16 Days in Peru - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Peru in a Nutshell: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno & Arequipa

First-time visitors will appreciate the opportunity to experience this "Peru in a nutshell" highlights tour. You'll experience its rich history and landscapes, from Lima to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, as you explore ancient Inca ruins and vibrant local culture. Highlights include an exhilarating zipline experience, a taste of traditional Pachamanca cuisine, and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu. You'll also have three days at Lake Titicaca, visiting the Uros Floating Islands, before boarding a scenic train ride to Puno and touring Arequipa.

Your journey begins in Lima, where you can explore the city at your own pace. Visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll along the picturesque coastal cliffs of the Miraflores district or explore Huaca Pucllana, an important ceremonial center. Spend the next day indulging in Lima's renowned culinary scene with a guided food tour in the evening. Afterward, you'll fly to Cusco to explore ancient Inca sites, including the impressive Pisac ruins and Moray's fascinating agricultural terraces. Then, get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline experience across the Sacred Valley.

Next, your adventure takes you to Machu Picchu. Hike the Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna, and continue the next day to Huayna Picchu for a panoramic view of the ancient city. After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Cusco for a day of leisure; consider a city tour, a trek to the stunning Rainbow Mountains, or a hike to Humantay Lake. Continue with a luxury train ride to Puno to visit the unique Uros Floating Islands. After a transfer to Cabanaconde via the stunning Colca Canyon, witness condors soaring above Mirador Cruz del Condor before exploring Arequipa's culture. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of Peru's Historical Sights & Epic Landscapes

The best of Peru is available to you in this multifaceted adventure showcasing Machu Picchu, the enigmatic Nasca Lines, and the vibrant city of Lima. Ideal for nature and culture lovers, this itinerary also takes you to the Amazon rainforest for a three-day exploration and on a challenging hike to the stunning Vinicunca Rainbow Mountains. 

Your exploration of Peru's historical sites and epic landscapes begins in Lima, where you'll engage in a delightful food tour and delve into the city's history. From there, you'll journey to the desert town of Nasca, discovering ancient archaeological sites and flying over the mysterious Nasca Lines. Your adventure continues to Arequipa, where you'll tour the city and embark on a two-day excursion to the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons. Then, you'll visit Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca's incredible Uros Floating Islands.

Your journey progresses to Cusco on Day 9, where you'll explore the city and visit significant Inca sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley. The highlight of your trip is a visit to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Inca, followed by a hike up the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. Concluding your trip, you'll venture into the Amazon, exploring the diverse flora and fauna of Puerto Maldonado and the Tambopata National Reserve. After three days, you'll return to Cusco or Lima to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Peru's Amazon Rainforest & Inca Trail Adventure

Another highlights itinerary, this Amazon rainforest and Inca Trail adventure offers a four-day trek following the historic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a culinary tour in Lima, and choosing your own experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. Along the way, you'll visit ancient Inca sites, participate in private cooking sessions, and immerse yourself in the rich Peruvian and Andean cultures.

Explore Lima's UNESCO-listed historic center, featuring colonial architecture, cathedrals, and palaces. Next, indulge in a culinary experience in the district of Barranco. From Lima, fly to Puerto Maldonado and boat to the beautiful Tambopata National Reserve. Here, you'll spend two days exploring the Amazon, where you can seek out wildlife like rare and colorful jungle birds, fish for piranhas, or learn survival techniques from the Ese Eja people. Afterward, return to Puerto Maldonado, fly to Cusco, and transfer to the Sacred Valley. Spend Day 7 checking out Andean textiles at Misminay, hike to Moray & Maras, and visit the Inca city of Ollantaytambo.

The highlight of your trip begins on Day 9 with four days of trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From Piscacucho, hike to the archaeological site Llactapata and camp in Huayllabamba. The next day, ascend the Runcuracay Pass and descend to Pacaymayo before venturing to the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna. On the final day of your hike, you'll set your eyes on the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. After visiting the citadel, you'll return to Cusco, where you'll sightsee at your leisure. Before flying back to Lima, you'll also visit Sacsayhuaman, the Pisac Market, and the Andean Camelid Farm. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hidden Gems of Peru: Amazon, Andes, Beaches & More

Explore Peru's hidden gems on this nature-forward and relaxing itinerary, suited for the intrepid traveler. Discover the Amazon rainforest's diverse wildlife, tour Machu Picchu, and relax on the beaches of Máncora on Peru's northwestern coast. You'll also visit the Sacred Valley's Inca ruins, participate in a cooking class in Cusco, and even swim with sea turtles. From city tours to outdoor excursions, this itinerary offers a unique taste of Peru's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Lima, where you'll have a chance to explore the city independently and sample its world-class cuisine. Then, fly east to the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon Rainforest to spot exotic wildlife and engage in various excursions during your stay at the Tambopata Research Center. From there, venture to the Sacred Valley on Day 6, visit Inca ruins, learn about regional customs, and even participate in an Andean ceremony, like a coca leaf reading. You'll also have the opportunity to take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu.

After exploring Machu Picchu with a private guide on Day 9, return to Cusco to participate in a cooking class and enjoy some free time. Next, embark on a tour of the striking Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains before flying north to the beach resort town of Máncora. Here, you'll have the chance to relax on the beach, go on a whale watching tour, and swim with sea turtles. Finally, return to Lima for your last full day and experience a guided tour of the city's archaeological wonders before readying for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Peru: Deserts, Rainforests, Ruins & Wildlife

Adventure seekers and history buffs will enjoy this off-the-beaten-path tour that goes beyond popular highlights like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lima. Enjoy four nights on an Amazon River cruise, zipline over the dunes of Huacachina, and visit the uninhabited Islas Ballestas off the coast of Paracas. 

Your journey through Peru begins in Lima with a guided tour of the city's historic center and the Larco Herrera Museum. From Lima, fly to Trujillo to explore the Huaca de La Luna and the ancient citadel of Chan Chan. The journey continues north to Tucume, where you'll visit the Huaca El Brujo and the Valley of the Pyramids. A visit to the sprawling archaeological complex of the Pyramids of Tucume precedes a trip to Machu Picchu via a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes. After exploring the Inca relics, venture into the Sacred Valley for a tour before returning to Lima for a flight to Iquitos.

In Iquitos, embark on an Amazon cruise, exploring the river's tributaries, spotting wildlife, and learning about the local flora and fauna. The cruise takes you down the Samiria River and along the Yarapa River tributary to a hidden lagoon. On your final day on the river, visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals before carrying on on south to Paracas, with a stop at the ruins of Pachacamac. From Paracas, explore the relics of Tambo Colorado, an ancient Inca city on the Peruvian coast, and boat to Islas Ballestas to observe sea lions and penguins before ending with a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. Learn more

More Great 16-Day Peru Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Peru? Check out these other 16-day Peru itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.