Peru Itinerary in 10-14 Days: the Complete Route
Peru Itinerary in 10-14 Days: the Complete Route
This is the route we recommend to travelers who want to see "the best of Peru" without feeling like they're rushing the whole trip.
Days 1-3: Lima
- Day 1: arrival, historic center (Plaza Mayor, cathedral, colonial mansions).
- Day 2: Miraflores and Barranco, gastronomy (ceviche, causa, pisco sour).
- Day 3: afternoon flight to Arequipa.
Days 4-6: Arequipa and the Colca Canyon
- Day 4: Arequipa city (Santa Catalina Monastery, white volcanic-stone center).
- Day 5: transfer to the Colca Canyon, condor viewpoint.
- Day 6: back to Arequipa, flight to Cusco.
Days 7-8: Acclimatization and Sacred Valley
- Day 7: arrival in Cusco (3,399 m), easy acclimatization day, short city tour.
- Day 8: full Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras-Moray). See things to do in the Sacred Valley.
Days 9-10: Machu Picchu
- Day 9: train to Aguas Calientes, overnight there for an early entry.
- Day 10: full Machu Picchu, return to Cusco in the afternoon/evening.
Days 11-12 (if you have 12+ days): a mountain excursion
- Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, depending on your fitness level and preference.
Days 13-14 (if you have 14 days): buffer and city time
- Free time in Cusco (Qorikancha, San Blas, markets), or an extra buffer day for flight or health surprises.
Why this order and not another
Starting with Lima (sea level) → Arequipa (2,335 m) → Cusco (3,399 m) is a gradual altitude progression, much friendlier on the body than flying straight into Cusco from sea level. See our altitude sickness guide for details.
Want us to tailor this route to your dates and budget? Reach out.
The Cusco days in detail
The Cusco leg is where good planning pays off most. Here's how our tours fit into days 7 to 12 of the route:
- Day 7 — Arrival in Cusco: free afternoon or City Tour (US$15, 1:00 to 6:00 pm) if you feel well. Coming from Arequipa, the altitude hits less.
- Day 8 — Sacred Valley VIP (US$32): Chinchero, Moray, the Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo, with buffet lunch.
- Days 9 and 10 — Machu Picchu 2D/1N (US$380): tourist train to Aguas Calientes, a hotel night and an early guided visit.
- Day 11 or 12 — Mountain: Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain (US$35 and US$30).
Total for tours in Cusco: from US$457 per person.
Variations by interest
- If you like hiking: swap the train for the 4-day Inca Trail (book months ahead) or the Salkantay. Add 2 or 3 days.
- If you prefer the beach: end the trip with a few days on Peru's northern beaches, flying from Lima.
- If you want Lake Titicaca: between Arequipa and Cusco you can stop in Puno. Add 2 days.
- If you're traveling with kids or older relatives: add a rest day on arrival in Cusco and always choose the 2-day Machu Picchu.
Budget: what to keep in mind
The biggest costs on this route are:
- Domestic flights (Lima–Arequipa and Arequipa–Cusco, or Cusco–Lima at the end).
- Machu Picchu (train, entrance, bus and guide). An all-inclusive package simplifies the math.
- Lodging, especially in high season (June to August).
Food, on the other hand, is cheap all over the country if you eat at markets and set-menu restaurants.
When to do this route
From May to September the weather is dry in Cusco and Arequipa, though it's high season. April and October are a good balance. From November to March it rains in the highlands, but it's summer in Lima and on the coast. More in our Cusco weather month by month guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough to see all this?
Yes, though 14 days gives more buffer for the unexpected and for rest, especially regarding altitude.
Is it better to fly or bus between cities?
Flying saves a lot of time between Lima-Arequipa-Cusco; buses are only an option if you have extra time and prefer to see the scenery.
What's the best order for the route?
Lima → Arequipa → Cusco allows gradual altitude acclimatization, better than flying straight into Cusco from sea level.
