Are you Planning a trip to Peru? You’re in for an incredible adventure through one of South America’s most diverse and fascinating countries. From the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu to the colonial streets of Cusco, this 7-day Peru itinerary captures Peru’s most iconic experiences while accounting for altitude adjustment and travel logistics. Did you know? Peru hosts 28 of the world’s 32 climates, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.
Before diving into the daily details, remember that Peru’s high-altitude destinations require some adjustment time. This Peru travel itinerary is carefully structured to help you acclimatize gradually, starting in Lima at sea level before heading to higher elevations. Pack layers and prepare for varied weather conditions, Peru’s microclimates can shift dramatically throughout your journey.
7-Day Peru Itinerary Overview
This comprehensive Peru itinerary explores three main destinations: Lima, Sacred Valley, and Cusco, culminating in the magnificent Machu Picchu. The route is designed to minimize altitude sickness while maximizing your experience of Peru’s diverse culture, history, and cuisine.
Your journey begins in Lima (sea level), followed by the Sacred Valley (9,000 ft), Machu Picchu (7,972 ft), and finally Cusco (11,152 ft). This progression helps your body adjust to the altitude more comfortably.
Table of Contents
Days 1-2: Lima, Peru’s Coastal Capital
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Morning
- Your Peru itinerary adventure begins as you land at Jorge Chávez International Airport. After clearing customs, grab an official taxi from Green Taxi or Taxi 365 for the 45-minute drive to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco.
- Once settled, head to Parque del Amor (Love Park), where a stunning mosaic park overlooking the Pacific welcomes you to Lima. The centerpiece sculpture of embracing lovers and Spanish love quotes sets the perfect mood for your first morning.
- Follow the malecón, Lima’s beautiful clifftop promenade, north toward Larcomar. This part of your Peru itinerary takes you along a six-mile walkway offering spectacular ocean views, with paragliders soaring overhead and surfers catching waves on the Costa Verde below.
Source: valenciatravelcusco.com
Afternoon
- Step into Peru’s past at the elegant Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion. The museum’s dazzling collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver pieces tells the story of ancient Peru through masterfully crafted artifacts.
- Unwind at the museum’s garden restaurant, where flowering vines drape over colonial white walls. Sample your first taste of Peru’s renowned cuisine while overlooking the beautiful garden setting.
Source: tripadvisor.com
Evening
- As Lima’s sunset paints the sky, make your way to a local cevichería for your welcome dinner. Order the catch of the day ceviche and sip Peru’s national cocktail, the pisco sour, as you toast to the start of your Peru travel itinerary adventure.
Day 2: Colonial Lima & Kitchen Adventures
Morning
- Begin your day in Lima’s historic heart, where colonial architecture tells stories of Spanish conquest. The grand Plaza Mayor dazzles with its bronze fountain and yellow palace, while the nearby San Francisco Monastery guards mysterious catacombs beneath its baroque exterior.
- Wander through the Cathedral of Lima, where intricate carved choir stalls and mosaic-filled chapels showcase centuries of artistic devotion. The morning light streams through ancient stained glass, illuminating the peaceful interior.
Afternoon
- Day 2 of your Peru itinerary dives into Lima’s food scene in bohemian Barranco. Your local guide leads you through colorful streets to hidden markets, where towers of exotic fruits and mountains of spices await exploration.
- Join a hands-on cooking class to master classics like ceviche and causa rellena. Your chef-instructor reveals family secrets as you learn to balance Peru’s distinctive flavors and native ingredients.
Evening
- Watch the sun set behind Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid rising dramatically from modern Miraflores. Dine at the site’s renowned restaurant, where innovative Peruvian dishes are served with views of the illuminated ancient adobe walls.
Days 3 – 4: Sacred Valley
Day 3: Introducing Sacred Valley
Morning
Day 3 of your Peru itinerary begins as you fly into Cusco’s mountain-ringed airport, where your driver whisks you directly to the Sacred Valley. This strategic descent from Cusco’s high altitude to the valley’s gentler elevation helps your body adjust gradually to the thin Andean air.
Afternoon
Immerse yourself in the colors and energy of Pisac Market, where local Quechua vendors display hand-woven textiles in rainbow hues. The scent of fresh empanadas and sound of Andean flutes fill the air as you wander through stalls of silver jewelry and alpaca scarves.
Source: raptravelperu.com
Evening
As you follow your Peru itinerary, Settle into your Sacred Valley hotel as the sun sets behind terraced mountainsides. Sip warming coca tea on your balcony while watching the sky turn pink over the sacred peaks, your body adjusting to the gentle rhythm of Andean life.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Exploration
Morning
Marvel at Moray’s mysterious circular terraces, where ancient Incas created a natural laboratory of microclimates. The morning sun casts dramatic shadows across these agricultural amphitheaters carved into the earth.
Wind your way to the dazzling salt ponds of Maras, where thousands of salt pools create a mesmerizing patchwork of white and brown against the mountainside. Local families still harvest salt here using pre-Inca techniques.
Afternoon
Enter the living Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where water still flows through original stone channels. The massive fortress rises above on the hillside, its perfectly fitted stones telling tales of ancient engineering and celestial alignment.
Evening
Day 4 of your Peru travel itinerary concludes with a traditional Pachamanca feast, where meats and vegetables are cooked underground with hot stones. As the sun sets, local musicians fill the air with Andean melodies while you dine under the stars.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Morning
Day 5 of your Peru itinerary begins as you board the early train through the sacred valley, watching the landscape transform from mountainous terrain to misty cloud forest. The anticipation builds as you wind your way up to Machu Picchu on the switchback bus route.
Step through the Sun Gate for your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the lost city emerging from the morning mist. Your guide reveals the secrets of this architectural marvel while condors soar overhead.
Afternoon
Explore hidden corners of the citadel, from the intricate Royal Tomb to the mysterious Temple of the Sun. Take the short hike to the Inca Bridge, where ancient paths cling dramatically to the mountainside.
Evening
Concluding Day 5 of your Peru itinerary, return to Cusco as dusk approaches, watching the ancient capital’s lights twinkle to life in the valley below. Settle into your historic hotel, where colonial arches frame views of terracotta rooftops and distant mountains.
Day 6: Cusco City
Morning
Wander through San Blas, Cusco’s artistic quarter, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past colonial churches and artisan workshops. Every doorway tells a story, from traditional weavers at work to galleries showcasing contemporary Andean art.
Afternoon
Stand in awe before the massive stones of Sacsayhuamán fortress, where megalithic blocks fit together with impossible precision. Continue to the mysterious altars of Q’enqo, carved into living rock, and discover the red walls of Puka Pukara.
Evening
Your Peru itinerary culminates with traditional Andean dance during a dinner show, where vibrant costumes and ancient rhythms bring Peru’s cultural heritage to life. The haunting sound of panpipes fills the air as you savor classic dishes from the region.
Day 7: Final Day
Morning
The final day of your 7-day Peru itinerary begins at Qorikancha, once covered in sheets of gold, where Inca stonework forms the foundation of a Spanish church. Sunlight streams through colonial windows to illuminate walls that once held golden constellations.
Afternoon
As your Peru travel itinerary comes to a close, say goodbye to Cusco over lunch at a traditional picantería, where generations-old recipes create the flavors of the Andes. Take one last walk through the historic streets, where every stone seems to whisper stories of empire and conquest.
The late afternoon sun gilds the city’s terracotta roofs as you depart, carrying memories of your Peru itinerary adventure back home.
Tips To Consider While Travelling To Peru
Altitude Tips
- Combat altitude effects right away by starting coca tea as soon as you reach high elevation.
- Keep a water bottle handy and drink 2-3 liters daily to stay properly hydrated in the thin mountain air.
- Give your body time to adjust by avoiding all alcoholic drinks during your first 48 hours at altitude.
- Take it easy on stairs and hills by moving at a slower pace than you normally would at sea level.
- Visit your doctor before the trip to discuss altitude sickness medications like Diamox as a preventive measure.
Transportation Tips To Consider
- Secure your Lima-Cusco flights at least 2-3 months in advance to get the best rates and preferred morning departure times.
- Lock in your Machu Picchu entrance permits the moment you confirm your travel dates, as they often sell out weeks ahead.
- Reserve your Machu Picchu train tickets early, especially if you want seats on the scenic Vistadome train with panoramic views.
- Consider Peru Rail’s Vistadome train.
Essential Apps to Download
- Download Maps.me before your trip to navigate Peru’s cities offline without using mobile data.
- Install Uber for reliable and safe transportation around Lima, where you can track your route and avoid haggling over fares.
- Keep XE Currency on your phone to quickly convert prices between soles and your home currency while shopping or dining.
- Get a Spanish dictionary app to help you learn essential phrases and communicate with locals during your journey.
- Download Google Translate with Spanish language pack for offline translations when you need quick help with menus or signs.
Peru Local Travel Costs
Lima Travel Costs
- Find comfortable mid-range hotels in Miraflores or Barranco districts ranging from $80-120 per night with good amenities.
- Budget $20-40 per day for meals, enjoying local cevicherías for lunch and trendy restaurants for dinner.
- Set aside $10-15 daily for transportation, including Uber rides and occasional taxis between attractions.
- Plan for $10-20 per person for attractions, with most museums costing around $5-8 and the Larco Museum at $12.
Daily Costs in Cusco & Sacred Valley
- Book charming mid-range hotels in Cusco or Sacred Valley for $70-100, often featuring colonial architecture and mountain views.
- Expect to spend $15-30 daily on meals, with local picanterías offering hearty lunches and restaurants serving traditional dinners.
- Budget $10-15 per day for taxis and colectivos between Cusco, Sacred Valley towns, and archaeological sites.
- Save $40-70 for attraction fees, including the Cusco Tourist Ticket ($45) and entry to various Inca ruins and museums.
Money-Saving Tips
- Score better deals on domestic flights by booking mid-week departures, often saving up to 30% compared to weekend flights.
- Support local businesses and save money by choosing family-run hotels and guesthouses over international chains.
- Enjoy authentic Peruvian meals at half the price by dining at local markets and traditional picanterías.
- Purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket to access multiple archaeological sites for less than paying individual entrance fees.
- Always agree on taxi fares before starting your journey, ask your hotel for typical rates and negotiate with confidence.
Worth Experience!
- Enhance your Machu Picchu visit with a private guide for $100-150, gaining personalized attention and secret photo spots.
- Upgrade to the Vistadome train for $70 more than standard service, enjoying panoramic views through dome windows.
- Treat yourself to Lima’s world-class dining with a tasting menu at Central or Maido, costing $150-200 per person.
- Experience the Sacred Valley from above with a helicopter tour at $450 per person, seeing Inca sites from a breathtaking perspective.
Essential Items to Pack (My Collection)
Clothing
- Pack quick-dry layers like moisture-wicking shirts and convertible pants for Peru’s varying microclimates.
- Bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket for unexpected showers in Cusco and misty mornings at Machu Picchu.
- Invest in comfortable, broken-in walking shoes with good grip for cobblestones and ancient stone steps.
- Protect yourself with a wide-brimmed sun hat, the mountain sun is intense at high altitudes.
- Pack a warm fleece or puffy jacket for chilly mountain evenings when temperatures can drop rapidly.
- Include one smart outfit for upscale restaurants in Lima, think dark jeans and a nice top or collared shirt.
Other Essentials
- Pack high SPF sunscreen as UV exposure is 30% stronger at Cusco’s altitude.
- Bring tropical-strength repellent for Machu Picchu’s lower-altitude cloud forest.
- Carry a reusable water bottle for frequent hydration between Sacred Valley sites.
- Pack a power bank, charging spots are scarce at archaeological sites.
- Bring a camera with extra battery as cold mountain air drains batteries faster.
- Keep a basic first aid kit with altitude sickness and digestive medication.
Our Final Words
This 7-day Peru itinerary offers a perfect blend of ancient history, local culture, and natural wonders. While it moves at a brisk pace, it’s designed to be manageable for first-time visitors while accounting for altitude adjustment. Remember to stay flexible, weather and altitude can affect plans, and sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most memorable experiences.
Remember that this Peru itinerary can be customized based on your interests and travel style. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, following this Peru travel itinerary ensures Peru offers something for everyone. ¡Buen viaje!
