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The Ultimate 10-Day Peru Travel Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Planning an adventure-packed trip to Peru? This 10-day Peru travel itinerary has everything you need. Including the ancient ruins, the stunning landscapes, the vibrant culture, and more.

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Peru is a beautiful country on the western coast of South America. It’s filled with nature, adventure, and history. It borders the countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. It also has many diverse landscapes like the Amazon River, the Amazon Rainforest, the plains, and the Peruvian Andes mountain range.

This Peru travel itinerary will take you through the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, the beautiful coast of the capital city of Lima, the fields and markets of the Sacred Valley, the wonderful charm of the Peruvian Andes in Cusco, and more.

This 10-day Peru travel itinerary is great for first-time visitors. It will give you a day-by-day breakdown of things to do in Peru, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, must-see attractions, and so much more. If you’re traveling alone, or with friends this guide will make your Peru travel experience epic.

This post is all about the ultimate 10-day Peru travel itinerary.

Ultimate 10-Day Peru Travel Itinerary

Peru Travel Guide: Days 1-2: Lima, Peru

To start your 10-day Peru travel itinerary arrive in the coastal capital Lima. Lima is a vibrant city that is full of fascinating history, coastal charm, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine which is why it is the ideal location to start your itinerary.

First, walk through the modern neighborhood of Miraflores. This neighborhood is considered safe and it is worth a visit. You can also walk along the Malecon which is a beautiful scenic cliffside promenade. Enjoy the amazing ocean views and beautiful nature all around. Also check out Love Park also known as Parque del Amor and Kennedy Park. You can enjoy a walk or a picnic or admire the art, statues, and architecture.

Next, explore the stylish streets of Barranco. This is Lima’s Bohemian district and has so many amazing art galleries, one-of-a-kind street art, charming cafes, and more. Also, make sure to see the Bridge of Sighs also known as the Puente de los Suspiros. This bridge is a wooden passenger overpass that has so much history attached to it.

Make your way to the city center which is filled with more history and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the city center be sure to explore the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by iconic buildings like the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. The Lima Cathedral is stunning and features Spanish colonial architecture with amazing woodwork, baroque chapels, and more. Visit the Basilica and Covenant of San Francisco to see the famous catacombs. And, lastly, explore the Jiron de la Union. This is a lively street filled with unique shops, street performers, cafes, bars, restaurants, and more.

Where To Stay In Lima

Great places to stay in Lima include the Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores, DoubleTree by Hilton Lima Miraflores El Pardo, Holiday Inn – Lima Airport by IHG, and Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport. These are all budget-friendly to mid-range hotels that offer many amenities and are in great areas close to attractions.

Peru Travel Itinerary: Days 3-4: Cusco, Peru

Next, on your Peru travel itinerary make your way from Lima to Cusco via flight. Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It’s one of the most stunning and picturesque cities in Peru and all of South America. It is located high up in the Andes at over 11,000 feet. The main square called Plaza de Armas is located in the city center and is surrounded by beautiful architecture, amazing restaurants, the Cusco Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus.

Explore the San Pedro Market. Do some shopping for souvenirs, indulging in fresh juices or Peruvian food like empanadas and tamales.

Take a walk through the San Blas Neighborhood. This neighborhood is known as the Bohemian district and is a great place to get some handmade pieces and souvenirs. Stroll the cobblestone streets, and artisan shops, and take in the beautiful panoramic city views.

Next, you have to visit the Incan fortress Sacsayhuaman. This fortress has some of the best views over Cusco. The Incan fortress also has one-of-a-king impressive stonework that is very interesting, especially for historians.

Then visit the Temple of the Sun known as the Qorikancha. Once the most important temple in the Inca empire and was later turned into the Santo Domingo Covenant.

Be sure to remember that the altitude in Cusco is very high. Be sure to bring altitude sickness pills like Soroche. Stay hydrated and eat light meals until your body is adjusted to the altitude.

Where to Stay In Cusco

Great mid-range places to stay in Cusco include Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico, Hotel Jose Antonio Cusco, Hotel Monasterio San Pedro, and Hotel Encantada Casa Boutique Spa. All of these hotels are super unique, and all have amazing architecture and stunning views.

Peru Travel Guide: Days 5-6: Sacred Valley, Peru

Your next stop on the ultimate 10-day Peru travel itinerary is the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This is a must-see area that is primarily known for its ancient ruins, unique ancient villages, and breathtaking mountain views. Here, you will get to experience the true Andean culture and you will get to see one-of-a-kind archaeological wonders.

A mus-place to visit here is the Moray. The Moray is an iconic archaeological site that has circle-like terraces and it is truly a unique and beautiful site to see.

Explore the famous Inca ruins and the markets. There is also the Pisac Archaeological Park which has agricultural terraces, amazing panoramic views, and unique ceremonial sites. Check out the Pisac Market to get some handcrafted souvenirs and see the local culture.

Check out Ollantaytambo which is one of the most-preserved Inca towns. Walk through the Ollantaytambo ruins, and the cobblestone streets and climb to the top to see the best views of the valley.

A super unique experience you have to do is the Maras Salt Mines. The Salt Mines are salt evaporation ponds that are built into the mountains. Super cool experience you need to check out.

Where To Stay In The Sacred Valley

Some amazing hotels to stay in in the Sacred Valley include Unuwasi Hotel & Villa, Sol Ollantay Boutique Hotel, and Pisonay Hotel. All are cute boutique hotels that are mid-range priced.

Peru Travel Itinerary: Days 7-8: Machu Picchu, Peru

Next, head to the most popular place in Peru, Machu Picchu. The best way to get here is to take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. There is also an option to do a 4-day hike up the Inca Trail. This option is more advanced and requires a permit months in advance.

Also, be sure to purchase tickets in advance so you can pick a time slot and a specific tour. Purchase tickets here. Make sure to bring your passport to enter as well.

Known as the Iconic Lost City of the Incas and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is perched very high up in the Andes Mountains. The views of this city are the most unique views you will ever see and it is truly breathtaking.

Explore the Citadel which is the ruins of Machu Picchu and the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Rooms of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and more. Hike up the Huayna Picchu which is the towering peak behind the Citadel that offers the beautiful panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Check out the Sun Gate in the morning light to see the illuminated ruins. If you are into history then this is an absolute must place for you to visit.

Where To Stay In Machu Picchu

The best places to stay in Machu Picchu include Casa De Luz Hotel, Inti Punku Machupicchu Hotel & Suites, and Hotel Pucara Machupicchu. All of these hotels have beautiful views of the mountains and cozy, comfortable rooms.

Peru Travel Guide: Days 9-10: Return to Cusco, then to Lima

Finally, to finish off your 10-day Peru travel itinerary head back to Cusco. Located just below the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. While here do some more exploring and shopping before heading back to Lima to catch a flight home.

Peru is a dream destination for many specifically Machu Picchu. For more dream travel destinations check out the post “10 OF THE BEST DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATIONS YOU MUS VISIT“.

For more on South America travel check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE 3-WEEK SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR ADVENTURE LOVERS“.