If you’re planning to visit Peru, but have only one week to explore the country, don’t worry; it’s still possible to see some of the best that Peru has to offer. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive travel itinerary that will take you through some of the most famous destinations in Peru. From ancient ruins to gorgeous beaches, Peru has something for everyone.
Day 1: Explore Lima, the Capital of Peru
Your first stop should be Lima, the capital of Peru. You can spend the entire day exploring this amazing city, which is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and delicious food. Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the main square of the city, and then head to the historic district to see the beautiful buildings and churches.
In the afternoon, visit the Larco Museum, which houses an incredible collection of pre-Columbian art. Finally, end your day with a visit to one of the city’s many restaurants to try some of the local cuisine.
Day 2: Discover the Enigmatic Nazca Lines
On day 2, take a morning flight from Lima to Nazca to see the famous Nazca Lines. These mysterious geoglyphs, which are over 2,000 years old, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. To see the lines up close, you can take a flight over them in a small plane.
After your flight, explore the surrounding area, which includes the Chauchilla Cemetery, where you can see well-preserved mummies.
Day 3: Visit the Breathtaking Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru can be complete without a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Take an early morning train from Cusco and arrive in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
After exploring this ancient Incan citadel, you can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu to get an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the afternoon, take the train back to Cusco and spend the rest of the day exploring this charming city which was once the capital of the Inca Empire.
Day 4: Experience the Sacred Valley and Pisac Market
On day 4, visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is a few hours away from Cusco. This valley is home to some of the most important Incan ruins, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
After exploring these ruins, visit the Pisac market to shop for souvenirs and to try some of the local dishes. Spend the night in the Sacred Valley to explore more of the area.
Day 5: Explore the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis
On day 5, take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, which are home to various species of sea lions, penguins, and birds. After the tour, head to the Huacachina Oasis, which is a small town surrounded by sand dunes.
You can take a sandboarding tour or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Spend the night in Huacachina before heading back to Lima.
Day 6: Visit the Stunning Paracas National Reserve
On day 6, take a day trip to the Paracas National Reserve, which is known for its incredible landscapes and diverse wildlife. You can take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands from here as well if you didn’t have time to do it on day 5.
After the tour, explore the reserve’s sand dunes and beaches, and try some of the local seafood dishes. Head back to Lima in the evening.
Day 7: Relax in Lima or Take a Day Trip to Callao
On your last day in Peru, you can either relax in Lima or take a day trip to Callao, which is a port city located just outside of Lima.
There, you can visit the Real Felipe Fortress, which was built in the 18th century and played an important role in the country’s history. You can also explore the city’s many museums and street markets.
FAQ about Traveling to Peru
1. Do I need a visa to visit Peru? | Most visitors do not need a visa to enter Peru, as long as they stay for less than 90 days. |
2. What’s the best time to visit Peru? | The best time to visit Peru is from May to September when the weather is dry and sunny. |
3. What’s the currency in Peru? | The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol. |
4. Is it safe to travel to Peru? | Peru is generally a safe country to visit, but it’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. |
5. What are some must-try dishes in Peru? | Ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa rellena are some of the most popular dishes in Peru. |