blas. On the second day walk (slowly!) up to the impressive Sacsayhuaman ruins and get acquainted with the Incan empire at the Inca Museum. | Altitude sickness is a real risk here – take it slow and recognise the symptoms. | |||
| 5 | 🚐Cusco to KM 82 bus | Dep: 05:30 | Arr: 08:30 | 🏨Camping | |
| Book your Inca Trail hike a long time in advance (I recommend Inca Trail Reservations). An early start to commence your walk on which, before long, you’ll be passing breathtaking views of incredible Incan ruins. | Being so high up and close to the equator, a high SPF sunscreen is a must. | ||||
| 6-7 | Day two of the hike begins with the arduous climb up to Dead Woman’s Pass. The campsite on the other side is both remote and spectacular. Day three starts with another short climb, but then passes ruins and has incredible views across to mountains and forested valleys. The highlight of today is the Wiñay Wayna ruin. | Altitude sickness is a real risk here (day two of the Inca Trail is particularly challenging) – take it slow and recognise the symptoms. | |||
| 8 | 🚄Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo train 🚐Ollantaytambo to Cusco bus |
Dep: 15:20 | Arr: 19:05 | 🏨Kokopelli Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Awake before sunrise and finish the Inca Trail hike at the Sun Gate. Summon a but more energy to continue on to the Inca Bridge and then enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu. The train journey to Ollantaytambo is a highlight and will be included in your tour. | Try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the train from Cusco for the best views. | ||||
| 9 | 🚌Cusco to Puno bus (Book >) | Dep: 08:30 | Arr: 15:30 | 🏨Iguana Hostel Puno (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Enjoy the captivating landscapes on the way to Puno. If you want to experience something different then you can stay on a floating island. | Take a look at these useful Peru bus travel tips. | ||||
| 10 | Today visit Lake Titicaca, including the amazing man-made floating reed islands (arrange your tour in advance). | The islanders make lovely crafts – perfect souvenirs. | |||
| 11 | 🚌Puno to Chivay bus (Book >) | Dep: 06:30 | Arr: 12:15 | 🏨Colca Andina Inn (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Today’s journey stops at the lakes of Lagunillas, the national reserve of Aguada Blanca and the 4,900 metre-high Andes Viewpoint. Chivay is in Colca Canyon and when you arrive you can go and look for condor or relax in the La Calera hot springs | Didn’t see any condor? Try again tomorrow at 7am from the Cruz Del Condor lookout. | ||||
| 12 | 🚌Chivay to Arequipa bus (Book >) | Dep: 13:15 | Arr: 16:30 | 🏨Way Kap Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| More time to spot condor, go horse riding or enjoy a hike in Colca Canyon before driving on to Arequipa. | Save the environment by using a filter water bottle. | ||||
| 13 | 🚌Arequipa to Nazca bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:30 | Arr: 23:30 | 🏨Nasca Lodge (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas is perhaps the most impressive you’ll see. Along one flank of the square is the huge cathedral. Smaller, but intricately decorated, the Iglesia de la Compania is also worth a visit, as is the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. If you’ve time visit the Museo Santuarios Andinos to visit the preserved remains of the Ice Lady. | “Queso Helado” translates as “Frozen cheese” – but it tastes much better than it sounds and is well worth a try. | ||||
| 14 | 🚌Nazca to Lima bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:40 | Arr: 22:21 | 🏨Pariwana Hostel Lima (Book >) | All hostels > |
| There’s one main reason you’re here: to see the mysterious Nazca Lines. Reserve your flight here. | The flights can cause upset stomachs – take motion sickness tablets if you need. | ||||
| 15-16 | ✈Lima to Home (Book >) | Dep: Evening |
Arr: Afternoon (next day) |
Connect this Peru itinerary with the Northern Chile, Bolivia or Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary | |
| Time today to see those sights in Lima that you missed on day 2 of this Peru itinerary (your hostel is located in a different area to day 1). | |||||
A Plan To Go 