If you’re planning a trip to Peru, congratulations! You’re in for a treat. This South American country is home to some of the world’s most fascinating cultural and natural wonders. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the vibrant city of Lima, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. But with so much to explore, it can be overwhelming to plan an itinerary. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a suggested itinerary for a 10-day trip to Peru. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Your adventure begins in Lima, the capital and largest city of Peru. After arriving at the airport, take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco Monastery. For dinner, try some traditional Peruvian cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Lima to Paracas
Rise early and take a bus or private driver to the seaside town of Paracas. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the desert landscape. Once in Paracas, take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, which are home to sea lions, penguins, and other marine life. In the afternoon, visit the Paracas National Reserve, where you can hike through red sand dunes and see flamingos in their natural habitat.
Day 3: Paracas to Nazca
After breakfast, continue your journey south to the town of Nazca. Here, you can take a flight over the famous Nazca Lines, which are mysterious geoglyphs that date back to pre-Columbian times. These enormous designs can only be seen from above, and their purpose is still unknown. In the afternoon, visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, which is an ancient burial ground that has been well-preserved by the desert climate.
Day 4: Nazca to Arequipa
Today, you’ll travel to the city of Arequipa, which is known as the “white city” due to its many colonial-era buildings made of white volcanic stone. Take a city tour to see landmarks such as the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas, and the San Camilo Market. In the evening, enjoy some local cuisine and nightlife in the city’s bustling historic center.
Day 5: Colca Canyon
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the stunning Colca Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Along the way, you’ll see fantastic views of the Andes Mountains and pass through traditional villages where locals still wear colorful traditional clothing. Once at the canyon, take a hike along the rim or down to the bottom to see the Andean condor, which is one of the largest birds in the world.
Day 6: Arequipa to Puno
Today, you’ll travel to the city of Puno, which is located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you’ll see more stunning views of the Andes Mountains and pass through charming towns such as Juliaca. Once in Puno, take a city tour to see landmarks such as the Cathedral of Puno and the Puno Plaza de Armas. For dinner, try some delicious Peruvian trout at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Lake Titicaca
Today, you’ll take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca, which is the highest navigable lake in the world. You’ll visit the famous Uros Islands, which are man-made islands constructed from reeds that grow in the lake. You’ll also visit the island of Taquile, which is known for its textile arts and stunning views of the lake and the Andes Mountains.
Day 8: Puno to Cusco
Today, you’ll travel to the city of Cusco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Along the way, you’ll see more fantastic views of the Andes Mountains and pass through charming towns such as Sicuani. Once in Cusco, take a city tour to see landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Cusco, and the Temple of the Sun. For dinner, try some delicious Peruvian ceviche at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Sacred Valley
Today, you’ll take a day trip to the Sacred Valley, which is a region of the Andes Mountains that was once sacred to the Inca civilization. You’ll visit landmarks such as the Pisac Ruins, the Ollantaytambo Fortress, and the market town of Chinchero. You’ll also have the opportunity to see traditional weaving and agriculture techniques that are still practiced by locals today.
Day 10: Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the mountain, and then take a bus to the entrance of the ruins. Spend the day exploring the site, which is an ancient Inca citadel that was built in the 15th century. Don’t forget your camera!
Conclusion
There you have it – a suggested itinerary for a 10-day trip to Peru. Of course, there are many other destinations and activities that you could include depending on your interests and schedule. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for planning your own adventure in Peru. ¡Buen viaje!
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to travel to Peru? | A: Yes, Peru is generally a safe country for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions such as avoiding showing off expensive belongings and keeping an eye on your surroundings. |
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Peru? | A: The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. However, this is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so expect crowds. |
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Peru? | A: Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Peru for tourism purposes. However, it’s always a good idea to check the visa requirements for your specific country before traveling. |