Recommended itineraries

Itinerary proposals based on the duration of your stay

If you choose to organize your trip yourself, you obviously won't have time to discover all of Peru[cite: 16]. The minimum time for comfortable sightseeing is one week (not counting international travel)[cite: 16]. These pages aim to help you choose your circuit[cite: 16].

Foreword and road tips

Unless you are coming by land from a neighboring country, your trip will systematically begin and end in the capital, Lima[cite: 16].
The main road network between large cities is generally in good condition (allowing an average of 90 km/h)[cite: 16]. However, secondary roads in rural areas can be damaged or flooded depending on the season (average of 30 km/h)[cite: 16].
It is strongly advised against driving at night in rural areas or isolated outskirts of major cities for security reasons[cite: 16]. Constant vigilance is required behind the wheel (potholes, stray animals, landslides)[cite: 16].
Contrary to old beliefs, you can absolutely fly directly to a high-altitude area (like Cusco). However, the altitude greatly fatigues unaccustomed bodies: it is imperative not to plan any physical activity upon getting off the plane and to rest on the first day[cite: 16].

You have 7 to 10 days

The essential loop (South coast and sacred valley)

A short period, but one that allows you to visit the essentials: Lima, nature reserves, major Inca sites, and enjoy local handicrafts[cite: 16].

By bus: Lima - Paracas. (An ideal stop to soak up a beautiful beach vibe, photograph coastal wildlife, and relax by the ocean).
By boat: Excursion to the Ballestas Islands from Paracas[cite: 16].
By bus: Paracas - Nazca[cite: 16].
By plane (overflight): The mysterious Nazca Lines[cite: 16].
By night bus: Nazca - Cusco (or a quick return to Lima to catch a flight to Cusco)[cite: 16].
By bus / train: Discovery of Cusco, Sacsayhuam�n, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo[cite: 16].
By train: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco[cite: 16].
By plane: Cusco - Lima[cite: 16].

You have 11 to 14 days

The great Andean classic (The Gringo Trail)

This is enough time to see the main treasures of Peru without rushing too much. You add the magic of the highlands and Lake Titicaca to the previous itinerary[cite: 16].

By bus: Lima - Paracas - Nazca[cite: 16].
By night bus: Nazca - Arequipa. Visit the White City and its convents.
By bus: Arequipa - Puno[cite: 16] (with the possibility of a detour through the Colca Canyon).
By boat: Puno - Lake Titicaca - Taquile Island - Puno[cite: 16].
By bus or train: Puno (Juliaca) - Cusco[cite: 16]. Spectacular crossing of the Altiplano.
By bus / train: Cusco - Sacsayhuam�n - Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) - Machu Picchu - Cusco[cite: 16].
By plane: Cusco - Lima[cite: 16].

You have 15 to 21 days

The complete exploration (Andes and Amazon)

This is the ideal time to see a maximum of contrasting landscapes. This circuit integrates the coast, condor watching, Titicaca, the Inca empire, and concludes with a wild immersion in the Amazon rainforest[cite: 16].

Week 1 (Coast and Volcanoes): Lima - Paracas (Ballestas Islands) - Nazca overflight - Arequipa[cite: 16].
Week 2 (The vast Andes): Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Puno (Lake Titicaca and Taquile) - Cusco[cite: 16].
Week 3 (Incas and Forest): Cusco and the Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu)[cite: 16]. Then a flight from Cusco to Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado (Amazon) for 3 days of immersion in wild nature[cite: 16].
By plane: Return to Lima[cite: 16].
Northern Alternative: Replace the Amazon with a flight to Chiclayo (Lord of Sip�n) and Trujillo (Chan Chan), or to Huar�z (Huascar�n National Park) for high mountain lovers[cite: 16].