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Looking for the perfect Peru 10-day itinerary? We are here to help!

Located in South America, Peru is one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries in the world. From the ancient Inca ruins to the stunning Andean mountain ranges and sand desert, Peru has something for everyone.

Our 10-day itinerary for Peru will take you through this amazing country, allowing you to experience all that Peru has to offer.

Lake Humantay in Peru

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You will find below a recap day by day of what to do in Peru in 10 days. This includes the activities, accommodation but also some travel tips to make your trip the best it can ever be.

So, are you ready to dive into this itinerary for 10 days in Peru? Let’s get started!

Itinerary for 10 days in Peru

Here you can find the detailed itinerary for 10 days in Peru.

Day 1: Lima

The best place to start this amazing 10-day trip in Peru is the capital city, Lima.

The Ultimate Lima 2-Day itinerary: How to spend 2 days in Lima, PeruLima is a very interesting city. It’s quite large and each neighbourhood is very unique and completely different.

In most places, especially in Europe, the historical centre is the nicest place. In Lima, it’s not exactly the case but it’s still somewhere you’ll want to check out. It’s one of the best places for food and you will find the most famous Lima landmarks in this area.

INTERESTING FACT: The historic centre of Lima has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.

Stop 1: Historic Centre of Lima

Main square in Lima

Start your day by heading to Plaza St Martin.

This is the ‘entrance’ to the old centre and can easily be reached by taxi or bus.

This beautiful square was named after the liberator of Peru, José de San Martín, and is famous for being home to one of the first 3-star hotels in the city, the Gran Hotel Bolívar.

PRO TIP: There are a lot of pickpockets in Plaza St Martin so be particularly careful. Avoid walking around with your phone in your hand in the historic centre in general.

From Plaza St Martin, take the Jirón de la Unión up to the stunning Plaza Mayor. This is the main square in Lima. You will find the Presidential Palace, Lima Cathedral and some other colonial buildings.

If you want to visit the Lima Cathedral, you can enter for a fee of 10 soles. Be sure to check opening times first!

You should also take a stroll around Plaza Mayor as it’s an incredibly beautiful place with many shops and restaurants.

There are also artists everywhere that can draw your portrait for around 20 soles.

You can also find the ‘LIMA’ sign on Plaza Mayor, perfect for your holiday photos!

While you can explore the historic centre by yourself, we highly recommend joining a local walking tour. The area can be quite chaotic and being with a guide will be very useful.

You will also learn plenty about the history of Lima and Peru in general as well as discover spots you would never have found otherwise.

Click here to see the prices.

Stop 2: Central Market

Maca smoothie in Lima
Fruit in Lima

For lunch, head to the Central Market. It’s a huge market full of fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, as well as clothes and souvenirs.

You can find some delicious ceviche (a Peruvian seafood dish) in this market at very affordable prices. There is also plenty of local dishes available such as Lomo Saltado (a type of stir-fry dish) or Aji de Gallina (chicken in a creamy sauce).

Don’t forget to treat yourself to some fresh fruit and smoothies!

You can find some delicious fruit in Peru and we particularly recommend the passion fruit (maracuya) and Chirimoya.

If you go to the smoothie stall, ask for the maca smoothie. Maca is a root vegetable that is very well known in Peru for its health benefits.

We know that a smoothie made with a root vegetable doesn’t sound that tempting but you will be very pleasantly surprised!

Central market in lima

If you are a foodie and want to truly experience the food in Lima, we highly recommend you join a local food tour.

It’s a lot of fun and you get so much food and drinks for your money. The local guide will explain everything you need to know about the history of Lima but also the Peruvian food habits.

All food tours include at least 5 stops (but often much more than that) and you get to try things like tamales, tamales, picarones, pork sandwich and more.

This was one of our favourite things to do in Lima.

Make sure to come with an empty stomach because you will be getting a lot of food!

Click here to see the prices.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Diamond Lima is an excellent hotel located in the historic centre of Lima. Perfect for exploring the area! It’s great value for money and includes breakfast. See prices.

Day 2: Paracas and Huacachina

_Ballestas islands sign

Rise and shine, amigos! Today marks Day 2 of our epic 10-day Peru itinerary, and you’re off to explore the stunning Paracas and Huacachina. Pack your bags, and let’s hit the road early, as there’s a lot to see and do.

There are two ways you can get to Paracas and Huacacina from Lima.

The first one (also the easiest) is to book a day tour. It includes transportation as well as all the activities during the day.

Not only is it the easiest way but it also works out less expensive for most people.

Click here to see the prices.

Alternatively, you can also choose to rent a car for a day but it will probably cost you more money as well as being more hassle. On the plus side, you will get more freedom.

Our first stop is the gorgeous Paracas, a coastal town known for its wildlife and natural beauty.

This is where the Ballestas Islands tours depart from.

They actually used to depart from another town nearby, Pisco, but it was very much damaged by an earthquake a few years back and all the tourism infrastructures were then moved to Paracas.

_Ballestas islands seals

Once you get there, head to the pier and hop on a boat to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galapagos.”

This is a popular attraction so make sure you book your tour in advance to avoid any disappointment if you’ve opted for the self-drive day.

If you’ve booked a day tour, this will be included.

You will start heading towards the islands.

On the way, you will also see a mysterious mark on the ground, reminiscent of the famous Nazca Lines, visible as you cruise along the water.

There are many theories about what it represents and who made it. Some of the most famous theories are that it is a plant, drawn by the Paracas civilisation but also a trident made by sailors.

From there, you will head to the white islands where you’ll get to see seals, birds, and even adorable penguins.

FUN FACT: The white on the islands is actually bird poo, hence the smell.

Next up, you’ll venture into the Paracas Natural Reserve, where a mesmerizing desert road trip awaits.

Paracas reserve

Be prepared to be enchanted by the vibrant hues of the soil, ranging from warm oranges to deep reds – it’s like an artist’s palette comes to life. Snap some pictures and let the desert’s beauty captivate your soul.

Feeling hungry? Stop for lunch at La Tia Fela, a local gem that promises to delight your taste buds. They are particularly known for their ceviche but we also recommend the grilled fish as it’s delicious.

After refuelling, head on up to the viewpoint behind the restaurant. It offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the area. Trust us; you’ll want to savour this moment.

Paracas nature reserve

The adventure continues with a drive to the Mirador Istmo II viewpoint where you can get beautiful photos of the cliffs and the beach.

After that, keep going to the Cathedral viewpoint, which was once a magnificent natural arch before it succumbed to an earthquake (hence the name). The rugged beauty that remains is a poignant reminder of nature’s power.

Huacachina in Peru

From Paracas Nature Reserve, drive towards Ica to reach our final destination for the day: Huacachina, the last natural oasis of its kind.

It takes about an hour to get there.

Once you arrive, have a wander around the oasis. You’ll find charming local shops and will get a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this desert haven.

INTERESTING FACT: There used to be 12 natural oasis in this area and Huacacina is the only one left.

But the fun doesn’t end there! To wrap up the day, buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping buggy ride in the desert, complete with sandboarding.

This is by far one of the most fun activities to do in Peru.

You do not need to be able to drive since you will only be a passenger on the buggy but believe us, you will get your fair share of thrill. The driver will take you around the dunes, it feels like a roller coaster!

PRO TIP: Make sure you hold your phone tight because the ride can be quite bumpy.

You will make different stop during the ride. The first one is a photo stop at the view point that overlooks the oasis.

You can also take photos on top of the buggy there.

You will then head to some sandboarding sand. This is, again, such a fun activity.

There are two types of sandboarding. The first one is just with a normal board and you lie on the board and go down the dune. This is fun and perfect for beginners and people who have never done it.

Alternatively, you can also ask the tour provider to give you ‘proper’ sandboards and you go down standing. This is only for people who are experienced though.

Sunset in Huacachina in Peru

Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, there’s no denying the thrill of cruising down the golden dunes. And the cherry on top? You’ll end the day with a breathtaking desert sunset.

The sunset in the desert is absolutely stunning. It’s such a relaxing moment and will most likely be one of the highlights of your 10-day trip to Peru.

Once you are done, head back to Lima.

PRO TIP: This is also the main reason why we recommend the day tour instead of renting a car. After this day of activities, you will be quite tired so with a day tour, you will get to sleep or at least relax on the bus and not get even more tired by driving 3 hours at night.

WHERE TO STAY: If you are taking the night bus then you won’t have to book a hotel night today. Otherwise, we recommend you stay in the same hotel in Lima.

Day 3: Cusco

Cusco
Qoricancha in Cusco

Today, you’ll fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure to book an early flight so you get to Cusco early and can enjoy the entire day.

You can easily find the best deals for flights on Skyscanner. To get to the airport, we recommend using Uber as it’s very cheap and safe.

Once you land, grab a taxi to your hotel and drop off your bags. It’s time to dive into this beautiful city!

Start your day with a walking tour of Cusco. This is one of the best ways to explore the city.

Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire which means there is a lot of history here.

By choosing to book a walking tour, you will be with a local guide who will tell you everything you need to know about Cusco.

You can also ask for recommendations for food and drinks.

plaza de armas in cusco

You will start at the famous Plaza de Armas, home to two magnificent cathedrals and classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

FUN FACT: Since it is a UNESCO site, bright signs are not allowed so if you look around, you’ll see that all the logos like KFC or Starbucks are black. This way they don’t ‘ruin’ the landscape.

You will also notice there is a statue in the middle of the square, on the fountain. This is Pachacuti, the founder of Machu Picchu. He is pointing in the direction of Machu Picchu.

As you stroll, soak in loads of fascinating information about the Inca Empire. You’ll walk past Qorikancha, the former Golden Temple of the Incas, but don’t worry – you’ll visit it later!

One of the most interesting things about the walking tour is that the guide will tell you more about the Inca architecture which is, still to this day, a bit of a mystery.

San Blas in Cusco
San blas market Cusco

Next, head to the artsy district of San Blas. With its narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, it’s an incredibly picturesque area. Keep your camera ready!

When hunger strikes, make your way to San Blas Market for lunch. This local gem offers delicious, affordable meals. Enjoy a full meal with a starter and main for just 8 soles – a steal!

PRO TIP: The local specialities is the fried trout. You will see it everywhere in this market so give it a go.

It’s also a good place to buy coca leaves for the next few days.

Qorikancha
Qorikancha

After lunch, it’s time for the highlight of the day: Qorikancha. Once covered in gold, this temple was the most important in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti. Marvel at the impressive stonework and learn about the temple’s history as you explore.

chocolate museum in cusco
chocolate museum in cusco

Now, for a sweet treat! Visit the Chocomuseo for the chocolate workshop. Here, you’ll learn all about Peruvian cocoa and the journey from bean to chocolate bar.

The instructor is very funny and involves every participant which is quite fun.

You will sample hot chocolate and cocoa tea, and, of course, create your own chocolate masterpiece to take home.

To make your chocolate, you can choose between dark or milk chocolate and will be given different spices and treats to add to your chocolate.

It’s a great souvenir to bring back and you can keep it for months after (not that you would but still good to know)

See prices here.

Wrap up your day with an early night, as you’ll need to be well-rested for tomorrow’s adventures.

WHERE TO STAY: You will be staying for the next 4 (or 5) nights in Cusco. We recommend staying at Nao Victoria Hostel. It’s very well located and they offer both rooms with private bathrooms and dormitories, making it ideal for all budgets.

For luxury stays, opt for the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

Day 4: Lake Humantay

Lake Humantay in Peru
Lake Humantay in Peru

Today, you’ll embark on a breathtaking day trip to Lake Humantay, nestled high in the Andes.

This will be your first true adventure day at high altitude so you need to be prepared and simply take it easy.

The best way to go to Lake Humantay is by booking a day tour. It’s a remote location and quite difficult to get there on your own. Also, it’s safer to be with a guide since they carry oxygen in case it’s needed.

For the best experience, book a tour that includes transport, breakfast, and lunch. If possible, opt for a private or small group tour – you’ll appreciate the extra comfort during the long bus ride to the lake.

Rise and shine early, as your departure is scheduled for 4 AM. The first leg of your journey is a two-hour drive to the breakfast point, followed by another hour on a dirt road before reaching the lake.

Once there, you’ll be provided with walking sticks and agua florida to begin your trek.

The adventure starts with a 20-minute walk along the Salkantay Trek, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the accommodations for trekkers.

As you reach the beginning of the hike to the lake, you’ll have two options: walk or take a horse. If you’re able, walking is highly recommended, but keep in mind that the lake sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters, making the ascent challenging.

laguna humantay in peru

The hike up takes about two hours, but the reward is well worth the effort. You’ll have a couple of hours to marvel at the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Humantay, snap photos, and soak in the beauty of this serene location. Don’t miss the little local shop, where you can grab a coca tea or coffee.

PRO TIP: Make the extra effort to climb up to the higher viewpoint. The views are even more spectacular, and with fewer people around, your photos will be picture-perfect.

In some cases, your guide will perform a ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth), which includes offering coca leaves, building a stone tower, and playing the pan flute.

Afterwards, you’ll begin the one-hour descent back to the bus. Take note: everyone walks back down, even those who took a horse earlier. Along the way, you may find locals serving delicious, affordable dishes like picarones or corn. Give them a try if you’re hungry, as you’ll be eating at the restaurant later on.

Finally, hop back on the bus for a one-hour drive to the town where you’ll enjoy lunch. Once you’ve refuelled, it’s a two-hour journey back to Cusco, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Cusco

Today’s itinerary combines adrenaline-pumping activities, incredible Inca sites, and mouthwatering cuisine for an unforgettable experience.

Morning: Skybike and Via Ferrata Adventure

Kick off your day with a thrilling skybike and via ferrata experience. This is one of the best things to do in Cusco and if you love a bit of adrenaline, you are in for a treat!

The adventure provider will pick you up from your accommodation and take you on a 25-minute drive to Cachimayo, where the activity will be held.

After a safety briefing, you’ll start your via ferrata ascent, a climbing route that employs steel cables, rungs, and other fixtures for safety and support.

Next up, embrace the skybike experience, pedaling through the air while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Once you’ve had your fill of aerial cycling, it’s back to the via ferrata for more climbing fun. This exhilarating half-day activity is perfect for making the most of your time in Cusco.

Click here to see the prices.

Afternoon: Saqsaywaman and More

In the afternoon, explore Saqsaywaman, a famous Inca site in Cusco that serves as a perfect introduction before heading to Machu Picchu.

Located on a hill in the northern part of the city, you can walk there in about 30 minutes or take a taxi for around 10 soles.

Please note that you will need to buy the Cusco tourist pass to enter the following sites (also known as boleto turistico).

INTERESTING FACT: Cusco is known as the Puma City, as the puma was a sacred animal for the Incas. Saqsaywaman is situated on the head of the puma, adding to its significance.

To truly appreciate this site, consider hiring a guide, as there aren’t many explanations available and there are so many interesting things to learn about this site.

Saqsaywaman offers stunning views of the city and is home to a Christ statue visible from the town. After exploring Saqsaywaman, you can also check out the other Inca sites in Cusco, such as Qenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Evening: Dinner at Pachapappa

After a day of adventure and exploration, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Pachapappa in San Blas. This cozy restaurant serves up mouthwatering dishes, with the trout being a standout favourite.

Indulge in their fantastic cocktails, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the traditionally cooked Cuy (guinea pig) – a local delicacy.

Day 6: Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow mountain near Cusco
horses at Rainbow mountain near Cusco

Today, you’ll embark on an unforgettable day trip to Rainbow Mountain, a mesmerizing natural wonder adorned with vivid colours.

This is for sure going to be one of the highlights of 10 days in Peru itinerary but it’s also going to be a challenging one since that’s the highest altitude you will go to (5,200 metres).

To make the most of your experience, we highly recommend booking a tour, as reaching the mountain independently can be challenging.

This is one of the main attractions near Cusco and booking a tour is much easy and often cheaper than organising it yourself.

It’s also a safer choice. Since Rainbow Mountain is a challenging hike, it will be safer to be with a guide.

If your budget allows, consider a private tour for added comfort because it takes pretty much 3 hours to get there.

Click here to see the prices.

Your adventure begins with a 4 AM departure, followed by a two-hour drive to the breakfast spot. Be sure to fill up on a hearty meal and pack plenty of water for the day ahead.

After breakfast, it’s another hour on a dirt road to reach the carpark where the hike starts. Along the way, you’ll pass through two checkpoints, paying a total of 25 soles for entrance to the local communities.

Once you arrive at the carpark, you can start the hike to Rainbow Mountain with your guide.

There are pay-to-use toilets (2 soles) available here, and vendors selling agua florida and coca leaves if you need them. Horses are also available for hire at the beginning of the hike if you prefer not to walk.

The hike takes over two hours, so remember to go slow and steady as you climb to an altitude of 5,200 meters.

Take as many breaks as you need to catch your breath, and don’t worry – the trail is mostly flat for about 80% of the hike, with a steep incline near the end.

When you reach the first viewpoint, take in the breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain, but don’t stop there. Continue to the highest viewpoint for even more spectacular panoramas and photo opportunities.

Red Valley from Rainbow mountain near Cusco
red valley in peru

We highly recommend booking a tour that includes the Red Valley, a stunning hidden gem located on the other side of Rainbow Mountain.

Adding just an extra hour to your walk, this flat and relatively easy trail rewards you with incredible scenery and far fewer visitors.

After exploring both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, head back to the bus for a one-hour drive to the lunch spot. Refuel with a delicious meal before the two-hour journey back to Cusco.

READ MORE: 16 Best Rainbow Mountain Tours from Cusco

Day 7: Sacred Valley

Sacred valley Chincherron
Sacred valley llama

Today you’ll delve deep into the heart of Incan history with a trip to the Sacred Valley.

Nestled between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley was a crucial region for the Incas and is a treasure trove of Incan architecture and ancient agricultural techniques. It’s the perfect prelude to the grandeur of Machu Picchu.

The easiest way to explore the Sacred Valley is by booking a tour from Cusco. Not only is it affordable, but it also includes a knowledgeable guide who can enrich your understanding of the fascinating sites you’ll visit.

Much of what the Incas accomplished remains shrouded in mystery, so a guide can provide crucial insights and turn your experience into a real learning adventure.

Chinchero textile
Chinchero street

Your journey begins in Chinchero, a small town renowned for its textile and weaving techniques. At the textile centre, you’ll be greeted by local women who will demonstrate how they craft clothes from alpaca wool and their unique dying techniques.

This is a great opportunity to pick up some authentic souvenirs, but remember to haggle – prices tend to inflate for tourists!

Next, you’ll move on to the church and the Inca ruins in the town centre. This is where the colonial and Inca styles blend, creating a fascinating architectural fusion.

Chinchero

It’s also one of the best places to marvel at the ingenuity of Inca terraces. Remember, you’ll need to buy a partial tourist ticket to visit these sites in the Sacred Valley.

The checkpoint is just before the main square. If you’ve already purchased the full ticket in Cusco, you can use it here.

Maras salt mines

Your tour then takes you to Maras, home to the famous salt mines.

PRO TIP: Maras can get quite hot, so dress in layers. You’ll likely want to switch to a t-shirt, and maybe even shorts, for this part of your day.

Trust me, these salt pans, glistening under the Peruvian sun, are a photographer’s dream! Now, you might be wondering, “How on earth do we have salt mines in the mountains?”

That’s where your guide comes in, walking you through the intriguing process of salt harvesting, far from the sea. Prepare to venture down to the network of salt pans, capturing the magic of Maras in your camera and memory.

Next, you’ll head to Moray, home to the Inca’s version of an agricultural laboratory. As you stroll around the circular terraces, each housing different crops, you’ll be astounded by the Inca’s ingenuity.

The temperature changes significantly between each terrace, cleverly enabling the Incas to cultivate a variety of produce, despite the diverse climatic requirements.

Your guide will unravel the mysteries and genius of this age-old agricultural system as you wander through this ancient site.

Ollantaytambo

And the cherry on the cake? A visit to the renowned town of Ollantaytambo, a prime Inca site boasting a vast archaeological complex. Here, you’ll explore the Sun Temple, an Incan fortress, and the Princess Baths fountain.

From the temple, you can spot a rock formation symbolizing Wiracocha, the revered Inca god. Brace yourself for a bit of a climb, but trust me, the view from the top is worth every step.

Your guide will accompany you, pausing at intervals to share fascinating tidbits about this historical marvel.

Now there is still one more stop on the tour and it’s the town of Pisac. It’s home to one of the most famous Inca sites in the area and is thought to potentially be the snake city of the Incas (remember, there are 3 sacred animals – the condor, the puma and the snake).

If you stay on the tour you will head there and then go back to Cusco.

This is obviously a great option since Pisac is worth seeing and will allow you to stay in the same hotel in Cusco.

However, we will throw in a curveball here and offer an alternative.

Machu Picchu Train in Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu Train in Ollantaytambo

The Machu Picchu train goes from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and you could ask the guide to leave you in Ollantaytambo to catch the late afternoon train instead of coming back to Cusco.

That way, you won’t have to go all the way back here tomorrow morning.

The train is an adventure in itself. It’s announced by a procession of people dressed in traditional clothes and playing music.

Once on the train, the staff will do a little show in each carriage. It’s a play about Ollanta’s love story (the town was named after him). It’s very nice to see and the train ride is very scenic.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you can have a walk through the markets, buy some souvenirs before going to dinner.

WHERE TO STAY: If you choose to go to Aguas Calientes today, we recommend you stay at Casa De Luz Hotel. It’s ideally located right in front of the bus stop for Machu Picchu making it as convenient as it will ever be. See prices.

Day 9: Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in Peru

Drumroll, please! Today is the day you’ve been eagerly anticipating. Yes, it’s time for Machu Picchu, the pièce de résistance of our Peruvian expedition.

Getting to this ancient Incan citadel is an adventure in itself.

You have two options: a challenging 2-3 hour hike, or a comfortable bus ride from Aguas Calientes.

As much as we love hiking, we recommend the bus for this one. Why? Well, you’d want to conserve your energy for exploring the archaeological wonder that awaits you.

Plus, the bus allows you to make it to the first entrance at 6 am, which is a perfect way to dodge the crowds and get those uninterrupted, Instagram-worthy shots.

Remember to secure your Machu Picchu tickets in advance.

If you’re up for more hiking and jaw-dropping vistas of the site, opt for the Huayna Picchu ticket as well.

However, be prepared to miss out on some sections of Machu Picchu because this circuit doesn’t include everything in Machu Picchu itself.

We strongly recommend booking a guided tour to truly appreciate the magic and history of this well-preserved site.

View of Machu Picchu in Peru
View of Machu Picchu in Peru

Like the ancient city of Pompeii, there are countless intricacies in Machu Picchu that demand explanations – compasses etched into stone, astronomical observatories, and more.

A local guide can provide you with these fascinating insights.

Upon arrival, go to the toilets outside – trust us, there are none within Machu Picchu and you’ll be here for hours! Once inside, walk up to the viewpoints.

They offer spectacular views and are great for photos. If it’s cloudy, be patient, the clouds move quickly in these parts, revealing stunning views.

You can linger as long as you want at each spot, but remember, there’s no backtracking allowed in Machu Picchu. So take your time and soak in the ambience.

Next, you’ll delve into the heart of the city, discovering landmarks such as the Sun Gate, the Temple of Three Windows, and the Temple of the Condor.

A guided tour of Machu Picchu can easily last 3-5 hours, depending on your curiosity and the number of questions you fire at your guide.

Machu Picchu views
Machu Picchu views

Once you’re done with your tour, you’ll make your way back to the entrance and can hit the trail leading back to Aguas Calientes.

Don’t forget to get your passport stamped for a unique souvenir of your adventure!

The downhill trek to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5-2 hours. While it’s not particularly strenuous, it can be tough on the knees, so take it easy.

Once back in town, you can grab a well-deserved lunch and do a bit of souvenir shopping at the market.

Finally, hop onto a train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer back to Cusco.

As you settle in for the ride, you’ll no doubt be replaying the day’s magical moments in your mind.

Machu Picchu, with its ancient allure and breathtaking vistas, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

WHERE TO STAY: Stay in the same hotel in Cusco as the previous nights.

Day 10: Lima

Barranco

Can you believe it’s already the last day of your 10-day trip to Peru? Today, we’re trading the historic charm of Cusco for the coastal beauty of Lima.

First things first, we’re catching an internal flight from Cusco to Lima.

Don’t worry about getting to the Cusco airport too early; it’s a small one and security checks for domestic flights are super swift.

Just keep in mind that it’s light on amenities, so you may be spending any extra time there simply sitting and waiting.

Once you land in Lima, grab a taxi or Uber to Miraflores, Lima’s vibrant district known for its parks, beaches, and shopping.

Drop off your luggage and put on your walking shoes – it’s time to explore!

Start your tour at the Malecón de Miraflores, a stunning clifftop boardwalk offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Follow the path all the way to neighbourhood of Barranco which is known for its bohemian vibe, street-art and being a photographer’s dream.

It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and soak in the artsy ambiance.

Paragliding in Lima

For adrenaline junkies, there’s an unmissable experience back in Miraflores – paragliding!

This is easily one of Lima’s top activities, and it’s not as terrifying as it might seem. You’ll be picked up from Miraflores and driven to the take-off point.

As you soar over the cityscape, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lima. Ask your pilot to spin for that extra adrenaline rush if you dare! It’s so much fun, I was literally laughing my head off all the time.

Try to book the last session of the day for an unforgettable sunset spectacle from the sky.

Sunset in Lima
love park in lima

Once you’re back on solid ground, ask your driver to drop you off at Love Park.

This romantic spot is known for its beautiful sculptures, including a massive statue aptly named “The Kiss”.

As the sun sets, enjoy the tranquil view of the ocean from here.

Then, continue your stroll along the Malecón until you reach a special surprise – a statue of Paddington Bear!

This lovable character from children’s literature is actually from Peru, and you’ll find him waiting, suitcase in paw, for a photo op.

WHERE TO STAY: Today we recommend you stay in Miraflores since it will be convenient for the itinerary of the day. Arawi Miraflores Prime is particularly well-located and very good value for money.

Map of this Peru 10-Day Itinerary

10 days in peru

And that’s a wrap for this Peru itinerary for 10 days. We hope it helped you plan your trip and that you will love Peru as much as we did!

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