Exploring the Magic of Peru in 12 Days
Peru is a land of contrasts, boasting ancient Inca ruins, a vibrant culture and absolutely breathtaking natural beauty.
While Machu Picchu is perhaps its most well-known claim to fame, Peru has a lot more to offer—from archeological treasures to the majestic Andes Mountains, from vibrant coastal cities to the vast Amazon rainforest.
And despite being very much an adventure destination, Peru does not skimp on luxury, it’s a destination that caters well to any budget (within reason). In this itinerary, I recommend several boutique, historical and luxury hotels, but if that is not your style, don’t fret because there’s so many other available options. The main key is to book your trip well in advance because there are quite a few logistics to consider.
Why Visit Peru
Peru is very much a well-trodden travel destination, but it's still a country with plenty to offer both new and return visitors.
Ancient Civilizations: Peru is home to the ruins of several ancient civilizations, including the Inca and the Nazca. Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca city perched high in the Andes Mountains, is a must-see for any visitor to Peru.
Local Traditions: Throughout Peru, you can still see traditional ways of life still being practiced. Visit remote villages in the Andes Mountains or the Amazon rainforest to experience Peru's rich cultural heritage.
Dramatic Landscapes: Peru has a diverse landscape, with deserts, mountains, lakes, and forests. You can hike to ancient ruins, mountain lakes, or snow-capped peaks. Take a boat tour of the Amazon rainforest and see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, snakes, and caimans.
Hiking: Peru is a hiker's paradise, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Inca Trail is a popular choice for experienced hikers, but there are also many other trails that are suitable for all levels of experience.
Food: Peruvian cuisine is a varied and lively blend of influences. From the piquant ceviche to the wild variety of potatoes and corn, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
When to Visit
Peru is a country with a diverse climate, so the best time to visit depends on your interests and where you want to go.
If you're interested in hiking in the Andes Mountains, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and clear, making it ideal for exploring the mountains. However, it's important to note that the dry season can also be quite cold, especially at higher altitudes.
If you're interested in visiting Machu Picchu, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October. During these times, the crowds are smaller and the weather is mild.
If you're interested in visiting the Amazon rainforest, the best time to visit is during the wet season, from November to April. During this time, the rainforest is lush and green, and there is an abundance of wildlife. However, it's important to be aware that the wet season can be quite humid and rainy.
Overall, the best time to visit Peru depends on your interests and what you want to see. If you're flexible with your travel dates, it's possible to find good weather conditions throughout the year.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Lima, Peru's vibrant capital, boasts a rich history that stretches back far beyond its founding in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Evidence of this ancient past can be found in the mud brick pyramids, known as huacas, that still stand tall amidst the city's modern skyline. These remarkable structures, dating back to the Lima Culture, a pre-Inca society that flourished between 200 AD and 700 AD, serve as poignant reminders of the city's enduring legacy.
Before embarking on your adventure through Peru, a visit to the Larco Museum is a must. This treasure trove of pre-Columbian artifacts will transport you through 5,000 years of history, immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In recent years, Lima has emerged as a culinary paradise, captivating the palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. The city's cuisine is a seamless blend of Spanish, Andean, and Asian influences.
If your flight arrives early in the morning and you need to kill some time before checking into your hotel, I’d recommend joining a city walking tour, which will give you a pretty solid introduction to Lima.
Where to Stay
Iberostar Selection Miraflores is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Miraflores, one of Lima's most vibrant and cosmopolitan districts. The hotel is housed in a modern building with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Miraflores coastline. The hotel is located just a short walk from the Miraflores financial district, the Larcomar shopping mall, and the Parque del Amor park. It is also within easy reach of Lima's many other attractions, such as the historic center, the Larco Museum, and the Pachacamac ruins.
Days 2-4: Explore the Peruvian Amazon
Start your day off early with a flight to Puerto Maldonado followed by a two-hour bus and boat ride to your lodge in the Amazon. This is where your adventure really begins.
Venture into the heart of the Southern Amazon, where the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers meander through a tapestry of lush rainforests and pristine wilderness. This region of Puerto Maldonado, Peru, remains one of the world's most untouched havens, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. But despite its remote location, Puerto Maldonado boasts a surprising infrastructure dedicated to ecotourism. Comfortable lodges nestled amidst the rainforest provide a haven for exploration and relaxation, allowing you to connect with the surrounding natural wonders on a deeply personal level.
Where to Stay
Refugio Amazonas is a luxurious eco-lodge located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. The lodge is built on stilts above the Tambopata River and offers guests stunning views of the surrounding rainforest canopy. The lodge offers a variety of guided tours and activities, such as jungle hikes, boat tours, and wildlife spotting. The lodge is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, and it works closely with the local community to protect the rainforest.
It’s worth keeping in mind this will be an all-inclusive experience where your meals and activities are all included. Be sure to plan and book early!
Day 5: Travel to Sacred Valley via Cusco
Say goodbye to the rainforest because it’s time to travel to the mountains. While there is the option to spend a few days in Cusco before moving on to the Sacred Valley, I find it is actually easier to do it in reverse. Because the Sacred Valley is at a lower elevation than Cusco, traveling there first will give you a chance to acclimatize yourself to the altitude with a lesser chance of risking altitude sickness. This way once you move on to Cusco, the change won’t be quite so drastic.
With that in mind, make your way to the Sacred Valley and be sure to visit the impressive archeological site of Sacsyhuaman along the way. It’s the largest structure ever built by the Incas.
The Sacred Valley is a stretch of Incan villages, pre-Columbian ruins, and tiny colonial towns, all surrounded by snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and meadows protected by sacred Apu mountain spirits.
Things to see in the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo and Pisac are two of the most popular archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is a well-preserved Inca fortress that was once used to defend the Sacred Valley from invaders.
Pisac is a market town with a wealth of Inca ruins, including a stepped pyramid and a cemetery.
Maras is a village known for its thousands of salt pools, which are fed by underground springs. The salt has been harvested by the local community for centuries.
Moray is another fascinating archaeological site, consisting of a series of circular terraces that are each designed to create a unique microclimate. Scientists believe that the Incas used Moray to experiment with different crops.
Chinchero is a remote village in the Sacred Valley that is known for its traditional weaving. The village is also home to a beautiful colonial church.
Where to Stay
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of Peru. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century monastery and offers guests a unique experience of Peruvian colonial architecture and culture. Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is the perfect base for exploring the Sacred Valley. The hotel is located just a short drive from the popular archaeological sites.
Day 6: Explore the Sacred Valley
Kick off your day with a drive to Chinchero, a charming village known for its traditional market. Browse the stalls and purchase souvenirs, such as hand-woven textiles and handicrafts.
Then continue on to Maras and the archeological site of Moray. Spend some time here exploring the site and finding out a bit more about the agricultural laboratory of the Incas. From there, you can hike up to Maras Pampas, a beautiful valley where you can see cattle and sheep grazing. The Urubamba mountain range and its snow-capped peaks provide a stunning backdrop.
In the town of Maras, admire the well-preserved stone houses, which testify to the town's former prosperity. Then, continue on to the Maras Saltpans, a spectacular sight of thousands of white salt ponds. These salt mines have been in use for centuries and continue to produce salt today.
Day 7: Travel to Aguas Calientes
Start your day with a visit to the still-thriving Inca village of Ollantaytambo. The stunning village is located below an ancient fortress and temple, and has incredible views of the valley. Be sure to grab lunch at a local restaurant before catching the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes.
And let me tell you, this ride will be insane. The train features panoramic windows that offer stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley. The Vistadome train has panoramic views, a bar and restaurant. The Vistadome train ride to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 3 hours. During the journey, you will see a variety of different landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and ancient ruins.
Absolutely dreamy.
Aguas Calientes may be most known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, but the quaint town is positively delightful on its own. The town is located at an altitude of 2,040 meters (6,690 feet), and is surrounded by towering mountains and lush green forests. I’d recommend spending some time walking around the dizzying Mercando Artesanal, visiting the hot springs or hiking the area. There is also a small museum just a short walk out of town with a ton of local information and artifacts. Worth the visit if you can spare the time.
Where to Stay
El MaPi by Inkaterra is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building and offers guests a unique experience of Peruvian history and culture. El MaPi by Inkaterra is the perfect base for exploring Machu Picchu. The hotel is just a short walk from the Machu Picchu Train Station and the entrance to the ruins. It is also within easy reach of Aguas Calientes' many other attractions, such as the Mercado Artesanal market and the Terrazas del Inca viewpoint.
Day 8: Explore Machu Picchu
I’m chronically not a morning person, but I highly recommend getting an early start and booking an early entrance to Machu Picchu. The best time of day to see Machu Picchu is early in the morning, before the crowds set in. In the early morning, the ruins are bathed in golden light at this time, and the views are positively stunning.
The entrance ticket allows you approximately two hours on site. An add-on to the entrance ticket is the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, which will also take about 2 hours to complete. I would only recommend this to seasoned hikers who are not afraid of heights.
In the afternoon, board the Vistadome train back to Cusco.
Day 9: Explore Cusco
Cusco is a city with a rich and fascinating history. It was the capital of the Inca Empire, one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations in the Americas. Cusco was once the site of Coricancha, the Inca temple of the sun. The temple was stripped of all its gold and mostly destroyed by the Spanish Conquistadores, who erected churches in its stead, but remnants of the temple can still be seen today.
At the heart of Cusco is the Plaza de Armas, a large square surrounded by colonial buildings. The Plaza de Armas is the perfect place to start your exploration of Cusco's rich history. Take a stroll up the ancient Inca street, Hathunrumiyoc, and look at the famous 12-angled stones set into Ince walls. While in the area, check out the bars, cafes, restaurants and shops of San Blas. If you have time, be sure to swing by the San Pedro market.
You can explore on your own, or join a walking tour.
Where to Stay
Quinta San Blas is a historical boutique hotel located in the heart of Cusco, Peru. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 17th century colonial mansion and offers guests a unique experience of Peruvian history and culture.
Day 10: Travel to Puno
Take a short flight to Puno and if you still haven’t had enough of archeological wonders, make it a point to stop at the pre-Inca site of Chullpas de Sillustani. The site is probably one of the most significant necropolises in the world, and definitely worth the visit. Built by the Colla people, the funerary monuments are sheer in size, standing at over 13,000 ft. No, that is not a typo. The site is surrounded by Lake Umayo, and quite a fascinating spot.
Continue on to Lake Titicaca, where you will stay for the next couple of nights.
Take the rest of the day to relax, and recoup from the last few days of adventure. Or if you’re the type to always be on the go, explore the area on foot along one of the many walking trails, or on water by renting a kayak. Either way, be sure to catch the sunset on the lake.
Where to Stay
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is located on the private island of Esteves at Lake Titicaca. The panoramic views from this uniquely placed luxury hotel are unbeatable. Notable to mention, the hotel features a private pier from where boats embark to the islands of Uros, Taquile or Amantani, making it the perfect base to explore Lake Titicaca.
Day 11: Explore Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, head to the harbor to board the boat that will take you to the Uros Islands, a group of artificial islands made from totora reeds. Totora is the lifeblood of the islanders, providing food, shelter, and transportation. The islands are anchored to the lakebed to prevent them from drifting away.
In recent years, the Uros Islands have developed somewhat, with schools, hospitals, and hotels on some of the islands. There are 45 floating islands in total, most of which are close to Puno. About 60% of the islands are visited by tourists.
Your next stop is Taquile Island, the largest island in Lake Titicaca. Although located in an Aymara-speaking region, its 1,200 inhabitants speak Quechua. The island is governed communally and is famous for its beautiful textiles. UNESCO has proclaimed the textile art of Taquile as one of the 43 Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Weaving is carried on by men, women, and children, and their colorful clothes contain hidden messages about their social and marital status.
Day 12: Return to Lima & Fly Home
From Puno, take the 1.5 hour flight back to Lima.
You could extend your trip for an additional day in Lima, or if the schedule coincides, catch your flight back home on the same day.
If you have longer than 12 days, you could also extend your stay in Cusco with an excursion to the Rainbow Mountain, or an additional night in Aguas Calientes. There is plenty to see and do in Peru, so additional time would hardly be an issue.
This is merely a sample itinerary. If you’re thinking about a bucket list trip to Peru and would like some guidance on a custom itinerary, dedicated guide and tours, reach out using the button below and let’s get started.
Happy travels!
