10 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Peru: Amazon, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

Perfect for first-time visitors looking to experience Peru's highlights, this 10-day tour features time in the Amazon, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and around Lake Titicaca. Along the way, spend two nights in a jungle hacienda, explore Machu Picchu, and admire the floating Uros islands. Top that with relaxing evenings dining on local cuisine, time to wander around bustling markets, and visits to Inca ruins, and you'll leave with a well-rounded introduction to Peru's timeless culture.

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima, where you'll explore the capital city's iconic sites on a guided tour before hopping on a domestic flight east to Puerto Maldonado, the southern Amazon gateway. Then, boat down the Río Madre de Dios to a hacienda, your accommodation for two nights. During your time here, you'll embark on an evening wildlife excursion and explore Tambopata National Reserve by dugout canoe and canopy walkway, watching for toucans, squirrel monkeys, otters, and plenty more. After a flight to Cusco and a scenic drive on Day 4, you'll find yourself in Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley.

Wake early on Day 5 and head to Machu Picchu for a guided tour and time to explore on your own, then experience the less famous but equally astonishing sites in the Sacred Valley, including Chinchero's Inca terraces and the salt mines of Maras. Back in Cusco, you'll spend a day touring the archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuamán and Quenqo, Qoricancha (The Temple of the Sun), and the bustling San Pedro Market. Continue to Lake Titicaca next and fill your final days with a boating trip to the floating Uros islands and time to delight in Peruvian cuisine. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Peru Highlights & Jungle Adventure

Crafted for those looking to experience Peru's highlights in exciting and unique ways, this 10-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of guided tours and free time to explore independently. After a self-guided walking tour of Lima, it's off to Puno to boat between floating islands and onward to Cusco, where you'll spend two days wandering the cobblestone streets on your own. Then, enlist the help of a local guide to tour Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu before ending the trip hiking and boating in the Amazon rainforest.

Begin your 10-day trip in Lima, Peru's largest city, and the perfect place to tap into the country's intriguing past while exploring the city's UNESCO-honored historic center. Next, transfer to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and after a relaxing evening acclimating to the higher elevation, you'll take to the waters and boat between the floating Uros islands. Another flight brings you to Cusco, and with two free days to explore at your leisure, there's plenty of time to check out Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, wander the cobblestone streets of San Blas, and shop at San Pedro Market. 

The second half of your trip starts with a full day in the Sacred Valley, touring Inca terraces in Moray and visiting the ancient city of Ollantaytambo. Then, wake early for a thrilling train journey to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to the legendary Machu Picchu for a two-hour guided tour. After a leisurely evening back in Cusco, it's time to catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. Check into the Refugio Amazonas Lodge, a jungle cabin, and spend your final days admiring wildlife on Tres Chimbadas, a lake home to giant river otters and tropical birds, and hiking to Parrot Clay Lick before returning to Lima. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca Excursion

Spend four days ticking off the world-renowned Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on this active adventure in Peru. Ideal for travelers looking to challenge themselves physically while getting to know Peru's warm culture, you'll hike and camp among the Andes' towering peaks and marvel at sunrise views from the famous Sun Gate. On either end of the hike, you'll enjoy guided excursions in the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca's floating islands.

Your trip kicks off in Lima, stretching your plane legs while admiring Lima Cathedral and watching the sunset from Parque del Amor (Love Park). Then, hop on a plane bound for Cusco, and after spending your first day adjusting to the higher altitude, you'll wake early for a full day of sightseeing in the Sacred Valley. The day's itinerary includes a stop at Pisac's famous textile market, traditional Peruvian lunch in Urubamba, and a visit to the ancient city of Ollantaytambo. But rest up, as the following day marks the beginning of your four-day Inca Trail trek.

Starting at kilometer marker 82, you'll cross the Urubamba River, hike through the grassy plains of Wayllabamba, over the challenging Warmihuañusca Pass, into the tropical forest of Wiñay Wayna, and up to Inti Punku (Sun Gate). Along the way, spend your evenings dining and camping while tucked between the impressive Andes peaks. Finally, on Day 7, you'll reach Machu Picchu and join an official tour before returning to Cusco for a well-deserved relaxing evening. Next, transfer to Puno, where you'll boat around Lake Titicaca until it's time to depart for Lima and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Manú National Park

Crafted especially for wildlife lovers, this thrilling Peru itinerary features a five-night stay in Manú National Park. While basing yourself in remote jungle lodges reachable by boat, you'll have ample opportunity to spot tapirs, monkeys, parrots, otters, and plenty of other animals in their native habitat. Plus, with time in Cusco and a day trip to Machu Picchu at the start of the adventure, you can also look forward to ticking off a few of the country's must-see highlights.

Upon arriving in Lima and catching a domestic flight to Cusco, your trip begins with a slow-paced self-guided tour perfect for acclimating. Then, head into the famous Sacred Valley for a full-day tour, complete with stops at Chinchero to visit a weaver's studio and the intricate Maras salt flats. Spend the night in the ancient city of Ollantaytambo, and devote the next day to discovering Machu Picchu before traveling back to Cusco. Wake early on Day 4 and settle in for a lengthy drive into the Peruvian jungle, stopping en route at the Pre-Inca cemetery of Cullpas of Ninamarca and the small town of Paucartambo.

From there, your destination is Manú National Park. During your five-day stay, you'll delight in uninterrupted time watching river otters, monkeys, tropical birds, and perhaps even jaguars hunt and play in their natural habitat. Spend your evenings in remote jungle lodges, including Hummingbird Lodge, Casa Matshiguenka, and Maquisapayoj Lodge, and meet friendly local families who still live a traditional lifestyle. Then, with your camera brimming with epic wildlife shots, you'll return to civilization. Enjoy an evening in Cusco before transferring to Lima to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Discover Northern Peru: Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo & Chachapoyas

Leave the main tourist trail and discover fascinating ruins and impressive landscapes on this Northern Peru itinerary. Perfect for those eager to experience Peru's archaeological highlights without the crowds, you'll explore the Temple of the Moon, tour Kuélap, often referred to as the "Machu Picchu of the North," and ponder ancient figures perched on a cliffside. Other highlights include a hike to Gocta Waterfall and a tour of the fascinating Quiocta Caverns.

Start your Peru trip in Lima by taking a self-guided tour of the Lima Cathedral, Museo Larco, and the upscale Miraflores neighborhood. Then, catch a one-hour flight to Trujillo in the far north of Peru. Step back in time while exploring the Temple of the Moon, once home to the ancient Moche people, and embark on a day trip to Chan Chan, the world's largest mud-brick citadel, and the scenic fishing village of Huanchaco. Continue to Cajamarca next, and spend the afternoon checking out the city's highlights alongside a guide and touring the pre-Hispanic sites of Cumbe Mayo and Ventanillas de Otuzco the following day. 

Next on the agenda is a transfer to Leymebamba. Here, you'll enjoy a fun evening visiting the Mummy Museum, then head to nearby Kuélap, known as the "Machu Picchu of the North," for a guided tour before transferring to Chachapoyas. Spend your final days exploring the many natural highlights of the region, first by hiking to the dramatic Gocta Waterfall, plunging 2,530 feet (771 m) down a cliff, and while wandering the impressive Quiocta Caverns. Finally, catch a flight back to Lima, where your trip comes to an end. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Peru Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Peru trip? Check out these other 10-day Peru itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.