Peru is one of those countries where every extra day changes your experience.
You can explore ancient ruins, hike the Andes, surf the Pacific coast, or dive deep into Amazon rainforest life — all in one trip. If you have 1 week, focus on Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.
If 2 weeks, add the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca.
With 3 weeks, include the Amazon or Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
With 1 month, you can travel slowly and see Peru from north to south.
This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you can build the right Peru itinerary for your time and travel style.
1 Week in Peru: The Classic Highlights Route
If you only have 7 days, don’t try to see everything. Peru is larger than it looks on the map.
Best 7-Day Peru Itinerary
- Days 1–2: Lima
Explore Miraflores and Barranco. Visit the historic center (a UNESCO site). Try ceviche and pisco sour. - Days 3–4: Cusco
Acclimate to altitude. Walk around Plaza de Armas. Visit Sacsayhuamán and nearby ruins. - Days 5–6: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Explore Machu Picchu at sunrise. - Day 7: Return to Cusco or Lima
Why This Works
It covers:
- Culture
- Inca history
- Food
- Peru’s most iconic site: Machu Picchu
You avoid long bus journeys and focus on what most first-time visitors want to see.
2 Weeks in Peru: A Balanced Adventure
With 14 days, you can slow down and explore more regions.
Recommended 2-Week Route
Week 1: Same as the 7-day itinerary
Week 2 Add:
- Rainbow Mountain (if you like hiking)
- Lake Titicaca (Puno)
- Extra time in the Sacred Valley
Visit the floating islands of the Uros people on Lake Titicaca. It’s touristy, but still fascinating.
Travel Tip
Take night buses between Cusco and Puno to save time. Peru is big. Distances matter.
3 Weeks in Peru: Add Nature & Depth
Three weeks gives you freedom.
Now you can include one of these:
Option 1: The Amazon
Fly to Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos.
Stay in a jungle lodge. Spot pink dolphins and macaws.
Explore the Amazon Basin, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Option 2: Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Visit the “White City,” Arequipa.
Then head to Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Watch condors glide at sunrise. Hike into the canyon if you’re fit.
Why 3 Weeks Is Ideal
You experience:
- Coast
- Mountains
- High-altitude lakes
- Rainforest
It feels complete without rushing.
1 Month in Peru: The Full Experience
If you have 4 weeks, travel slow.
Suggested Route
- Lima
- Paracas & Huacachina (desert and sandboarding)
- Arequipa
- Colca Canyon
- Cusco & Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
- Lake Titicaca
- Amazon
- Northern Peru (Trujillo, Máncora beaches)
You can take buses instead of flights or can stay longer in places you love.
You adjust better to altitude.
This is how you see the “real” Peru.
Pros & Cons of Different Trip Lengths
| Trip Length | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | Efficient, affordable, hits top sights | Fast-paced, limited regions |
| 2 Weeks | Balanced, deeper experience | More planning needed |
| 3 Weeks | Great mix of culture & nature | Higher budget |
| 1 Month | Complete immersion, slow travel | Requires flexibility & time |
Real-World Examples
Example 1: First-Time Travelers (7–10 Days)
Couples often fly into Lima, head straight to Cusco, and focus on Machu Picchu. They skip long bus rides and internal complexity.
Example 2: Adventure Travelers (2–3 Weeks)
Hikers add the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek before visiting Machu Picchu.
Example 3: Remote Workers (1 Month)
They stay in Cusco for 1–2 weeks, then explore other regions on weekends.
Practical Planning Tips
Acclimate to Altitude
Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft).
Take it slow the first 48 hours. Drink water. Avoid heavy meals.
Book Machu Picchu Early
Tickets sell out weeks in advance during high season (May–September).
Domestic Flights Save Time
Peru’s bus rides are long. Flights between Lima and Cusco save almost a full day.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
How many days do you really need in Peru?
At least 10 days for a comfortable first trip.
7 days works if you focus only on Lima and Cusco.
Is 2 weeks enough for Peru?
Yes. Two weeks lets you see Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and explore beyond the basics.
What is the best month to visit Peru?
May to September is dry season in the Andes.
April and October offer fewer crowds.
Is Peru expensive?
It’s affordable compared to Europe or the US.
Machu Picchu tours and flights are the biggest expenses.
Final Verdict:
If it’s your first time, aim for 2 to 3 weeks.
One week feels rushed.
One month is amazing but not realistic for most travelers.
Focus on:
- Lima for food
- Cusco for culture
- Machu Picchu for history
- Add one nature region (Amazon or Colca Canyon)
That combination gives you a true Peru experience — without burnout.
Plan smart. Travel slow when possible. Peru rewards those who give it time.