Peru Trip Itinerary 10 Days

26 May 2026Updated last time

Peru Trip Overview

This 10-day Peru journey combines iconic history, rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and world-class food. Begin in Lima, where colonial plazas, coastal neighborhoods, and celebrated cuisine introduce you to modern Peru. Continue to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, to acclimate and explore stone streets, temples, and vibrant local markets. From there, travel through the Sacred Valley, a region of fertile farmland, traditional villages, and remarkable archaeological sites that reveal the depth of Inca civilization.

The highlight of the trip is Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most unforgettable archaeological wonders, where misty peaks and ancient stone terraces create a truly magical setting. Later, head south to Lake Titicaca to experience high-altitude scenery and indigenous island communities that preserve centuries-old traditions. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, nature, and adventure, with each stop offering a distinct side of Peru.


Recommended Activities

  • Lima, the capital city of Peru, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. You can explore its colonial architecture, visit historical sites such as Plaza de Armas and Huaca Pucllana, and indulge in delicious Peruvian cuisine.
  • Cusco is known as the gateway to the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. It has preserved its Inca and colonial heritage, with attractions like Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and the Qorikancha Museum. Cusco is also a great base for exploring the Sacred Valley and experiencing traditional Andean culture.
  • 3

    Machu Picchu

    Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a marvel of Inca engineering and offers breathtaking views. Visiting Machu Picchu allows you to immerse yourself in ancient history, explore the ruins, and hike the Inca Trail.
  • 4

    Sacred Valley

    The Sacred Valley, located near Cusco, is a beautiful and culturally rich region in Peru. It offers stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and fascinating archaeological sites such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The Sacred Valley also allows you to experience traditional Andean culture and interact with local communities.
  • 5

    Lake Titicaca

    Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and holds great cultural and historical significance. It is home to several indigenous communities, including the Uros people who live on floating reed islands. Visiting Lake Titicaca allows you to explore its natural beauty, visit the islands, and learn about Andean customs and traditions.

Restaurants

  • Picture for Tensho Bar
    Trending now

    Tensho Bar

    Av. Mariscal La Mar 517, Miraflores 15074, Peru
    A relatively new Lima spot that Reddit users are actively recommending right now for its Nikkei food with Mediterranean influence, which suggests strong early buzz rather than long-established status. It appears in recent local discussion as a “quite good” newer option in Miraflores, making it a good fit for travelers looking for something currently getting attention.
    4.5
  • Picture for Huambra
    Trending now

    Huambra

    Calle Porta 257, Miraflores 15074, Peru
    This Miraflores restaurant is being surfaced in recent Peru-trip advice threads as a standout for Amazonian/selva food, which is a sign of current word-of-mouth momentum among travelers and locals. It is being recommended in a very current context alongside other Lima food finds, making it a strong candidate for a buzzy stop on a trip itinerary.
    4.6
  • Picture for Central
    Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco 15063, Peru
    Located in Lima, Central is known for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy by using ingredients sourced from different altitudes and ecosystems of Peru.
  • Picture for Cicciolina
    C. Palacio 110, Cusco 08002, Peru
    Situated in Cusco, Cicciolina offers a fusion of Peruvian and international flavors in a cozy and artistic setting, making it a memorable dining experience.
  • Picture for ÁmaZ
    Av. la Paz 1079, Miraflores 15074, Peru
    ÁmaZ in Lima specializes in Amazonian cuisine, bringing unique and exotic flavors from the tropical rainforest to your plate.
  • Picture for Maido
    Ca. San Martín No. 399, Miraflores 15074, Peru
    Ranked among the best restaurants in Latin America, Maido in Lima offers a blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, showcasing the Nikkei culinary tradition.
  • Picture for Chicha por Gaston Acurio

    Chicha por Gaston Acurio

    Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 05184, Peru
    Owned by renowned Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio, Chicha in Cusco offers a delightful menu showcasing the flavors of the Peruvian highlands.
  • Picture for Matria
    Located in Cusco, Matria is a vegetarian restaurant that uses organic produce sourced from local farmers, offering creative and delicious plant-based cuisine.
  • Picture for Cantina La 73

    Cantina La 73

    Av. el Sol 175, Barranco 15063, Peru
    This quirky bar in Lima is known for its unique decor and atmosphere, serving a wide variety of craft beers and creative cocktails.
  • Picture for El Buda Profano

    El Buda Profano

    An unconventional restaurant in Cusco, El Buda Profano combines Peruvian, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors, offering a fusion of cuisines in a stylish setting.

Hotels

  • Hotel B

    Jirón Sáenz Peña 204, Barranco 15063, Peru

    Located in Lima's Barranco district, Hotel B is a boutique hotel housed in a restored historic mansion, offering a perfect blend of luxury, art, and history.
  • Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay Hotels

    Quinta Qolqampata, San Cristóbal S/N, Cusco 08002, Peru

    Situated in Cusco's San Blas neighborhood, Palacio Manco Capac is a unique hotel that combines Inca architecture with modern comforts, providing a truly authentic experience.
  • Atemporal

    Sta. María 190, Miraflores 15074, Peru

    Atemporal is a boutique hotel in Lima's upscale Miraflores district, offering a contemporary and intimate atmosphere that blends modern design with traditional Peruvian elements.
  • Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

    Aguas Calientes 08681, Peru

    Nestled in the cloud forest near Machu Picchu, this eco-friendly and award-winning hotel provides a serene and enchanting retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
  • Hotel Monasterio

    Located in a former monastery in Cusco, this luxury hotel offers a unique blend of history and elegance, with beautifully preserved architecture and stunning courtyard gardens.
  • Situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Titilaka is a luxurious retreat that offers breathtaking views, personalized service, and a unique cultural immersion experience.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival Package Thursday + Friday + Saturday

    Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival Package Thursday + Friday + Saturday

    in Willemstad (1795.23 mi)29 Aug 2024
    The event will take place in Willemstad.
  • Picture for CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024  - Dayticket Friday

    CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024 - Dayticket Friday

    in Willemstad (1795.23 mi)30 Aug 2024
    The event will take place in Willemstad.
  • Picture for CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024  - Dayticket Saturday

    CURACAO NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024 - Dayticket Saturday

    in Willemstad (1795.23 mi)31 Aug 2024
    The event will take place in Willemstad.
  • Picture for Stick Figure

    Stick Figure

    Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West (2708.45 mi)12 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West.
  • Picture for NASCAR Cup Series Race at Homestead-Miami

    NASCAR Cup Series Race at Homestead-Miami

    Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead (2750.16 mi)27 Oct 2024
    The event will take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead.
  • Picture for Disney On Ice 2024

    Disney On Ice 2024

    Watsco Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables (2765.46 mi)5 Sep 2024
    Mickey and pals are rocking the DJ table at Disney On Ice and you're on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. Wish upon a star with Asha as she and Valentino save the Kingdom of Rosas f...

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • 10 Day Peru Itinerary - Tips/Advice greatly appreciated

    /r/solotravel

    Arequipa is really great but not worth it for a single day, and while it is a good stop to acclimatize before Cusco I think spending an extra day in Cusco is preferable, and t...

  • Peru 10 day itinerary help

    /r/travel

    Day 0: travel US to Lima, arrive Lima 8pm, take another local flight to Cusco -- overnight Cusco Day 1: Cusco Day 2: Cusco Day 3: Ollantaytambo/Sacred Valley Day 4: Ollantayta...

  • Peru itinerary advice (Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca?)

    /r/travel

    Thinking: Lima (12 nights) Sacred Valley Machu Picchu (overnight in Aguas Calientes) Cusco. Considering adding Lake Titicaca but not sure if thats too much for this timeframe.

  • Peru itinerary advice (Lima, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca?)

    /r/Machupicchu

    Youll already get rich Andean culture in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Flying home: Best route is Cusco Lima international flight. Most long-haul flights depart Lima, and this ...

  • Peru Itinerary - 10 days

    /r/travel

    Ollantaytambo + Valle Sagrado (Das 24): muy bien equilibrado. Tener base ah antes de Machu Picchu es una excelente decisin. Cusco (Das 69): cuatro noches est perfecto.

  • Peru-machu picchu planning?

    /r/solotravel

    21 votes, 53 comments. Hi everyone! Im planning a 10 day trip to Peru for early December. This will be my 20th country and first country in South

  • 10 Day Itinerary Feedback

    /r/Machupicchu

    Any feedback on my itinerary as well as any recommendations on how to organize the Machu Picchu part is appreciated. Share ... Huacachina is not really a day trip unless you d...

  • 29F 10 days in Peru - Itinerary check pls!

    /r/solotravel

    For someone on a shorter trip, a 4-day Salkantay trek (3D on the Trek, 1D for Machu Picchu) probably makes the most sense.

  • Peru itinerary check (14 days)

    /r/travel

    I'd drop Huacachina & Puno/Titicaca at the least. You could easily spend 10 of these days in the Sacred Valley alone More replies More replies

  • Advice on our 10-day itinerary for Cusco and the Sacred Valley in Peru

    /r/travel

    Same for the ruins closest to Cusco on day 9: take the bus to Tambomachay and hike back down. Shoutout to Wayki Trek for organising a great Inca Trail. Share ... Salkantay Tre...

  • Rate My Itinerary: Cusco, Peru and surrounding

    /r/solotravel

    Day Six: Macchu Picchu Citadel Day - more relaxed exploration of the archaeological site itself (which circuit would you recommend?), would also be interested in any other cul...

  • 10 Days in Peru... are both Inca Trail hike and Amazon possible?

    /r/travel

    We went to the Amazon first, into Puerto Maldonado and then to an Eco lodge for three days. Then we flew to Cusco. I used this company for a 15 day tour in 2015, but here&#x27...

  • Going to Peru for 10 days. A few questions...

    /r/travel

    Peru is so great, I am sorry you don't have time for everything from Lake Titicaca to the Amazon, and then there is Bolivia! Feel free to ask any specific questions. ... ...

  • 10 days in Peru, anywhere I should go other than Cusco and Lima?

    /r/travel

    Yeah, 10 days is enough for both if you are doing MaPi and some side trips! Enjoy the food in Lima! ... You need to acclimate to the altitude. Cusco was a cool city and good h...

  • Itinerary for 10 days in Peru

    /r/travel

    So I can't comment on the Lake Titicaca part, but provided you're good with lots of bouncing around, solid schedule. USA--> Lima (arrived at 11pm, slept at airport h...

  • Peru Amazon & Machu Picchu 10-day itinerary

    /r/travel

    Open to not spending an extra day in Aguas calientes if it is recommended to spend it in Cusco or on an excursion. The one thing I was having a difficult time fitting into my ...

  • Lima, Peru itinerary help - Cusco Machu Picchu

    /r/solotravel

    The other time I posted this it got deleted, so I attempted to do alot more effort into my itinerary prior to posting here. And I'll do a trip report

  • Thoughts on 10-day Peru Itinerary - Too intense?

    /r/solotravel

    See Machu Picchu by train. Skip the Salkantay trek. Instead do the Ausangate with Rainbow Mountain trek. The scenery is much better and it is a much more adventurous trek. ......

  • Peru Itinerary Advice!

    /r/Machupicchu

    Day 1-3: Arequipa Day 3-4: Colca Canyon Tour Day 5- 8: Sacred Valley Day 8-9: Agues Calientes/Machu Picchu Day 10-15: Cusco (7 lakes + Palocyo) Day 15-18: Lima

  • Peru Machu Picchu Itinerary

    /r/travel

    Considerations for the travel from Cusco to MP is price, speed, and pretty scenery? For other destinations, we definitely want to have plenty of time in Lima, maybe Arequipa a...