Peru Itinerary 10 Days: What I Did, Loved & Learned in the Land of the Incas

Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Oliver

Before I say anything else, I have to say this—Peru is my number one travel destination. Period. If you ever asked me, “Hey, what country should I visit?” I’d probably ask what you’re looking for first, but more often than not, my answer would be Peru.

Peru, the heart of the Inca Empire, just has everything. I know that sounds cheesy, but it honestly does. Let’s start with the obvious—Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s at the top of so many travelers’ bucket lists. But there’s so much more. You can catch piranhas in the Amazon rainforest, surf perfect waves in Mancora, and sandboard in Huacachina—and that’s just scratching the surface. The list feels endless.

But before I get carried away, let’s focus on this itinerary. Here, I’ll take you through my travel guide on ‘Peru Itinerary 10 Days’, which I truly think is the best if you’re visiting for the first time. Since it’s tough to fit everything into just 10 days, I’ll also share some alternatives at the end, so you can mix and match to create your perfect trip.

Why I love my 10 Days in Peru Itinerary

I truly believe this itinerary is the best way to spend 10 days in Peru. But let me be honest—10 days in Peru is not enough for this Peru Trip. You’ll love it, you’ll see some incredible places, but Peru has so much to offer that it’s impossible to fit everything in. And that’s totally fine.

This itinerary focuses on the highlights—which is exactly what you want when you’re short on time. I’ve spent over two months exploring Peru, so I think I have a pretty good idea of what’s worth seeing and what you can skip.

Lima surprised me in the best way (even though I managed to get myself into a terrible situation and had to be rescued by a local—but that’s a story for another time). The food scene here is next level—we’re talking top 50 restaurants in the world, and it’s actually affordable.

Then there’s Huacachina, a literal desert oasis where I went sandboarding down massive dunes—not exactly what I expected in Peru, but such a random and fun experience.

Arequipa stole my heart with its amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and some of the best hikes I’ve ever done, including Colca Canyon and Chachani.

And then there’s Cusco, the star of the show. This city is just incredible with it’s colonial architecture, cute markets, and some of the best food in Peru. From here, you’ll explore Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Rainbow Mountain—all absolute must visits on my book.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Peru

• Altitude sickness is no joke – Prepare for it, take it slow, and bring medication (like Diamox or coca leaves).
• Buy your Machu Picchu ticket in advance – They sell out fast. Get a Circuit 1 or 2 ticket for the best views and the iconic picture.
• Book your train tickets early – The PeruRail and IncaRail trains to Aguas Calientes fill up quickly.
• Hotels are much cheaper if booked in advance – If you’re not backpacking, plan ahead to save money.
• Peru can get freezing cold – Even in warm months, high-altitude areas (Cusco, Arequipa, Rainbow Mountain) can be bitterly cold at night and during the day. Pack layers.
• Give yourself enough time in Cusco & Machu Picchu – Acclimatization is key, and there’s so much to explore.
• Try as much local food as possible – Peru’s food scene is world-class, with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and some of the best ceviche, lomo saltado, and street food you’ll ever have.
• Cash is king – Many small shops, markets, and even some hotels prefer soles (PEN) over credit cards. Use a Wise Travel Card to avoid fees.
• Google Translate is your friend – English isn’t widely spoken outside of tourist areas, so having the app helps (or just learn some Spanish).
• Prepare for long travel times – Peru is huge, and getting between destinations (even by bus or plane) takes longer than you might expect. I recommend taking overnight buses and early morning flights to save time.

10 Day Itinerary Peru

Day 1: Arriving in Lima – First Impressions & Exploring Miraflores

Lima was my first stop in Peru, and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. A lot of travelers treat it as just a quick layover before heading to Cusco, but I actually ended up really enjoying my time here (minus one slightly terrifying experience, but I’ll save that story for another time).

First things first, Lima’s food scene is unreal. We’re talking about some of the best restaurants in the world, and the best part is, you can actually afford it (at Central, it’s still $400 a person, which seems crazy, but compared to similar restaurants in the U.S., it’s affordable).

I spent most of my first day exploring Miraflores, one of the city’s safest and most tourist-friendly neighborhoods. It’s packed with cute cafes (my favorite is La Postreria Cafe), restaurants, and parks, and it sits right on the coast, so you get to watch people surf all day.

After stuffing myself with way too much Peruvian food, I called it an early night—because tomorrow, the real adventure begins.

Where to Stay in Lima
$ Casa Lima // $$ Hotel Antigua Miraflores // $$$ InnSide by Melia

Day 2: Sandboarding & Sunset Dunes in Huacachina

Huacachina is a tiny oasis town surrounded by massive sand dunes in the middle of the Peruvian desert. I honestly didn’t expect much beyond the novelty of seeing an oasis, but this ended up being one of the most fun days of my entire trip.

Getting here from Lima is easy. I took a bus to Ica, the nearest city, and then a quick 10-minute taxi to Huacachina. The town itself is tiny—you can walk around it in less than 10 minutes—but the real reason to come here is the sandboarding and dune buggy rides.

I signed up for a dune buggy tour, which turned out to be more like a rollercoaster in the sand. Our driver clearly had no fear, speeding up and down the dunes while everyone in the buggy screamed and held on for dear life. It was absolute chaos—and I loved every second of it.

Then came sandboarding, which sounds easy but is actually way harder than it looks. You can try to stand up like a snowboarder, but unless you already know how to board, you’re probably going to eat sand. Most people went down headfirst, which was way faster to be fair. Luckily, I know how to snowboard, so I went for the standing option.

Watching the sunset over the dunes might be the best part, though. Seeing the sky turn shades of pink and orange while standing on top of a massive sand dune was one of those travel moments I’ll never forget.

Where to Stay in Huacachina
$ Ecocamp Huacachina // $$ Banana’s Adventure Hostel // $$$ Hotel & Hacienda La Caravedeo (in Ica)

Day 3: Arequipa – A Beautiful Colonial City & Amazing Coffee Shops

After a day in the desert, I made my way to Arequipa, and wow—this city completely stole my heart. It’s not as famous as Cusco or Lima, but I honestly think it’s one of the most underrated places in Peru.

The historic center is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. The Plaza de Armas is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by grand colonial buildings and the stunning Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. Just walking around here and exploring the little alleyways was a whole activity for me.

But let’s talk about one of Arequipa’s biggest highlights (at least for me): the coffee scene. I had some of the best coffee in Peru here, and if you’re a coffee lover, you’re going to love this city. My favorite spot was Kaffeehaus—which, fun fact, is German for “coffee house.” Apparently, there’s a bit of German influence in Arequipa, and since I’m German, I obviously had to check it out. The place is stunning, set in a beautiful old colonial building with a charming courtyard. And most importantly, the coffee is perfect, paired with a great selection of breakfast items.

Overall, Arequipa is the kind of city where you could easily spend more than a day, but even in one day, you get a taste of its charm. And if you’re heading to Colca Canyon next (like I did), it’s also the perfect stop to start adjusting to the altitude before heading into the mountains.

Where to Stay in Arequipa
$ Plaza Central // $$ Palla Boutique Hotel // $$$ Palacio Guaqui

Day 4: Colca Canyon – Condors, Stunning Landscapes & Altitude Adjustment

On Day 4, I headed out to one of the most incredible natural wonders in Peru: Colca Canyon. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, and as soon as you start making your way toward the canyon, the views are breathtaking. The hike can be done either in a full day trip or over two days with an overnight stay at the bottom. The total hike should take somewhere between 6-8 hours, depending on how fit you are.

The real highlight of Colca Canyon, though, is the chance to see the Andean condors. These massive birds are one of the largest flying species on Earth, and watching them glide effortlessly over the canyon was super cool.

Now, let’s talk about the altitude. Colca Canyon sits at an altitude of around 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), so you’ll definitely want to be mindful of it. If you haven’t acclimatized yet, this is the day to make sure you take it easy and stay hydrated. You may feel a bit of the altitude sickness symptoms, like dizziness or shortness of breath, but it’s totally manageable. Be sure to bring coca leaf tea—it’s a Peruvian remedy that really helps with altitude.

Alternative Option for more experienced hikers:

For those looking for a more challenging hike, check out Chachani, one of the tallest volcanoes in the region. This two-night trek takes you to over 6,000 meters (19,878 feet), and trust me, the altitude is no joke. I got hit with altitude sickness, throwing up three times on the way up, but I still made it to the top. The views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking, and it felt so rewarding to make it to the top.

Day 5: Exploring Cusco – Amazing Food, Markets & History

Cusco is going to be your base for the next few nights, but the city itself is an absolute must-see. It’s a colonial town packed with history, culture, and some of the best food and coffee spots in Peru. What I love most about Cusco is the mix—traditional Peruvian vibes blended with modern cafes, restaurants, and bars that make it such a fun place to explore.

Start your day at Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, surrounded by stunning colonial buildings, little local shops, and cathedrals. For coffee, Cafe Dwasi is a great choice, and if you’re into markets, San Pedro Market is the place to go for fresh juices, local snacks, and some fun souvenirs.

Beyond the food and history, Cusco is just a beautiful city you really want to wander. Hidden courtyards, narrow cobblestone streets in San Blas, and incredible mountain views make every corner worth exploring. There is quite the expat community, and a lot of people end up staying here longer than they planned. Trust me, once you’re there, you’ll get why.

Where to Stay in Cusco
$ Pariwana Hostel Cusco // $$ Moaf Cusco Boutique Hotel // $$$ Hotel Rumi Punko

Day 6: Sacred Valley Tour – Guided Tour or Roadtrip

The Sacred Valley is one of the most stunning regions in Peru, packed with Inca ruins, charming villages, and amazing landscapes. If you’re following this 10-day itinerary, the easiest way to see it all in a day is by booking a guided day trip from Cusco. These tours cover all the highlights—Pisac, Moray, the Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo—without the stress of planning or figuring out transport.

But if you have more time, renting a scooter or car and exploring the Sacred Valley at your own pace is an amazing option. That’s what I did, and it was hands-down one of my favorite experiences in Peru. We stopped at some incredible hot springs in Lares, got snowed on while crossing a mountain ridge (on a scooter!), and explored the most random villages along the way. Definitely a cool off-the-beaten-path experience.

Either way, the Sacred Valley is a must, especially because it gives you a deeper insight into Inca history beyond just Machu Picchu.

Day 7: Visiting the Famous Rainbow Mountain – Way Harder Than I Thought!

Rainbow Mountain is one of those places that looks almost too unreal to exist. The colorful, striped peaks are incredible (definitely a little duller than in pictures but still incredible), but getting there was way harder than I expected.

Most people visit on a guided day trip from Cusco, where a bus picks you up early in the morning and drives you most of the way up. But don’t be fooled—there’s still a 90-minute hike to the summit, and at this altitude (over 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet), even a short uphill walk feels brutal. The hike itself isn’t technical, but the thin air makes every step a struggle.

It’s also much colder than you’d expect! I wasn’t prepared for how freezing it would be at the top, so definitely layer up.

Another tip: Book the earliest tour (leaving at 3 AM – The bus ride takes a few hours) to beat the crowds. Later in the day, it gets packed, and some say it starts to feel like a bit of a tourist trap.

If you’re up for even more adventure, add the Red Valley hike to your tour. It costs a little extra, but it’s totally worth it—fewer people, stunning landscapes, and a much more peaceful experience.

Fun fact: Rainbow Mountain was only discovered recently! Before 2015, the whole thing was covered under a thick layer of snow, and it wasn’t until the glaciers started melting that its insane colors were revealed. So, if you visited Peru before then, you literally couldn’t have seen it!

Day 8: Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) – Inca Trail Yes or No?

Alright, let’s be real—unless you’re dedicating your whole trip to doing the Inca Trail, you won’t have time for the full Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. The train is the way to go. I’ve done both the train and the Salkantay Trek, and while hiking into Machu Picchu is an insane experience, it takes 4-5 days and is just not realistic if you want to see other parts of Peru.

The train ride however is still super scenic and actually really enjoyable. You just sit back and watch the landscape change from the high-altitude Andes to lush jungle, all while sipping a coffee (or a pisco sour, no judgment).

If you still want a bit of the trekking experience, there’s now a 1 day Inca Trail option, where you hike the final stretch of the trail and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Pretty cool alternative if you don’t have four days to spare but still want the classic “trekking into Machu Picchu” moment.

Aguas Calientes itself is touristy, but honestly, kind of a vibe. The whole town exists just to serve people visiting Machu Picchu, so it’s packed with restaurants, markets, and hotels. If you need to kill time, you can check out the hot springs (though don’t expect anything fancy) or grab some food at a riverside spot. I’d recommend taking it easy and getting a good night’s sleep because tomorrow is the big day!

Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes Peru
$ Hotel Pucara Machu Pichu // $$ Casa Del Sol Machu Picchu // $$$ Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 9: Visiting Machu Picchu – Sunrise at the Citadel & Huayna Picchu Hike

Finally, the big day! After all the planning, early mornings, and altitude adjustments, you’re about to see one of the most iconic places on the planet. If you can, I highly recommend booking one of the earliest entry slots—watching the sun rise over Machu Picchu is absolutely worth the groggy wake-up call.

To get to the entrance, you have two options: hike up from Aguas Calientes (about an hour of steep stairs) or take the shuttle bus. The bus is definitely the easier choice, especially if you’re saving your energy for the Huayna Picchu hike, which I’d say is 100% worth it. It’s steep and a little sketchy in parts, but the views from the top are insane—you get that classic bird’s-eye view of the entire Machu Picchu Citadel.

If you don’t get a Huayna Picchu permit, another solid option is Machu Picchu Mountain, which is actually higher and a longer climb but offers incredible panoramic views. Either way, make sure to take your time exploring the ruins—there’s so much more than just the classic postcard shot. Your guide (if you have one) will explain the history, architecture, and wild theories about how it was built. Even with all the tourists around, it still feels surreal to stand there and take it all in.

Day 10: Back to Lima – Last Morning in Cusco & Flight to Lima

Your final day in Peru! If you have an early flight, it’s essentially a travel day. However, if you have some time in Cusco before heading to the airport, make the most of it. Maybe grab one last coffee at your favorite café, take a quick stroll through San Pedro Market for last-minute souvenirs, or simply soak up the atmosphere in Plaza de Armas. Cusco is the kind of place that’s hard to leave, so enjoy these final moments.

The flight back to Lima is short (a little over an hour), but keep in mind that Cusco’s airport can be a bit chaotic. It’s a good idea to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

I took a late flight from Cusco to Lima and had a connecting flight out of Lima shortly after. Having the morning in Cusco was definitely worth it. For me, there was no reason to head back into the city of Lima, so I just stayed at the airport.

Alternatives for a 10 Day Peru Itinerary

This 10-day itinerary covers the biggest highlights of Peru—Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco are absolute musts. But if you have different interests or more time, there are plenty of other places to explore. Here are some great alternatives:

• Iquitos & the Amazon Rainforest – One of the most isolated cities in the world, only accessible by plane or boat. From here, you can do an Amazon expedition where you’ll be fishing for piranhas, spotting anacondas, and staying in the rainforest for two nights. (I actually took a cargo boat from Colombia over the Amazon River to get there—wild story!)
• Lake Titicaca – Located right at the border of Peru and Bolivia, this stunning high-altitude lake is great for hiking, has the famous floating islands, and features a unique indigenous culture that is well worth exploring.
• Máncora – If you’re into surfing or just want a laid-back beach break (which I really needed after weeks and weeks of hiking in the cold), this coastal town is perfect. Great waves, warm weather, and a fun, relaxed vibe.
• Huaraz & Lake 69 – If hiking is your thing and you want even more of it, northern Peru is an absolute dream. Huaraz is the gateway to some of the country’s best treks, including the famous hike to Lake 69, known for its insanely blue waters.

Basically, there’s way more to Peru than just this itinerary—so if you have extra time or different priorities, swap things around and make the trip your own!

FAQs About Peru Itinerary 10 Days

Is 10 days enough for Peru?

10 days is enough to see the biggest highlights—Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and some extra stops like Arequipa or Huacachina. You’ll be moving fast, but it’s totally doable. If you want a slower pace or to explore places like the Amazon or Huaraz, you’d need more time.

What month is the best time to go to Peru?

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September. This is when you’ll get the best weather for hiking and exploring Machu Picchu. That said, it’s also peak tourist season, so expect more crowds. The rainy season (November to March) has fewer tourists, but some hikes, like the Inca Trail, can get pretty rough or might not even be operating depending on the weather.

How expensive is a trip to Peru?

Peru is super flexible budget-wise. You can do it cheaply by staying in hostels, taking buses, and eating at local markets, or you can splurge on luxury hotels and fancy train rides. A mid-range budget would be around $50–$100 per day, while backpackers can get by on less. Machu Picchu and certain tours (like Rainbow Mountain) are pricier, but overall, Peru is pretty affordable compared to other major travel destinations. Depending on how much your flight costs, you can do this trip for under $1,000!

Final Thoughts on my 10 Day Peru Itinerary

Peru is hands down one of my favorite countries to visit. With bucket-list experiences like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Rainbow Mountains, how could anyone not love it? Beyond those famous spots, what makes Peru even more amazing is that it can be affordable. If you don’t mind skipping luxury hotels or fancy dinners and plan well (and book in advance!), this trip can be surprisingly cheap. I’d say your flight will probably be the priciest part of the trip, depending on where you’re flying from.

I hope this guide on my Peru Itinerary 10 Days has helped you plan your Peru adventure and inspired your next trip to South America. Happy travels!

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