The best of Peru: one week itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, check out this 8-day itinerary that captures the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, along with a taste of Lima’s vibrant culture.
Begin your adventure in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, where you’ll explore ancient ruins, bustling markets, and charming neighbourhoods. Venture into the Sacred Valley, visiting picturesque villages, stunning salt mines, and fascinating Incan sites before embarking on the ultimate journey to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After soaking in the magic of the Andes, fly to Lima, where you’ll experience the coastal capital’s rich history, culinary delights, and breathtaking ocean views.
This thoughtfully planned itinerary ensures you experience the highlights of Peru while leaving room to savor its unique culture and natural beauty!
Highlights of Peru: 8 day itinerary
With so much to see and do in Peru, planning a trip to this diverse and stunning country can feel overwhelming. Most visitors choose to focus on Cusco and the surrounding areas, as they offer access to the iconic Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and a wealth of other incredible Incan sites. With just one week to spend in Peru, we had to make some tough choices about where to go. While we wished we could explore more of this incredible country, we decided to focus our journey on the region around Cusco
For our trip, we decided to use Cusco as our base, taking time to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture while also venturing out to the nearby wonders of the region. Since most international travelers will arrive in or depart from Lima, we recommend spending a day or two in Peru’s capital to experience its unique charm, world-renowned gastronomy, and historic attractions.
Here’s the itinerary we planned for our 8-day adventure in the heart of Peru:
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Arriving in Cusco, you’ll immediately feel the city’s unique charm. Nestled at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), this city was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and today it’s the gateway to Peru’s most famous attractions. However, before diving into the wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, take this first day to adjust to the high altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
Start by taking a leisurely stroll around Plaza de Armas, Cusco's main square. Surrounded by colonial architecture and vibrant cafes, this is the perfect place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere. As you wander, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful Cuzco Cathedral, with its towering spires and intricate altars, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Spanish and indigenous influences that define the city. It’s a day to slow down and enjoy the stunning surroundings as you prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Cusco City Tour
Your first full day in Cusco is all about exploring the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. Start in Plaza de Armas once again, where you’ll visit the Cuzco Cathedral, an architectural marvel housing countless treasures. From here, head to the Twelve-Angled Stone, a remarkable example of Incan stonework located on Hatunrumiyoc Street. Marvel at the precision with which the Incas cut and placed these stones without mortar, a testament to their incredible engineering skills.
In the afternoon, embark on a Cusco City Tour, visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important religious site in the Inca Empire, and now part of the Convento de Santo Domingo. From here, make your way to Sacsayhuaman, the fortress with massive, perfectly fitted stone walls offering breathtaking views of the city. Continue to Quenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara, each of which reveals more about Inca religious practices, military fortifications, and impressive engineering.
Plaza de Armas, Cusco
Coricancha, Cusco
Day 3: Exploring Cusco's markets and neighbourhoods
In your second day in Cusco, visit the bustling San Pedro Central Market in the morning, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, smells, and sounds of local Peruvian life. This market is a great place to try fresh fruits, artisanal goods, and traditional Peruvian snacks. Don’t forget to sample some freshly squeezed juices or a plate of tacu tacu for a real taste of Cusco!
Afterward, head up to San Cristobal Hill, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the layout of this historical city. In the afternoon, explore the Pre-Columbian Art Museum to see an impressive collection of ancient Incan and pre-Incan objects, before wandering through the artistic San Blas neighbourhood. With its cobblestone streets, vibrant art galleries, and charming cafes, San Blas offers a more bohemian side of Cusco, filled with creativity and local craftsmanship.
San Cristobal Hill, Cusco
San Blas, Cusco
Day 4: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
A day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must for anyone visiting Peru. Start with a visit to Chinchero, a quaint village known for its traditional weaving techniques, where you can witness artisans create intricate textiles that have been passed down through generations. Next, explore the impressive Moray terraces, an ancient agricultural laboratory used by the Incas to test crops at varying altitudes.
Continue your journey to Salineras (the Maras Salt Mines), a stunning sight where thousands of salt pans spill down a hillside, shimmering in the sun. Finally, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, a vast fortress and ceremonial center with massive terraces that climb the mountainside, offering a glimpse into the architectural genius of the Incas. After a full day of exploration, take an evening train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Chinchero, Peru
Moray, Peru
Day 5: Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is truly complete without a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, and this particular day was dedicated entirely to exploring this awe-inspiring Incan citadel, which has captivated travelers for centuries.
Arriving early in the morning, you can bear witness to the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient ruins, casting a warm golden glow over the misty landscape that surrounds this historical site. Take a guided tour through the impressive complex, where you can marvel at the extraordinary precision of the stonework and take in the stunning panoramic views of the majestic mountains that frame this New Wonder of the World.
Machu Picchu
Ruins of Machu Picchu
Day 6: Lima - from the Andes to the Coast
After your time in Cusco, fly to Lima, the bustling capital city of Peru. Begin your day by visiting the famous Malecon, the seaside promenade that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a walk along the cliffs, enjoying the sea breeze and panoramic vistas of Lima's coastline.
Next, head to Huaca Huallamarca, an ancient adobe pyramid dating back to pre-Incan times. It’s a fascinating contrast to the modernity of Lima, offering a glimpse into the city's long history before the Spanish arrived.
Malecón, Lima
Huaca Huallamarca, Lima
Day 7: Historic Centre of Lima
On your second day in Lima, dive into the heart of Lima’s Historical Center. Start at Plaza Mayor, where you can admire the Lima Cathedral, a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Don’t miss the Government Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace, which flank the square, both offering incredible insight into the city’s history.
Explore the narrow streets of Barranco, a charming district known for its colonial-era mansions, vibrant street art, and lively cafes. For lunch, treat yourself to ceviche, one of Peru’s most famous dishes, at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Monastery of San Francisco, with its catacombs, offering a deeper understanding of Lima’s colonial past.
Plaza Mayor, Lima
Lima, Peru
Day 8: Return from Lima
On your final day in Lima, if time allows, take one last leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of this remarkable city or consider picking up some last-minute souvenirs at a bustling local market filled with unique crafts.
Savour your final moments in this captivating destination before heading to the airport for your departure.
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