10-Day Peru Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Peru tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadinePeru travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Peru, incl. Lima and Machu Picchu

  A grand 10-day tour visits 11 destinations across Peru, from Lima's colonial center to Machu Picchu's ancient citadel. Visit Sacred Valley sites like Moray and Maras, then cruise Lake Titicaca's floating islands. Stay at quality hotels like Miramar Lima and enjoy 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lima & Cusco

    Begin in Lima's Miraflores district and explore the colonial center and Plaza Mayor. A visitor shares: "The San Francisco Monastery's catacombs were fascinating, though a bit cramped - go early to avoid crowds." On Day 2, fly to Cusco in the morning. The city sits at 11,152 feet, so take the afternoon to adjust. Many people feel the altitude right away, so rest and try some coca tea.

    
  • Day 3

    Sacred Valley

    Start at Chinchero before the crowds arrive. See the circular terraces at Moray, then visit the beautiful Maras Salt Mines. A traveler advises: "The salt mines were incredible - bring sun protection and good walking shoes, the terrain is uneven and extremely bright from the white salt." Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in the evening.

    
  • Day 4

    Machu Picchu

    Catch the first bus at 5:30 AM. The lines start early but it's worth it. A recent visitor notes: "Getting there for sunrise was worth the early wake-up. The morning fog clearing over the ruins is magical." If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, book months ahead. The permits go quickly. Consider hiking poles for the descent.

    
  • Day 5

    Pisac & Cusco

    Head to Pisac's ruins early to beat the heat. The market runs daily but Sundays are best. Visit Awanacancha to see textiles and alpacas. Return to Cusco for free time. Try the San Pedro Market for local food but keep an eye on your belongings.

    
  • Day 6

    Cusco Free Day

    Walk Cusco's cobblestone streets at your own pace. You might want to visit Rainbow Mountain if you're feeling good with the altitude. It reaches 16,466 feet. The San Blas area has excellent artisan shops but steep streets, so take it slow.

    
  • Day 7

    Route of the Sun to Puno

    The 10-hour bus ride includes interesting stops. A traveler shares: "The Andahuaylillas church truly is the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas' - the artwork is incredible." Pack warm clothes for La Raya pass at 14,222 feet.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Lake Titicaca Islands

    Visit the Uros Islands early before the crowds arrive. Stay overnight with a local family on Amantani Island. A guest recalls: "The homestay was a highlight. Though basic, our host family was incredibly welcoming despite the language barrier." Visit Taquile Island next day. The stone paths are steep but offer great views.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Travel to Juliaca airport for your Lima flight. Book an afternoon departure in case morning fog causes delays.

    

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• 10 Days in Peru, incl. Cusco and Amazon

  A cultural mosaic unfolds over 10 days, visiting 8 destinations including Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Tambopata. Machu Picchu beckons, while local artisans share their craft at Ccaccaccollo, and wildlife thrives at G Lodge Amazon. Includes 9 breakfasts and expert guides throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    Lima

    Begin in Lima's historic center. Sign up for an early afternoon cooking class to learn about Peruvian cuisine before jetlag sets in. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco for easy access to restaurants and the waterfront.

    
  • Day 2

    Lima to Cusco

    Catch a morning flight to Cusco (1 hour). Take the afternoon to adjust to the 11,152 ft altitude. Walk slowly and drink coca tea. A recent visitor noted: "Take it easy on arrival day - even walking up stairs can leave you winded while adjusting to the elevation."

    
  • Day 3

    Sacred Valley

    Spend a full day exploring the Sacred Valley. Visit the women's weaving cooperative in Ccaccaccollo. Meet local pottery makers and stop for lunch at the community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco. Bring small bills to buy textiles directly from artisans.

    
  • Day 4

    Aguas Calientes

    Take the scenic 1.5-hour train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. Check out the local market or unwind in the thermal hot springs. Pack light for this leg of the trip. You can only bring a small overnight bag on the train.

    
  • Day 5

    Machu Picchu to Cusco

    Get an early start to see sunrise at Machu Picchu. Take the 25-minute bus up winding mountain roads. After your guided tour, head back to Cusco by train and private transfer (3 hours total). Book a mid-afternoon return train to avoid evening crowds.

    
  • Day 6

    Cusco

    Take time to explore Cusco's cobblestone streets and markets. If weather permits, try the challenging Rainbow Mountain hike. One traveler noted: "The Rainbow Mountain trek is at very high altitude - acclimatize properly in Cusco first."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Amazon Jungle

    Fly to Puerto Maldonado (1 hour) then travel by motorized canoe to your jungle lodge (2-3 hours). Join guided walks to spot wildlife, visit oxbow lakes and look for caimans at night. "We didn't see anacondas but spotted tons of birds, monkeys and other animals," one guest shared.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Lima

    Return to Lima for your final evening exploring the city's excellent food scene. Try the local pisco sour varieties, especially maracuya (passion fruit), as many travelers suggest. Depart anytime on day 10.

    

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• 10 Day Peru Itinerary, incl. Lima and Machu Picchu

  A diverse 10-day Peru expedition spans 11 cities from coast to jungle. The path leads from Lima's historic center, through Huacachina's sand dunes, into Sacred Valley towns like Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, to Machu Picchu, ending at Eco Amazonia Lodge in Puerto Maldonado.

  

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  • Day 1

    Lima Cultural Immersion

    Begin in Lima's Miraflores district. Visit Parque del Amor for afternoon coastal views, then explore the pre-Inca Huaca Pucllana pyramid. Walk through historic Plaza Mayor and finish at San Francisco Monastery's catacombs. "The afternoon city tour was perfect for adjusting to Peru - don't miss the Pisco Sour tasting at sunset."

    
  • Day 2

    Paracas and Huacachina Desert Adventure

    Leave at 4AM for Paracas. Take a boat tour to see penguins and sea lions at Ballestas Islands. Move on to Ica for wine tasting before heading to Huacachina oasis for sandboarding and dune buggy rides. You'll return to Lima by 11PM. Bring motion sickness pills for the boat and wear closed shoes for the dunes.

    
  • Day 3

    Lima to Cusco Transfer

    Take a morning flight to Cusco before noon. After checking into your hotel start getting used to the altitude at 11,152 ft. The provided coca tea helps with adjustment. Take it slow this afternoon since even fit travelers need time to adapt.

    
  • Day 4

    Sacred Valley Exploration

    Start at Chinchero's textile center and Inca ruins. Next up are Moray's circular agricultural terraces and the salt ponds of Maras. "The local weavers at Chinchero showed us their natural dye techniques - bring cash for authentic textiles," shared one visitor. End your day in Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

    
  • Day 5

    Machu Picchu Discovery

    Take an early morning bus to Machu Picchu. You'll get a two-hour guided tour of main sites including the Temple of the Sun. Consider hiking Huayna Picchu ($90 extra but book months ahead). Take the afternoon train back to Cusco. Pack rain gear regardless of season since mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Day 6

    Rainbow Mountain Trek

    Start at 4AM for Rainbow Mountain. Have breakfast in Cusipata before beginning the challenging 2-hour hike at high altitude (16,466 ft). "Take it slow and pack layers - temperature swings are extreme," advised a recent trekker. Head back to Cusco for evening rest.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Amazon Rainforest Adventure

    Fly to Puerto Maldonado and enter the Amazon. Spend three days at an eco-lodge exploring Caiman Lake, Monkey Island and jungle trails. Look for black caimans, monkeys and tropical birds. "The night walks were incredible - our guide spotted amazingly camouflaged creatures."

    
  • Day 10

    Departure Day

    Book your departure flight from Puerto Maldonado after 11AM. Most people connect through Lima for international flights. Remember that jungle humidity affects electronics so keep your devices in sealed bags.

    

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