If you’re planning a trip to Peru and wondering how to structure your journey, this guide has you covered! Here’s how we planned an unforgettable itinerary that blends culture, history, and some of the most scenic train journeys in the world — from coastal Lima to the heart of the Andes.
Here’s exactly how we have planned a 12-day trip to Peru for our clients, moving from Lima to the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and ending in the breathtaking Colca Canyon. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Peru’s highlights at a comfortable pace.
We can of course customise this to your liking and preferences.
Pro tip:
- Start your trip in Lima to ease into the culture and recover from jet lag before heading to altitude
- Spend time in the Sacred Valley before Cusco to help with acclimatisation
- Book luxury trains like the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer well in advance — they are experiences in themselves
- Pack layers — temperatures vary significantly between regions
- Take things slow at altitude and stay hydrated
Day 1 – Arrive in Lima, Peru
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, and spend two days exploring its coastal neighbourhoods, culinary scene, and historic centre. Miraflores and Barranco are perfect bases, offering ocean views, excellent restaurants, and a relaxed introduction to the country.
This is the ideal place to enjoy Peru’s world-renowned food culture before heading inland.
Day 2 – Explore Lima
Spend the day exploring Lima’s rich history and dynamic neighbourhoods. Discover the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, home to grand colonial architecture, lively plazas, and centuries-old monasteries. You can choose to wander through the bohemian streets of Barranco, known for its colourful murals, galleries, and cafés, before heading to Miraflores for boutique shopping and ocean views.
Lima’s world-renowned culinary scene is not to be missed, whether through a guided food tour or dining at one of its celebrated restaurants.
Day 3 – Depart Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley
Fly from Lima to Cusco, then transfer straight to the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley sits at a lower altitude between Cusco and Machu Picchu and is the perfect place to acclimatise.
You’ll drive through the Andes and can also take this opportunity to visit the Pisac ruins and market depending on your arrival time.
Pro tip: Skipping Cusco initially helps reduce altitude sickness.
Day 4 – Explore the Sacred Valley
Today is dedicated to discovering the heart of the ancient Inca civilisation. Visit the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Inca towns still inhabited today, and explore the remarkable agricultural terraces of Moray, believed to have been an Incan farming laboratory.
Continue on to the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools have been harvested by local families for generations. A leisurely lunch overlooking the valley completes a rewarding day of exploration.
Day 5 – Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu aboard the Hiram Bingham
Travel in style aboard the legendary Hiram Bingham train from Rio Sagrado to Machu Picchu. As a Belmond Bellini agent, you also get Belmond Bellini Club perks for this journey which includes $50 credit to use towards one of the following benefits:
Shared by one or more passengers belonging to the same group/booking:
- Bottle of Premium wine on board the train
- Transfer from Cusco airport to Cusco city center (one way)
- Private guide in Machu Picchu (English or Spanish)
For passengers wishing to take the individual benefit:
- Spa – 30 minute massage at Rio Sagrado, Sanctuary Lodge or Palacio Nazarenas
- Buffet breakfast at Belmond Monasterio
The Hiram Bingham journey itself is an experience, complete with fine dining, live music, and panoramic views of the Andean countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, taking time to fully appreciate its scale, history, and breathtaking setting almost 8000 feet above sea level.
Spend the evening in an accommodation in Machu Picchu for a second chance to visit the site tomorrow!
Day 6 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
Wake up early for a second opportunity to experience Machu Picchu, ideal for a quieter visit or sunrise exploration.
After breakfast, return by train early afternoon before continuing on to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the historic Plaza de Armas and nearby streets.
You can choose to take the Hiram Bingham back or return via the Peru Rail (Vistadome Observatory) and enjoy panoramic views of the valley!
Day 7 – Explore Cusco
Spend the day uncovering Cusco’s layers of Incan and colonial history. Visit the impressive hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuamán for panoramic views over the city, then explore Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple in the Inca Empire.
The afternoon is ideal for wandering Cusco’s cobbled streets, browsing artisan shops, visiting museums, or simply soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere.
Day 8 – Board the Andean Explorer to Arequipa
Board the luxurious Andean Explorer (A Belmond Train) for 2 nights, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, for a spectacular journey towards Arequipa. As a Belmond Bellini agent, booking the train, you also get Belmond Bellini Club perks!
As the train glides through vast high-altitude plains and remote Andean landscapes, enjoy refined onboard dining, elegant lounge cars, and moments of quiet observation. Evening entertainment and stargazing add to the magic of this slow and scenic journey.
Day 9 – Lake Titicaca & Taquile Island
After breakfast, cruise across Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely from totora reeds. Continue to Taquile Island, famed for its intricate handwoven textiles.
Enjoy a traditional lunch with local dance demonstrations before returning to the train for another evening of fine dining and relaxation.
Day 10 – Lake Titicaca → Colca Canyon
At sunrise, admire Lake Titicaca before continuing toward Arequipa. Along the way, visit the Sumbay Caves, home to ancient rock art depicting wildlife and early Andean life.
Disembark the Andean Explorer and transfer to the dramatic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Watch the skies for soaring condors as you settle into your tranquil retreat.
Day 11 – Colca Canyon: Condors & Villages
Depart early for Condor’s Cross, the best viewpoint to watch condors glide above the canyon.
Continue through traditional villages such as Maca and Yanque, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
Day 12 – Colca Canyon → Arequipa → Lima
Spend the morning exploring lesser-visited villages across the valley before driving back to Arequipa.
Enjoy a short panoramic tour of the ‘White City’, built from volcanic stone, before flying back to Lima, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Peru.
Are you planning a trip to Peru?
Peru offers an extraordinary mix of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Whether its trekking through ancient ruins, travelling across the Andes by train, or watching condors soar above deep canyons, this itinerary captures the very best of the country.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, we can help you:
- Plan internal flights, trains, and transfers
- Choose the best places to stay
- Customise this itinerary to your travel style
Contact us to start planning your perfect trip to Peru! Planning a trip to Peru